Agents serve many purposes. Just the act of having one validates you to the rest of the industry.

Secret Agent Man, Backstage.com

It's not easy to break into the entertainment industry, even in New York City, one of the best places for actors. From Broadway and theater to film, television, commercials, and voiceovers, NYC acting agencies are there to connect talent with casting directors, producers, and opportunities in the city. Here, we've picked some of the top names for acting careers in New York.

AgencyLocationSpecialtiesNotable Clients
WME11 Madison Ave, New York, NYFilm, Television, Theater, Music, Commercials, LiteraryA-list Hollywood and Broadway talent
CAA405 Lexington Ave & 65 E 55th St, New York, NYFilm, Television, Theater, Fashion, Sports, MusicOscar, Grammy, and Tony-winning actors
UTA888 Seventh Ave, New York, NYFilm, Television, Theater, Literary, PodcastsTop film/TV actors and literary talent
APANew York, NYFilm, Television, Theater, Music, TouringFilm, TV, and theater stars
GershNew York, NYFilm, Television, Theater, LiteraryBroadway and Hollywood actors
Innovative Artists235 Park Ave S, New York, NYTheater, Film, Television, CommercialsBroadway and television rosters
A3 Artists Agency350 Fifth Ave, New York, NYTheater, Film, Television, Voiceovers, CommercialsCommercial and VO artists
Buchwald10 E 44th St, New York, NYCommercials, Voiceovers, Television, TheaterTop voiceover talent
CESD Talent Agency333 Seventh Ave, New York, NYCommercials, Television, Theater, Voiceovers, YouthCommercial, theater, and youth actors
Atlas Talent AgencyNew York, NYVoiceovers, Commercials, Animation, PromoLeading VO artists
Stewart TalentNew York, NYTheater, Film, Television, Commercials, VoiceoversBroadway, film, and commercial actors
DDO Artists AgencyNew York, NYCommercials, Voiceovers, Theater, YouthCommercial/VO youth performers
Avalon Artists GroupNew York, NYTheater, Film, Television, CommercialsTheater and screen actors
HCKR AgencyNew York, NYTheater, Film, TelevisionTony and Emmy-winning performers
BRS/Gage Talent Agency1650 Broadway, New York, NYTheater, Film, Television, CommercialsTheater and TV/film crossover actors
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William Morris Endeavor (WME)

William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Overview:
Leading global talent agency representing A-list actors, directors, musicians, and other notable personalities.
Location:
11 Madison Ave, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Film, Television, Theater, Music, Commercials, and Models.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents top Hollywood and Broadway talent, with a significant presence in film.
Submission Policy:
By referral only.
Best For:
Established actors seeking top-tier global representation.

WME is one of the most powerful agencies in the world. It's present in theater, film, and television. It represents high-profile actors, directors, and artists. WME provides access to top-level casting opportunities in New York and Los Angeles. It's notoriously difficult for new talent, but it offers unmatched resources and global reach to A-listers.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Overview:
Premier entertainment and sports agency with a strong New York office.
Location:
405 Lexington Ave & 65 E 55th St, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Film, Television, Music, Theater, Sports, Commercials.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents Oscar, Grammy, and Tony-winning talent.
Submission Policy:
Referral only.
Best For:
High-profile actors and multi-disciplinary artists.

CAA has been associated with some of the biggest names in entertainment. It represents actors, musicians, and athletes across film, theater, and television. It primarily signs well-established talent and has a significant influence on casting. For actors on large-scale projects, CAA is often thought of as the pinnacle of representation.

An actor with a "Manhattan" t-shirt.
Actors starting their careers will need to look for agencies that accept submissions. | Photo by Skycraft Studios

United Talent Agency (UTA)

Overview:
One of the “Big Four” agencies with a respected NYC branch.
Location:
888 Seventh Ave, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Film, Television, Theater, Music, Publishing.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents top film/TV actors and literary talent.
Submission Policy:
By referral only.
Best For:
Experienced actors seeking industry-wide reach.

UTA supports both established and rising talent, with a focus on emerging voices in film, television, theater, and publishing. The New York office works closely with directors, producers, and casting professionals in the city. Submissions are referral-based, with the agency known for a focus on long-term careers over short-term contracts. This is the agency for actors looking for steady growth and industry recognition.

