Aspire To Inspire with Head of DDO Atlanta/ LA Theatrical Candace Stewart

In this episode of Aspire To Inspire, we sit down with Candace Stewart, a seasoned talent agent and respected industry leader with over 16 years of experience in television and film representation. Candace is a proud member of the Television Academy and a three-time nominee for the prestigious Heller Award for Talent Agent of the Year—earning a win in 2019.

Candace shares her journey relocating to Atlanta to launch and lead DDO Atlanta, recognizing early on the growing opportunities in the Southeast market. She breaks down what it truly means to build sustainable careers for actors, from strategic submissions and strong relationships with casting to long-term career planning beyond a single booking.

Throughout the conversation, Candace discusses her clients’ success landing series regular and recurring roles on major network and streaming projects, offering insight into what agents look for when advocating for their talent and how actors can better position themselves in a competitive industry.

A major highlight of the episode is Candace’s work leading DDO Artists’ National Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, where she is actively expanding access and visibility for artists of color, non-binary and trans artists, and artists with disabilities. She speaks candidly about the importance of authentic representation, industry accountability, and creating real pathways—not just conversations—for inclusion.

This episode is a must-watch for actors seeking clarity on representation, agents looking to build with integrity, and creatives who want a deeper understanding of how advocacy, preparation, and professionalism intersect in today’s entertainment industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• What talent agents really look for when signing actors
• Building careers strategically in emerging markets like Atlanta
• Series regular vs. recurring roles: positioning and timing
• The agent–actor relationship and effective communication
• Diversity, inclusion, and meaningful representation in Hollywood
• Long-term career sustainability in film and television