For Talent
The XO Talent Pathway.
There are three main levels within the XO Dance talent system: Open Talent Pool, Represented Talent and the XO Managed Roster. Each level means a deeper relationship with XO, greater priority for opportunities and a greater level of investment from the company.
Level 1
Open Talent Pool
Access opportunities.
This is the starting point for talent interested in working with XO. Talent in the Open Pool may receive casting calls that match their skills and can choose whether to submit for each opportunity.
- Access to suitable casting calls
- Submit individually for opportunities
- Selection based on each client's requirements
- No guaranteed work
- No proactive individual representation
Opportunities generally reach the Open Talent Pool after XO's priority talent has been considered.
Talent interested in professional representation can enter the XO Pro Training and Evaluation process.
Level 2
XO Represented Talent
XO actively sells and books you.
Represented Talent have completed XO's professional training and evaluation process and demonstrated the skill, reliability and professional standards required for representation. Talent may enter this process independently or may be recruited by XO. Even recruited talent are required to complete the necessary evaluation and onboarding before becoming represented.
- Priority consideration for suitable bookings
- Proactive pitching to clients
- Client communication
- Booking management
- Rates and offers
- Contracts and booking administration
XO receives a 20% commission on bookings represented by the agency. Representation is focused on selling the talent you have already developed. You remain responsible for developing your skills, image, content, portfolio, specialties, personal brand and professional growth.
Selected Represented Talent may later be considered for the XO Managed Roster.
Level 3
XO Managed Roster
XO actively helps build the business around the talent.
The XO Managed Roster is the company's highest level of talent investment. Management goes beyond selling existing talent: XO works proactively to develop the career, brand, products, opportunities and business around selected talent. The Managed Roster can include both individual talent and XO-managed groups, such as the XO Dance Performance Team.
- Career strategy and brand positioning
- Image, identity and content direction
- Marketing strategy and audience development
- Sales, representation and partnerships
- Product and service development
- Events, productions and new revenue opportunities
- Long-term business development
Management is treated as a deeper business partnership between XO and the talent. The specific structure, including responsibilities, investment, revenue participation and ownership, is agreed based on what is being built together. There is no single default management split.
Management is by selection and invitation. XO may identify greater potential in a Represented Talent and privately explore the opportunity. If a strong venture is identified, they may enter a full management relationship under separately agreed terms. If not, they simply remain Represented Talent.
Side by Side
What’s Included at Each Level.
| Features | Open Talent PoolAccess opportunities and submit when suitable. | Represented TalentXO actively sells and books you. | Managed TalentXO helps build the business around you. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to suitable casting calls | |||
| Submit individually for opportunities | |||
| Priority consideration for suitable bookings | |||
| Proactive pitching to clients | |||
| Client communication | |||
| Booking management | |||
| Rates and offers | |||
| Contracts and booking administration | |||
| Personal brand strategy | |||
| Positioning and niche development | |||
| Marketing strategy | |||
| Content direction | |||
| Audience development | |||
| Product and service development | |||
| Partnership development | |||
| Events and production development | |||
| New revenue opportunities | |||
| Long-term career planning | |||
| Business-building partnership |
Best for talent who want access to castings and opportunities.
Submit when suitable. No proactive representation included.
Best for talent who want proactive booking support.
XO earns 20% on bookings represented by the agency.
Best for selected talent building a larger career or business.
Structure, investment and revenue splits are agreed directly with XO based on what is being built.
Management is by selection and invitation.
The Path
Open Talent Pool
Access opportunities and submit for suitable castings.
XO Represented Talent
Complete XO Pro Training and Evaluation and, once approved, receive proactive representation, pitching and booking support.
XO Managed Roster
Selected individuals and groups receive deeper investment as XO actively helps build, market, sell and grow the career, brand or business.