About Co-ops

What is an actors’ co-operative agency?

• A group of actors who run their agency themselves, work as agents for each other, and decide collectively how to run their business.  
• Some co-ops have a paid lead agent, coordinator or administrator, as a central point of contact.  This person is usually not an actor, nor a member of the co-op.
• The first co-op agency began in 1974 in the UK. Many now thrive in the UK and Ireland.
• CPMA members are required to be bona-fide co-op businesses: owned and controlled by their members, through a democratic structure, based on one member, one vote. 

Co-op agencies operate in much the same way as conventional agents:

What is the commitment?

• There might be a joining fee and other fees, such as a levy to cover office costs, coordinator’s fees, etc. A joining fee must be refunded if you leave (if not refundable, it is unlawful); other fees can be non-refundable, but must not be a condition of representation. 
• If you are offered a place you will be trained to work as an agent.
• There may be a trial period of three to six months before full membership is offered.
• When not employed as an actor, you’ll be expected to work in the office, typically 3-4 times a month, and attend meetings to discuss aspects of running the agency.
• You may serve on agency committees – contracts or finance, for example.
• You’ll be expected to see the work of other members and applicants.

Why an actors’ co-op?  There are many advantages:

• You get a valuable insight into how your industry works, very useful to newcomers and those returning to the profession.
• You have the support of other of actors, some of whom will have been in the business for many years, so you can benefit from their experience.
• You know the jobs that you have been submitted for and can monitor them.
• You can be more pro-active in your career by being involved in how to present yourself.
• You can choose the work you do, without feeling that you must agree to every job or risk losing your agent.
• You benefit from the contacts of your fellow members.
• You have a say in how the agency is run, through a democratic structure.
• Co-op agencies are not-for-profit: surplus funds are usually put back into the business.
• More than one person decides who to suggest for a job.
• Co-ops usually know their clients better than a conventional agent and can really sell them with honesty and confidence – this is acknowledged by many casting directors. 
• Co-ops have fewer clients and tend to avoid clashes.  
• Commission rates are lower, usually a basic 10%. Some have a sliding scale.
• Usually, co-op agencies are not registered for VAT, so there is no VAT on commission.

Are there drawbacks?

• A co-op agency is only as good as its members.  Some can be less committed than others.
• One or two casting directors may be reluctant to use co-ops, citing lack of continuity of personnel.  It’s important to keep detailed notes and have one negotiator on a contract. Some co-ops have a coordinator or lead agent to provide continuity. 
• It can be frustrating when other members get work and you don’t.
• Major roles often go to “names” with top conventional agents.  However, co-ops get the same casting information, if they’ve developed trusting relationships with casting directors, so there can be lots of other, good roles to go for.

How do I know if it’s a good co-op?

• Ask a current or recent member
• Check how long it’s been established
• Look at their website and their members’ CVs
• Ask about its contacts with casting directors, theatres, etc.
• Spend some time in the office.
• Does it belong to the CPMA?  Equity welcomed the creation of the CPMA, which has a Code of Conduct.
• Is it incorporated?  Many good co-ops are unincorporated, but it might be a factor, because incorporation protects co-op members from the agency’s creditors. 

Is it right for you?  It’s not right for everybody – you need to:

• be a good agent, not just a good actor.
• work in the office, whilst fulfilling other agency commitments, and non-acting jobs.
• afford the joining/training fee and the cost of travel to the office.
• be committed, reliable and keen to support fellow actors.
• be computer literate.
• be comfortable talking on the phone to casting directors and employers.
• know your clients and their CVs, and sell them with conviction.
• make intelligent and credible submissions.
• be prepared to deal with contracts.

How do I apply to a co-op?

• Send a recent head-shot, CV and, if possible, a showreel or details of a show you’re in. 
• Check their website and client list: are their books open?  Is there a vacancy in your category?  Do they accept email applications?  Procedures for applying and criteria for joining will vary.
• Use the agency name in your application.  Write a proper business letter.  If you know someone in the co-op, mention it. 
• Say why you want to join a co-op. 
• If it’s a drama school end of year show or showcase, it’s better to write individually. 
• Mention relevant skills.
• If you’re invited in for an interview, prepare well, be on time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Be aware that you may meet a lot of people at once.

Visit Our Members’ Details page to choose an agency to apply to.