Finding representation isn’t easy for aspiring professional actors, but researching agencies and submission policies in your area is a great way to get started. If you’re a Canadian performer, these 13 talent and management agencies belong on your radar. Look into their areas of focus and their specific submission requirements, then get ready to work.
1. The Characters Talent Agency
This well-regarded agency, which is more than 50 years old, makes the top of the list. Not only does it break its performers out into three specializations—voiceover; film, TV, and commercials; and literary and production—but it also has agents working in Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. Founder Larry Goldhar and his team represent some of Canada’s biggest players working in the entertainment industry, from high-profile actors and directors to casting directors and production talents.
Submission policy: Talent has the option of submitting to either Characters’ West or East branches under any of the categories mentioned above. Your application should include an introductory letter, a résumé, relevant training information, a headshot, and demo reels.
2. Integral Artists
With offices in Vancouver and Toronto, you could say that this agency is integral to the Canadian entertainment industry. Integral represents below-the-line talent like cinematographers, costume designers, and hair and makeup artists, as well as on-camera actors through its boutique division Kirk Talent Agency.
Submission policy: Those looking for on-camera work should submit a résumé and headshots, plus a link to a demo reel, to info@kirktalent.com. For voiceover work and other types of representation, follow the instructions on the agency’s site.
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3. Dagaz Talent
Small but dedicated agencies in Calgary like Dagaz Talent are great places for local talent to get their foot in the door.
Submission policy: Filling out the contact form on the agency’s website, which gives both signed talent and industry casting professionals the ability to connect, is the best way to get noticed by Dagaz.
4. Faces of Wendy
Owned and operated by Wendy Lumby, an Olympic athlete whose business acumen has earned her awards, this Calgary agency welcomes new on-camera talent, with the expectation that they’ll work hard.
Submission policy: Talent can make initial contact with Faces of Wendy on this page.
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5. FilmComm Talent
One of the most well-established talent agencies in Ontario, Melissa Rock’s FilmComm Talent makes it a point to represent union and non-union artists alike. Per its website, clients are kept “as busy as possible,” with plenty of audition opportunities to help them master their craft and get booked.
Submission policy: Interested actors should begin by filling out this contact form; then, prepare for an evaluation process. Candidates will meet with an agent who will ask about “personality, any musical talents, sports abilities, and acting abilities” before consulting with the company’s head booker.
6. The Talent House
Another well-regarded agency that also has offices in the U.S., the Talent House boasts a roster of actors that work in Europe and Asia as much as they do in North America. If you specialize in theater and aspire to a career on Broadway, this company belongs on your radar.
Submission policy: Actors submitting to the Talent House must follow instructions to the letter. Fill out this form and be prepared to upload a résumé, headshot, demo reel (a recent self-tape or classroom footage is acceptable), and to go the extra mile, a cover letter introducing yourself.
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7. GO Talent Management
Agent Liz McKinnon has poured almost 20 years of film and TV industry experience into this thriving agency, which regularly books actors for screen, print, voiceover, and motion-capture work. Given that McKinnon is the founder of the Joey Awards, which celebrate young Canadian up-and-comers, GO is also known for representing babies and toddlers.
Submission policy: Submit a résumé, demo reel, and photo to liz@gotalentagency.com. Per its website, the agency notes it is only seeking talent in British Columbia. For 18+ applications, GO is only seeking talent for commercial and print work.
8. Ignite Artists
Another agency that is forthright about success-oriented resources for working actors, Ignite Artists focuses on fostering talent, as well as agents’ relationships with their clients. It also makes a point of signing actors with disabilities.
Submission policy: Applications for principal or commercial representation, or film background work, can be found on Ignite’s contact page.
10. Lucas Talent Inc.
This literary and talent agency breaks down its roster into the most specific subgroups of any on this list; whether you’re a writer, actor, behind-the-camera professional, or even drag artist, there is an agent ready to consider you. Founded in 1986, Lucas is also a founding member of the Talent Agents & Managers Association of Canada (TAMAC).
Submission policy: Talent should complete a recognized professional training program in order to be considered. Actors can find a representation submission form at the bottom of the agency’s homepage.
11. Premiere Talent Management
Vancouver has earned the title Hollywood North, a designation that Premiere Talent Management takes full advantage of. Whether you’re looking for work in film and TV, voiceover, commercials and print, or dance and movement, this full-service agency co-represents talent across North America with ICM, Paradigm, Innovative Artists, Abrams Artists, and APA.
Submission policy: Application guidelines for each of Premiere’s areas of expertise can be found on its submissions page.
12. Principals Talent
With four agents and assistants representing over 200 actors, Principals Talent has proven itself as a boutique agency that puts its clients first. You can read about those four agents on Principals’ website, which also includes lists for performers of schools, coaches, photographers, studios, and more helpful resources in Vancouver.
Submission policy: Unrepresented actors should send a headshot, résumé, and contact information to info@principalstalent.com with the subject line “SUBMISSION: [Your Name]” for consideration.
13. Trisko Talent Management Inc.
Trisko Talent is another great agency for those looking to specialize in a specific area of the industry. In addition to screen work, commercials, and voiceover, the Vancouver-based company is “one of the first agencies in Canada to implement a motion-capture roster.”
Submission policy: Email a résumé, accurate photo, and, preferably, a demo reel to info@triskotalent.com.
