Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Talent Agency in Pittsburgh & Cleveland
Talent Group has been a leading force in talent representation since 1994, founded by industry veterans Stephen Black and Richard Kohn. Our agency combines over 75 years of collective experience in acting, directing, voiceover work, and talent management to deliver exceptional service across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and beyond. With offices in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, plus strategic partnerships in major entertainment hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, we provide access to a diverse roster of union and non-union talent. Our expertise spans print, on-camera, voiceover, and live promotional talent, serving top-tier advertising agencies, production companies, and corporate clients nationwide.The agency's Trade Show & Live Events department specializes in sourcing spokesmodels, product specialists, and stylists for high-impact events. As the first SAG-AFTRA franchised agency in Pittsburgh, we maintain rigorous professional standards while fostering innovation in talent development. Our commitment to personalized service ensures clients receive tailored solutions for their casting needs, whether for local projects or national campaigns. With a legacy of excellence spanning 25 years, we continue to prioritize integrity, industry knowledge, and client satisfaction in every project we undertake.
Services
Modeling Representation
Acting Talent
Voiceover Services
Live Promotional Talent
Trade Show Staffing
Casting Solutions
Union Talent Booking
Commercial Photography
Event Spokesmodels
Talent Development
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1994 by industry veterans with 75+ combined years of experience
- First SAG-AFTRA franchised agency in Pittsburgh
- Extensive network covering Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and major entertainment markets
- Specialized Trade Show & Live Events department for corporate event staffing
- Proven track record serving national advertising agencies and production companies
Associations and certifications
- SAG-AFTRA
Services
Modeling Representation
We provide access to a diverse roster of print and commercial models for photography, runway, and promotional work. Our talent spans all demographics including children, adults, and specialized looks. Clients benefit from our rigorous vetting process and industry-leading placement expertise.
Voiceover Services
Our voiceover division connects clients with professional voice actors for commercials, audiobooks, and corporate narration. Talent includes union-certified performers with experience in multiple languages and dialects. We offer studio-quality recordings and rapid turnaround times.
Trade Show Staffing
We supply trained spokesmodels, product demonstrators, and hospitality staff for trade shows and corporate events nationwide. Our personnel combine professional appearance with product knowledge to maximize client engagement at conventions and promotional events.
Acting Talent
Our agency represents experienced actors for film, television, and commercial productions. Talent includes SAG-AFTRA members and non-union performers across all age ranges. We specialize in quick casting for local shoots and national campaigns.
Talent Development
We offer professional development services for emerging talent including portfolio creation, audition coaching, and industry networking. Our team provides personalized guidance to help models and actors build sustainable careers in competitive markets.
People
Stephen Black
President & Director
Co-founder with 35+ years in entertainment as actor, director, and acting coach across New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles. Established Pittsburgh's first SAG-AFTRA franchised agency in 1994.
Richard Kohn
Vice-President
Co-founder and print department manager with 40+ years in talent representation. Former voiceover agent in New York and program development director for major network television pilots.
Steven Shakoske
Agent
Specializes in print, TV-film, commercial, and voiceover talent representation. Brings 20+ years of casting expertise to local and national client projects.
Doug Snyder
Director (Cleveland)
Cleveland office director with extensive experience in television and film casting. Manages commercial and voiceover talent placements across Ohio and regional markets.
Rebecca DiNapoli
Agent
Focuses on television, film, and commercial talent representation. Provides personalized career guidance to actors and models seeking both union and non-union opportunities.
Questions
How do I submit my portfolio for representation?
Visit our website's 'Apply' section to upload your headshots, resume, and demo reel. Our team reviews submissions weekly and contacts potential candidates directly.
What regions do you serve?
We maintain offices in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, with affiliate partnerships in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our talent services cover nationwide and international projects.
Are your talent members union-certified?
Yes, we represent both SAG-AFTRA union and non-union talent. Our agency holds Pittsburgh's first SAG-AFTRA franchise, ensuring access to top-tier certified professionals.
What types of commercial projects do you support?
We handle print ads, television commercials, product demonstrations, and live event promotions. Our roster includes specialized talent for automotive, fashion, healthcare, and technology sectors.
How quickly can you source talent for urgent projects?
Our local Pittsburgh and Cleveland teams typically provide same-day casting for urgent needs. National placements require 2-3 business days for proper vetting and coordination.
Reviews (1)
Christopher Bearfoot
Nov 18, 2021
Report
Critical:Professionalism
Intrusive phone call pitching their service despite having already told them via email
Intrusive phone call pitching their service despite having already told them via email
