Grossman & Jack Talent

Grossman & Jack Talent has been a cornerstone of the Chicago talent scene for many years, earning a reputation as one of the most reliable and effective talent agencies in the Midwest market. The agency represents actors for commercial, film, television, voiceover, and industrial work, with a particular strength in the commercial division that has been the financial backbone of many Chicago acting careers. Founded on the principle of cultivating genuine long-term relationships with talent rather than treating actors as interchangeable commodities, Grossman & Jack has developed a loyal roster of clients who appreciate the agency's hands-on approach to career development. The agency's agents are known for their advocacy on behalf of clients, pushing to get them seen for the right opportunities and providing constructive feedback that helps actors improve and grow. Over the years, Grossman & Jack has placed actors in countless national commercials, regional productions, and network television shows, establishing itself as a trusted name among Chicago casting directors.

Today, Grossman & Jack operates as one of the top-tier talent agencies in the Chicago market, maintaining a reputation for professionalism and quality that casting directors rely on when they need dependable talent. The agency's commercial division is particularly well-regarded, consistently booking clients in national commercial campaigns for major brands that can generate significant income. Their theatrical division has grown steadily, with agents who actively pitch clients for film and television projects shooting in Chicago, throughout the Midwest, and occasionally for national productions casting out of Los Angeles and New York. What sets Grossman & Jack apart from many Chicago agencies is the depth of their relationship with each client — agents make it a priority to understand each actor's strengths, goals, and career trajectory, which allows for more targeted and effective submissions. The agency also has a strong voiceover department that provides additional earning opportunities for actors with developed voice skills.

Prospective clients can submit headshots and resumes through the agency's website or via mail, and the agency reviews submissions on a rolling basis. Grossman & Jack is selective in their talent intake, looking for actors who have invested in professional training and have at least some professional experience in the Chicago market, whether through theatre, commercials, or film work. Having a solid demo reel that showcases your range and a voiceover demo if you have voice training will significantly strengthen your submission. The agency also accepts referrals from casting directors, acting teachers, and managers who can vouch for an actor's professionalism and talent. When reviewing submissions, agents are looking not just for raw ability but for actors who present themselves professionally, understand the business side of the industry, and are ready to handle the demands of a busy audition schedule.

Once represented by Grossman & Jack, actors experience a professional agency relationship characterized by regular communication, timely audition submissions, and constructive career guidance. The agency's commercial department is particularly active, submitting clients for a high volume of auditions for national, regional, and local commercial campaigns. The theatrical department secures auditions for film and television projects, including the many series and films that have been shooting in Chicago due to the state's production incentive program. Grossman & Jack agents prepare their clients for auditions with specific notes about what casting directors are looking for, and they provide feedback when available after auditions and callbacks. The agency also supports clients in developing supplementary skills such as voiceover technique and on-camera commercial technique, understanding that versatility directly translates to more booking opportunities. The working relationship is collaborative, with agents expecting professionalism and responsiveness from clients in return for their advocacy and effort.

Grossman & Jack represents actors across a range of career stages, from talented newcomers with strong training to established professionals with extensive national credits. The agency's roster includes SAG-AFTRA members and non-union performers, reflecting the reality of the Chicago market where both union and non-union work are available. Their client base tends to skew toward actors who are serious about their careers and willing to invest in ongoing training and professional development. Many of the agency's most successful clients have backgrounds in Chicago theatre, improv, or sketch comedy, having trained at institutions like The Second City, iO, Steppenwolf, and Chicago's many excellent university programs. The agency values diversity in its roster and actively seeks to represent talent that reflects the full demographic range of the Chicago community. Industry professionals, including casting directors and producers, regard Grossman & Jack clients as reliably professional and well-prepared.

Grossman & Jack operates on the standard industry commission model, with no upfront fees, registration costs, or monthly charges of any kind. Commission percentages follow SAG-AFTRA guidelines and industry norms, typically 10 percent for theatrical bookings and up to 20 percent for commercial work. The agency earns only when its clients book and get paid for work, which aligns the agency's financial interests directly with the actor's success. For commercial work booked through Grossman & Jack, earnings can be substantial, as national commercial campaigns can pay thousands of dollars in session fees and residuals. Theatrical earnings vary based on the production scale and role, but Chicago offers a growing number of film and television opportunities thanks to the Illinois film tax credit program. Contract terms involve standard exclusive representation agreements for the specific departments in which you are signed.

Grossman & Jack is an excellent choice for Chicago-based actors who want an agency that genuinely cares about their career development and will advocate strongly on their behalf. The agency is particularly well-suited for actors with strong commercial instincts and those who have invested in voiceover training, as the commercial and voice departments are significant strengths. If you are trained, professional, and ready for a steady audition flow in the Chicago market, Grossman & Jack should be high on your list of target agencies. Actors who are very early in their careers and still building basic credits may want to establish themselves through smaller agencies or theatre work first before approaching Grossman & Jack. If your primary goal is national film and television work and you are willing to relocate, coastal agencies may ultimately better serve that ambition, but Grossman & Jack is an outstanding regional option.

When submitting to Grossman & Jack, invest in commercial-style headshots in addition to theatrical headshots, as the commercial division is the agency's strongest department and agents want to see your commercial viability immediately. If you have any voiceover training, include a professional voiceover demo with your submission, as the VO department is an additional revenue stream that can differentiate you from other applicants. Build your resume through Chicago theatre — agents at Grossman & Jack value stage work as evidence of training, discipline, and ability to work under pressure. Once signed, treat every commercial audition as a real opportunity for significant income, as a single national commercial booked through the agency can earn more than many film and television roles. Maintain a self-tape setup at home that produces broadcast-quality results, as the ability to submit professional self-tapes quickly has become essential in the modern casting workflow.