how to become a child actor

10 STEPS – HOW TO BECOME A CHILD ACTOR

A while back we askedHollywood Mom Blog's fantastic Hollywood Moms and Dads (aka Momagers and Popagers) HOW TO BECOME A CHILD ACTOR. This is a list of the basic first 10 Steps of getting one's child into the professional world acting!

TOP 10 TIPS ON HOW TO BECOME A CHILD ACTOR:

1) Study! Study! Study! Enroll your child in Acting Classes, Improvisation and Scene Study. Don't put your kid "out there" on auditions and interviews until he or she is truly ready to go out. *HMB has an ever-growing list of wonderful acting schools, coaches and camps.

The cast of Nickelodeon's "The Thunderman's" studying their scripts.

2) Get Experience! Do student films, local theater and school plays.

3) Get Head Shots! And we mean good head shots, taken by a professional photographer who specializes in babies, kids and teens. Make sure you leave with both Commercial and Theatrical looks. This is your child's calling card and first impression with casting directors. Check out some of HMB's favorite photographers here.

4) Get an AgentSubmit to the top talent agencies for kids in your market after having researched them thoroughly. Meet with them in person before making a commitment.

5) Get a Work Permit http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSEForm277.pdf

6) Open a Coogan Savings Account http://www.aftrasagfcu.org/coogan_accounts/

7) Join online casting sites like Actors Access, Casting Networks (aka L.A. Casting), Casting Frontier, Cast It Talent, 1-800-Casting and more.

The Actors Funds' Looking Ahead Program works with professional young performers, ages 9 through 18, residing in Southern California through events, education, service, support and leadership and to help them thrive amid the unique challenges of working in entertainment.

8) Network through and read up at industry sites: We recommend Hollywood Mom Blog, Looking Ahead Program, SAG/AFTRA Young Performers, andBizParentz.org

9) Keep your credit card in your pocket! Don't pay anyone for "advice" or "services." Other than acting classes, agent-requested head shots and getting set up on the legitimate casting websites, you don't need to fork over ANY money. Stay away from conventions, weekend seminars and packaged deals that promise to "make your kid a star!"

HOW TO BECOME A CHILD ACTOR 10) Remember Show Biz is a business. Once you've decided as a family to take this journey for your child actor, keep all of your commitments (like classes and auditions), even if you're having a bad day.