Dropped
6 aspects of being let go from your agency
If you’ve been in the voiceover industry long enough, you know it’s full of highs and lows. One day you’re booking gigs back-to-back, and the next, you’re wondering why your agent hasn’t called in weeks. These are natural and normal ebbs and flows of the business.
And then, it happens: you’re dropped from your agency.
It stings. It feels personal. But let me stop you right here—it’s not just about your talent.
Let’s break it down, process the emotions, and map out a plan to keep moving forward.
1. Understand why it happened (without spiraling)
The first instinct might be to think, “I’m not good enough.” But talent isn’t the only reason an agency drops someone. You will feel like this is an attack on your talent. That you haven’t “done enough” or that you just aren’t capable. These are not facts. But let’s talk about some of the possible reasons.
Market trends: Maybe the agency is refocusing on specific genres or niches (like animation over commercial).
Client needs: If their roster is overcrowded with similar voices, they might streamline to avoid internal competition.
Shifting business goals: Agencies make business decisions that have nothing to do with your abilities.
Politics: Sometimes, and I hate to say it, this industry can be very political and a choice made about you could be related to other agencies or actors. Them’s the breaks, kiddo.
If you can, ask for feedback. A simple, professional email like:
"Thank you for the opportunity to be on your roster. If you’re open to sharing, I’d love any feedback about my performance or areas for growth."
That’s literally all you need to say. Sometimes you’ll get valuable insight; other times, it’s radio silence. Either way, knowing you asked is empowering.
2. Feel the feelings—Then Elsa the shit out of them (let it go)
It’s okay to feel hurt, frustrated, or even a little angry. Take a day (or three) to process. Vent to a friend, scream into a pillow, eat the pint of ice cream. DO NOT VENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. (Hello, Cynthia Erivo).
But then? It’s time to let it go. Dwelling on rejection keeps you stuck. Then it becomes a crutch for you not to move forward and you do not need any excuses holding you back. Remember, being dropped doesn’t erase the fact that you’re talented, hardworking, and capable of booking.
3. Audit your business
This is an opportunity to take a hard look at your voiceover career and figure out what’s working and what isn’t. And I do mean a HARD LOOK.
Portfolio check: Are your demos reflective of what you can do? Do they showcase the range of work you want to book?
Website and branding: Is your online presence professional, cohesive, and easy to navigate? I don’t care about your flashy graphics and color palette. Do you have a VOICE?
Direct-marketing: How active have you been in direct marketing or networking outside your agency?
Agencies are fantastic partners, but they’re not the only way to book work. This might be the push you need to level up your self-promotion game.
4. Build a support network
Rejection can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Connect with other voiceover actors—many of whom have been in the same position.
Join Facebook groups or online forums for voiceover professionals. (I love the Booth Besties)
Attend industry webinars or virtual meetups.
Find an accountability partner to keep you motivated.
Surrounding yourself with others in the trenches reminds you that this is part of the journey, not the end of it.
5. Get strategic about next steps
Here’s where the bounce-back begins.
Rebuild relationships
Even if one agency didn’t work out, others might be a better fit. There are freaking hundreds, babe. Research agencies actively seeking talent and start submitting your materials. Customize your pitches and highlight what makes you unique. Need help? I have a business course for this.
Direct marketing
This is your moment to take control. Start reaching out to potential clients directly. Grab their media, add your voice to it, and show them what you can do. (Yes, you’ve heard me say this before—because it works.) Need help? I have a masterclass for this.
Invest in training
Consider this a time to sharpen your skills. Whether it’s a new vertical, a workshop on marketing, or refining your technical setup, showing growth is key. Need help? I coach 1:1.
6. Keep your momentum going
Do NOT lose it on me here. Don’t give up just because you’ve hit this one fork in the road. Being dropped isn’t the end of your career; it’s a redirection. It’s also not a reflection of just your talents or what you need to work on. The most successful voiceover actors aren’t the ones who avoid rejection—they’re the ones who bounce back stronger. If I had a nickel!!!
Remind yourself why you started in the first place. Was it for the creative freedom? The joy of bringing words to life? Whatever it was, hold onto that spark.
You’re still here. You’re still talented. And there’s still plenty of opportunity ahead.
Let me leave you with this: Being dropped by an agency doesn’t define you—it’s how you respond that shapes your future. Take the lessons, adjust your sails, and keep moving forward. The next chapter might just be the best one yet.
What are your strategies for bouncing back from rejection? Let’s talk in the comments!