
How to get an agent OR MANAGER
A 6-WEEK STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO REPRESENTATION
Are you an actor ready to take the next step in your career but unsure how to secure the right representation? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this six-week intensive course will help you navigate the competitive world of acting representation with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
In this step-by-step course, you’ll learn how to craft professional materials, research the best agents for your goals, and approach the representation process strategically. From writing compelling cover letters and perfecting your resume to selecting the right headshots and editing your reel, you’ll be equipped to create a standout portfolio.
The instructor, Ed Norwood, has helped many actors around the world connect with leading agents and managers in Los Angeles, New York City, and London. In this step-by-step guided course, Ed will walk you through the entire process, from identifying the right agents for your career goals to ensuring your outreach stands out in a competitive market. Personalized feedback and mid-course editing are available for Premium course participants, ensuring your materials are refined and impactful.
WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM THIS COURSE:
A step-by-step guide to securing representation, from crafting your portfolio to making your first contact with agents and managers
Expert insights into researching and selecting the right agents and managers for your career goals
Practical exercises to perfect your cover letter, resume, headshots, and reel for maximum impact
Strategies for effective outreach to ensure your materials stand out in a competitive industry
Clear guidance on how to avoid common scams and pitfalls in the representation process
Mid-course feedback and light editing (available for Premium course participants) to refine your materials and approach
Access to real-world industry knowledge from Ed Norwood, who has helped actors connect with top agents and managers in Los Angeles, New York City, and London
A strong foundation for building lasting professional relationships with representation that aligns with your career trajectory
BY THE END OF THE COURSE, YOU WILL HAVE:
A complete, polished outreach package ready to send to agents and managers, including:
A professionally crafted cover letter
A refined acting resume that highlights your strengths and experience
A curated selection of headshots tailored for agent outreach
An edited reel that effectively showcases your range and talent
A clear strategy for identifying and approaching the right agents and managers for your career goals
A comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the representation process with confidence
The knowledge to avoid common scams and ensure your outreach stands out in a competitive market
Personalized feedback and editing on your materials (for Premium course participants) to ensure they are impactful and industry-ready
A roadmap for continuing your journey toward professional representation, with next steps clearly outlined
Real-world insights from Ed Norwood, who has helped actors secure representation with top agencies and management companies in Los Angeles, New York City, and London
The opportunity to initiate contact with leading agents and managers and potentially start a conversation that could lead to representation
Have any questions? Check out our FAQ section or feel free to contact us at info@actorsservice.com. We're happy to assist you!
COURSE OUTLINE:
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In Week 1, you'll get a clear, no-nonsense overview of the world of acting representation. We’ll break down the key differences between agents and managers, explain their roles in your career, and show you how the industry is structured—everything from boutique agencies to major firms.
You’ll also learn how regional markets and union membership impact your path to representation, and we’ll debunk common myths about what agents and managers can (and can’t) do for you. This week is all about laying the groundwork for a confident, strategic approach to finding the right representation.
What You’ll Gain This Week:
A clear understanding of the roles of agents vs. managers.
Insight into different types of agencies and how they operate.
An introduction to major and secondary markets, as well as union vs. non-union representation.
Practical tips to avoid scams and set realistic expectations.
This foundational knowledge will set you up to research and approach the right agents and managers as we move through the course.
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This week is all about the crucial research phase. You’ll learn how to identify agents and managers who are the right fit for your career goals, casting type, and aspirations. Through guided exercises, we’ll explore where to find reputable representatives, how to vet their rosters, and how to organize your findings for efficient outreach. By the end of Week 2, you’ll have a detailed spreadsheet of potential agents and managers, as well as a clear strategy for prioritizing and approaching them.
What You’ll Gain This Week:
A step-by-step process for researching agents and managers.
Understanding of agent specializations (theatrical, commercial, voiceover, etc.) and how to align them with your goals.
Tools to organize your findings into a professional, actionable spreadsheet.
Insight into submission preferences and red flags to avoid.
A personalized ranking system to prioritize agents for outreach.
This week sets you up to approach the representation process strategically and confidently, focusing your efforts where they’ll have the most impact.
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This week is dedicated to crafting a personalized and compelling cover letter—your first impression in the agent/manager outreach process. You’ll learn how to present your strengths and career goals professionally while letting your personality shine. Through guided lessons and hands-on practice, you’ll create a polished cover letter tailored to specific agents or managers, setting the stage for impactful connections.
What You’ll Gain This Week:
A clear understanding of the purpose and role of a cover letter in your acting career.
