If you’re an actor with musical theatre (MT) talent, finding the right agent can be difficult. Your skills put you in a special niche that must be catered to with the right support. While there are many agencies out there, the ones we’ve highlighted below are specifically suited to musical theatre performers and offer a wide range of client ethos.
So, for those actor-musicians and those triple threats out there, here are some great options to get started with.
The Breakdown: An innovative and contemporary agency with major placements and retaining a personal touch, blending traditionalism with the new.
With their blend of experience and vibrancy, Cowley, Knox & Guy like to compare themselves to high-end artisan coffee. And sure enough, their holistic approach to management sits comfortably realm of a boutique, bespoke entity in the way they encourage actors to view themselves as a self-contained business.
Recent musical theatre placements include major West End productions, the English National Opera, and major national and international tours. Their clients have recently been seen in the likes of Frozen The Musical, Hamilton, and Cabaret.
Yet they retain a level of personal attentiveness sometimes missing from major agencies – their client Eric Mok says: “They’re very accommodating and understanding, and exactly what I’d hoped for. They’re easy to contact and always there so if there are any problems I can just call or send an email.”
They take particular pride in supporting actors making their West End debuts, which could make CKG a good option for talented actors on the cusp of major productions. The three partners, Stephanie Fisher, David Stoller, and Mel Wildey, welcome new submissions – details of how to approach them can be found on their website.
The Breakdown: A boutique agency with affiliation in Los Angeles, supporting clients for maximum exposure both in the UK and across the pond.
The Markham Agency hails from the centre of London’s theatreland, as does its founder, John Markham, who has acted in many West End productions. Although he went on to act in major TV series like Brookside, and to direct serious talent like Gary Oldman, it’s as an agent that Markham has truly made his name.
The Markham Agency describes itself as “the ultimate boutique agency,” yet they offer their clients global reach through a series of affiliations with players in the US market. And while they cover a variety of bases, they have a musical theatre emphasis, with their MT department headed by former actor Sarah-Jane Bourne. Their books include performers who have appeared in West End shows Six, School of Rock, Mary Poppins, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Les Miserables, among many others. Also working in panto, on tour, on cruise ships, all over the UK and singing on TV, Markham’s MT clients are busy bees. Check out their website for contact details.
The Breakdown: A small agency that is open to new clients and with a strong focus on managing each artist as an individual.
Founded by a performer looking to support others like himself, Roberts & Day pride themselves on understanding the actor’s experience and using that to personally manage each client individually. Head agent Matthew Roberts – with co-agent Scott Nichol – support over 50 actors, getting them into dancing and singing roles on cruises, panto, and everything in between. Their books are open, and they’re especially looking for triple-threat male actors.
As a young agency, Roberts is grateful to all who taught him along the way, saying, “Honestly from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has taught me so much and who continues to help me and this agency, thank you.”
“We work closely with each client so they can be pushed, motivated, and encouraged in every area of the performing arts they wish to specialise in. We believe every achievement – no matter how big or small – is worth shouting about.”
The Breakdown: A proactive and hands-on agency, with a voice-agent partnership and connections around the world.
Established by Qdos and Billy Marsh agent Janice Tildsley back in 2003, Tildsley France now manage over 70 clients, with their stated aim being to offer “personal, practical, pro-active and hands-on” advice and assistance through fostering deep relationships with casting directors and others throughout the industry. Also of potential interest to prospective clients is their partnership with voice agency Damn Good Voices and their links with agents and managers in New York and LA.
Client credits include Hello, Dolly, Pretty Woman The Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Client Emily Olive Boyd, whose credits include We Will Rock You, says of agency boss Alex France: “He encourages and champions all my crazy notions and ideas. He works ever so hard and I am a very lucky gal to have him on my side.”
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