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When It's Time to Walk Away: Warning Signs You Should Leave Your Agent or Manager

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 10, 2025

In an ideal world, your relationship with your agent or manager is a powerful partnership—rooted in mutual respect, strategic growth, and open communication. But sometimes, that partnership hits a wall. And when it does, holding on too long can stall your momentum.

If you've been questioning whether your current rep situation is still serving you, here are the top warning signs that it might be time to move on:

No Auditions in Months

Let’s be real—auditions are the currency of your acting career. While occasional dry spells happen (hello, industry slowdown), consistently going months without a single bona fide audition—especially when actors at your level are booking—is a red flag.

Bonus: If you're with a union-franchised agent (like a SAG-AFTRA agent), there's a legal safety net:

• Under SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical contracts, if you haven't received any bona fide TV/film offers within the first 120 days, you may terminate the contract early. If you have booked during that initial period, you can still end it after a total of 151 days, if you haven't worked 10 paid days in the previous 91 days
• For commercial-only contracts, lack of any offer in the initial 120 days, or earning under $4,000 in the last 91 days, also grants termination rights

However, these safeguards only apply to union-franchised agents. If your agent isn't SAG-AFTRA-franchised, you won't have these built-in options.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are they submitting you consistently—and is anything coming back?
• Have you asked for your Talent Report
• Have you discussed and agreed on your casting type and goals?
• Are they actively pitching you to CDs and clients?
• Do you meet—or miss—the SAG rulebook thresholds?

If not, and you're with a SAG-franchised rep, you're likely free (and justified) to walk away early—as long as you give the proper written notice.

Lack of Communication

Are your emails going unanswered? Do your calls or texts disappear into a black hole? Communication is the foundation of any successful professional relationship. If your rep is consistently unresponsive, vague, or hard to reach, that's not just frustrating—it's a serious issue.

You're not being needy for expecting timely updates or check-ins. You're a business partner, not a fan.

They Don’t Know What to Do With You

A good rep sees your potential and has a plan. A bad one signs you… and then does nothing. If your meetings lack direction, your materials haven’t been updated, or you feel like you’re constantly explaining who you are and what you do best, it’s a sign your rep may not “get” you—or worse, they’re just not invested.

You shouldn’t have to convince your own team of your value.

The Relationship Feels Cold or One-Sided

Does your rep only reach out when you initiate? Are you left in the dark about feedback, appointments, or industry shifts? If you feel like an afterthought instead of a priority, that imbalance matters. You deserve a relationship built on collaboration, trust, and respect.

You’re Doing All the Work

Are you the one generating your own auditions, networking, pitching yourself, and sending follow-ups? While it's great to hustle, your agent or manager should be matching your energy—if not surpassing it. If you're basically your own rep, then… well, why have a rep?

You’ve Grown—But They Haven’t

Actors evolve. Your representation should too. If your team isn’t growing with you—or can’t keep up with where your career is heading—it’s okay to seek someone who can meet you at your current (and future) level.

So… Should You Leave?

Leaving a rep is a big decision and should be made thoughtfully. Before jumping ship:

• Have an honest conversation about your concerns.
• Set clear expectations or goals for the next 3–6 months.
• Review your contract for exit terms (some reps require written notice).

But if you’ve already communicated your needs and nothing changes, trust your instincts. You’re not being “difficult” for wanting a team that actively supports and advocates for your career.

Final Takeaway

Your time, talent, and energy are valuable. If your agent or manager isn’t showing up for you, it’s not just okay to walk away—it may be the smartest move for your career.

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking for the right match.

Want help researching new potential reps (Talent Agents / Talent Managers) or prepping your materials for outreach? Use the tools on Up-To-Date Actor to take control of your next career move.