Managers vs. Agents

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/17/09 at 11:40pm

Hey, I've always wondered what exactly is the difference between the two and which is better? I've heard a lot of actors saying "oh, I don't trust managers" or "I prefer agents" or whatever. What exactly are the perks/drawbacks of the two? Also, and I don't know if this okay or not, but can anyone tell me the managers of the "Broadway Stars." Like, who is Sutton's manager, or Aaron Tveit's, or Alice Ripley's. Who are they represented by? Thanks.

[Neverandy]

Posted: 4/18/09 at 12:58pm

An agent is franchised by equity Meaning they have to pay about 60 grand and maintain certain standards. Therefore they are governed under certain equity rules. When you sign with an agent and you are an equity member, you have the backing of the union prtoecting you.
I recently parted ways with my agent and I was grateful for the help and support equity gave me.
A manager is not governed by those rules and so basically you are on your own in terms of protection. There is really no set standard in terms of commission for managers (agents get 10%).
Although, most of the time, and actor might use an agent and a manager for the same thing (audition submissions, negotiating contracts etc.)the function of the two is somewhat different.
An agent is basically in charge of securing work. A manager, while they can serve that function, is also in charge of shaping the overall career.
You will find that many actors have both managers and agents. In my case, I am fine with having an agent. When it becomes really difficult to handle the "business of being Neverandy" I will consider a manager too,but until then I will continue to have just an agent,(and keep that extra commission!)
Hope this helped.

Updated On: 4/18/09 at 12:58 PM

[somuchtodo]

Posted: 4/18/09 at 2:35pm

Excellent column from Bonnie Gillespie:

The Difference Between Agents and Managers

http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000374.html

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/21/09 at 1:31am

yeah, that did help.

Well, I got an offer from a manager who tends to deal more with Equity actors, as I'm not Equity yet, I didn't know if this would be a smart move. As a Non-Eq actor I wouldn't be making too much money per show, so do I really want to give some of that money to a manager, ya know?

Does the 10% typically come from your weekly pay or what?

[somuchtodo]

Posted: 4/21/09 at 10:20am

You need to read more carefully - and REALLY understand how these (agent/manager) relationships work before you consider anything.

A manager will take 15% off the TOP (pre taxes). Your manager will most likely need to go through an agent to get you an appointment - the agent takes 10%. So, 15% + 10% = 25%.

Why would you need a manager at this point in your career?

Purchase Bonnie Gillespie's book - "Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business", and learn how to run your career.