If you’re working toward becoming a professional actor, getting a good acting agent is one of the biggest milestones in your journey. A great agent can help you access better auditions, navigate contracts, understand the industry, and build a real career. But here’s something a lot of beginners don’t realize: you can’t get a strong agent without first developing real training and a solid foundation. Agents want actors they can confidently send to auditions—people who are prepared, skilled, and ready to represent professionally.
That’s exactly why attending an acting school is the first essential step. Agents rarely take on untrained beginners, because casting directors expect a certain level of craft and professionalism. When you’ve built your technique, confidence, and audition skills at a Vancouver acting school, you show agents that you’re serious about the career and ready for opportunities. Some acting schools even help students connect with reputable agents, making the process simpler and less overwhelming for performers just starting out.
If you’re wondering how to eventually secure a good agent, here’s a clear breakdown of what matters most.
YOU MUST GET TRAINING BEFORE SEEKING AN AGENT
Agents are not looking for “raw potential” the way acting schools are. They’re looking for actors who are already at the point where they can walk into an audition and perform well. And that level of skill doesn’t appear by luck—it comes from training.
Training shows agents:
- You’re dedicated
- You’re willing to invest in your craft
- You understand basic acting technique
- You’re ready for professional expectations
- You can take direction and adjust quickly
Trying to get an agent without training is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make. Most agents won’t even consider meeting with someone until they’ve taken real classes.
A VANCOUVER ACTING SCHOOL GIVES YOU THE SKILLS AGENTS EXPECT
Good agents want to know they can submit you for roles without worrying about whether you’ll deliver in the room or on camera. Attending an acting school gives you exactly the kind of foundation that makes you stand out.
In acting school, you learn:
- Scene study
- Emotional connection
- Script analysis
- Voice and movement
- On-camera technique
- Audition skills
- Professional behaviour
These skills instantly make you more appealing to agents, because they see someone who’s ready for real auditions—not someone still figuring out the basics.
SOME ACTING SCHOOLS HELP STUDENTS CONNECT WITH AGENTS
A huge benefit of choosing a credible acting school is the support they provide beyond the classroom. Some schools host:
- Industry nights
- Agent showcases
- Networking events
- Feedback sessions
- Q&As with working agents and casting directors
These opportunities put you directly in front of people who can help your career grow. Not all acting schools offer this, which is why choosing the right school matters so much.
BUILD A STRONG RESUME STARTING WITH TRAINING
You don’t need tons of credits to get an agent—every actor starts somewhere—but you do need training listed on your resume. It’s the first thing an agent looks for.
Your resume should include:
- Acting classes
- Workshops
- Scene study training
- On-camera experience
- Special skills you’ve acquired
- Any early film or theatre work
The stronger your training, the stronger your resume looks—even if you’re brand new.
CREATE A CLEAN, PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT
Agents need headshots to submit you for auditions. Your photo is often the first impression casting directors get, so it needs to be clear, natural, and professional.
A good headshot should:
- Look like you
- Have strong lighting
- Show your eyes clearly
- Capture your energy and type
- Avoid distracting backgrounds and styling
Your acting school may be able to recommend reputable headshot photographers.
BUILD SOME EXPERIENCE BEFORE APPROACHING AGENTS
You don’t need major credits, but you do need some experience to show you’ve been developing your craft. This can come from:
- Student films
- Indie projects
- Background work
- Theatre classes
- Scene work in acting school
These early experiences show agents you’re committed and capable.
LEARN HOW TO SELF-TAPE WELL
Most auditions today are done by self-tape. If you can’t deliver a clean, solid self-tape, agents can’t confidently submit you for roles.
Self-taping skills include:
- Clear lighting
- Good sound
- Proper framing
- Natural, grounded acting choices
- Clean background
- Great script analysis
Acting schools often teach self-tape technique because it’s such a crucial part of the modern industry.
RESEARCH THE AGENTS YOU WANT TO APPROACH
Not all agents represent beginners, and not all agents focus on the same types of roles. Before you reach out, spend time researching who might actually be a good fit.
Look for:
- Agencies that accept new actors
- Reputable, established agents
- People who represent actors at your level
- Agencies with good industry relationships
- Clear submission guidelines
Avoid anyone who charges upfront fees—that’s a major red flag.
PREPARE A STRONG SUBMISSION PACKAGE
Once you’ve trained, built some experience, and researched agents, it’s time to submit yourself. Your submission package should look clean, professional, and easy to review.
Include:
- A short, friendly email introduction
- Your headshot
- Your acting resume
- A self-tape clip or short demo reel
Keep it simple. Agents get hundreds of submissions, and clarity helps you stand out.
BE READY TO AUDITION WHEN AN AGENT CALLS YOU IN
If an agent likes your submission, they may ask you to audition or meet with them. This is where your training pays off. They want to see that you can:
- Take direction
- Stay grounded
- Make strong choices
- Demonstrate technique
- Show your personality honestly
This is not a moment you want to walk into unprepared—another reason training is essential.
REMEMBER, GOOD AGENTS WANT TRAINABLE ACTORS
Agents aren’t expecting perfection. They’re looking for actors who are:
- Committed
- Coachable
- Trained
- Prepared
- Professional
If you show them that you’ve invested in your craft by attending a Vancouver acting school, you immediately earn credibility.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You absolutely need training before getting a good acting agent. Agents want actors they can trust in the room, and that trust comes from skill, preparation, and professionalism—all things you develop through proper acting instruction. Once you’ve trained, built some experience, created solid materials, and learned how to present yourself confidently, you’ll be in a strong position to approach agents who can help guide your career.
And since some acting schools assist with agent introductions, showcases, or networking opportunities, choosing the right Vancouver acting school can give you an advantage from the very beginning. With the right training and mindset, you’ll be ready to connect with the kind of agent who believes in your potential and wants to help you grow.