Mastery of the key elements that make a cover letter stand out.
Techniques for striking the right tone—professional yet authentic.
Best practices for formatting and structuring a cover letter.
Insight into common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Feedback on your draft to refine and perfect your letter.
By the end of this week, you’ll have a customized, ready-to-send cover letter that complements your resume and showcases your unique talents and career aspirations.
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This week focuses on assembling a polished and cohesive professional package—the cornerstone of your agent and manager outreach. You’ll learn how to create, format, and present essential materials like your acting resume, demo reel, headshot, and additional links, ensuring they work together to highlight your acting brand. Through step-by-step lessons, you’ll gain the tools to present yourself as a prepared and professional actor, ready to make a strong first impression.
What You’ll Gain This Week:
A clear understanding of the role each component plays in your professional package.
Mastery of crafting an impactful acting resume tailored to your strengths.
Techniques for editing a demo reel that showcases your range and talent.
Guidance on selecting the right headshot to align with your type and goals.
Best practices for formatting and sharing your materials digitally.
Tips for writing a professional, concise email to accompany your package.
Insight into common mistakes to avoid when submitting materials.
By the end of this week, you’ll have a complete, ready-to-send package that presents you as a polished, professional actor, setting the stage for impactful connections with agents and managers.
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This week is dedicated to the final and crucial step in your outreach process—sending your professional package to agents and managers. You’ll refine your materials, craft personalized emails, and develop a strategic plan for managing your outreach. By learning how to organize and track your efforts, you’ll maximize your chances of securing representation while maintaining professionalism throughout the process.
What You’ll Gain This Week:
Confidence in finalizing and sending your professional package.
Mastery of writing personalized, engaging emails tailored to each agent or manager.
Strategies for organizing and tracking your outreach effectively.
Techniques for crafting professional follow-up emails.
Insight into managing responses—whether positive, negative, or neutral.
Best practices for staying professional and resilient throughout the process.
By the end of this week, you’ll have your outreach plan in place, ready to send polished, compelling packages and manage your responses with confidence and professionalism.
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This final week is focused on preparing you for the crucial meetings with potential agents and managers, as well as understanding the next steps in your career after sending out your outreach packages. You’ll learn how to follow up effectively, navigate contract discussions, and build strong, lasting relationships with your representatives. By the end of the week, you’ll be equipped with the tools and confidence to handle all outcomes, ensuring that you’re prepared for success in the next chapter of your acting career.
What You’ll Gain This Week:
Confidence in preparing for and handling meetings with agents and managers.
A clear understanding of key contract terms and how to negotiate representation agreements.
Strategies for handling situations where you don’t land a meeting or sign with a rep right away.
Insight into choosing the right representative and managing multiple offers professionally.
Best practices for building and maintaining a strong, productive relationship with your agent or manager.
The knowledge to continue progressing in your career, regardless of the outcome.
By the end of this week, you’ll feel empowered and ready to confidently move forward in your acting career, knowing exactly what steps to take in preparation for representation and how to build a long-term, successful partnership with your agent or manager.
Options:
Core Course: $395
This package provides you with everything you need to build a professional, effective outreach strategy. Over six weeks, you will receive:
Six weeks of structured video lessons: Expert-led lessons covering every step of the agent/manager outreach process.
Homework assignments and practical exercises: Apply what you’ve learned through hands-on practice to refine your materials.
PDF guides, templates, and downloadable resources: Easy-to-follow templates and tools to assist in your outreach and preparation.
A pre-recorded Q&A session during Week 5: Get your questions answered with access to a pre-recorded session. (Questions must be submitted by the end of Week 4.)
Premium Course: $525
For those who want a more personalized, hands-on experience, the Premium Course includes everything in the Core Course, plus additional one-on-one support to help you refine your materials and approach. This option provides:
Everything in the Core Course: Access to all video lessons, assignments, and resources.
A 45-minute personalized video call with the instructor: Get tailored guidance, feedback, and answers to any questions you have during the process.
Editing and feedback on your outreach email or cover letter: Receive written or verbal feedback (based on your preference) to perfect your outreach communication.
Resume and reel review: Get actionable suggestions on how to improve your resume and reel to make them stand out to potential reps.
Meet your instructors
Ed Norwood has helped numerous actors worldwide secure representation and successfully connect with agents and managers. With years of experience, Ed provides actionable guidance on creating standout materials, navigating the outreach process, and preparing for meetings. His hands-on approach and proven success in helping actors achieve their goals make him the perfect mentor to support your career and take your outreach strategy to the next level.