If you are an aspiring actor, actress, model or voice over artist then you must have an agent on your side to help guide your career and gain auditions to high paying and high visibility clients. In Chicago, there are a multitude of talent agencies, and while new agencies are continually opening their doors several talent agencies have withstood the test of time and offer outstanding services to actors, models and other talent within the Windy City. Below you will find some of the top talent agencies in Chicago; however, always contact an agency prior to submitting your materials to ensure they are still accepting talent submissions.
Stewart Talent Agency, Inc.
Stewart Talent Agency, Inc. is a full-service talent agencies, which means this agency represents a plethora of talent types. Steward Talent Agency opened its doors in 1980 by Jane Steward and since then the agency has grown and developed into one of the top agencies within the Chicago Market, and as of 2011, the agency has opened satellite branches in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia.
How to Submit:
If you are an actor or actress, you may submit your headshot and resume to submissions.chicago@stewarttalent.com. Within your introductory e-mail, include a short paragraph introducing yourself and summing up your experience and training as an actor. If you are a voiceover artist, you may send an mp3 demo file to: vo@stewarttalent.com; however, this demo clip cannot be longer than three minutes, according to the submission guidelines offered by Steward Talent Agency. Print models may submit their best photograph to: submissions.chicago@stewarttalent.com. Make sure that you include your name, suit size (for men), dress size (for women), height, eye color, hair color and your phone number. Take note: Professional photographs for models are not required for consideration; Stewart Talent Agency states snapshots are sufficient for submissions.
Stewart Talent Agency, Inc.
58 W. Huron
Chicago, IL 60654
312-943-3131
http://www.stewarttalent.com
Geddes Talent Agency:
Geddes Talent Agency is another top agency within Chicago. This agency represents talent for theater, commercials, television, film, print, voice-over and industrial bookings. Like other major talent agencies in Chicago, the Geddes agency features a satellite agency in West Hollywood, which expands the market for their signed talent.
How to Submit:
If you are an actor, you must mail your headshot, resume and cover letter to the address listed below. The Geddes Talent Agency only accepts talent submissions through mail, thus do no e-mail the agency to submit your materials. If you are a voice over actor, make sure to send a CD demo of your work. The Geddes Talent Agency typically responds to talent within six weeks after receiving their information; however, the agency only responds to talent they are interested in speaking with. Thus, if you do not hear from Geddes Talent Agency within this time frame, they are most likely not interested in representing you. You may re-submit your materials in six months.
Geddes Talent Agency
1633 North Halsted Street, Ste 300
Chicago, IL 60614
312-787-8333
http://www.geddes.net Lily’s Talent Agency:
Lily’s Talent Agency is one of the most respected full-service talent agencies in Chicago. This agency was established in 1982, and since then the agency has developed into one of the top choices among the most talented in the Windy City.
How to Submit:
You may submit your materials online through the Lily’s Talent Agency official website, or by mailing your headshot/resume directly to the agency. Actors and models are required to submit at least two images along with your resume. Voice-over actors must submit a minimum of one audio/video sample of your best work. Make sure to review the Lily’s Talent Agency website for up-to-date submission requirements. It may take up to eight weeks for the agency to review your materials, and LTA will only contact talent they are interested in representing. If you are submitting your material’s by mail, you must fill out the Submission Cover Page, which must be included in your packet.
Lily’s Talent Agency
c/o Talent Coordinator
1017 W. Washington Blvd., Ste. 4F
Chicago, IL 60607
312-601-2345
http://www.lilystalent.com
http://www.lilystalent.com/submissions/submission.pdf
Other Reputable Agencies:
Due to the size of this market, there are far too many agencies to detail in one article. Below are two other agencies you should check out when searching for a reputable talent agency.
Baker & Rowley Talent Agency
http://bakerandrowleytalent.com/mainpage/mainpage.htm
Shirley Hamilton Talent Representation
http://www.shirleyhamilton.com/
