Industry Noize: Gersh Agency Expands

Gersh Agency has hired four new comedy agents in New York and Los Angeles, strengthening its bicoastal presence, the company announced Nov. 12. 

William Rodriguez, Matt Charkow, Marianne Ways and John Shealy join Gersh and will report to Rick Greenstein, Gersh’s senior partner and EVP who heads the comedy division.

After eight years with ICM Partners, Rodriguez will focus on booking concerts with promoters and casinos. He brings with him clients DL HughleyCharlie MurphyEarthquakeAries Spears, and Gary Owen. He most recently added Sinbad to his roster.

Charkow will also concentrate on casinos and PACs, as well as fairs and independent promoters. He oversaw touring for startup Parallel 49 before moving to Gersh, and prior to that worked in WME’s personal appearance department for a decade.

Ways will book colleges, festivals, and alternative venues out of New York City. She most recently was talent buyer for Union Hall in Brooklyn, N.Y., and spent time with The Bell House and Bonnaroo.

She has also produced live comedy and music events for television. Shealy comes from within Gersh’s comedy department, and is promoted to agent focusing on colleges, comedy clubs, festivals and alternative venue bookings.

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