Lily's Talent Agency

Lily's Talent Agency is a Chicago-based talent agency that represents actors and models for commercial, print, film, television, and industrial work, with a particular emphasis on building a diverse and inclusive roster that reflects the broad demographic range of the Chicago market. The agency has earned a reputation for being approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in the success of actors at various stages of their careers, from newcomers taking their first professional steps to experienced performers with established credits. Lily's Talent fills an important niche in the Chicago market as an agency that combines professional representation standards with a welcoming culture that makes actors feel valued and supported. The agency's commitment to diversity in its roster is not just a statement but a practice, actively seeking out talent from underrepresented communities and ensuring that its submissions to casting directors reflect the full range of people who live and work in the Chicago area. This approach has resonated with both actors and casting directors who increasingly prioritize authentic representation.

Lily's Talent Agency operates with a proactive approach to securing opportunities for its clients, with agents who actively pursue auditions rather than passively waiting for breakdowns to arrive. The agency works with regional and national casting directors to secure auditions across commercial, print, film, and television categories, and its dual focus on acting and modeling provides clients who have both skill sets with a broader range of potential bookings. The print and modeling division is a notable strength, providing additional revenue streams beyond traditional acting work for clients whose physical presence and look make them suitable for catalog, advertising, and editorial work. Lily's Talent has built productive relationships with the brands, advertising agencies, and production companies that drive the commercial and print markets in the Midwest. For actors who bring both performance ability and commercial or print appeal, the agency offers a comprehensive representation package that covers multiple revenue-generating categories.

Submissions to Lily's Talent Agency are accepted online, and the agency reviews new talent on a rolling basis throughout the year. Having quality headshots that show both commercial and theatrical looks, along with a concise, well-formatted resume, is important for making a strong first impression. The agency is open to actors with varying levels of experience, making it more accessible than some of the more selective top-tier agencies, though training is always valued and demonstrated commitment to the craft strengthens any submission. For actors who also model, including full-body comp cards or modeling portfolio images alongside acting headshots demonstrates the full range of opportunities you can pursue through the agency. The approachable submission process reflects the agency's overall philosophy of being welcoming and supportive, though acceptance remains selective based on the agency's current roster needs and the quality of the applicant.

The experience of being represented by Lily's Talent Agency is characterized by a supportive agent-client dynamic, regular communication about available opportunities, and a genuine investment in each actor's career trajectory. Agents submit clients for auditions across the agency's various departments and provide guidance and preparation notes when available. The commercial division generates consistent audition flow, while the print and modeling department provides opportunities for catalog work, advertising campaigns, and promotional events that supplement acting income. The theatrical division works to secure film and television auditions for qualified clients, leveraging the growing number of productions shooting in the Chicago market. Lily's Talent agents are known for their accessibility and willingness to discuss career strategy, and they maintain open lines of communication with their clients about goals, concerns, and professional development needs.

Lily's Talent Agency's roster is intentionally diverse, representing actors and models of all ages, ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds. The agency works with both SAG-AFTRA members and non-union talent, providing access to the full range of professional opportunities in the Chicago market. The inclusive culture of the agency attracts performers who value being part of an environment where they are seen, respected, and advocated for regardless of their background or career level. The agency's dual focus on acting and modeling means its client base includes traditional actors, commercial performers, print models, and versatile talent who work across multiple categories. Actors who appreciate a supportive agency environment and want to feel like more than just a name on a roster find a natural fit at Lily's Talent, where the agent-client relationship is treated as a genuine partnership.

Lily's Talent Agency operates on a commission-only basis, with no upfront fees, registration costs, or monthly charges required from talent. The agency earns when its clients earn, with standard industry commission percentages applying to all booked work. This compensation structure aligns the agency's financial interests directly with each actor's success and eliminates the financial risk of signing with a talent agency. Commission rates follow SAG-AFTRA guidelines and industry norms, typically ranging from 10 to 20 percent depending on the type of work. For actors with both acting and modeling capabilities, the ability to earn income across multiple categories through a single agency relationship enhances overall earning potential. Print and modeling work, while often paying less per job than national commercial campaigns, provides a steady supplementary income stream.

Lily's Talent Agency is a strong choice for Chicago actors and models who want a supportive, diverse agency environment combined with professional representation across multiple booking categories. The agency is particularly well-suited for actors who also have print and modeling potential, as the dual focus provides revenue streams that purely acting-focused agencies do not offer. If you value an inclusive agency culture and want to feel genuinely supported in your career development, Lily's Talent offers that experience. Actors whose sole focus is high-level theatrical film and television work may prefer agencies with deeper theatrical specializations. The agency is accessible to actors at various experience levels, making it a viable option for those who may not yet have the credits to approach the most selective agencies.

When submitting to Lily's Talent, include both acting headshots and modeling or print images if you have them, demonstrating the full range of categories you can work in. Highlight any unique qualities, diverse backgrounds, or specialized skills in your submission, as the agency actively values these attributes. Once signed, be open to opportunities across multiple categories rather than limiting yourself to one type of work, as versatility is rewarded with more bookings. Maintain ongoing communication with your agent about your availability, goals, and any new developments in your career or skills. Invest in professional development across both acting and commercial modeling technique, as building competence in multiple areas maximizes your value to the agency and your earning potential in the market.