More APA Woes: 5 Agents, Marketing and Finance Directors Exit for WME
On the heels of top comedy touring rep Mike Berkowitz, five agents have walked from Agency for the Performing Arts to join William Morris Endeavor. Two APA department directors and numerous support staff have followed them.
Marcus Levy, Amy Lynch and Andrew Russell are all from Berkowitz’s comedy team at APA, where he mounted arena tours for acts like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.
Levy specializes in focused acts like one-man shows and theatrical specials, and brings to the table relationships with casinos, comedy clubs and smaller theaters nationwide. His clients include Chris Gethard, Colin Quinn and Damon Wayans Jr.
Also Read: Mike Berkowitz, Tour Rep for Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Joins WME
Lynch is key in contract negotiations and data for arena-level gigs, specializing in ticketing, analytics and promotion. A former producer, she’s also helped carve out touring presence for social media and lifestyle stars like “Long Island Medium” Theresa Caputo and celebrity chef Ina Garten,
Russell works mostly in the high-paying college comedy circuit, and brokers deals for clients with cable and streaming services. He also handles appearances for podcast talent and YouTube gamers.
Agents Danielle Esparza and Tommy Pucciani are also joining WME, run by Co-CEOs Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell. APA’s former marketing director, Jillian Doyle, and former financial director, Cara Nordberg, joined the company as well.
Also Read: 'Tyler's Office Was Like Neverland Ranch': Did Hollywood Agency Miss Warning Signs?
Berkowitz was a partner and board member at APA before his exit last week. APA Comedy VP Jackie Knobbe and agent Max Burgos were promoted to co-heads of the department in his place, media reports said.
An APA spokesperson did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment on the staff change. It’s been a tumultuous Fall for the mid-level agency, and talent agencies in general, as Hollywood deals with fallout from dozens of sexual assault scandals.
Tyler Grasham, a former top APA agent to young actors, was fired in October amidst numerous allegations that he plied men with alcohol below drinking age and assaulted them. “Stranger Things” actor Finn Wolfhard, Grasham’s top client, left as a result. Stars like Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez have also left in recent weeks.
Grasham’s clients were redistributed in the talent department, APA said at the time, which is run by Ryan Martin.
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