From luminaries such as Richard Linklater to film festivals such as SXSW, Austin, Texas, has long been a vibrant home for those in the film and television industry. As productions continue to shoot in the picturesque Lone Star state, the city’s stature is only growing.
If you’re an actor in the Austin area looking to join the ranks of your represented peers, you’ve likely got a lot of questions on where to start. We’ve combed through the best acting and talent agencies in Austin, taking into account what work clients have booked, first-person testimonials, and the perspective of the agents themselves. Austin is weird, but let’s keep your search for an agent nice and reasonable, shall we?
Acclaim Talent Agency
Founded by CEO Jason Wasner, the Acclaim Talent Agency boasts “over 30 years of agency experience.” Acclaim represents on-camera theatrical talent, voiceover artists, children from the ages of 5–19, talent working in the Latin and Hispanic markets, and entertainers such as “models, spokespersons, speakers, musicians, singers, bands, comedians, dancers, trade show presenters, hosts/hostesses, and celebrity look-a-likes.”
Actor Kathryn Burns, who is represented by Acclaim, shares: “I have been represented by Acclaim for all of the 14 years I’ve lived in Austin and our kids have been represented by them since they were born! Jason knows the industry extremely well and I’ve learned so much from him over the years! Every time I’m on a set people sing his praises when they hear who my agent is. Acclaim feels like family at this point and I’m so proud to call it my agency!”
Other actors represented by Acclaim include Donald R. Harrell (“Friday Night Lights”), Aaron Carolina (“Sistas”), Myles Cranford (“Daisy Jones & The Six”), and Taura Cherne (“Get on Up”).
Those interested in being represented by Acclaim can email a headshot, résumé, and demo reel to info@acclaimtalent.com.
Acclaim states that “the criteria we use for signing talent is simple: Do we think we can get you work without undercutting the talent we already represent?” So it’s important to take a look at the company’s existing talent pool before reaching out.
Keep in mind that Acclaim doesn’t solely represent Texas talent; it also covers surrounding Southwest markets and even New York opportunities. The agency says it is looking for “people who represent the full spectrum of human experience and diversity. Representation is key to the future of our industry, and Acclaim is dedicated to that vision.”
The Brown Agency
Launched in 2015 as Wilhelmina Texas, the Brown Agency has since cemented itself as one of Austin’s top talent agencies, especially for models, commercial actors, and even influencers (though it boasts a theatrical division, as well). Brown prides itself “in selecting the best talent, developing them on a larger market level and delivering the most professional, beautiful and dependable talent that Texas has to offer.”
Brown’s clients have booked print and commercial work with national brands such as “Louis Vuitton, Nike, Dell, Cadillac, Meta, L'Oreal, [and] Whole Foods,” while models have walked the runway for “Austin Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, Runway Houston and countless other shows.” Additionally, clients have booked work with smaller, more boutique companies: For example, Cate Leys and Morgan Menichini did a spot for Buff City Soap and young model Marleese posed for Revelry.
Interested parties can fill out a submission form for an initial Zoom meeting. Models are expected to submit “at least four photos including a close-up headshot, waist shot, profile and a full-length shot demonstrating your body type.” Actors are asked for the usual headshot and résumé, with a reel requested at a later date.
How to Get an Acting Agent With No Experience Callidus Agency
First, a definition: Callidus comes from the Latin expression for “artistic excellence through experience,” and founder John Kolinofsky has experience to spare. Kolinofsky manages the daily operations of the on-camera broadcast, commercial print, and fashion and runway divisions for the Austin-based agency. The Callidus ethos involves close contact, with Kolinofsky and his crew working “closely with each client in helping them achieve their goals by formulating a plan that is specific to each client.”
In 2017, Kolinofsky told us his favorite actor-agent relationships involve mutual respect and teamwork. He also spoke about how the smaller Texas market could be an advantage compared to Los Angeles: “It can be easier sometimes to get in front of a casting director on a commercial to show your professionalism and talent; it goes a long way in building that relationship with casting and only helps open doors to bigger projects.”
Clients represented by Callidus have appeared on TV shows “Chicago PD,” “30 Rock,” and “White Collar,” and in films “Argo” and “Riding in Cars With Boys.”
You can submit to one of the agency’s three divisions (daily operations of the on-camera broadcast, commercial print, and fashion and runway) by emailing submissions@callidusagency.com. Callidus is looking for actors who want “to make this a full-time commitment,” asking any potential submitters to commit to working with acting coaches. While “prior experience is strongly taken into consideration,” it is not required.
Collier Talent Agency
Founder Heather Collier previously worked as an agent in Los Angeles and New York for A3 Artists Agency and in Chicago for Elite Chicago/Stewart Talent. She created Austin-based Collier Talent Agency, partnering with former New York youth casting director Laura Maxwell-Scott, in 2004. The company promises “extensive experience and knowledge of the national market, and a progressive understanding of the actor/agent relationship.”
Austin actors view Collier as one of the brass ring agencies in town, with Brooke Yerrington (“Everybody Wants Some!!”) referring to her agents as “the sweetest, hard working ladies around! Definitely the best in Texas!”
Collier actors include Horacio Abaroa (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”), Vincent Jamal Hooper (“The Lion King” on Broadway), Olivia Grace Applegate (“Love & Death”), Jon Michael Simpson (“Sorry About the Demon”), Samantha Ireland (“Justice League x RWBY”), Savannah Welch (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), and Lee Eddy (“Mo”).
The agency only accepts submissions through referrals. Potential clients should mail in cover letter, headshot, résumé, and demo reel when referred. Unlike other agencies on this list, Collier is only interested in representing actors, “so if modeling is your primary focus, we are not the agency for you.”
Entourage Model & Talent Agency
Active since 1988, with locations in both Austin and Los Angeles, Entourage represents models, actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and performers “between the ages of 1 year [and] senior citizens.” The agency seeks diversity and offers clients many kinds of jobs—not just in TV and film, but also for print work, fashion and hair shows, trade shows, and conventions.
Owner Cindy Twedt and her crew offer hands-on services to their clients, including workshops, classes, and annual summer camps for performers between the ages of 8–19 years old. Client Susan Torres (“Blue Bloods”) has spoken highly of the agency, saying she’s been given “opportunities that are fun and lucrative and fit within my schedule.” Twedt told Spectrum Local News, “We are very protective over the talent, the people we represent…. I’ve never come down from the high from the beginning. I am just as excited and jazzed and aggressive in the industry now as in 1988.”
Talent represented by Entourage showcases its wide net of opportunities available: Colby Gray (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Cedric McClain (commercial work for Bud Light, Ford, and Vrbo), Abby Ross (VO work for CertaPro), Alexandria Perez (“The Chosen”), and Christian Lawson (Conair hair show).
Entourage offers monthly meetings with interested performers and asks potential clients to email for details. The agency also welcomes models without any previous experience, though it does request actors come with credits and/or training.