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Freelance vs. Signed? What Every Actor Should Know

By The Up-To-Date Actor, June 03, 2025

Whether you're just starting out or deep in the hustle, navigating your career as an actor means building the right team. Two of the most important roles? Your talent agent and talent manager.

But beyond knowing who they are, understanding the difference between working freelance vs. being signed with an agent or manager can define your daily grind, your bookings—and ultimately, your growth.

Here’s what you need to know.

The Basics: Agent vs. Manager

Here is a quick overview on the differences between a talent agent and a talent manager. For a deeper dive on this topic check out our blog: What Is the Difference Between a Talent Agent and a Talent Manager?

Talent Agent

• Licensed to procure work for you (TV, film, theater, commercials, etc.)
• Works with casting directors, negotiates contracts
• Typically takes 10% commission
• Regulated by unions (like SAG-AFTRA and AEA)

Talent Manager

• Helps guide your overall career
• Can advise on branding, long-term goals, training, and image
• Often works more closely and personally with you
• Usually takes 10-20% commission. 10-15% is standard for union work, but non-union work commissions can run as high as 20%.
• Not regulated like agents

You may have one or the other—or both. But how you work with them matters just as much.

FREELANCE vs. SIGNED: What's the Difference?

Freelance Relationships

Freelancing with an Agent or Manager means you don’t have an exclusive contract. You’re free to be represented by other Agents or Managers in the same category/area (Film/TV/Theatre/Commercials) and submit yourself for work.

Pros:

• Flexibility—you can work with multiple reps in different markets and areas of interest (e.g., commercial agent in LA, theatrical agent in NY)
• Great for building your resume or testing a relationship before committing
• Less pressure to deliver results fast
• Learn how to professionally work with an agent or manager.

Cons:

• You're not always top priority
• May miss out on exclusive opportunities
• Lack of long-term strategy or consistent support

Best for: Newer actors, those moving markets, or anyone seeking to build their team carefully over time.

Signed (Exclusive) Representation

When you sign with an agent or manager, it usually means exclusive representation in a certain category or territory.

Pros:

• Stronger investment in your success (they’ve committed to you!)
• More access to higher-level auditions and industry relationships
• Clearer communication and strategic planning

Cons:

• Breaking a contract can be messy. Carefully read the terms of your contract and be aware if the contract automatically renews without notice. Don't be afraid to negotiate!
• You might be tied to someone who doesn’t hustle hard for you
• Can’t easily explore other rep options in that space

Best for: Actors with some traction or credits who are ready for long-term growth—and want a team to match.

Can You Mix and Match?

Yes. Some actors are signed with an agent but freelance with a manager—or vice versa. It depends on your needs and where you are in your career.

Example:
Signed with a theatrical agent in LA, freelance with a manager based in NY who helps develop your brand and future goals.

So... What’s Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Am I ready to commit to a rep long-term?
• Do I want guidance or just someone to get me in the room?
• Do I have clear goals—or do I need help shaping them?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. But being informed means being empowered.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're freelance or signed, with an agent, manager—or both—the key is relationship. Choose people who see your potential and are willing to grow with you. Keep communication honest, stay professional, and trust that the right team will align as you keep showing up for yourself and your craft.

Your career is your business. You are the CEO of YOU, Inc.