21st Century Actors

What is a 'Co-operative Agency'?

A co-operative agency is a group of actors who work as each others' agents. The actors take turns to work in a shared office, where they submit each other for work, follow up auditions, negotiate contracts - effectively working as an agent.

Members take all decisions collectively and meet regularly to put matters to the vote.

Being part of a co-operative can be hard work but is an excellent opportunity to be proactive in your acting career and work in a team.

What kind of people are you looking for?

We generally look for people who fulfill the following criteria:

• Trained at an accredited drama school, or with professional acting experience
• Ability to work professionally in an office, and with a good telephone manner
• Proactive and enthusiastic
• Does not present a casting clash with an existing member

We particularly welcome submissions from men over the age of 30, and people from ethnic minorities.

What kind of acting work do you have access to?

21st Century Actors is a subscriber to all major casting services, including The Spotlight Link, Castweb, Castnet, SBS and PCR. We receive dozens of professional breakdowns each day from major casting directors, for theatre, TV, film and commercials.

How can I join?

Please see our Submissions page.

What are your commission rates?

We charge a 10% rate of commission across the board.

Do I have to pay to be a member?

As with most co-operatives, there is a financial commitment. Rather than have a higher commission rate but a less predictable income, each member pays a small monthly levy which goes towards running the office. Currently this amount is £35.

On joining, there is also a training fee of £100 and a loan of £100 paid to the co-operative. The training fee is non-refundable but the loan is generally repaid when the member leaves the co-operative.