So…You Want to Get a Talent Agent?
So you want to get an agent? Your first step is to do your research. We've provided a list below of all the SAG-AFTRA franchised agencies here in Chicago with direct links to their websites. Make sure to visit their sites to check all that is required by that agency before you submit for representation.
An asterick (*) denotes an agency that is part of the Association of Talent Agents, also know as ATA.
It is smart to plan and get your submission package together in a way that sets you up for success. Vagabond School offers agency prep if you want guidance, support and accountability when submitting to talent agents. Learn more here: AGENCY PREP
"As a boutique agency, we keep our client list short, and we are very selective about the types of talents we accept. The end result is individualized and personalized way of providing services and guidance to a group of actors greatly respected in the industry in TV, film, and theater. We are an agency with a long-standing relationship with casting directors, producers and production companies in Chicago, New York & Los Angeles."
“Ambassador Talent Agents, Inc. is a full service talent agency founded in 1982 serving all media. Ambassador Talent is proud to represent award winning actors for film and television. A more personal approach in talent representation enables the agency to establish a working relationship with each actor, and where best their talents are able to be utilized.”
"In 2006, bmg expanded further with the movement into union talent representation with the founding of bmg talent group, a separate company which provides additional resources to bmg models for Union Youth and Adult Talent across the US. In the past 15 years, bmg talent group has become a significant player in TV, Film, Voiceover and Live Theatre in 6 markets where we continue to represent many of our talent in Television and Feature Film productions. As an ATA Member and SAG Affiliate, we continue to work as a partner with casting and producers to ensure opportunities to the talent we represent no matter where they are located. It is through this innovation, that bmg talent continues to grow as a national talent agency for the future."
Babes 'N Beaus Models & Talent:
"Opened in Hinsdale, Illinois in January 2003. Don & Joanna Underwood saw the need to open the agency after their experiences as parents of an aspiring model. They realized that the personal touch is often lacking in the industry. BNB Chicago holds Open Call, Scouts and interviews new talent in their continued effort to provide quality actors and models and to find New Faces for the entertainment business."
"Is a full service talent agency that has been representing Chicago actors for over 20 years. We represent exclusive talent only and keep the amount of actors we represent to a minimum, giving each actor the personal attention they need and deserve.”
"Opened in November of 2018, DDO Chicago represents top-notch talent in Chicago and beyond, creating a vital bridge between LA & NY and a direct plug into the rich talent of the Midwest for Casting Directors nationally. Coming from both a Casting and Performance background, DDO Chicago’s KaCee Hudson transitioned to talent representation in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. She is fiercely passionate about cultivating Chicago’s diverse and industrious talent with an individualized approach for each performer and providing a competitive pool of talent for every client’s need. DDO Chicago represents a focused and diverse roster of artists for Commercial, Television, Film, Voiceover, Print & Theatre."
"Dream Team Talent Agency is a SAG-AFTRA agency with a diverse roster of talent of all ages. We represent children, lifestyle adults, actors, models, and families."
"Stands as a beacon of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, proudly holding the distinction of being one of the very few Black-owned union-franchised talent agencies, especially in the Midwest and southeast Regions. Our dedicated team shares a common thread with our clients - empathy. At Gill Talent Group, empathy is more than a shared trait; it's a driving force that fuels our commitment to making a meaningful impact both in the entertainment industry and within our community. We aspire to be a force for change, pushing boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices. Our agency not only aims to excel in talent representation but also strives to be a powerful voice advocating for inclusivity and diversity. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of the entertainment world, Gill Talent Group remains dedicated to fostering a culture of understanding, compassion, and empowerment - qualities that resonate with both our team and the talents we represent.
"A talent agency that secures employment opportunities for professional actors with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. We have a passion to work closely with a select number of actors to help them develop a blueprint for career success. We are unique in our commitment to nurturing diverse and hard-to-find talent. Mission statement: To provide exceptional representation to professional actors by procuring exciting and artistically fulfilling job opportunities on their behalf. Gray Talent offers exclusive full service representation and is committed to actor training and development to take actors to the next level of their career."
"Is a full service SAG/AFTRA/AEA Franchised Talent Agency representing Chicago, NYC & LA talent for On Camera, Theatre, Voice Over, and Lifestyle Print. Grossman & Jack Talent has been representing performers for over 30 years.
Based in Chicago, our clients can be seen and heard nationally in film, television, commercial, voice over, theatrical and print work. The staff brings many years of insight and experience to every project, along with professionalism, passion, and the right talent for the job.
"Represents professional actors in television, film, theatre, commercials, and voice overs."
