How much will I need to invest in my child model’s career?
As with any new venture or career, there are certain costs involved. Some costs are tangible such as photography, headshots, composites, acting classes, etc.  Some costs are not as tangible, such as gas to and from auditions and bookings, parking fees, flipper (fake teeth if and when your child needs one), fast food dinner because auditions interfere with family dinner, babysitting fees for other children (you can NEVER take extra children on auditions or bookings), etc.  Good photography and promotional items are the key to obtaining bookings since pictures are the first view a client has of an actor/model. Babies and toddlers can usually get by using snapshots because their look changes so quickly.  Some agents and managers request that you are on casting sites which cost and some even charge a small fee to be up on their websites. One large modeling agency (LA and NYC offices) charge models $165 a year to have their portfolio and resume posted on the agency website.

Do you accept every applicant?
Legitimate agencies and managers accept ONLY children with true potential for a particular market.  Children are selected according to personality, animation, availability, size and look.  Of course, NO GUARANTEES go along with this industry. I accept about one out of twenty of the children I interview.

Can I print my own Headshots/Composites?
All agencies and most managers have a design format that makes the agency/manager recognizable to their clients and that are competitive in the marketplace.  I encourage parents of my infants and toddlers to simply download and print a pic/resume for auditions since the child changes so quickly but for kids over the age of 5, I do insist on professional pictures and professionally printed headshots.

Do you accept all of the children in the same family?
I will always consider siblings if  have the same qualifications needed to be successful in the industry. I also always encourage a “family” pic (including pets) be included in a client’s profile – if the whole family is willing, for projects that are looking for REAL families.

Can my child be listed with another agency?
In California you can only have one agent (you can have a different agent for print, commercial and theatrical) for any one area.  So you have rep in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco but you cannot have two print agents (or commercial or theatrical) in any one area.
In Las Vegas and NYC you can be represented by multiple agencies. In Atlanta most agencies will want you exclusively.
Clients tend to recognize models/actors and their agency affiliation and do not want to have to choose one agency over the other when requesting a model/actor. This is known as an “Exclusive Model”. The better agencies require all of their models to have this arrangement. Also remember that if you have two or three agents or managers representing you (in one area) you could be liable to pay a commission to each one!
For managers, you should only have one manager, no matter how many agents you have.

Must I be available when my child is called for an audition or booking?
Yes. Otherwise, you and your agent/manager will be wasting each other’s time.  Of course I understand that parents cannot accept every audition but declining more than a few is unacceptable.

Are there auditions on weekends since I work full time?
Rarely.  Most auditions are 9-6 on weekdays, even during the school year. Be prepared for your child to miss school occasionally. In California, a child cannot audition during school hours but auditions start at 3 PM (usually) and if you live 90 minutes from Los Angeles, then making auditions could be a problem.
I would strongly DISCOURAGE a parent who works full time from trying to get their child started in the industry. I do not know of any managers or agents who would take a child who could not make auditions during the week.

Do you get many bookings for infants?
Infants work sporadically because they change daily.  I interview most infants so that I have a nice stable when the time comes to “book” a baby. There “seasons” for infant print bookings.  Normally it will be prior to holidays such as Christmas & Easter and March. Advertising agencies print catalogs several months ahead of these seasons. Commercials, television shows and films are casting all the time for infants so there is no season.  A baby only needs to be good natured to get work.

How much will my child make modeling?
That depends on an infinite number of factors such as; temperament, availability, age, size, looks, general personality and promotional materials (photos, snapshots, etc.)  Some children make a few hundred dollars a year while others make many thousands.  I can not predict the number of auditions and I certainly would never predict how many bookings or how much money a child will make. In most cases, a parent will invest more in a child’s career than the child will ever make!

What is the percentage taken by your agency from my child’s earnings?
I normally work on 15% from all gross monies booked. Occasionally, I deduct varying amounts according to the arrangement and fees paid by the client or advertiser.  I always tell my clients the quoted rate at the time I give them the audition. Unless it is a Union job (and print jobs are never SAG) there will be different rates for different jobs.

