Acting for Children - Getting Started

Posted Date: 20 August 2009 at 02:52:19PM

SO THE KID WANTS TO ACT

First make sure that your child has a real desire to get into the business. It's very sad when we see parents pushing their children into doing something that doesn't ring true for their kid(s). You have to recognize when you are projecting your own desires and ambitions onto your children instead of letting them think for themselves and follow their true passions.

CLASS, CLASS, CLASS

If your child does have a genuine desire to start acting it's necessary to enroll them in a class before jumping straight into seeking representation. Taking a class is a good way of seeing whether or not the child truly does enjoy performance and if it is something that they can realistically commit to. KHC runs on-camera TVC auditioning workshops for kids aged 8 - 12, but this is based on demand, so please register your interest via the kariharriscasting.com contact form.

There are other acting classes available around Sydney. The following institutions run regular workshops -

Australian Institute for Performing Arts (AIPA)
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

FINDING REPRESENTATION

If your child has taken at least one class and discovered that they like performing, the next step may be to seek representation. However, first you as the parent, must decide that you are ready to commit as much as the child. You may be called for auditions on short notice and required to chauffer your child to various casting locations around Sydney. If your child is successful in landing work it means that they will need to be driven to wardrobe calls, etcetera, as well as shoot locations and this can all fall within school hours. Call times can be extremely early in the morning on weekdays and weekends and sometimes in more remote locations around Sydney. Unless you have the time and are prepared to do the work you should not sign your child with an agent.

If you and your child agree that you are both prepared to do the work and put in the time necessary for a working child actor then representation by a talent agent is necessary. Not only do agents seek performance work for your child, but they also negotiate fair rates and ensure that productions employ your child legally.

There are various kid talent agents around Sydney. It is not legal for any talent agent to charge a start up fee. If they do, they must be clear about what the fee is for. There are fees for registerting for online databases and/or for professional photographs to be taken and a reputable talent agent will be up front about these fees and what is included. If your child is successful in landing paid work then the talent agent is entitled to a percentage of the fee (commission) which must be outlined in your contract with the agency at sign up. This percentage should not vary between jobs, but remain fixed.

To view the current 'Standard Artist's Representation Contract' as outlined by MEAA please click the following link -

http://www.alliance.org.au/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=362&Itemid=123

When seeking representation you should interview the agent as much as they interview you.

To view the current the list of registered Talent Agents in NSW please click the following link -

http://www.alliance.org.au/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=29&Itemid=123

NO PRESSURE, UP-KEEP & KEEPING YOUR INTEGRITY

Once you have found representation that you and your child are happy with then the fun and the work begin. If your child is serious about acting then they should be attending at least 1-2 classes per year and auditioning on a regular basis. Make sure that if it is dramatic work that they are auditioning for that you are comfortable with the content and the character and script resonate with you and your child. You don't have to accept an audition just because it is offered to you. You must maintain your integrity at all times. You always have a choice and by no means should your child be forced into doing something that they don't want to do. You must recognize yours and your child's boundaries at all times. This also means not over working them or putting pressure on them. If at any point they want to stop working then you should respect their reasons and their wishes. You must find a healthy balance with normal life and it should always be FUN for your child.

Good luck and have fun!!!

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