How to get your Child to Become an Actor

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 12/10/22 •  9 min read

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How to get your Child to Become an Actor

How to get your child to become an actor?

Acting can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for children, but it’s important to approach it in a thoughtful and responsible way. If your child is interested in acting, there are a few key steps you can take to help them get started. First, encourage them to take classes and workshops to develop their skills and learn more about the industry. This will not only help them improve as an actor, but it will also give them a better idea of what it takes to succeed in this field. Second, help your child create a resume and headshot to use when applying for auditions. This is an important part of the process and will help casting directors get a sense of your child’s experience and abilities. Finally, be supportive and encouraging of your child’s goals, but also be realistic and honest about the challenges and demands of the acting industry. With dedication and hard work, your child can achieve their dreams of becoming an actor.

How to get your Child to Become an Actor – Encourage your child to take acting classes and workshops

Encouraging your child to take acting classes and workshops is an important first step in helping them become an actor. These classes and workshops can provide your child with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Acting classes can help your child develop their craft and learn more about the technical aspects of acting, such as character development and scene study. Workshops, on the other hand, can offer more specialized training, such as audition techniques or improvisation skills. Additionally, attending classes and workshops can give your child the opportunity to connect with other aspiring actors and potentially make industry contacts. Overall, taking classes and workshops can provide your child with a solid foundation in the field of acting and help them pursue their dreams.

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How to get your Child to Become an Actor – Help your child create a resume and headshot

To get your child started in acting, one important step is to help them create a resume and headshot. This can help them showcase their skills and experience to potential casting agents and directors. Here are some steps you can take to help your child create a professional-looking resume and headshot:

  1. Research acting resume templates and headshot examples online to get an idea of what a typical acting resume and headshot look like. This will help you and your child understand the format and content that is typically included.
  2. Have your child gather all of their relevant experience and accomplishments, such as any acting classes they have taken, plays they have been in, and awards they have won. This information will be used to populate their resume.
  3. Help your child organize their information into a clear and concise format that is easy to read. This may involve dividing their resume into sections, such as “Experience,” “Training,” and “Awards.”
  4. Have your child take professional-looking headshots, either by hiring a photographer or using a high-quality camera. The headshots should be clear, well-lit, and show your child’s face in a flattering way.
  5. Once the resume and headshots are ready, help your child distribute them to casting agents and directors. This can be done by sending them directly, or by using an online platform like Actors Access or Breakdown Services.

By following these steps, you can help your child create a professional-looking resume and headshot that will give them a good start in their acting career.

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How to get your Child to Become an Actor – Be supportive and encouraging of your child’s goals

In addition to helping your child create a resume and headshot, it is also important to be supportive and encouraging of their goals as an actor. Here are some tips for being a supportive parent to a child who wants to become an actor:

  1. Encourage your child to pursue their passion for acting. This may involve enrolling them in acting classes, helping them find auditions, and providing them with opportunities to perform.
  2. Be supportive of their decision to pursue acting as a career. This can involve helping them with the challenges and uncertainties that come with being an actor, such as rejection and self-doubt.
  3. Provide them with a positive and encouraging environment in which to develop their skills and talent. This may involve setting aside time for them to practice and rehearse, providing them with feedback and guidance, and celebrating their successes.
  4. Help your child set realistic goals and expectations for their acting career. This can involve discussing their long-term goals, providing them with information about the acting industry, and helping them understand the challenges and rewards of being an actor.
  5. Be understanding and flexible with your child’s schedule.
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How to get your Child to Become an Actor – Help your child network and build connections

Networking and building connections are important for anyone who wants to succeed in the entertainment industry, including aspiring actors. Here are some steps you can take to help your child start networking and building connections in the acting world:

  1. Encourage your child to take acting classes and workshops. This will not only help them improve their craft, but it will also give them an opportunity to meet other aspiring actors and industry professionals.
  2. Help your child create a professional portfolio, including headshots and a resume highlighting their acting experience and training.
  3. Encourage your child to attend industry events, such as acting showcases, film festivals, and workshops. This will give them an opportunity to meet casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals.
  4. Help your child create a website or online portfolio where they can showcase their work and accomplishments. This will make it easier for industry professionals to learn more about your child and their acting experience.
  5. Encourage your child to be proactive and reach out to industry professionals on their own. This can include sending emails, making phone calls, or even attending industry events and introducing themselves.

Overall, helping your child network and build connections in the acting world will take time, effort, and patience. But by providing support and guidance, you can help your child take the first steps towards a successful acting career.

How to get your Child to Become an Actor – Assist with the audition process

The audition process can be intimidating for aspiring actors, especially for young children. Here are some steps you can take to help your child prepare for and succeed at auditions:

  1. Help your child research the role or project they are auditioning for, including the character they will be playing and the director’s vision. This will give them a better understanding of what is expected of them and help them prepare their audition material.
  2. Encourage your child to practice their audition material and make sure they know their lines and blocking. This will help them feel more confident and prepared when they are in front of the casting director.
  3. Help your child choose appropriate audition clothing and make sure they are well-groomed for the audition. This will help them make a good first impression and show that they are serious about the role.
  4. Accompany your child to the audition and provide support and encouragement. This can include helping them with any last-minute rehearsals or giving them a pep talk before they go in.
  5. After the audition, debrief with your child and discuss what went well and what they can improve on for future auditions. This will help them learn from the experience and continue to grow as an actor.

Overall, providing support and guidance during the audition process can help your child feel more confident and prepared, increasing their chances of success.

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How to get your Child to Become an Actor – Celebrate your child’s successes and continue to support them

As a parent, it is important to celebrate your child’s successes and continue to support them as they pursue their acting career. Here are some steps you can take to do this:

  1. Show enthusiasm and pride in your child’s accomplishments. This can include praising them for their hard work and dedication, as well as sharing their accomplishments with friends and family.
  2. Provide emotional support and encouragement. Acting can be a challenging and competitive industry, and it is important to provide your child with a supportive and positive environment where they can continue to grow and develop their craft.
  3. Help your child stay organized and focused. This can include providing them with a schedule or planner to help them manage their time, as well as offering advice and guidance on how to handle the challenges of the industry.
  4. Encourage your child to continue learning and growing as an actor. This can include taking acting classes, workshops, and attending industry events.
  5. Continue to support your child financially, if possible. Acting can be an expensive career, and providing financial support can help your child focus on their craft and not have to worry about other obligations.

Overall, continuing to support and encourage your child as they pursue their acting career will not only help them succeed, but it will also help them feel loved and valued.

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In conclusion, helping your child become an actor takes time, effort, and patience. As a parent, you can support your child in their acting career by encouraging them to take acting classes and workshops, helping them create a professional portfolio, and assisting with the audition process. You can also celebrate their successes and continue to support them emotionally and financially. By providing guidance and encouragement, you can help your child succeed in the challenging and competitive world of acting.

Before you go…

it’s important to remember that every child is different and what works for one child may not work for another. Be open to trying different approaches and methods, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from other parents, acting coaches, or industry professionals. Above all, make sure to support your child’s passions and interests, and help them pursue their dreams in a healthy and positive way. Our next article will give you even more tools to support your child’s acting journey.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actor® and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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