My child is missing front teeth. Can she/he still model/act?
It is best to begin a modeling/acting career WITH teeth. Then when this natural process occurs, clients already know that your child is a good model/actor and may continue to book them. If the child has no experience, it is more difficult but not impossible to get a client interested. Braces used to be “death” for kids but now braces are more acceptable in the industry (except for food commercials).

How much notice will I receive prior to my child’s audition?
Sometimes as much as 2-3 days, most likely it will be 24 hours or less and sometimes only a few hours. Therefore I keep several children of similar looks and age in every division so that a client’s needs can always be met.

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I thought I would just go over a FEW simple things for newcomers wanting to get their child into the modeling and/or acting business.

-Before you spend any money towards a career in this business, call local agents to find out how to apply and follow the instructions CAREFULLY.
-Do not train as a model before you are seen by agents in your market. Your first step needs to be so see if you can succeed as a model.
-If you want to get your child into acting, and they are 5 years and over, a good commercial workshop should be the start BEFORE you start contacting agents.
-Contact agents in your LOCAL area! If you are in a state that requires an agency to be licensed, make sure you see the license displayed in their office, or on their website or ask them for their license number. Most states issue licenses with TA before the numbers of the license.
-Do NOT get professional photos before you get an agent unless you get a manager first and your manager wants you to get professional photos.
-Most agents will only consider potential new clients if they send a headshot, resume and cover letter. Some will accept submissions via their websites, a few will accept email submissions but the most professional way is to send a hardcopy by regular post. Most agency website will tell you how they want submissions – follow their instructions.
-Do NOT get a composite card (also called a ZED card) or portfolio BEFORE you get an agent.
-Make sure you have the BASIC tools: social security card, reliable transportation, cell phone, appointment book
-Educate yourself about child labor laws, agency licensing requirements, minor’s work permit for the entertainment industry and a general guideline for the costs of photos, classes, etc. for YOUR area
-Go to the library (or bookstore) to find books and DVDs on modeling, acting or how to get your child started. Amazon is a great place to find books on kids getting started in acting and modeling.
-In some states (California, Florida and New York are three of the most strict) an agency cannot require you to train with them or to require that you have their photographer shoot your headshot or composite. In some states it is perfectly legal (Nevada and Tennessee for example) and a lot of agencies are also training centers.
-In Florida, agents must have an office and cannot work out of their home! California has relaxed this rule and now allows agents to work from a home office.
-Managers should be a member of the TMA (Talent Manager’s Association) or the Conference of Personal Managers (COPM). Many managers do work from a home office.

And always, always, always never put your child’s home address or home telephone number on anything you send over the Internet or mail. I also strongly recommend you never list your child’s school on the resume. Predator’s can find your child but simply going to the school listed on the resume and since they would have a picture and a name – they can approach the child as if they know them!!!

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Most parents who want to get their child started in the modeling or acting business dream of having their child discovered and whisked away to fame and fortune in NYC or LA. This is a small reality for a very few. The larger reality is finding work in your local area. Almost every area of the country has some print jobs for local merchants and even commercials for local merchants!

How do you find these opportunities? It might take more effort than if you live in one of the major markets, but it can be done. My son had a great career in Memphis until he decided he wanted to play football and not do fashion shows or commercials! If you live in a city of more than 100,000 people – first check to see if there are any agents in your city. You must remember that unlike California, many states allow agents to sell pics and classes or charge an upfront fee. So here are some points to remember if this applies to your state!

