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MBA's client base consists of actors from across the UK who
work in TV, Film, Theatre, Musical Theatre and Radio; we do not represent
the noble art of extra or walk-on work.
MBA (formerly John Mahoney Management) was founded back in the 1960's
by the late and much lamented John Mahoney. Derek (Bo) Keller joined the
Agency in 1985 followed by Fred Bannon, who passed away suddenly in February
2000. That same year, Bo invited Andrea Todd, an established professional
in the industry, to bring her skills and experience to an agency that
continues to maintain a well respected reputation within the casting world.
In 2007 Stephen Holroyd, who has been associated with the theatre side
of the agency for many years, joined the team on a permanent basis, followed
shortly afterwards by Alan Kite, with a background in arts and theatre
administration. John Mahoney would be very proud of his dream team!
For 50 years MBA has remained at the forefront of a profession that has
changed at an incredible speed and continually strives to create new employment
possibilities for our family of actors. Our profession is now global and
with the advent of the internet and email, it no longer matters where
an agent or indeed an actor is based, just as long as he or she can get
to the audition venue. Our job is to open doors; all the actor has to
do is to step through them. We pride ourselves on having a long established
and highly valued working relationship with the top casting directors
in the country. Casting breakdowns are sent out by them as a courtesy,
not a right and this is a privilege we have worked hard to achieve. Our
reputation has been sustained over many years, by delivering reliable
artists, whose skills most closely fit the requirements of casting briefs
that we are sent, together with the professional conduct of our clients
and regular communication with both artists and casting directors alike.
Our agency is founded on a policy of quality, not quantity, and endeavours
to maintain the highest professional standards at all times. We aim to
meet casting briefs accurately and only suggest more than one of our clients
for a specific role if the brief is very wide. Representation is a very
important role for us and to maintain a quality service to our clients,
we do not duplicate actors of the same gender, age and skills. We believe
in loyalty; from us to our clients (some of whom have been with us for
over 40 years), and equally from the clients to us. Under The Conduct
of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003, we are
now required to issue a contract to each client, which we are more than
happy to do ~ furthermore our contract is Equity approved. This industry
is all about making good impressions and useful contacts, we treat performing
arts as a business, and it is important for our clients to be able to
do the same. Each client is schooled by us to enable them to play their
part in the communication process. Everyone in the offices of MBA has
come from a background in performance, the theatre and arts administration
and therefore appreciates the hardships of this profession. We like to
keep the agency as much like a family as possible ~ always remembering
that your good fortune is our good fortune too!
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