How To Get Your Child Into Show Business – Part 3
This is the last of my three part series on “How to get your child or teen into Showbiz.’ Assuming you have followed the specific tips I’ve offered in Parts I and II, by now you should have a child or teen embarking on the exciting journey of Acting in Hollywood. Which means you are going on auditions and beginning to book work. This is a critical piece of the journey and a time when knowledge is power. I have interviewed several parents, who have been doing this for some time now. Plus, I have interviewed an Agent from the Bobby Ball Agency and a Manager from Stein Entertainment. I have even brought in a few young Actors to speak to other young Actors about their careers who offered fantastic advice to help you make this journey fun and successful.
Several of the topics covered in the interviews include:
- What to expect when auditioning
- A typical path
- A Cinderella Story
- Staying in class and keeping training your priority – even when your child begins working
The last being the most important according to ALL of the people we interviewed. Every single Agent or Manager in our Industry agrees that ongoing training is critical. Often times an Actor or their family assume that once an Actor signs with Reps in L.A., that the fun begins. We hope that becomes the truth for everyone. You must know that once you begin to audition, the real work starts. Now you have fierce competition, and now is when you must be on top of your game. This is not the time to sit on your laurels, this is the time to stay sharp, to hone your craft in quality classes and to bring your A-Game to each and every audition. This is also a time for Parents to continue to increase their knowledge of the business and to prepare their child with skills, knowledge, and a realistic approach to the work at hand.
Rarely, as stated by Manager Joshua Finn from Stein Entertainment, does the Fairy Tale unfold. On occasion a young Actor will experience immediate success and move up the ladder very quickly. The Cinderella Story, however, is very rare. More typically, a young Actor will go to about 40-50 auditions prior to each booking. Once they book a commercial or two, possibly more, then you might expect to book a short film or two or an Independent film. Then, hopefully book a feature film and within a few years, then a Co-Star or two, or three. Then within the next year it is realistic to expect to book a guest star role and/or a feature film or a web series or two. After 6 or 7 years, it is typical to expect to book a series regular or several recurring roles on Televisions shows.
This is all possible, and we encourage you to keep your child and teen in an Award-Winning class, much like we offer at Diane Christiansen Coaching. We offer all levels for all ages in two locations in the L.A. area and you can call anytime for ongoing, on-camera classes and workshops with Casting Directors and Agent Showcases throughout the year. To join a class or audition for our Casting Director workshops, please call us at 818.523.8283 or email at: actupdi@gmail.com. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit my website: www.DianeChristiansen.com
Prior to that, please visit Master Talent Teachers for all of the outstanding free training available to Performers of all ages. You’ll be glad you did.