#1 – Children under 4 years of age do NOT need professional pics and they most certainly do not need a ZED/composite card or a portfolio.
#2 – Children over 4 will need a good professional headshot but probably not a ZED/composite or portfolio. How much you pay for these pics will vary in every area. Children will need updated photos on a regular basis but usually at least once a year until they are in their teens.
#3 – In larger markets, you might be able to find TFP (time for prints) where photographers will shoot the model and give the model prints in exchange for the photographer using the pics for his/her advertisement. Just remember that the photos BELONG to the photographer and he/she can sell them or do whatever with them in most cases.
#4 – Children over 5 will need at least a Commercial Acting class to get started. They will need to know how to slate, how to read copy into a camera and how to take direction! Most commercial workshops are 4- 6 weeks and in LA.
#5 – Children who are over 10 and really want to ACT (film/television) will need an acting class. These are usually on going classes (even Merle Streep and Robert DeNiro still take acting classes).
#6 – For print and other modeling jobs, I feel a modeling class can be beneficial but it should concentrate of photo posing and runway! But if your child is a “natural” then they might not need a modeling class but children are not natural at taking direction and understanding terms that are related to this business so I still suggest a class of some kind.

With that being said, if your state allows agents to sell pics and classes – just make sure that the cost of these are not out of line with the industry.

But what if you live in a town of under 100,000 people? There are still opportunities to get your child started! If your town has a clothing store that caters to children or teens, ask if they do fashion shows and find out who you need to talk to get your child considered. If they do not do fashion shows – ask if they would consider doing one. Does your church or synagogue have luncheons or other special events perhaps for fundraising? Suggest a fashion show! What about for your child’s sports team – they are always looking for ways to make money. Along with school plays, there are usually opportunities in local theatre groups and if not – why don’t you start one? Almost every business, even in small towns, do some sort of advertising – find out how you can submit your child for these opportunities.

Now a few words on a couple of other options for those who do not live in a major market.

The Internet has really “brought” Hollywood to the whole country and you can sign up for one of the thousands “casting” sites that have sprung up. Most of these, in my opinion, are a waste of your money as they “repost” audition notices (and alter them) from other sites and then charge their members to see them. In most cases by the time these notices (especially for television and commercials) are reposted, the job has already been booked! Some of these sites do offer local opportunities so don’t overlook the good sites! Just remember that you should NEVER put anything online that can direct people to your child without your permission so no name of school, no home address or phone number, etc.

The other avenue to pursue for some of you might be the talent and modeling conventions/competitions. These venues have agents, managers, casting directors form the major markets come and “scout” talent at large events. There are numerous events like this with some concentrating on the East Coast, some the South, etc and there are a few that have their conventions in LA and/or NYC and bring talent from all over the country and even the world! What is the benefit? Well, you get an immediate feedback if your child is considered “talented” by the agents/casting directors/managers in attendance by way of callbacks. In a 3-4 day (sometimes less and sometimes more depending on the event) your child can be seen by the TOP industry professionals. If you tried to get interviews with these people – you could take you months! But, of course, there is a down side and that is the cost of attending such an event. Most of these types of events can cost thousands of dollars and none have a guarantee that your child will even get one callback from all the industry professionals there. And if your child does get an offer for representation – if the industry professional is from LA, NYC, Europe or another major market – it will be your responsibility to get your child to that city to start auditioning. I would suggest this type of event if your child is a little older (at least a tween) and you have the flexibility to move to pursue your child’s career and of course, if you can afford it!

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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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If I had a dollar for every time I have been asked this question, I would be in Bali right now sipping a Mai Tai on the beach!

Wouldn’t it be great to “get discovered” while walking through the mall because an industry professional happens to notice your child and offers them a role in a major feature film or big print campaign? Or maybe your child can get discovered by doing a beauty pageant, online contest or just eating ice cream at the local ice cream parlor. Your chances are about as good of having this happen as winning the lottery. Does it happen? Yes, it happened for Spencer Breslin. But most of you might not live in NYC or LA where agents/casting directors/directors/producers are seen at the corner Starbuck’s. Even if you do, you might still never “accidently” run into someone who is looking for the next child star! Some people are lucky to know someone who knows someone and can give you a referral! And even if you who do live in major city, so does a lot other “competition”.
So while “being discovered,” does happen occasionally, most actors go through stages before making it big. Pursuing this industry means getting the best headshot possible. It means taking classes (acting, dance, singing, etc). It means YOU researching the industry in your specific geographical area so that you understand what you need and what you do not need! You must determine your stage – do you have a great headshot, work permit if needed), has your child taken classes, worked in local theatre and do you have representation? Then after you have done all the previously mentioned “steps”, you go on auditions and finally, book jobs. It takes time and an understanding to know what your focus should be at each step in the process. If you are just starting out, your focus should be on finding representation rather than finding auditions. Remember that there are lots of “not so nice” people lurking on the Web and it can be a dangerous submitting your child’s picture (with contact information) to strangers via the Web!

