What is the best way to get a child into modeling/acting?

Answer 1

First you have to make sure the child wants to do this. You also have to be willing to say no to a project that is against your morals or if it deals with something that may frighten the child. You should also be willing to say no to an audition when your child is just not up to it and 'oh well' with the consequences. The child has to be the type that will listen to strangers (unfortunately). Can they charm anyone on the spot? It also helps greatly if they are small for their age. For instance, if they look 5 but are actually 7 then they can work a full hour longer in some states.

Take some candid shots of the kids in cute clothes (no distracting patterns or accessories - you want to focus on the kid not the flowers on the dress, etc.). You can look at photographers websites for ideas. Then you send them to agents and see what kind of response you get. Depending on their ages, classes and workshops are probably a good idea. Babies and toddlers don't take classes, but starting at even 4 and up, they do have classes. It's more like play time, but with the intent of bringing out certain characteristics in the kids to see if they would work well with directors trying to get the kids to eat the cereal or play to the green screen, etc. They exist and they're not cheap and they can be helpful. Whether or not they're necessary is debatable but by age 7, they should be in classes. That's my personally opinion. Your agent may feel otherwise so go with their preferences.

If you want to find a legitimate agent to represent your child for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.)

Then you can send them your headshot (snapshots are fine for kids), resume (if they have one), and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview.

Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance. Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre, you can go to backstage.com or http://www.actorsequity.org/castingcall/... If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying.

Oh yes, and stay away from anyone like John Robert Powers, Barbizon, etc. who promises you the world for a fee. You do not pay legitimate agents anything until they help your child ge a job and even then they only get 10-15%.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Take the child to a legitimate modeling agency. As for acting, most successful actors just started out in school plays.

Answer 3

I went into modeling by going to an agency.A lot of times, they have ads on a radio for parts in a movie or show. There are a couple tings like memorizing small ads and performing. They ask if you've done it before, and maybe even to sing, to see if you could become a singer at an early age. Its really cool. You could also enter your child into a beuty pageant or a local fair where kids and adults both model. A lot of times there areproffesional agents there to see.

Answer 4

Most talent agencies have open auditions, you can find them online. I sent out a dozen emails with requests for information, and my daughter (9) went on dozens of auditions and finally we have settled on an agency (keep in mind, they need to choose you first) You should also know that a reputable talent agency will not ask you for money up front, they get paid when your child works only. If one asks you for money up front, run away as fast as you can. They make it sound like its a neccessity and it is not. I also checked with the better business bureau as well, thats how i found alot of the agencies i sent emails too. Good luck on your search and make sure your child wants this too.

Answer 5

dont rush into an agency and all that that is just using ur money up. put ur child into Community therter and modeling. get opinions and see if u can work on it. in time put ur child into an agency work on it there. try John Robert Powers its really good. they teach me child so good. after time try out for commercials and runway shows for children and that will get the child for their first big break!!

Answer 6

First, you have to get them into a modeling studio or school and then maybe they get chosen!
Second, have kind of a lot of money so that maybe you can make them meet with somebody famous or a celebrity that might recommend people that can make your child famous!
Third, last but no least, you could call people and pull some strings on trying to give your child a chance to perform for them and maybe if they're lucky...!
Good Luck!

Answer 7

Talk to a modeling agency. Ones in New York and L.A are going to net you the big deals. Use caution there are a lot of scammers and want-to-be's out there.

Answer 8

Let the child grow up & decide for themselves whether or not they want to model or act.

Answer 9

I don't know, ask her if she wants to then if she doesn't want to tell her that she's a good actor and then if she wants to have her audition for something small and when it's over buy her a big teddy bear or something that she'd want

Answer 10

get a portfolio done first and apply to modelling agencies.