Hi, I realized I should've just posted this in SAM earlier!

So I have a question that's been on my mind for a while regarding agents and managers..and I haven't found any topics on this (so far, by running a search) so here goes -

I currently have a manager that has me on a contract that will expire in two months, and I don't mind when it does because at this point in my career, I really don't feel like I need a manager. I figured this out through the duration of the trial contract (which was only for 6 months total.. phew). In the beginning, I figured why not, if he was going to help me find work. But they haven't. I mean, my manager is pretty much a "breakdowns" manager, he acts as an agent but doesn't really have the clout of one, you know? Also..are managers supposed to be submitting for you anyways because I thought that was an agent's job. He hasn't gotten me an audition in a while (I get almost all of my auditions on my own) and I'm hardly in contact with him nowadays since initially getting set up.

I've been preparing to do submissions to my list of agents that I've assembled for both commercial and theatrical representation. So how do agents feel when they see that I have a manager? Does that make them want to call me in for a meeting any less? Should I leave his name off my resume when I submit and just let them know when I'm in the meeting.. esp since I would just say that my contract is pretty much up with this manager. Or it should be OK and probably better to just leave it on there?

What would be best? I would appreciate anyone's insight regarding this issue. Any prior experiences would be helpful, etc. Thanks in advance.

I don't know much about managers, but while you still have one you should ask him to set up some agency meetings for you. That's what he should be helping you do...get an agent who can legitimately get you work.

Most actors have managers these days so agents won't care one way or the other. But Hoetmer makes a good point. Maybe your manager can help set up a few agent meetings and save you a lot of hassle.

I've asked him to set up a few agent meetings for me before, and he hasn't been responsive. So I've been preparing submissions on my own.

So that's why I ask about this..

Then go for it!

Thanks SAM - I wanted to re-post (after a few months hiatus with various projects) with an update to the situation and get your thoughts. I found out the reason my manager was unresponsive was because they don't set up agent meetings until the one-year contract is signed. He mentioned that previously when they set up their clients with agents, the clients would just leave them within the year but stay with the agent(s). Yeah, that is rude, I know, but with this it almost seems like the contract is to force their clients to stay. Would you consider this a red flag or is it just normal contract protocol for managers? Thank you for any input.

It's not a red flag. It makes perfect business sense. Why should they commit to you if you won't commit to them? And look at it this way, your original post was five months ago and you're still with the same manager! So if you had signed back then, you'd already be halfway through the contract and you might actually have representation. Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds like you just wasted five months...