How to Get Your Child into Acting

You want to get your child into show business, but how do you start? Read these steps:

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Letter
• Photo
• Patience
• Phone
• Internet
• Car

1. Acting jobs can be found in any city, but you will need an agent. Agents must be licensed. Be wary of any agent that approaches you at a shopping mall saying they want to represent your child. Once you meet with them they will tell you that there is a fee and no licensed reputable agent charges money. EVER.
2. A child can have an agent AND a manager. A manager helps guide your child’s career and will get your child an agent. They will also coach your child, and teach you the biz. There cost is usually 10% of each job your child books. You do not have to have a manager but you do need to have an agent. There is NEVER a fee to get an agent. If you find an agent that charges you for an interview or charges you for headshots or a registration fee or money in any way, run away. These are not reputable agents and after they get your money, you will never get an audition. Read my article How to Get your Child an Agent to find out more.
3. Send a photo of your child to agents. They do not have to be professional headshots, they can be photos that you have taken. Make sure the photo is a close up of your child's face with their eyes looking directly into the camera. No side photos of pictures of the child looking in another direction, no matter how good you think the photo is. No pictures of girls in low cut clothes and makeup or boys shirtless or makeup. The agents want to see your child's personality and it should come through in the picture.
4. In the meantime, have your child work in student films. Call your local university or go to craigslist.com to find student films that are looking for child actors. This is a great way for your child to get experience and to build their resume. It will also keep you busy while you are waiting for an agent to call.
5. If you do not receive an appointment within 3 months then take more photos and send them off again and this time with your child's resume.
6. Find an acting coach and have your child take weekly lessons to build his confidence and ability.
7. When you receive an appointment, do your research about the agency and be prepared to ask questions. At the interview, let the agent get to know your child without your interference. Meaning, don’t answer questions for your child that the agent is asking them.
8. Be aware that Agents to not represent every child they see so do not be surprised if they decide not to represent your child. If they do, the agent will get a commission of approximately 30% of every job your child books.
9. Once you have an Agent you will have auditions several times a week after school. The Agent will email or fax you the “sides” for your child to memorize. It is up to you make sure your child memorizes or reads the lines comfortably. At the audition you sign in at the door and wait. If the Casting Director wants to see your child again, they will contact the Agent who will send you back out on a “call back”.
10. Prepare yourself and your child for many auditions and few bookings. They generally have an idea what they are looking for, and just know when the right child comes through the door. There are too many reasons why they may decide to not book your child and every one of them has nothing to do with your child personally.

Tips & Warnings

• You must have an entertainment work permit for your child to start acting, see my article on How to Get an Entertainment Work Permit.
• Make sure it is your child that wants to act and not you. There should never be turmoil or arguing between you and your child. You should never be coercing or pushing your child to act. Also, be prepared after years putting money out for photos and coaching and gas and support, if one day your child says they want to quit. For some children, not booking becomes rejection and there is only so much an adult can take, let alone a child.