Four steps from Chicago’s top agents show you how as a parent to know when you’re ready to find a children’s talent agency for your child.
“There are many ways to work in this industry. [Acting] This could be a wonderful creative venue with a local community theater or by Attend class. if Your child is interested in a career as a young performer, which requires a significant investment of time and commitment from the family to achieve.“
Dawn Gray, Gray Talent Group
What exactly is an agent?
ASC loves working with our young acting students and we want them to be as successful as possible. We’re often asked, “How do I get my child represented at a children’s talent agency? What exactly does an agent do?
Having a representative from a children’s talent agency ensures that you and your children know about acting jobs and are taken care of in the entertainment industry. A good attorney can serve as your child’s representative and their advocate, what we call a “business“.
The agent will submit your child’s headshot, resume, and/or film to the casting director for any role they feel your young actor would be suitable for. If selected, we will send you the audition location, time slot, and materials to prepare, and your child will have the opportunity to audition! Meanwhile, your attorney will work their magic to negotiate the contract and compensation for the project. Finally, all agencies charge 10% of your child’s income from acting work on any booking. This is standard practice in show business. As a reminder, agents should never charge fees up front.
How do I find the right agent?
The best way to find an agent (and determine if they’re the best fit) is to do your research. Compile a list of the top talent agencies in your area and send your child’s professional materials (headshots, resume, current show invitations, etc.) using the preferred methods indicated on their websites.
How do I know if my child is ready?
“it‘It is critical that parents consider whether they are ready to help their children not only navigate the entertainment industry, but also help them understand all the ins and outs of a career and working in a professional environment, and whether their children are ready now.
If a parent or child is feeling unsure,‘There’s nothing wrong with focusing on training and revisiting professional work.
Siobhan Reddy-Best, Stewart Talent Agency
Although there is no age requirement to obtain an agent, there should be a point when an individual feels ready to make the leap from acting as a hobby to acting as a career. Therefore, it’s important to consider whether you and your child are willing to give up everything for the right audition or role. The truth is, even with an agent, auditions are not easy to book and are often sporadic. Therefore, passion, drive, and time are just some of the commitments required for this type of work.
According to some of Chicago’s top talent agents, there are four steps to confirm if a child actor and parent’s support is agent-ready:
1).Self-motivation
Your children must want to work more than anything; they won’t be pushed or forced into a career vision that’s not their own.
“For me, the most important thing is [the] Children are people who have the desire to enter this industry. The child’s desire only comes from the love of the performing arts, not the love of the industry itself.
Raquel Repka, The Rock Agency
“We want kids to love and be passionate about performing. We want to drive [for] The performances come from the young performers rather than their parents forcing them to do so.
–Dawn Gray, Gray Talent Group
2). “it factor”
If your child shows confidence, love and ability for the job, extroversion is a plus but not a requirement. In other words, they are able to hold a conversation, comment on a project when asked, and perform tasks while being easily directed. Having a “wow factor” doesn’t mean smooth sailing; It represents the energy an individual brings to a room and/or scene.
“When registering young talent, I tend to focus on kids who are unique and have interests outside of acting/singing/dancing. Each kid has their own unique talents and passions. Share those with us instead of playing and Booking List.
–Laura Alexander, Talent X Alexander
3). Parental guidance
“Parents need to remember that this is a Business. Of course, we want your children to have fun and enjoy this undertaking, but it yes one Business. Parents need to treat it this way. When we offer a spot on the roster, we want the flexibility for kids to do most self-taping/auditioning/booking– Often without much attention. Children aged 7/8+ require ongoing training so that they are comfortable and ready to book. We want to sign up talented people/families who work as hard as we do! us Great opportunities are available, but your hard work (and promptness) will get you booked!
–Laura Alexander, Talent X Alexander
“It’s important for parents to be realistic about the commitments they make. And I don’t just mean the time spent driving young actors to and from get off work or auditions, or helping them self-tape. I rely on parents to oversee all auditions. and Helping their young actors decide if a project is a good fit, and communicate with me. Once a role is booked, child actors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for all bookings. all this takes time. Parents should carefully consider whether this is appropriate for their family and communicate schedule constraints to the child actor and potential agent.
– Siobhan Reddy-Best, Stewart Talent Agency.
“I hope parents will have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. It’s the parents’ job to manage the schedules of young performers. Help them remember the audition, but not become an acting coach. Most parents are not truly qualified to serve as substitute teachers, which affects the final outcome.
–Dawn Gray, Gray Talent Group
4. Training
Your child may have multiple opportunities to audition and work before getting an agent, including open calls, additional work, etc. Thankfully, we have your child covered. Our summer programs for children in grades 1-12 Provide a challenging curriculum that teaches students the skills necessary to compete in industry,
That said, parents should do their best to educate their children about industry news, trends, and opportunities.
“Training is important. I think doing theater is important too. Theater teaches children how to create characters and develop them in a way that a classroom can’t.
–Dawn Gray, Gray Talent Group
“Building a relationship with an agent is the beginning of a child’s career as a professional actor. Parents should do their best to educate themselves about this industry. FFrom how auditions work, what types of projects are filmed at their locations, to what legal documents they need to prepare for their children to work. [Additionally] the potential disruption that an acting career can have on your social life and academics – and convey this information to their children and help them understand.
– Siobhan Reddy-Best, Stewart Talent Agency
At Chicago Acting Studio, we believe in transparency and providing our actors with as many resources as possible. If you think you and your child are ready to join a children’s talent agency, explore our resources. Learn more about careers as an actor here and good luck!
