I know agents usually have an out clause in their contracts, but what about managers? One particular management company wants to sign me as a client and everything looks good on paper(no bad reviews when I googled the company, plus it has a TMA membership), but my main problem is the "what if" factor: what if I sign up with them and a manager with more prestige comes along? From what I've read manager contracts are a 3-5 year deal and I'm afraid I might outgrow them professionally within a year or two.

I know I sound big headed and should be grateful but I've looked up its clientele on IMDB-Pro and they all seem to be on the same level I am: shouldn't I always be targeting those who are professionally one step above me? How else can progress as a working actor?

I do want to sign with them for now, but does anyone know if there is any way to legally leave a management company before the contract expires?

I'm going to answer your question but I have to be honest first - I really hate your attitude.

Listen to yourself. You want to sign with the manager but your primary concern is what if a better manager comes along. WTF? That's like saying I want to date this really sweet girl but what if a hotter one comes along? If you don't commit to the manager, why should the manager commit to you?

And then you go on to say that you anticipate outgrowing the manager. Again - WTF? Maybe the two of you can grow together and accomplish great things as a team. But no, you're already thinking about walking away before you've even started.

As for the "what if" factor you mention - guess what - that works both ways. The manager is considering taking you on as a client but maybe they're thinking the same thing about you. "What if" this actor doesn't book? "What if" this actor goes nowhere? "What if" a better actor comes along?

You know what? I'm done. I'm not answering your question. You know why? I'm going to hold out for a better question.

SAM, it's not my intention to be offensive: I'm just trying to think like a business woman in a tough industry. Besides, don't actors switch to more prestigous agencies all the time? If an actor belongs to an agency that can only provide co-star roles for him, but he has enough experience to take on guest-star or even series regular roles, shouldn't an actor go to an agency that will provide such roles if the opportunity presented itself? It's common knowledge that most casting directors have their short list of Go-To agencies that they consider first before moving on to other agencies for the smaller roles, so it only makes sense that actors do what they can to get into those top-listed agencies as soon as possible.

That said, I just assumed this same concept applies to managers as well. Managers provide connections and try to get their clients good agents: the more prestigious the manager, the better the connections and the agenices he's associated with. So is it wrong to leave my options open? I know that may sound cruel, but this industry is a very competitive game and sadly I did not make the rules: I'm just a player trying to win...or at least survive.

Am I the only one who thinks a 3-5 year commitment is asking a lot? It seems that agencies had the right idea when they made their contracts last a year: anything more than that seems scary to me.

Bohemiana,

I understand where you are coming from, but I totally agree with SAM. You have done some research and seem to have found a reputable manager, although just to clarify (SAM, please correct me if I'm wrong), not all agents have out clauses in their contracts. Many times, out clauses are negotiated into the contracts, as they can be with a manager or long term theatre role.

But IMO, an out clause should be in place to protect you from misrepresentation, mistreatment, or options that come to you that your current rep isn't equipped to handle, etc., but not just because you feel you want to move on to (in your eyes) greener pastures on your own accord before giving that manager a chance. What is important is building a solid foundation, trust and working relationship with your manager or agent. Three years with a reputable manager really isn't that long in the scheme of things. You have to give things time to happen, because for most actors, it takes years. If after the 3 years you feel you need to move on, then consider it then. Give yourself and your manager time to blend your talents and show them you care about them as much as you want them to care about you. Yes, it is a business, but it is a 2-way street. If you should have the fortune of growing as a reputable actor in a short amount of time, then allow your manager to grow with you, if you've already established a solid working relationship. Also, if you get to that point, regardless of who you are with, other agents will be calling you without you having to pursue them. Just something to think about.

I see your point: now that I think about it even the esteemed agenices and management companies were unknowns at some point. I guess I'm just a commitment phobe: looks like I need to work on that.