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How to Get Your Child Started in Acting


If your child imagines themselves on the big stage, you will need to prepare yourself to invest a lot of time and energy. Unfortunately, you should also prepare yourself and your child for rejection that is so common in the acting industry. Read more below for beginner tips, and what to avoid altogether, when you’re getting your child started in acting. 

Invest in Classes at the Local Theater

Growing up, I dreamed about being an actress. While my life went a different direction (although stay-at-home moms are basically Hollywood starlets), I thoroughly enjoyed taking acting classes at the local theater. I often did summer camps and weekly lessons as a way to embrace my love of acting. 

In addition, it’s a great idea to take your child to local shows. Local shows are a fantastic way to show your child firsthand what theatre production looks like. You don’t have to take them to Broadway either. A small theater helps support local actors and gives your child an inside look at what their future could hold. It’s also an opportunity for them to meet actors and learn some valuable tips. 

Get Involved in School Plays 

Sometimes you don’t have to look any further than your child’s school to help kick off their acting career. Check to see if your school has a theater department and look for any opportunities your child can be a part of. 

If your elementary school doesn’t have its own department, reach out to the local high school to inquire about them. Oftentimes when a high school puts on a performance they need younger children for some of the roles and look directly at the nearby elementary school. 

Find a Reputable Acting Coach 

If you do have the finances, consider finding a reputable acting coach to work with your child. Someone with experience is a great resource for your budding actor. They also have the potential to come with connections to others who can help open doors for your child’s dream career. 

Make sure you have a handy planner to keep track of all your child’s auditions. You don’t want to miss any opportunities simply because you forgot you had something scheduled. It will also be frowned upon if you are continually late to any auditions. 

Finally, it’s important to remember you don’t need an acting coach, at least at the beginning. There are plenty of other resources to pursue before you invest in a coach. 

Take Some Headshots

Once your child starts the audition process, you’ll notice you will be asked for headshots of your child. While there is no reason to break the bank to get the photos, it’s important to have them on hand to pass out. If you know someone who is great with a camera, ask them to take some photos for you. 

Make sure the photos are recent, so there is no surprise when they go to their audition. You can even use your phone if it takes stellar photos. Since you’ll have to update the photo often, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on photos when you can take care of it yourself. 

Finally, headshots tend to be 8 x 10, and they give casting directors a clear view of what your child looks like. While we don’t try to emphasize our child’s looks, that’s what Hollywood is looking for when they scan headshots. 

RELATED: 9 Tips for Amazing Family Photos

Read Reviews From Other Parents 

It’s always a good idea to read the reviews of agencies and acting schools. Reading first-hand accounts of people’s experiences with a specific agency will provide valuable insight into whether it’s worth your time or not. 

Unfortunately, you will likely encounter some people in the business that will leave a bad taste in your mouth. The acting business isn’t always for the faint of heart and it’s important to remember that. Do some homework and make sure you aren’t reaching out to someone who isn’t going to be beneficial to your child’s career. You don’t have time for that. 

Be Realistic About Your Expectations 

Not every child actor becomes a Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt. It’s essential to prep your child for rejection as you start their quest to stardom. In addition, make sure it’s their dream and not yours. If your childhood acting dream never came true, it’s not time to put that dream on your child.

In addition, you want to do checks with your child regularly to make sure they are still enjoying the process. Once it’s no longer fun, it’s probably time to step away. It doesn’t mean you have to be away forever, but your child may need a break to be a kid. 

Avoid Anything That Seems Too Good To Be True 

While this should seem like common sense, you could get so excited about an opportunity that you are blindsided. You may have to work hard to avoid scams, but you will be grateful in the end that you did. If someone approaches you about an opportunity, make sure you do your homework and check them out online. A simple Google search can probably tell you everything you need to know, good or bad. 

Avoid High Costs 

You do not want to blow through your savings just for the hope of your child making it big. There is no reason why you should put your family’s finances into jeopardy while trying to get your child into acting. While professional acting classes come with a price tag, if an agent approaches you about your child, you shouldn’t have to pay them. This is especially true if your child hasn’t gotten any work yet. 

Avoid Making the Whole Family Give up Their Normalcy

Don’t forget to consider your other children and spouse while helping your little star reach their goals. It can be really hard on a family to stop what they are doing and only focus on one child. While it would be spectacular for your child to accomplish their dream of being an actor, you also need to remember the goals and dreams of your other children. 

Pursuing an acting career can easily take a toll on a family, and it’s important to realize that. Anything that puts stress on your family should be re-evaluated on whether it’s worth it. Plenty of stars didn’t become famous until they were older, and that could be the avenue your child takes. 

Finally, make a point to keep your child grounded. If they land a few acting gigs, you may need to remind them they are still the same person and there is no reason to get a big head. While you will be excited about their success, you also have to remember you are their parent and it’s important to not let things go to their head. 

FAQs – How to Get Your Child Into Acting 

What is an ideal age to start a child in acting?

While some children start acting when they are still in diapers, a child between the ages of 8-10 is a prime time to start getting their feet wet. Kids are also at the age where they can give their input on what they are interested in and what they want to pursue. It’s always nice when a child has a chance to voice their preferences. 

How can my child practice acting?

If your child wants to eat, sleep, and breathe acting, then consider some avenues to let them practice at home. There are some online acting classes available to children, and it’s a great opportunity to practice without leaving the house. You can also pick up a book for them to practice various monologues. I had so many books I loved reading during my acting days. It was always fun to practice in front of the mirror. 

Is it too late to get my child into acting?

While plenty of stars get their start at a young age, there is no reason why a person of any age can’t get into acting. In fact, Morgan Freeman didn’t hit real fame until he was 50. So, yes, there is still time. We all know how well he is doing now. 

In addition, a lot of child actors don’t always act into adulthood. Either they get burnt out or their star has faded, and are no longer acting like adults. So, if your child doesn’t reach their goal when they are younger, don’t give up the faith. There’s still time. 

Final Thoughts 

While you and your child may see their name in lights, it’s important to know the best methods on how to get your child started in acting. Understanding it takes patience and some thick skin will help you in your effort to watch your child pursue their dream. Who knows, maybe they will be up on stage one day thanking you as they accept their first Academy Award. 


Kelly O'Lone    

I am a stay-at-home mom with three little ones, ages 6, 5 and 3. They certainly keep me on my toes for the majority of the day. My favorite way to parent is through humor and making my kids laugh. In my spare time, I enjoy writing about my parenting experiences and finding DIY projects around the house.



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