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Why Acting Agencies Matter

New York City is home to Broadway, major film studios, and top television networks. The agencies in NYC connect talent directly with casting directors and producers, opening doors that independent actors may not access on their own.

Agency for the Performing Arts (APA)

Agency for the Performing Arts (APA)
Overview:
Full-service agency with strength in theater, film, and TV.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Film, Television, Theater, Music, Commercials.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Long-established talent representation agency.
Submission Policy:
Typically referral only.
Best For:
Actors seeking diverse opportunities across entertainment sectors.

APA is a full-service agency representing actors, writers, and musicians across stage and screen. Its New York office has connections to Broadway, television, and film. Though it typically works through industry referrals, it has a history of helping actors transition between theater, commercials, and television.

An actor in a dressing room.
NYC is an excellent city for theater work. | Photo by Joel Filipe

The Gersh Agency

The Gersh Agency
Overview:
Family-run powerhouse with strong theater and screen representation.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Film, Television, Theater.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents Broadway actors and top-tier Hollywood names.
Submission Policy:
Referral only.
Best For:
Stage and screen actors seeking prestigious projects.

The Gersh Agency combines the scale of a major agency with a boutique feel. Gersh represents actors in theater, television, and film, with strong ties to Broadway. With decades of experience, the agency has helped both established and young actors. For performers seeking representation with credibility and access to top casting offices, Gersh is an excellent option.

Innovative Artists

Innovative Artists
Overview:
Full-service talent agency with robust theater and on-camera departments.
Location:
235 Park Ave S, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Theater, Film, Television, Commercials.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Known for strong Broadway and television rosters.
Submission Policy:
Industry referral required.
Best For:
Theater actors and performers transitioning to TV.

Innovative Artists is an agency with deep roots in New York's theater scene, while also representing actors in film and television. The agency is known for helping artists go from the stage to the screen. Its roster includes Broadway talent and commercial actors. Innovative Artists is a natural fit for actors looking for a balance of theater and screen work.

Broadway in New York City with a sign for Hamilton.
For theater actors, Broadway is the pinnacle. | Photo by Sudan Ouyang

A3 Artists Agency (formerly Abrams)

A3 Artists Agency
Overview:
Bi-coastal agency with a strong NYC base in the Empire State Building.
Location:
350 Fifth Ave, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Theater, Film, Television, Voiceovers, Commercials.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Noted for commercial and VO representation.
Submission Policy:
Accepts submissions via website (some divisions).
Best For:
Multi-disciplinary actors and voiceover talent.

A3 Artists Agency offers a range of opportunities in film, television, theater, commercials, and voiceovers. The New York office is known for its strong voiceover and commercial divisions. A3 has also helped performers secure roles in film and television. Actors looking for agencies that balance traditional acting opportunities and modern entertainment formats should consider A3.

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Carolyn
5
5 (23 reviews)
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$75
/$/h
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Krista
5
5 (30 reviews)
Krista
$95
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Stu
5
5 (43 reviews)
Stu
$47
/$/h
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Tara
5
5 (21 reviews)
Tara
$85
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Denisha
5
5 (33 reviews)
Denisha
$70
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Kate
5
5 (33 reviews)
Kate
$50
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Yana
5
5 (21 reviews)
Yana
$125
/$/h
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Andrea
5
5 (31 reviews)
Andrea
$96
/$/h
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1st lesson free!
Carolyn
5
5 (23 reviews)
Carolyn
$75
/$/h
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Krista
5
5 (30 reviews)
Krista
$95
/$/h
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Stu
5
5 (43 reviews)
Stu
$47
/$/h
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1st lesson free!
Tara
5
5 (21 reviews)
Tara
$85
/$/h
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Denisha
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Buchwald

Buchwald
Overview:
Industry-leading boutique with major voiceover and commercial divisions.
Location:
10 E 44th St, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Commercials, Voiceovers, Television, Theater.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Known for representing top VO artists.
Submission Policy:
By referral or online submission.
Best For:
Actors seeking commercial/VO success.

Buchwald is one of the best agencies in NYC for commercial and voiceover work. Its roster includes television, theater, and print, but it's known for its influence in advertising and voiceover casting.

