In 1979 renowned professional wrestler, stunt coordinator, bodyguard and occasional actor Robert Bruce founded New Zealand’s first agency for actors. Launched as “A Casting Service for Stuntspeople, Specialist People and Real People” it pioneered professional representation for actors rather than models.
Go to The Robert Bruce Story
As the agency evolved it played a significant role in the growth and international success of New Zealand-made feature films: from Goodbye Pork Pie and The Piano, Once Were Warriors and Lord of The Rings; and television series ranging from Shortland Street and Gloss to Brokenwood Mysteries.
Since 2009 the agency has been in the hands of Gabriella Larkin-Bruce, a professional actress and Robert’s partner in life and business. Along with Robert’s no-nonsense, fair dealing ethos Gabriella’s acting and producer credentials have come in to full play as the agency has continued to develop.
As the world of theatre and screen entertainment evolves, so the agency has responded to changing needs and new opportunities. For RBA Management that includes an impressive roster of voice artists, a growing group of action actors, the early stages of a division for creative artists, as well as content creators and brand partners.
RBA Management works closely with each client in both Auckland and Sydney, using decades of experience and a deep understanding of the entertainment industry to support their development and to match them to casting briefs from all over the world.
Gabriella Larkin-Bruce
Managing Director | Senior Agent
A WAAPA-trained actress with a background in English Literature, Antiquities, and Music, Gabriella has worked across stage, screen and radio in Australasia and Europe. Her professional acting experience remains a defining strength in her leadership, giving her rare insight into the needs of both artists and productions. After returning to New Zealand in the 1990s, a cancer diagnosis prompted a parallel path into production and content development, including the founding of MedTV—one of the country’s first digital platforms focused on health education.
Of Polynesian–Pākehā heritage, she leads with quiet resilience, sharp instinct, and an unwavering commitment to artist advocacy.
Penny Larkin
Agent
Building on the Agency’s 30+ year links with Australian casting directors and producers, Penny has reinforced those relationships across the genres as our local agent. No stranger to the industry, Penny spent some years with the Southern Star Group (now EndemolShine Australia). Her logistics and account management skills are key as she and the team co-ordinate across the Tasman. As well as looking after our Australian actors, Penny is actively promoting our roster of New Zealand talent.
Alexander Lawrence
Business & Divisions Support
Alexander supports Gabriella and Penny with financial and billing matters, while also contributing to business development projects. Assisting across RBA’s specialist divisions — RBA Voices, RBA Creatives, and RBA Digital — providing administrative and organisational backing to ensure these areas run smoothly and continue to grow.
Jonathan Lum
Casting & Talent Support
Jonathan provides key support across RBA’s casting and talent services — including the Actors, Commercial, Action, and Music Theatre divisions — co-ordinating availability, auditions, and client requests in collaboration with the agents, and strengthening communication between artists and casting directors. His role also extends to co-ordinating RBA’s social media posts and training workshops. With a BCom and a keen interest in theatre and production, Jonathan combines strong organisational skills with creative insight to support the roster.
Media
We work with selected photographers and videographers, and the in-house media room is available for headshots and self-tests.
Marketing
Branding and marketing communications support for the Agency and its clients is provided by Peter Rotgans at ikons.
Accounts
Financial services are provided by Stoven Advisory Ltd