Today there are hundreds (if not more) casting sites boasting thousands of audition opportunities. Try to be realistic – if the casting site is advertising your child could be in the new Brad Pitt movie and you live in Butte, Montana (nothing wrong with Butte – I have been there and it is gorgeous), how are you going to get to LA (or NY) to audition for this movie? And what, there are not enough kids in LA (or NY) that have professional experience and big time agents that casting is looking in Butte? With claims like these it is easy to think that you do not need representation and that you can do it yourself! But if you’re submitting to these sites without luck, it may be because you’re simply focusing on the wrong step.

Why is your child not being “discovered” or getting auditions through casting sites? It could be because 1001 people are applying for 2 castings! It could also be that the Casting Directors are simply not drawn in by your online profile or headshot/resume. It could also be that the casting director did not post this casting (some sites “pirate” casting notices) and thus the casting director will not accept submissions from these sites.

Let me try to explain the process in easy to understand terms.

First the producer HIRES the casting director to cast his/her project.

Casting Directors then notify talent representatives (agents and managers) to the project and what kind of actors/models they want to see for the project. Casting depends on the talent representatives to ONLY submit actors who they believe are “right” for the part. Most casting directors use only the industry sites (Breakdown Service in all the major markets, LA Casting in LA and NOW Casting in LA and some other major markets). Casting directors also email and or call their “favorite” agents and managers with casting notices and do NOT put them out on any casting sites!

Generally, the casting director has a short amount of time to sort through all of headshots they receive (this is why your headshot is so important). It is not an exaggeration to say that for every role a casting director is looking for, he/she receives perhaps a thousand or more submissions! Casting will then select as many potential actors as they have time to audition but generally this number is well under 100 and sometimes it is only a handful of 20-30 people that get the chance to audition for cssting. From this first “call”, casting will narrow down the number to c a relative small number of actors to present to the director/producer/ad agency execs who will make the final hiring decision.

Now you can see how tough it is just to get an audition, let alone a book a job!

The question is, where does your child fall within the casting process? If you are currently without representation and are struggling to get work directly from casting websites, consider shifting your focus to finding representation rather than submitting to casting calls.

Actors with representation should consider themselves very lucky and wll on their way to working in this industry! ladder. Having representation is like wearing a badge that says “I’m a professional.” Why? Because a casting director/director/producer/ad agency knows that an agent or manager has already screened the child and that the child is likely to be good in front of the camera, respond well to direction and authority, has taken acting classes, has experience and/or great potential! This separates your child from the rest of the wanna be child stars.

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Some of the warning signs may indicate a scam or a less then legitimate or poorly run modeling agency. It does not necessarily mean that they are not legitimate operations but be sure to ask lots of questions.
*Newspaper classified ad or display ad looking for any kind of model or talent other than nude glamour modeling. Modeling agencies have plenty of people coming to them so they don’t have to advertise for models.
*Pictures of famous supermodels on the walls since it is obvious that small modeling agencies have never represented Cindy Crawford.
*Any up front fees. This might be signing fees, new account fees or evaluation fees. If an agency has to charge money in the beginning, it means the agency does not have enough modeling work for the agency to survive on jobs they are able to get for their models.
*They want you to pay for test shots. Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you may go to. You should be free to go to any photographer you want to. If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer, it’s a bad sign.
*They want you to take classes with their agency before offering you work.
*They say they can guarantee work. Modeling agencies are not employers. They can only represent you to try and get you work. Most of the time they don’t know for sure what type of jobs will come in or what look may be needed, thus there is no way they can guarantee you work.
If you live in Texas, Florida or California make sure you see the Agency license displayed in the front office! If you live in any other state, check with your state’s licensing office to see if talent agents must be licensed in your state. You can also check with Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) for a list of franchised agents in your state.

