How to Get Your Child Involved in Acting
If your child displays a flair for the dramatic, as well as a positive attitude and an interest in theater, you might consider helping him get involved in acting. While acting can lead to professional opportunities, your child might also find it an interesting and engaging hobby that he wishes to pursue in his free time. Motivated and talented children with an internal drive to succeed and a passion for drama can successfully pursue quality acting opportunities that will help build their self-esteem and boost their confidence.
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Instructions
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Enroll your child in acting, voice coaching and/or dance classes. While not essential, these can help your child find out about her individual talents and interests. They also provide a good source of contacts and can bolster your child's confidence and ensure she can hold her own in the competitive field of acting.
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Explore acting opportunities within your child's school. Sign up for any drama clubs or classes available through the school. Encourage your child to audition for school plays since these provide valuable job experience and can help him decide if he enjoys acting enough to pursue it as a professional opportunity.
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Find out when local theater companies hold open casting calls and encourage your child to audition for appropriate roles. Involvement in local children's theater productions and other theatrical endeavors can help add credibility to your child's acting portfolio--a summary of information about your child that includes photographs and a resume showcasing your child's talents and her professional experiences.
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Hire an agent for your child if he decides to pursue any type of professional acting career. An agent provides professional representation for your child and can help him find a number of paying acting and, if appropriate, modeling opportunities.
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Tips & Warnings
According to Richard J. Ward, a Hollywood camera/video operator and a former member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, most studios hire child actors between the ages of five and 12 since these ages tend to have the most roles available.
Make sure your agent is Screen Actors Guild affiliated; agents endorsed by SAG--the largest national labor union representing acting professionals--often have many reputable contacts within the acting community.
Obtain a social security card for your child and a work permit from your state's Department of Social Services. Both pieces of information are free, but necessary for your child to be hired as a professional actor.
Be skeptical and cautious when dealing with agents who charge more than the standard commission in your area or who want you to pay them extra money to enroll your child in special training classes or workshops. Most reputable agents work on a commission-only basis, which means they only get paid when they find your child acting work. SAG requires that agents receive only 10 percent of an actor's earnings.
