The Child Actor:
A Parent's Guide

Some things to consider if you are the parent of a child actor

The first thing that you need to come to terms with is what is expected of you so that your child has a chance of having a successful acting career. Both the performer AND you as a parent need to be really committed to dedicating a lot of time and energy into making it happen. It is going to have to be a team effort; therefore everyone involved should agree to it (not just the child who wants to do the performing or the parent who really wants them to do it).

Here is a must watch video: The Top 10 Reasons Why Most Aspiring Actors Never Make It! After you watch that video, go through the followng list of things to do and to think about. They will get you well on your way to starting off your child's acting career.

1. Decide what your child likes and which direction you would like to take him/her. For example, does the child particularly like certain films or TV shows like Disney Channel or Nickelodeon, or do they have a knack for commercials (a large number of kids get their ‘break’ through commercials). Getting a start on commercials and experiencing the business that way can then lead on to bigger roles in TV and film. You the parent should have this discussion with your child actor so you both know what you are working towards. Having a common goal will give you some focus as well.


2. For ‘homework’ you could have your child watch other children acting. Sometimes the best way to learn (outside of taking classes) is through mimicry. You could even get your young performer to make up their own ads to get in some practice. It will also build those improvisational skills!


3. Something else you will want to do is to help your child actor look for short dramatic or comedic monologues to memorize and practice. Don’t go too fast though. First just practice them. Once they are at a good point and really know the monologue well, then you can start preparing for an audition.


4. Start to inform yourself about what you and your child can expect during the audition process and how you can help them best prepare for an audition.


5. Performing in front of friends and family is one thing, performing in front of complete strangers on request is something else. As a child actor you will need to be able to perform in front of casting directors, producers and directors in auditions all the time. Regardless of whether or not you are having a bad day you will need to adopt a professional attitude to get through your audition so that you may be counted. This 'professionalism’ is not an easy thing and is an especially big ask considering that you are still only a kid! However, getting this practice now means that when you are a teenager and then later an adult your work demeanor will already have the right attitude and may put you ahead of the rest!


6. When your child actor is good enough, or rather begins to have enough confidence and self-esteem built up and you feel you are ready to take the next step of really trying to get acting work, then one thing you will want to do is to start doing little things that can help you just get your feet wet and get you both some experience. You, the parent will get some experience taking your child around, informing yourself, making contacts, etc. Your child will of course get experience performing. School plays and drama classes are a great start as well as is community theatre.


7. Above all, the best way for  your child to get acting work and save you some time and effort is to get an agent. There are two things to consider, however. The first is that you should NEVER pay for representation. Don’t believe the hype, but rather suspect a scam when a so-called agent asks for money up front to represent you, promises to make your child a star or get acting work if you just “pay $500 for an acting class…” or anything else. If you get an offer like that, then walk away! The second thing to remember is that getting an agent certainly does not mean that your work is done. If you really want your child to be successful and get a break through, then you have to be willing to work hard along side the agent to get your child work.


8. Find out what agents actually look for in an actor. Here is a 13-part interview with a New York talent agent. She tells it all, everything you need to know about what agents think and want from an actor they respresent!


9. If you want to find acting auditions on the internet, there are a few things you should know about casting websites and websites where you can find auditions. Be careful and proceed with caution, not only to protect your pocketbook, but also to protect your child’s hopes and dreams. Often times, those websites are also in it for the money and lead one to believe that miracles will happen “if you just sign up to pay for their service of letting you know when auditions are available.” The fact is, that not all those websites are legitimate. Some even invent auditions that don’t exist. It’s sad, but true. Just be careful!


10. You will need a Coogan Account. This is required in some states to protect your child's earnings as an actor.


11. Here is a video interview with a Hollywood Youth Talent Agent.


12. And finally, here is a video interview with an acting teacher who has an acting school for kids and teens.


13. Specific advice for the parents of child actors from Hollywood Youth Talent Agent Bill Naoum.


14. And finally, here is a video interview with an acting teacher who has an acting school for kids and teens.


15. To complete this list, here is a letter question a parent recently wrote to me with my respective answer.

All the best and good luck with your child's acting career!

If you have questions, please let me know.

 

Here are some books that mom or dad might find interesting to help their child actor along the way.

Some additional resources for the child actor:

17 Things you can do to help your child get acting work

Why taking acting classes is so important (23 benefits)

Monologues for girls

Monologues for kids

How to memorize a monologue

Teen monologues

Where to find acting auditions for the child actor

Where to find movie auditions for teens

Where to find auditions for upcoming movies

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