How to help your child get into show business

So you’ve been told your son is a natural actor, but how can you go from compliments to credits? While the entertainment business is difficult to get into, there are some initial steps to employing your child’s creativity that can take long before you start looking for representation.

Step One – Be Honest. All parents are likely to be a bit biased about their own children’s talents and looks, but show business isn’t for everyone. Taking an unbiased look at your child to find out if he has what it takes is possible. Just remember that the more honest you are with yourself about your current abilities, the more likely you are to be successful in the long run. Children In Film offers an online screening questionnaire in its KidStart program.

Step two: get organized. Organization is extremely important on your path to success. Balancing your child’s career and school work with the usual demands of having a family and a life of your own is challenging. Getting organized means having a cell phone with voice mail, setting up a permanent address or PO box, and keeping a detailed calendar or PDA programmer. There are also important records and documents that you must obtain, such as work permits and blocked trust accounts.

Step three: take photos. Photographs are the most important tool for your child’s success. If your child is five years old or younger, or if you are just starting to search for agents, snapshots are fine. Too often, people spend money on professional headshots before acquiring an agent and then have to remake them at the agent’s request.

Step four: take classes. Enrolling your child in acting classes, workshops, and other specialized classes like dance or voice is a great way to prepare for future auditions and roles. Classes are also a great place to network and gain exposure. But remember this: a class is a service you pay for to improve your child’s skills. It is not a guarantee of work, representation or immediate success. Going to school does not guarantee that you will get into the best university; it’s just a good start.

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to create a resume and seek representation.