How to get your Child into Show Business

Child actors are in high demand because of their youthful, fresh, natural talent, and their ability to be molded with knowledge. The beauty of acting is that children can become actors before they are even able to talk! Child actors range from, newborns and up, which creates endless job opportunities. Take advantage and get your child involved in show business, especially if he or she has a desire to act. Obedient children are like gold to casting directors. If your child can pass for younger then his or her actual age, but is more respectful and obedient then a younger child, more job opportunities may come their way. Before you even consider having your child pursue acting, make sure to discuss how committed you both are, and how much time/money you are willing to spend. (If the child does not want to be an actor, chances are they will not put forth effort in auditions, waste everyone’s time, or they may resent you later in life. Plus, nobody likes an annoying stage mom/dad.) If your child has an interest in acting, go for it! However, remember the commitment you will have to make to help your child succeed. If you begin to see his or her desire fading, do not be forceful.

Start by finding your child an agent so he or she can attend auditions. Set a goal with your child to attend a few auditions, and at the end, keep communication in tact by deciding if it is something he or she would like to continue to pursue. If your child does not immediately start booking jobs, do not automatically assume acting is not for them! Give them a chance to get comfortable with auditions, gain confidence, and explore! If you are also an actor, bring your headshot and resume along with your child's when he or she attends an audition. The casting director may ask you to play the role of the parent if he hears the both of you are actors.

When auditioning for print ads, it is up to you to make sure your child does not fall under the pressures of being thin, and continues to eat healthy meals. TV commercials contain many child actors because it is not as demanding as other aspects of acting. (TV commercials are shot in very small segments with very little lines, so the child does not have to worry about memorizing.) A disadvantage is that commercials require actors to perform takes over and over again;  if the child is impatient, they wont last a day on set. If your child gets a commercial or a print ad, make sure to save copies of both for future resumes. Film and TV shows are very desirable due to the residuals they provide, (which results getting paid every time it airs on TV.) However, Film and TV demand the most time commitment. If your child should get cast in a TV show or movie, they will most likely have to be at a studio for several months which means you will have to supervise as they perform. Since the location cannot be determined until you have the role, it is important to remember you will both need to travel as well! This may include separation from family members. Twins and triplets are in high demand in show business and  a director's dream! (If the director has two or more of the same face, he has two or more chances/opportunities to use and mold a child actor when the other doesn't feel like participating. For example, the Olsen Twins on "Full House.") The pay doubles or triples!

Theater offers a child the opportunity to perform on stage with responsibility in front of a live audience. In theater, children are cast more for their talent then their looks, although looks are still important. The theater demands complete professionalism from your child or they will be replaced. If the child should land a role in a touring Broadway production, they could be away for up to 2 years and are in need of a person to supervise and follow them wherever they tour.

(The conflict with child actors is they are not as independent as adults, meaning there is always extra supervision necessary.) An advantage of child actors is they are so prone to change in characteristics that headshots are not necessary. A photo of your child  or a school picture will suffice. A casting  director will not expect a child to memorize a monologue for an audition. They would much more prefer a child to perform naturally in front of a camera. Cliché acting habits, no matter how "cute" the child is, will not get them the job.
Encourage your child every step of the way to follow their dreams, but understand your commitment to them is just as important as their commitment to their craft!!-Actors Nook Team