New kid on the block – Division One1 agency opens in Sydney
Brad Clarke is no stranger to the arts, having worked as a ‘transient actor’ for twenty years after graduating from drama school. In his new life as a theatrical agent, Brad is incorporating the knowledge he gleaned from his own acting experiences to help other actors achieve their dreams.
Division One1 is a new agency opened by Clarke this year in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, and in his own words employs a very ‘hands on’ kind of management. With a manager’s licence in NSW, Clarke is able to work as a manager as well as an agent and this style of representation is what appeals to both him and his clients.
“We’re the “new kid on the block” – so to speak, although I’m certainly no stranger to the industry” he told AussieTheatre.
“I’ve worked as an actor in TV, & Musical Theatre on and off for over 20 years, and I was then an agent at another large management agency until May this year.”
After months of serious thought, a series of events and some encouragement from numerous industry connections, Clarke branched out on his own to form Division One1, officially opening just over a month ago.
“Its been a bit of a whirlwind and so exciting – well worth all the stress of the 6 week period it took to put it all together; I don’t think I slept much at all during that time!”, he admits.
Clarke stresses that his agency represents actors and performers across all mediums including film & TV, TVC & presenting, musical theatre & theatre and voiceover, although he does have a penchant for music theatre himself.
“Musical theatre is still very much a passion of mine and an area of the industry that I’m very well versed in, so I do have to say I really love working in this area. I already have a few ‘stars of the future’ on my board and I have no doubt that you’ll be seeing them on stage in major roles in the very near future. I love how the current landscape has changed so much in the last few years, Sydney seems to have a love affair with the big musicals at the moment and that can only be a good thing for us all.”
Despite being a relatively new agency, Clarke already represents over 30 artists and is keen to keep the agency under 70 in order to maintain his hands on approach. Over the next 8 months as the agency grows, Clarke says he will look at expanding the business to include a second agent under the same company brand.
“I’m currently still interviewing actors at the moment, but I’m thrilled to say that I already represent some very talented performers. I think one of my strengths as an agent is that I can identify the potential in an actor pretty much straight away. Developing new talent and watching an actor grow is what really excites me about my job.”
Many new agencies have been cropping up across the Sydney theatrical landscape but Clarke knows that Division One1 has a niche market.
“Having been an actor myself puts me in a very fortunate position. I can relate to what the actors are going through because I’ve been there” he said
“As an actor, I was with the same agency for 20 years and although I had a very good relationship with them, I learned a lot of what NOT to do as an agent. I am very hands on and am involved with every decision that gets made in relation to their career from the very beginning of our relationship and it’s because I care. As clichéd as that sounds, I do. I think this is where a lot of other agencies falter.”
If you are interested in contacting Division One1 for representation, Brad Clarke suggests heading to the website to check it out (divisionone1.com.au) and then email a headshot, CV and showreel to via the website.
