Prepare yourself to be a ‘triple threat’ musical theatre performer as you train in the disciplines of acting, singing and dancing while exploring the traditions and contemporary practices of musical theatre on stage and screen.
One-year intensive vocational training in musical theatre.
An Agent is someone who represents you, puts you up for casting calls and tries to get you seen by the right Casting Directors. They help negotiate your pay, contract and working conditions. You can read more in What Does an Agent Do?
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The best place to start is by researching different agencies. Find out which you think is the best one for you. For example, if you are an emerging Artist it would be more beneficial for you to contact small - medium agencies rather than those who represent famous Actors. The more established you become, you might then be able to approach the top agencies.
The things to look out for are the clients that the agencies already have on its books and the types of jobs that they are booking. Make sure they don’t have someone already on their books who is too similar to you (same age, look and accent). You also need to check if their books are open and they are accepting new clients. Agencies will either ask for email or post applications, so make sure you have understood their instructions and included everything in your application they have asked to see. They will usually ask for a link to your Spotlight profile (if you are under 18, you will already need to be signed with an agency to have a Spotlight profile) and/or headshot and your CV, take a look at How to write an acting CV' for help on this.
Most agents will want to see you in something; invite them with plenty of notice (at least five weeks) to a show that you are in and also remind them again nearer the time. They may also want to meet you and have an informal chat about your goals and career plans. Remember that this meeting is just as much for them as it is for you to see if it will be a good match – this will be a partnership and you need to make sure that you like them too.
An agent will charge commission and take a percentage of the work that they find for you. This is usually between 12.5% - 20% depending on the line of work. You should not have to pay up-front fees.
A co-op agency is run by a group of Actors who take it in turns to work in the office and submit each other for roles, you have to be willing to work as a team and not just for yourself. It allows you to be a little bit more in control of your career, as you are able to see the ‘backend’ and see which roles you have been submitted for, what it’s like to be an Agent and what the structure of the casting call process is like. Co-op agencies can be great for those starting out in the theatre industry.
Find more theatre careers advice here
There are a few Actors who choose to go without an Agent, this may be down to personal preference, or they may not have found the right one yet. You will need self-motivation to search for and apply to casting calls by yourself, as well as network and build up a reputation within the industry. There are very successful theatre makers who create their own work and do not have an Agent. Often, if you get a job and do really well, a company can recommend you to another and this will enable you to continue working and build up your own contacts.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://actinginlondon.co.uk/acting-business-how-to-get-an-agent/
Photo: Shutterstock
Published: 04 March 2019
Update: 25 Aug 2026
An Artistic Director is a key leadership role, responsible for shaping the artistic vision of a company and/or venue. They will oversee the programme for the theatre, often direct shows, as well as manage funding, budgets and staff, sometimes alongside an Executive Director.
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that you can study to gain knowledge and experience:
Search theatre training courses to help you get into theatre here
There’s not a one-way path to becoming an Artistic Director, however, having previous experience of producing, directing and creating new work is ideal. Working in any role for a theatre venue or company can also be a good way to learn about this role and work towards it. While most Artistic Directors have a background in directing, it is not the only path. Many Actors, Producers and Writers have also gone on to become successful Artistic Directors.
Read this job description for Sherman Theatre’s Artistic Director to learn more.
As a top leadership role, pay for an Artistic Director can range anywhere from £40k - £100k+* depending on the theatre and your personal experience. This role will often be PAYE, meaning you are a paid member of staff with employee benefits.
*The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with charities or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.mgcfutures.com/artistic-director/
Updated: 13th Aug 2026