"Michelle Hayes is the owner of Hayes Talent and has put together a professional team ready and willing to move our family members to the next level. We represent professional actors and models in Chicago, Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles. Hayes Talent Agency is responsible for launching the careers of some of your favorite celebrities. Hayes Talent Agency is a FAMILY in every sense of the word. We pride ourselves on developing long- lasting relationships with our talent. It is our desire that our talent become the best they can be. This will entail a strong work ethic with continuous honing of their craft. Professionalism will be demonstrated by our agency and expected from our clients at all times. We, in turn, will work tirelessly to afford you a myriad of opportunities for your career advancement. We will endeavor to give everyone a fair shot at achieving their dreams. We will make sure our talent is visible to the casting directors. We believe in our talent and WE WILL FIGHT to make sure they are seen by the top industry professionals."
"Fulfills our client's needs and exceeds their expectations with both professionalism and personal concern. From major print campaigns and feature films to live productions, our team is a comprehensive network of professionals, ready to ensure success. Lily's Talent has established an innovative, state of the art networking system with sister agencies and clients throughout the world. We are a SAG, AFTRA, EQUITY, AFM, and WGA franchised agency. In addition, Lily's Talent is MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified."
"Is a Chicago talent agency that represents exclusive voiceover and on-camera talent for film, TV & radio commercials, animated series, non-broadcast industrials, video games, promos, talking toys and all types of new media. Expanding from our previous name Naked Voices, we're a SAG/AFTRA-franchised agency known for our 24-hour turnaround of auditions and a deep roster of talent."
"A boutique agency representing a broad range of ethnicities, and is dedicated to seeking out, managing, and guiding the careers of actors on a national-level. PTA is fiercely dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and was the first agency in Chicago to open a trans/non-binary division. PTA prides itself on providing individual focus to its talent to ensure they have the tools and training necessary for ultimate success. Further, PTA is an inclusive company and strives to put the needs of its employees and clients first, while maintaining a professional and positive atmosphere. We are SAG-AFTRA and Equity franchised with a strong Non-Union division. Paonessa Talent Agency, LLC works to meet our clients and casting directors needs nationally. Fun Fact: The work Paonessa derives from the Italian word for female peacock!"
"We are a SAG-AFTRA Franchised Agency representing hundreds of the highest quality union and non-union Actors and other Creatives."
"Provides model management for women, men, curve, fitness, and child models as well as influencers and content creators. The Rock Agency maintains relationships with hundreds of model management firms throughout the world in order to find, develop, market, place and book the next generation of talent. As an extension of The Rock Agency’s commitment to full-spectrum talent management, The Rock Agency’s Artist Division, specializing in the management of individuals excelling in Make-up Artistry, Hair Artistry, Wardrobe & Prop styling, and Photography. For over a decade our Artist Division has developed and maintained the brand identities of artists by securing e-commerce bookings, fashion campaigns, marketing opportunities, and commercial assignments. Our agents also work alongside Rock Talent Agency a SAG franchised Talent agency representing actors in Chicago, NY and Los Angeles."
"Represents experienced actors and models for TV, Film, Commercial, Theatre, Voiceover, Print, Industrials and Live Events. We are a SAG-AFTRA, AEA franchise and provide some of the most talented performers to service our clients' needs. We continue to carry on the long-established relationship with producers, casting directors, advertising agencies and photographers that we have enjoyed since 1962."
"Is a leading, national talent agency with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. We offer dedicated, comprehensive talent representation with an expertise in all four major US markets. Stewart Talent represents talent in all areas of television, film, theatre, voice-over, commercial, print, industrial, theatrical directors, and stylists. Stewart Talent's rapid growth is attributed to our ability to recognize the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry while always paying close attention to our client's and customer's needs. Founded over 35 years ago in Chicago by Jane Stewart, we maintain a thriving Midwestern presence. Our national footprint is ever expanding with the addition of our newly minted LA office. We have had an 11 year presence in the NY market and a 5 year anchor in Atlanta and the southeast regions. We are the only agency of our kind with offices in four major markets."
"Is a SAG-AFTRA franchised agency representing both union and non union talent of all ages for TV, Film, VO, Industrials, and Lifestyle Print. The Talent X team, led by industry veteran Laura Alexander, is passionate about discovering and developing top talent while serving as a professional partner to production & casting. Our dynamic & diverse roster offers clients a wide range of professional talent while our team with over 50 years of combined experience provides first rate service ensuring each project's success and ease. Although based in Chicago, we have an extensive network of both clients and talent across the US."