How to Start in the Child Acting and Modeling Industry
Both Hillary and Haylie Duff enjoyed their first taste of stage life at the age of six, according to Child-stars.com; both girls performed in the "Nutcracker" ballet in San Antonio. Starting a child in the modeling and acting industry can be an enriching experience. Auditioning builds self-confidence and a strong work ethic early in life, according the Acting-Modeling Talent Agency. The first step is typically the local audition.
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Things You'll Need
- Child's work permit
- Child's Social Security Number
- Headshots
- Talent resume
Instructions
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Obtain a child's work permit. Contact your local county clerk's office to inquire about what state agency issues child permit applications. Each state has different child labor laws, according to Children In Film, who list general information on the laws, by state, on their website.
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Apply for a child's social security number online at SSA.gov, or sign up at your local Social Security office.
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Hire a professional photographer. Find one who specializes in working with child models and actors. She will take a composite of headshots, which are shots with different facial expressions, according to Actor's Checklist. Many parents opt to have some headshots taken outside, for more relaxed-looking photos showing off the child's fun side.
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Create a resume. List the child's age, past modeling and acting jobs, formal training, hobbies and contact information. Include personal contact information, unless he has an agent. If the child has representation, only give the agent's contact information. Include personal statistics: weight, height, measurements, eye color and hair color. Attach the resume to the headshot. This will also help when looking for an agent.
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Find an agent. Contact area talent agencies affiliated with the Association of Talent Agents, who partner with the Screen Actors Guild. Tell them the name and age of your youngster, and request an appointment. Agents representing actors and models receive a commission on each job they secure. They earn their living by obtaining work for their clients. Be suspicious of outfits requiring upfront payments; they are typically in it for the quick fees.
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Attend local auditions. Your child's agent will book auditions, or you can search online for local jobs. Don't overwork the child or bug the agent, but stay abreast of local acting and modeling opportunities through online listings. Also, check acting and modeling school listings and local theater groups.
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Remain persistent. The best way for the child to learn the business is to keep going after work. It may take several auditions before a job is landed.
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Bolster the child's self-confidence. Provide the child with honest ways he can improve. If the child is better at acting, and not so much at modeling, guide him toward his strength. Not every audition will pan out, but persistence can pay off.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