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So many parents are submitting online for projects, I thought I would talk a little about how to submit your child for projects you find online. I recommend you only use for the following services if you want to submit online – these are the ones those of us in the industry use:

Actors Access (also known as Breakdown Services) LA Casting NOW Casting There might be other services for your local area so check it out! Call a licensed agency in your area and ask if they can recommend an online casting site.

TIP #1:

KNOW YOUR CHILD’S TYPE AND THEN SUBMIT ONLY FOR THOSE PROJECTS In the casting the character descriptions were very clear and detailed. Make sure your child’s stats are exactly what they have listed. Make sure your child fits the description and age range! Don’t waste your time or the casting director’s time submitting your 6 year old to play a toddler!

If they are casting for a certain ethnicity – make sure your child is that ethnicity! Also be honest about what your child’s look is! Is your child athletic looking? Looks like a bully? Perhaps your child looks like a nerd? Or are they the classic Ralph Lauren looking child? No child can do it all so be realistic when submitting!

TIP #2:

THE PICTURE

If your child is under the age of 4, a snapshot is all you need BUT it must be a great snapshot! It needs to be clear and in focus (you can’t believe how many out of focus shots I get). Also make sure that the picture has no other people in it (or pets). It should be a nice closeup but not so close that the face takes up the entire frame. If your child is over the age of 4, make sure you have professional headshots! If you are trying to use snapshots or “family” type studio shots it shows that you do not take your career serious. And all pics should be in color! Sepia tone and Black and White make great pics for your mantle but do not belong in the business!

TIP #3:

PICTURES MUST BE CURRENT!!!!

For little ones under the age of 4 this mean pictures that are no older than 3 months old! For children over 4, pictures MUST be updated every 12 months (and sooner if teeth come and go, hair is longer or shorter, etc).

If a Casting Director calls your child in it is because they want to see the child in the picture! It is imperative that your child looks like the picture! I strongly suggest that you always date the picture if possible!

TIP #4:

ARE THERE SPECIAL SKILLS NEEDED?

When something specific is noted, it means your child’s resume needs to show that they have that capability. For little ones it can mean “can sit up alone, can stand alone, can walk alone, and for older kids it can mean actual skills such as bike riding, skateboarding, gymnastics, dance, sports, swimming, etc. A very important note here – if your child took 6 weeks of gymnastics two years ago then gymnastics should NOT be on your resume! I get resumes for kids that have them being able to do everything from playing piano to being an Olympic quality athlete! You could end up embarrassing your child (and yourself) if you stretch the truth on a resume and then the child is asked to perform the skill at the audition and cannot do it! This can also leave such a bad impression with the casting director that they make a note to NEVER call your child in again!

TIP 5:

CONTACT INFO

This is where I feel parents can almost give too much information! Use a separate email just for your child’s submissions. DO NOT use your personal email address especially if you receive lots of emails and there is a chance that an audition notice could go to the Junk Mail or be deleted.

NEVER use your personal home phone number and NEVER NEVER EVER put down your home address! Use a separate cell phone if possible! I suggest the ones that you can buy minutes on (to keep the cost down and you do not need to sign a contract). These type phones are inexpensive and keep your information PRIVATE. If your child starts working a lot, then you might decided to get a dedicated line for them!

TIP #6:

CUTE EMAIL ADDRESSES/LONG “CUTE” MESSAGES ON YOUR ANSWERING SERVICE

It never ceases to amaze what some people will put in an email address! Remember that first impressions are everything in this business and do not make up a funny or what you think is cute email address! I even received emails from addresses that sounded like they were coming from an adult performer (referring to specific body parts – yes I have gotten those kind and they were from parents of kids)!

And please do not have music, your child singing or talking, or a long drawn out message that the caller has to wait for in order to leave you a message. The best messages are succinct! Leave your name (first only), child’s name (first only), your number and a SHORT note – “Sorry we can’t pick up the phone right now but leave a message and we will call you back as soon as we can!”

