The 9 steps you should take before moving to Hollywood with your child actor
Everyday, a parent somewhere, poses a question to people who might possibly have the answer: My Child wants to act professionally, can you tell us where to start?
I developed a list of 9 steps that a young actor should take when starting an acting career. These are steps that should be accomplished before making a decision to move to a major production hub like Los Angeles.
Hopefully this reaches enough parents before they make a potentially financial cataclysmic decision such as relocation on a hunch. There are exceptions to every rule as every situation is unique. However this is a general list that can make sure that all investments are made from a wise place with benchmarks for progress.
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Same great tips on graphically interesting pages. Better grammar this time 😉
Step One: Take Photos
You are going to need Headshots anyway, so why not start that first and see how your child is in front of the lens. Hire a professional and reputable photographer to take headshots and lifestyle photographs of your kiddo. Pay attention to their natural ability and how easily they take direction.
Step Two: Get Evaluated
Find an acting teacher, theater director, or anyone qualified to assess talent to give you an honest evaluation of your child's potential to ‘go pro’. They should let you know what skills need building & give you an idea if they are marketable and could be competitive.
Step Three: Get Training!
Train like you are headed to the Olympics! Take auditioning skills, scene study, improv & other classes to start building a set of tools to use to stay sharp & competitive. Utilize a Private Coach for weekly sessions in order to accelerate your skill growth.
Step Four: Create Casting Profiles
You might be feeling ready to start auditioning, which means you will need to create a profile on Actors Access & Casting Networks. Upload at least two photos & two contrasting performance clips. Start self submitting to available castings.
Step Five: Do Community Theatre
Get on stage and learn to shed shyness & gain presence. Most communities have a playhouse with programs for kids. Spend a season acting in plays/musicals and fall in love with the feeling of adoration from a live audience.
Step Six: Book Film Roles
Most Colleges have Student Film opportunities year round with a chance to gain some on-set experience. Join in on any local filmmakers' artsy shorts & web series. These non-union opportunities will give great experience & hopefully footage for your demo reel.
Step Seven: Create Demo Reel Clips
Showcase your talent with 45 second clips that replicate various genres of TV & Film and are an excellent representation of your type and acting ability. Gather a makeshift crew to create 5 or more of these clips. Upload to casting profiles and watch your audition opportunities multiply quickly.
Step Eight: Find Regional Talent Rep
Find your nearest booming production hub to seek an Agent or Manager that can get you in the door for legit film and television roles that are being produced close to home in areas like Florida, Atlanta, Texas, New Mexico, Chicago, etc.
Step Nine: Plan a Two Week Trip to LA
When considering a temporary or permanent relocation to LA it is best to visit for a two week stint first. Enough time for neighborhood research, shoot headshots, take meetings with Agents & Managers, take classes, sight-see and get a feel for the lay of the land.
