Stewart Talent Chicago

Stewart Talent is widely considered the most prestigious and powerful talent agency in the Chicago market, with a legacy spanning decades of placing actors in film, television, commercials, theatre, and voiceover work across the Midwest and nationally. The agency was founded in Chicago and has grown into one of the few regional agencies that commands genuine respect in the Los Angeles and New York casting communities, regularly securing auditions for its clients on major network, cable, and streaming productions. Stewart Talent has represented a who's who of Chicago-trained actors, many of whom have gone on to major film and television careers while maintaining their connection to the agency that launched them. The agency operates offices in Chicago and has cultivated relationships with casting directors throughout the country, giving its clients access to opportunities that extend well beyond the Midwest market. Key milestones include their expansion into multiple departments and their consistent ranking among the top agencies outside the coastal markets.

Today, Stewart Talent represents a diverse roster of actors ranging from emerging performers with strong training backgrounds to seasoned professionals with extensive national credits in film, television, and commercial work. The agency is structured with separate theatrical and commercial divisions, each staffed by experienced agents who specialize in their respective areas. What distinguishes Stewart Talent from other Chicago agencies is the breadth of its industry relationships — their agents regularly communicate with casting offices in Los Angeles and New York, securing audition opportunities for Chicago-based clients that many regional agencies simply cannot access. The agency has been particularly successful in placing actors on major television series shot in Chicago and has leveraged the city's growing prominence as a production hub to benefit its roster. Stewart Talent's reputation in the industry means that casting directors who receive a submission from the agency know the actor has been vetted and represents a professional standard.

Submissions to Stewart Talent are typically accepted through their website or by referral from industry professionals such as managers, acting teachers, or casting directors. The agency expects polished submission materials including professional headshots that reflect current casting trends, a well-formatted resume demonstrating training and credits, and ideally a demo reel or self-tape samples that showcase range and ability. Stewart Talent holds periodic open calls and showcases where prospective talent can be seen by agents in person, and these events are often the most effective pathway for actors without existing industry connections to get noticed. The agency is selective and typically looks for actors who have invested significantly in their training, whether through conservatory programs, university MFA programs, or extensive study at respected Chicago acting studios. A strong foundation in the city's legendary improv and sketch comedy scene can also be an asset.

Once signed with Stewart Talent, the daily experience involves receiving audition breakdowns from your agent, preparing self-tapes and attending in-person auditions, and maintaining ongoing communication about your availability and career goals. The agency's theatrical division actively pitches clients for film and television roles both locally and nationally, while the commercial division handles the high-volume commercial audition flow that is the financial backbone of the Chicago market. Stewart Talent agents are known for being proactive and communicative, regularly checking in with clients and providing feedback after auditions. The agency also facilitates relationships between its actors and Chicago's vibrant theatre community, understanding that stage work is both artistically valuable and an important showcase for talent. Clients benefit from the agency's internal collaboration, where theatrical and commercial agents share insights about client strengths and emerging opportunities.

Stewart Talent represents actors at various career stages, from promising newcomers fresh out of training programs to established professionals with decades of credits. The agency's roster includes SAG-AFTRA members working in film and television as well as non-union performers building toward eligibility. Many of Stewart Talent's most successful clients have been trained at Chicago's renowned institutions including The Second City, iO Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre School, and the theatre programs at DePaul, Northwestern, and Columbia College. The agency has historically been a launching pad for actors who eventually transition to Los Angeles or New York representation while maintaining their Stewart Talent relationship for regional work. The diversity of the roster reflects the agency's commitment to representing the full range of talent that Chicago produces.

Stewart Talent operates on the standard industry commission model, taking 10 percent of earnings for theatrical work and up to 20 percent for commercial bookings, in line with SAG-AFTRA guidelines and industry norms. There are no upfront fees, registration costs, or monthly charges — the agency earns only when its clients book work. Contract terms typically involve a one to two year exclusive representation agreement for the specific departments in which you are signed. For commercial work, Chicago remains one of the strongest markets in the country, and Stewart Talent clients who book national commercial campaigns can earn substantial income. Theatrical earnings vary based on the scale of the production and the actor's role, but Stewart Talent's access to both local Chicago productions and national projects means earning potential extends well beyond regional rates.

Stewart Talent is the gold standard for agency representation in the Chicago market, and if you are a trained, professional actor based in Chicago with credits and strong materials, it should be your top target for representation. The agency is best suited for actors who have invested in serious training, have a foundation of theatre or commercial credits, and are ready for the volume and pace of a professional audition schedule. If you are earlier in your career and still developing your craft, consider building your resume through smaller agencies and showcase opportunities first, then approaching Stewart Talent when your materials and experience reflect a professional standard. For actors in the broader Midwest who are not based in Chicago, Stewart Talent may still be relevant if you are willing to self-tape regularly and travel to Chicago for in-person auditions and callbacks.

Before submitting to Stewart Talent, invest in the best headshots you can afford and ensure your demo reel features your strongest, most recent work — first impressions with a top-tier agency matter enormously. Build your training foundation at one of Chicago's respected institutions, as agents at Stewart Talent value the discipline and craft that comes from serious study at places like Steppenwolf, Second City, or a university program. Attend any open calls or showcases the agency offers, as in-person impressions are invaluable and can accelerate the review process. Once signed, be the most responsive and prepared client on the roster — return calls promptly, self-tape with high production quality, and show up to every audition fully prepared. The Chicago market rewards versatility, so develop skills across commercial, theatrical, and voiceover to maximize your value to the agency and your earning potential.