Chicago is a secondary market. It’s not New York or LA, though, as I reported in a previous post, it is making some major headway in film and television production. I had not made this connection until class last week, but being a secondary market means that things are run a little differently here. Makes sense right?

*Note that from here on out I will be writing about things that are generally true. The business relationship between a specific agent and actor may be different from what I describe. 

Chicago is a “scale” town. In other words, most working actors in the Second City do not command paychecks beyond those mandated by the unions. This in turn, means that the role of a Chicago agent is oftentimes a little different from that of a coastal agent. Due to the realities of his/her respective market, an agent in New York or L.A. is going to be more heavily involved in the shaping of an actor’s career, as well as, negotiating an increase in pay (or as the adage goes, negotiating you out of a job). Here, for the most part, an agent acts as the first line between the actor and the job. They are, if you will, expert curators of marketable talent. More than likely, before you get called in to read for Chicago Fire you need to have been picked up by an agent. His/her relationships with the casting directors in town are invaluable. If you want to move up the ladder of work in this city an agent’s partnership is necessary.

HOWEVER, this is absolutely NOT to say that the lack of an agent keeps you from submitting directly to casting directors. Absolutely do that. Even after you get an agent don’t stop doing that. Even the greatest agent in the world is not responsible for the shape of your career. You are.

Acting Studio Chicago (where I’m currently enrolled) has a list of agents and casting directors. They also have a ton of other useful information on their website. Check them out.

Comments? Concerns? Corrections? Let me know.

And, because I mentioned Chicago Fire, I give you Severide. You’re welcome.

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide — (Matt Dinerstein/NBC)