Suggestive or cute email addresses, answering machine messages that consists of listening to a minute of music, a child talking, a child singing or other “cute” things are unprofessional. What Grandma thinks is cute – won’t be what a casting director thinks!

TIP #7

RESUME

The most important part of a resume for a child is the STATS! Make sure they are as current as possible! My clients must update their stats every month!

If your child does have some credit – make sure it is real! DO NOT lie on your child’s resume! There are loads of opportunities to perform, even at a local level. Local print and commercials, local community theatre (or school theatre- but never list your child’s school on a resume as a predator would have your child’s name, age, and school and could do something unthinkable). You can list school/church/synagogue related activities just as that – giving the character and project name and listing it as a school play, church or synagogue event!

TIP #8

WHERE IS THE PROJECT?

If you live in Memphis, TN (a great town that I called home for many years) and the project is casting in Dallas – can you make the audition? No one will pay for you to bring your child to an audition! For those of you in an area where you have several metro areas around you – you have the option of trying to work in all of them but just remember that you have to get you and your child to the audition and back at your expense.

I get hundreds of calls from people all over the country and they ask how they can be repped by me – when I say they need to live in LA area, they stock answer is “we are willing to move, if we get a good offer”. Unless your child is cast in a television series as a regular, a major film or other big money project – no one will offer you anything! And it is difficult to be cast in these type of projects unless you live in one of the major metro areas! This does not mean Los Angeles or NYC alone! Dallas, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans and other large cities have great opportunities. And if you have REPRESENTATION that can submit you via tape for projects in LA or NYC and you can make it to the callbacks in those cities – then you and your child can have the opportunity to make it BIG!

TIP #9

KNOW THE BUSINESS

Make sure you know if your child needs an Entertainment Work Permit for your state and make sure if so, your child’s permit is CURRENT.

Make sure you know the Child Labor Laws for your state

Make sure you understand any contracts that you are given

DO NOT put you or child in a dangerous situation (do not go to castings that are held in a private home, hotel room, etc)

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and your obligations!

Keep a journal of auditions, notes on auditions, bookings etc

Keep all business expenses separate and make sure you understand (if your child makes money) the tax laws

TIP #10

Understand that this is a BUSINESS and all of us in it are here to make money! We do not do this because it is FUN! There are few “overnight success stories”. TO be successful in this or in any field (sports, music, dance, business) it takes hard work, time and a little luck! If you are looking for that overnight success – then this is probably not the business for you!

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Try to get your child in school plays and high school drama classes, You can also find classes and/or productions through your local community colleges theatre arts/drama programs, in community theatre, and in films made by students at local universities without any prior experience (all of these performances are acceptable on a resume).

These are free and very-low cost ways in. If you have the money, you may take beginning acting classes offered by private institutions-but you need to be wise about giving your money away. Also check with you local church or synagogue for plays.

Even professional actors continue to take classes well into their careers to keep sharp and to learn new skills.

There also tons of showcase/ competitions that offer workshops and the chance to be seen by casting, agents, managers, etc. These are great if you can afford to attend!

There are also the new “internet” casting companies, Some are excellent, some are ok and some are not so good (posting old notices or fake notices). Just make sure that you are careful about sending out your personal information!If you are under 18 and posting on actor sites, DO NOT POST ANYTHING IN YOUR PROFILE that will tell people where your child goes to school, lives etc. If you have already done so, goback into those posts or profiles and delete it. The world is full of predators looking for young girls and boys!

You really know very little about people you meet on the Internet and claim to tell the truth about who they are and their intentions, but there are thousands more who are just not what they say they are! Be smart and be realistic, otherwise you don’t stand a CHANCE at making it in entertainment.

