1. Make sure you read the entire posting and that you only submit if your child truly fits the description and if it says “local hire”, do not submit unless you live in that area.
Especially for jobs in LA and NYC, there are literally thousands of submissions for each casting, so unless the client really wants to see out of area kids, the chances of your child being selected for an audition is almost non-existent. And if they are chosen to audition – the cost of traveling to and from the audition city is YOURS! I have never heard of anyone paying someone to attend an audition!

2. Send only one headshot and one full body UNLESS other types of photos are requested. Never send an attachment or a link unless requested.

3. Send all pertinent information: Date of birth, height, weight, shoe size, dress/pant size and contact information but NEVER EVER NEVER send a home phone number or home address! Keep your child safe- that is rule #1!
If it is for a print or runway casting, then send all stats (height, weight, inseam, waist, chest, hips, and even sometimes neck measurement).

4. Do not write in the cover letter that your child has no experience or anything else that might have the person reading your email hit the delete button! If you child has no experience, that will be obvious from the resume (see #5) so you did not need to reinstate it. Also avoid “cute” sayings about how everyone tells you that your child should be a model or that your child is a natural actor or loves to pose.

5. Always submit a resume! The resume should have all the vital stats as stated above, the contact info (no home address or phone) along with any experience. This can be a school or church play, a performance at a community center or senior citizen center. Also include any training or classes the child has or is taking. List all skills that the child has but DO NOT exaggerate! I once submitted a child because on the resume under skills was “gymnastics”, the casting director called and wanted “details” on what kind of gymnastics and how long the child had been training. When I called the mom she informed me the child had gone to ONE class three years prior! Only put on skills that your child is at least “average” in performing. But don’t forget the everyday skills – riding a bicycle, swimming, riding a scooter, etc. If your child plays a sport, make sure you note what position they play and how long they have been playing!

6. Photos should be of the child ONLY! No siblings, parents, grandparents or pets (unless requested). Also try to get shots that show the child smiling (we need to see teeth) and looking directly at the camera. The photos should be clear and in focus. This sounds ridiculous I know as you would think that people would send clear and in focus shots, but trust me, I get shots all the time that are so dark I cannot tell what ethnicity the child is or so out of focus it gives me a headache looking at it.

7. After submitting your child, DO NOT contact the agent/manager/casting director (whomever posted the casting) unless you are asked to follow up. Most agents/managers/casting directors do not have the time to reply that your submission has been received. Also do not send an email (or more than one), asking when your child will know if they got the job! The agent/manager/casting director will ONLY contact those who are being asked to audition.

8. If you have an agent or manager, have the agent or manager submit your child especially if it is for a local casting. Even if your agent and or manager is OK with you self-submitting, make sure you always email them that you have submitted for a specific project.

9. If you have more than one child that you are submitting, you should send a separate email for each child/submission.

10. Always watch out for castings that sound too good to be true! Disney, Nickelodeon, and all the top shows seldom, if ever, cast unknowns with no experience that do not live in LA, NYC or Orlando!

Because children grow and change so quickly, an in-person audition is always required! A photo does not tell me (or whomever is casting) if the child is personable, well behaved and can take direction.

Like I have said before and will talk about in a future blog – start in your own area! No matter what city you live in, as long as you live within 90 minutes of a major metro area, there will be some work! Don’t forget local theatre, school productions, recitals etc – all are wonderful training venues! The Internet has opened up a whole new way we work in this industry but it has also opened up new ways for predators to find children and new ways for some people to expoit the willingness of some parents to get their child started in the business!

If you have any questions, please ask as I would love to hear from you! And good luck to all the little stars and starlets out there! I hope to see you in Hollywood one day!

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