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Performing arts

Entertainment agent

Entertainment agents promote careers in the entertainment industry and manage performers' and other professionals' business affairs.

Annual Salary

£15,000 to £100,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

39 to 41 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; attending events or appointments

0.5%
Future employment

There will be 0.5% more Entertainment agent jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • arranging auditions and bookings for clients
  • negotiating contracts and fees
  • organising tours and booking venues
  • advising clients, like advising actors which roles to audition for
  • arranging publicity and promotion
  • winning clients and scouting for new talent
  • handling media enquiries, fan mail and requests for personal appearances
  • dealing with travel arrangements and work permits

Working environment

You could work in an office.

You can get into this job through:

  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • your own experience as a performer
Work

You could start as an administrator or assistant in an agency or artist management company, and work your way up as your experience grows.

Volunteering and work experience

A good way to build up your knowledge and experience in the industry is to contact agencies directly and ask if they have any work placements or paid roles for assistants.

Direct application

You could apply directly for this type of job. You may find it useful to have a background in:

  • business management
  • accounting and administration
  • media or performing arts, particularly if you are applying to work in a larger agency
  • public relations and marketing
  • organising and promoting events

Other routes

You could become an agent or manager after working as a performer yourself, or by managing colleagues' or friends' careers. This is quite common in the music industry.

More information

Career tips

Your experience, paid or unpaid, your enthusiasm and your ability to make contacts are more important than academic qualifications.

Foreign language skills and knowledge of contract law could also be helpful.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join a trade association like The Entertainment Agents' Association Ltd for networking opportunities and specialist advice.

Further information

You can find more details about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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You could work for an agency or artist management company, be self-employed or set up your own agency.

Your progression will depend on building a strong reputation, and attracting top performers onto your books.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • persistence and determination
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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