Getting an agent can feel like a huge milestone for an actor. For young performers and their parents, it can sometimes seem like the doorway into the professional industry - the thing that proves someone is ready, talented or worth taking seriously. In this episode of The Drama Coach podcast, Lisa is joined by Alexa Morden, actor, writer, coach and host of The 98% podcast, for an honest and practical conversation about representation. Together, they look at what a healthy agent relationship should feel like, the red flags actors and parents need to be aware of, and why signing with any agent is not always better than having no agent at all.
What the conversation covers
Alexa shares how The 98% podcast began as a way of giving voice to the realities of being a working actor, especially the experiences that do not always make it into glossy interviews or industry success stories. She talks about rejection, resilience, validation and the pressure actors can feel to appear constantly booked and busy. The conversation then moves into representation, particularly for child actors and young performers. Lisa and Alexa discuss why getting an agent can feel so important, but also why that desire can leave actors and parents vulnerable if they are acting from panic, comparison or fear. A central message of the episode is that representation should be a professional partnership. An agent may help open doors, submit actors for work and support career development, but that does not mean actors or parents should hand over all control, ignore their instincts or feel grateful for poor treatment.
What a healthy agent relationship can look like
Alexa is clear that good agents do exist, and that healthy representation can feel supportive, professional and collaborative. A good agent should communicate clearly, respond appropriately, answer reasonable questions and help clients feel informed rather than intimidated. For parents, that might mean feeling able to ask about contracts, payments, safeguarding, DBS checks, casting expectations, training needs or how the industry works. For actors, it means being treated as a professional rather than someone at the bottom of a hierarchy. Healthy communication does not mean messaging constantly or expecting instant replies at all hours. It means there is enough trust and openness for questions to be asked, concerns to be raised and decisions to be discussed.
“Knowledge is power.”
That idea runs throughout the episode. This conversation is not designed to frighten parents or young actors away from the industry. It is about helping them recognise what is reasonable, what is not, and what they are allowed to question.
Red flags actors and parents should notice
Alexa discusses several warning signs that may suggest an agent relationship is not healthy. These include feeling intimidated, being ignored, being pressured into quick decisions, not receiving a contract, being unclear about money, or feeling unable to ask basic questions. She also talks about the way social media can complicate things. An agent being highly visible online does not necessarily mean they are better connected, more effective or more trustworthy. A busy social media presence is not the same as good representation. Money is another major theme. The episode covers the importance of understanding fees, payments, remittances, contracts, buyouts and paper trails. Parents are encouraged to keep records, read contracts carefully and stay informed about what has been agreed. There is also a strong reminder that fear can keep unhealthy practice going. If a parent feels scared to ask questions, scared to leave, or scared to speak honestly about a serious concern, that feeling itself is worth paying attention to.
Questions worth asking
For anyone meeting a potential agent, the episode encourages preparation. Rather than seeing the meeting as a test where the actor must prove themselves, it can be seen as a two-way conversation.
- What kind of opportunities do you see for my child or for me?
- How do you usually communicate with clients?
- What should we understand about contracts, payments and licensing?
- How many clients are in a similar casting bracket?
- What are your expectations around training, self-tapes and availability?
- Can we take time to read the contract before signing?
The answers matter, but so does the feeling in the room. If something feels rushed, unclear, dismissive or uncomfortable, Alexa’s advice is to listen to that instinct.
When you are not signed, or when an agent relationship ends
Lisa and Alexa also talk about the emotional side of representation. Not getting signed, being dropped, or waiting for replies can feel deeply personal, especially for young actors and parents who are new to the industry. Alexa reminds listeners that acting is subjective. A “no” from one agent does not mean an actor is not talented, worthwhile or capable. It may simply mean they are not the right fit for that particular roster at that particular time.
“Control the controllables.”
That phrase offers a useful anchor. Actors cannot control whether an agent signs them, whether a casting director chooses them, or whether the industry is quiet. They can control their preparation, research, training, communication and the way they look after themselves between opportunities.
A grounded way forward
This episode is a valuable listen for young actors, parents and adult learners because it balances honesty with encouragement. It does not suggest that every agent relationship is unsafe, nor does it pretend the industry is always easy to navigate. Instead, it offers a clear reminder: take your time, ask questions, read the details, keep learning and do not let fear make decisions for you. Representation can be exciting and useful, but it should never require you to ignore your judgement or give away your voice. Listen to the full episode for a practical, thoughtful conversation about agent red flags, healthy professional relationships and how to stay grounded while building an acting career.