Agents use their contacts to get your plays read and produced. They negotiate contracts, explain these contracts to you, and monitor those contracts to guarantee timely payment. Agents can open doors to producers and venues, and can give you credibility with producers. They represent you in business situations so that you can devote more time and energy to the creative process. An agent or manager can give business advice, help direct your career, and be a valuable ally and support system as you grow professionally.