The Gersh Agency

The Gersh Agency was founded in 1949 by Phil Gersh, who believed in building careers through personal relationships and deep industry knowledge. Over more than seven decades, the agency has grown into one of the most respected mid-major agencies in Hollywood. Phil Gersh's legacy continues under subsequent generations of leadership. The agency expanded to New York and built departments covering film, television, theater, literary, comedy, and below-the-line talent. Gersh has maintained its independence through decades of industry consolidation.

Today, Gersh operates from offices in Beverly Hills and New York, representing talent across film, television, theater, literary, comedy, and below-the-line fields. The agency occupies a respected position as a mid-major with relationships and clout to compete with larger firms. Gersh serves working actors at various career levels and is known for quality representation and genuine care for clients.

Gersh is more approachable than the Big 4 but still requires industry referrals for most submissions. The agency values actors with strong training and consistent working credits. Referrals from casting directors, acting teachers, and managers are the most effective pathways. Gersh attends showcases, theater productions, and festivals to discover new talent.

Gersh's departments include Talent, Theater, Literary, Comedy, and Below-the-Line representation. The agency's dealmaking spans all major studios, networks, and streaming platforms. The literary department creates natural connections between writers and actors. The theater division negotiates Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional deals. The comedy department serves stand-up and comic actors. Gersh's client management philosophy is rooted in personal relationships. Agents are accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested. Cross-departmental collaboration allows talent agents to work with literary, theater, and below-the-line colleagues.

Gersh represents actors from established Emmy and Tony winners to rising talent. The agency is strong in character actors, theater-trained performers, and comedic talent. SAG-AFTRA membership is expected. Gersh develops talent over the long term, signing actors at earlier stages than the Big 4. The agency values craft, training, and range. Gersh has represented numerous acclaimed actors over seven decades, with clients winning Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, and other awards. The agency's roster has included respected character actors in the most prestigious projects. Gersh-represented talent regularly appears at festivals and on Broadway.

Gersh operates on the standard 10% commission for theatrical work. Theater commissions follow Actors' Equity guidelines. The agency is SAG-AFTRA franchised with no upfront fees. Gersh works collaboratively with managers and attorneys ensuring total representation costs remain within industry norms. Gersh offers excellent value for working actors wanting strong representation without the impersonal mega-agency experience. The agency's 70-plus years of relationships mean access to decision-makers beyond most boutique agencies' reach. The manageable size means genuine personal attention. For mid-career actors, Gersh can be an ideal long-term partner.

Gersh is ideal for established working actors who value personalized attention and genuine agent-client relationships. Actors with strong theater training will find the culture welcoming. Character actors and dramatic performers who book consistently will find the approach well-aligned. Actors seeking bicoastal representation will benefit from both offices. Very early-career actors should build resumes further before approaching Gersh. If focused primarily on commercial or voiceover, Gersh's strengths may not align. Actors seeking maximum leverage for blockbuster negotiations may find the Big 4 better positioned.

Focus on building strong theater and indie film credits. A referral from a casting director or acting teacher with Gersh connections is effective. Performing in well-reviewed theater, particularly in New York, can attract attention. Having a manager with Gersh relationships is valuable. Demonstrate training, range, and commitment to craft. Gersh can serve as an excellent long-term home or stepping stone toward the Big 4. Many actors maintain successful, decades-long relationships. For actors building momentum, Gersh provides a significant upgrade from boutique representation.