DOES YOUR CHILD WANT TO BE AN ACTOR?
READ THIS first:
We get asked this often: ‘My child wants to be an actor, how do we begin?’
Before we answer the ‘how to’, we make sure the parent knows what will be involved if their child decides they want to pursue acting seriously.
1. BEWARE OF SCAMS. There are many!
Disney casting calls advertised on the radio…the showcases promising to connect you to industry agents or managers…the internet ad telling you Netflix is looking for its next stars and that it could be you… acting schools and classes claiming to be the best in the region or best in the industry.…the list goes on.
Beware.
The legitimate Disney casting calls are not going to be on the radio through a third party. (They’ll either be through a reputable agent or directly on Disney’s website.)
The showcases with all the promises to get you ‘seen’ might take more of your money and time than it would to research and submit to worthwhile agencies directly. (There will be no charge to sign with a reputable agent. They operate on commission when you book work.)
The first rule of thumb is to understand that in this industry, more expensive doesn’t equate to better. If someone could ‘buy’ success everyone would. Sometimes the most expensive services actually provide the least benefit. -BizParentz.org
BizParentz provides a long list of common scams and most importantly how to avoid them. Bookmark their website now. Refer to it often.
Every acting path will be different, but a few things will be the same. The universal common element is this:
2. THERE IS A LOT OF WORK INVOLVED
The time and commitment involves both kids—and parents.
If you child wants to go into acting because they want to be famous - or want to be seen on TV….it will be a long road ahead, probably not a fun one.
Here’s what you need to know:
🎬The hours are long.
The 15 second commercial you see on TV: could be 8-10 hours on set.
The 30 minute TV show: 2 - 10 or more days on set, depending on the role.
The 2 hour movie: usually 1 or 2 months or more of filming.
Plus more time to factor in:
All the auditions and callbacks before booking a role.
The time spent in the car driving to/from set, etc. It can add up to 12-14 hour days between call time, filming, and driving to/from set. (Hopefully not during rush hour if in a big city).
🎬Auditions are competitive:
TV/Film auditions can be short notice, can require a bit of work, and are very competitive.
For example, if the audition comes in Tuesday afternoon and it’s due Thursday morning that means you essentially have one full day to tape it. And tend to all other family schedules and responsibilities in that timeframe, too.
Is your child in school and/or can they miss school if they get a callback during school hours? What other commitments are in your schedule?
A parent or designated guardian has to be present for all of this.
🎬It sometimes requires missing out on things.
To get an audition turned in on short notice or the time it takes to film commercials, TV, movies will inevitably require missing out on events.
Your kids might watch friends go to events or get togethers, but there will be times you’ll have to decline due to filming schedules. Production won’t work around parties, games, or get togethers.
You child may be ready to be on set, but are you?
It will require:
✔️The ability to take days, sometimes months away.
✔️Be available on short notice—auditions, callbacks, bookings, etc.
✔️Patience to sit on set while filming takes place. Remember….long days.
✔️Responsibility to oversee the financial, business, and safety aspects of having a child working in the industry. And more.
If you’re child is serious about their future in acting, remember you’ll be placing them in a multi-billion dollar industry—and the responsibility that comes with that.
There’s a lot of work, a a lot of responsibility, and a lot of learning along the way.
3. FINANCIAL
Headshots, acting classes / workshops, coaches, casting site fees, basic equipment to film auditions, etc. will be a part of the process.
Industry standard headshots will be important. A professional photographer who comes with experience will be an investment. Resist the temptation to go with a friend who has a camera, unless they photograph working child actors.
Also, ask yourself if you’ll be in a position to take off work to take your kids to auditions / callbacks (if in person), and/or to set.
Reminder: it will not cost money to sign with an agency. They ONLY take money—a percentage—when you book work.
IF YOU’RE NOT SURE
If your child thinks they want to pursue acting, I’d recommend taking an acting class or workshop at a reputable school or with a trustworthy acting coach. It can build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and ignite creativity.
They have to discover they love the art of acting and not just the idea of being famous.
IF YOU ARE SURE
If you and your child are serious about the professional path of acting and know what is involved, then it can be a rewarding path. But not one without lots of work and commitment.
Be sure to read some of the resources below for more information.
RESOURCES
HOW DOES A PARENT SPOT A SCAM? By Bizparentz.org
Be sure to read to the bottom of the page at this link and look through the articles and resources on all the types of potential scams you might run into.
I THINK I WANT TO BE AN ACTOR By Bonnie Gillespie
GETTING AN AGENT. Some things you’ll want to know:
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