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I have written on this before but I don’t think you can hear this advice too many times!
Infant and child modeling becomes a very popular, but increasingly controversial area.
To begin with, ask yourself a few questions about you and your child-
Can I afford to have my child in this industry? With the price of gasoline today you could spend a lot of money going to and from auditions. You can only take the child that is auditioning to the audition so can you get child care for the siblings (if you have other children)? Also getting pictures and resumes printed cost money. When your child is older you will probably have to get a flipper for them (fake teeth) so their smile is perfect.
Are you sure your child is cut out for modeling? Your baby may be gorgeous, but can they handle the stress of modeling and especially the stress of strangers handle with your without you. Also remember that casting rooms can be crowded and filled with lots of other children who are making a lot of noise.
Can you handle the rejection? Your child is going to “not get the job” more times than they “book” the job.
Do you work outside of the home? If so, do you have extended family that can take the child on auditions? Most, if not all, auditions are during the day on weekdays.
Can your child (and you) handle their daily routine disturbed? Are they involved in a lot of activities and can they handle being distracted from school, club activities, team sports, family and friend?
Does your child handle travel well? This is usually short trips to and from auditions but some children do not handle being “on the go”.
Does your child handle change with a good temperament? Naptime, feeding time, these are all things that may get disrupted for an audition or for shooting.
Some web resources that might help you:

http://www.modelingscams.org/childmodelingscams.html

http://www.baby-place.com/infant_modeling.html

http://www.babycenter.com/dilemma/baby/babydevelopment/1358648.html

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm

“”There is not a whole lot of [child] modeling work available outside New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Dallas, so make sure that an agency does not give you false information about who their clients include.” — Parents Magazine”

“You need to be able to travel to shoots and meetings on very short notice — sometimes a few hours. Only people who are local can do that.” — Margaret Pelino, booking agent, Ford Modeling Agency, Manhattan”

Some more tips:

Don’t spend a ton of money on a portfolio, because infants/toddlers and pre-school change too quickly.

Get a couple good photos every 3 months or so. You can do these yourself and have them reproduced (or if you have a great printer you can do them yourself)

Make sure you check out the agency with other people in your area or on the Internet. Most legit agencies/managers have websites that you can look at to see who they represent and what those clients are booking.

Ask for some references from other parents whose children are represented by the agency. Do not ask the agent for referrals as no reputable agent/manager will give out personal contact information on their clients.

There are lots of sites were you can ask other parents about a certain agent or manager.

Good luck!

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There are shows where kids do not need to be a Triple Threat (singer, dancer, actor) but most shows are looking for those select kids who can do it all and do it well!
This does not mean just adequate in any of the talents. Children must be a “10″ as a singer, as a dancer and as an actor. Training is vital and the training must be the best. A great vocal coach (one that has Broadway experience or credentials) is a must. The same for dance. Performing on Broadway is a full time career so make sure, as a family, you are willing to pack up and move to New York! Of course, there are other avenues of work in NYC – commercials, print and television!
Compared to commercial acting or print work – making it on Broadway is perhaps the most difficult to accomplish.
So how can you help get your child ready for Broadway if he or she has natural ability? First find a GREAT vocal coach. This should be someone who is very familiar with Broadway performance. This person must also know how to work with children. Over straining young vocal chords can be very damaging! Now find a great dance teacher. Ballet is the basis of all dance and I would recommend several years of ballet before starting jazz and or tap. Your child should be fundamentally strong in all three areas of dance. An acting coach is also a must and he/she must be a coach that is experienced in stage acting. Stage acting is very different from commercial or film/television acting!
Start out by having your child audition for every stage production in your local area. This can be everything from the recitals put on by the teacher/school to community theatre to legit theatre depending on your area. Many Broadway shows use “local” hires when they travel and this is an excellent opportunity for your child to be in a professional production without leaving your area.
When you think your child is ready to make a try at Broadway – find representation! If you are not in the greater NYC area, find representation that handles Broadway actors. Many managers in the larger metro areas, have access to the audition notices for Broadway and can submit your child via a taped audition. Just be aware that should the producer/director want to see your child (unless they are a star), the cost of traveling to NYC (including transportation, meals, hotel) will be your responsibility.
Unlike Los Angeles, in NYC, auditions are publicized and easily attainable even without representation. But again I will say find representation! Trying to make it in this industry without representation is frustrating and can even be dangerous!

Good luck!

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