CESD Talent Agency

CESD Talent Agency
Overview:
Prestigious agency with substantial commercial, youth, and theatrical divisions.
Location:
333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Commercials, Television, Theater, Voiceovers, Youth.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
One of the top commercial/VO agencies in the US.
Submission Policy:
Some divisions accept submissions.
Best For:
Young performers and commercial actors.

CESD is a leading agency for commercial actors. It's also known for youth and voiceover representation in New York. The agency's commercial division helps actors break into television ads, print campaigns, and union commercials. The theatrical department provides opportunities in Broadway and on-camera projects.

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Submitting to Agencies

Most New York agencies prefer referrals or industry connections, but some accept online submissions. Always follow the agency’s guidelines carefully, include a professional headshot, résumé, and reel, and avoid sending unsolicited materials.

Atlas Talent Agency

Atlas Talent Agency
Overview:
Voiceover powerhouse with a respected office in NYC.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Voiceovers, Commercials, Animation, Promo.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents leading VO artists in commercials and animation.
Submission Policy:
Referral only.
Best For:
Voiceover artists across genres.

Atlas Talent's New York office is an ideal location for voiceovers, commercials, promos, animation, and audiobooks. This agency represents some of the entertainment industry's most recognizable voices. Experienced voice actors consider Atlas among the most desirable agencies in the industry.

Stewart Talent

Stewart Talent
Overview:
Respected bi-coastal boutique with divisions in multiple US cities.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Theater, Film, Television, Commercials, Voiceovers.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents Broadway, film, and commercial actors.
Submission Policy:
Submission via website or referral.
Best For:
Theater actors and commercial performers.

Stewart Talent is a boutique talent agency with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. The New York branch represents actors in theater, film, commercials, and voiceovers, offering both national reach and local expertise to actors seeking opportunities. Stewart is a good choice.

DDO Artists Agency

DDO Artists Agency
Overview:
Full-service boutique with strong NY commercial/VO presence.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Commercials, Voiceovers, Theater, Youth.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Strong kids’ division in NYC.
Submission Policy:
Some divisions accept online submissions.
Best For:
Young talent and actors seeking commercials/VO work.

DDO is recognized for its commercial and youth representation, offering opportunities for children, young adults, and models to break into the industry. DDO also works with voiceover and theater talent. For performers getting started with commercials or young talent looking for early representation, DDO is an approachable option.

Actors acting outside.
You'll find the right acting work with the right agency. | Photo by Joel Muniz

Avalon Artists Group

Avalon Artists Group
Overview:
Bi-coastal boutique with emphasis on legit theater and screen.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Theater, Film, Television, Commercials.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Known for a strong theater roster.
Submission Policy:
Accepts submissions by email or referral.
Best For:
Theater and on-camera actors.

Avalon Artists Group is a boutique agency. The New York Office has strong access to Broadway and regional theater auditions. Avalon is an approachable acting agency for emerging actors and performers passionate about theater, considering on-camera work.

Check out YouTube for more tips and tricks to finding an acting agency!

HCKR Agency (Harden Curtis Kirsten Riley)

HCKR Agency
Overview:
Boutique agency with strong legit and prestige screen presence.
Location:
New York, NY.
Specialties:
Theater, Film, Television.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents Tony and Emmy-winning performers.
Submission Policy:
Referral only.
Best For:
Theater and high-profile screen actors.

HCKR represents prestige television, film, and theater actors. The agency has a select roster of Tony and Emmy winners. Submissions are referral-based, which makes it a top choice for serious performers. This is a highly respected agency. Just remember that there are agencies all over the country that take submissions, from Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia, in the South to Chicago in the Midwest.

BRS/Gage Talent Agency

BRS/Gage Talent Agency
Overview:
Bi-coastal boutique with an NYC base on Broadway.
Location:
1650 Broadway, New York, NY.
Specialties:
Theater, Film, Television, Commercials.
Notable Clients / Achievements:
Represents a range of legit and screen actors.
Submission Policy:
Submissions via email or referral.
Best For:
Theater and TV/film crossover actors.

BRS/Gage is a boutique agency. There's strong representation for film, theater, and television thanks to the offices in both New York and Los Angeles. The New York office is on Broadway, the center of the theater world. The agency has a reputation for nurturing actors across stage and screen. BRS/Gage offers steady and trusted representation.

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Joseph

Joseph is a French and Spanish to English translator, copywriter, and all-round language enthusiast.