Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Boyer.
Hi Anthony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Huber Heights, Ohio, and studied Music Theory and Composition at Kent State University until professional opportunities as a music director and conductor pulled me into the industry. I left school early and moved to New York, working as a freelance musician, music director, and orchestrator for several years.
After September 11, I felt increasingly restless. My career had plateaued, and the city no longer felt like home. When a close friend in San Diego offered me a room, I took the chance. San Diego became a period of reset. I realized I no longer loved the work I had built my identity around. Without music as my anchor, I floated for a while—working odd jobs, moving around quite a bit, and even experiencing a brief period of homelessness. It was the hardest, yet freest, time of my life.
Meanwhile, friends from New York were migrating to Los Angeles, and I was spending more and more time here. In 2007, with nothing holding me in San Diego, I made the move. I found a part-time bookkeeping job at a small talent agency—a role that changed everything. The aspects of music direction I loved most—supporting performers, connecting them to opportunities—translated seamlessly into talent representation.
From there, I moved into an assistant role at a small Hollywood agency, quickly taking over most of the theatrical operations. When the owners decided to leave the business, DDO Artists Agency was looking to start a west coast theatrical division. They acquired the company and gave me the opportunity to build and lead it from scratch. After several years of growth and success, I was made a partner at DDO, where I continue to lead the division today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the toughest realizations was that I didn’t truly love music—I was simply good at it. When the work got hard, I didn’t have the passion to sustain the grind.
Those early years in San Diego were especially challenging. I cycled through temporary housing, struggled financially, and for a time was even homeless. Fortunately, a coworker offered me a couch, and what was supposed to be a month turned into six. Building and maintaining relationships became my lifeline, which to this day influences much of my mentality both personally and professionally.
More recently, the pandemic and subsequent strikes have deeply impacted our business. We’re fortunate that a strong theatre division has helped offset some of the downturn, but like so many others, we’re working harder than ever for much less. It’s taken resilience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a partner and the head of the theatrical division at DDO Artists Agency. I work across television, film, and theatre, and I’m especially passionate about representing actors who bridge multiple mediums.
What I’m most proud of—and what I think sets me apart—is my commitment to demystifying the business side of acting. From early on, I’ve focused on empowering performers with entrepreneurial skills because acting is, fundamentally, running a small business. I’ve built strong relationships with university programs, and recently partnered with a longtime friend to launch Take Fountain (youtube.com/@TakeFountain), a free YouTube channel offering practical guidance to actors at every stage of their careers.
I also take a holistic approach to artist development. This industry can be a pressure cooker, and finding meaning outside of the work is essential. As an avid outdoorsman, I guide annual backpacking trips to help people unplug, reset, and reconnect with themselves—something I believe is more important than ever.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I owe a tremendous debt to Victoria Morris, a veteran agent—now a manager—who mentored me early in my career and helped lay the foundation for my success. I’ve also had the benefit of strong support from Abby Girvin, Marlene Sutton, and Bill Bohl—the then-partners at DDO—who trusted me to build my division from the ground up. Their belief in me made all the difference.
Timing played a role, too. I started the west coast theatrical division around the same time Laura Wood launched our youth division, and having someone building alongside me was invaluable. Together with our New York team at the time, we scaled quickly. When it came time to expand into Chicago, I recruited KaCee Hudson, who has been instrumental in building what I believe is one of the strongest multi-market agencies in the business, rooted in a shared commitment to humanity toward artists.
Today, I’m lucky to work alongside Mallory Levy and Candace Stewart, who inspire me daily with their heart and drive. And my partner of sixteen years, Lori Meeker, has been an unwavering source of strength every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyboyerddo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@takefountain
Image Credits
Matt Stasi
Chris M. Kauffmann
