How DO I Get My Kid Started In Acting?

[Jade]

My daughter has been begging me to start acting. She is 8 and really wise for her age. But, I don't even know how to get her started! Any advise folks?

[Jessica]

Here is your primary list!

#1) Some sort of acting class that she enjoys.

#2) Headshots. All actors need headshots in order to promote themselves. You can checkout www.headshots101.com to get the basic info on that.

#3) Put together a simple resume. I will see if I can find a site with examples for you.

#4) Put your kids shots up onto LA Casting and submit her for anything that comes up for her casting.

#5) Get a work permit for your kid. It's free. Just fill out the form and get her school to seal it. If her school is out of session you will need a copy of her recent report card. You can print out the work permit for California from http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-CL.htm and read up on the kids laws there as well.

#6) Open a Coogan account. This account is required by law. It is a trust account named after child actor Jackie Coogan (who was in The Kid with Charlie Chaplin). Production is required by law to pay 15% directly to that account and no one can pull out any money until the kid becomes of age at 18.

#7) Go down the lists of agents and managers in your area and send them emails and call their offices. You need to make sure they represent kids. Ask what their submission process is and if they are having any upcoming open calls to look at new talent. Ask if your kid should have a monologue prepared or if they do cold reeadings.

#8) If you go down the list and did not get any response do it again. Send emails with one or two small images attached of the headshots for them to look at.

From there you take it bit my bit.

GOOD LUCK!!!