Preparation for both in-person and self-taped auditions, including equipment and production value.
Do I need different information for a commercial audition?
Yes, commercial auditions often require a different approach. We’ll walk you through what to expect and how to prepare you specifically for Commercial / Theatrical / Print / Television casting calls.
How to self-tape my audition.
Self-taping is an increasingly important part of the audition process. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to create a professional-quality self-tape at home. From framing your shots to delivering the best performance on camera, we’ll show you what casting directors are really looking for in child actor self-tapes.
What casting directors look for in self-taping, ands live casting.
Casting directors want a clean, professional presentation that showcases your submission. We’ll teach you how to highlight your performance and personality in a way that stands out, while avoiding the common mistakes that can make your tape look unprofessional.
What equipment you need for self-taping.
You don’t need to invest in expensive gear to create a great self-tape. We’ll go over the basic equipment you’ll need, as well as lighting tips and shot selection to ensure your child’s audition tape is high-quality and ready to impress.
Sag-aftra rules and jurisdiction.
Understanding the regulations for union and non-union actors is crucial in navigating your career in the entertainment industry. In this workshop, we’ll break down the key aspects of working with SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and how it affects your child’s career.
Key topics include:
- Fi-Core Status: What it means and how it impacts union and non-union work.
- Union vs. Non-Union: The differences between union and non-union work and how to decide what's right for your career.
- Types of Work Covered by SAG-AFTRA:
- Commercials
- Theatrical (Film & TV)
- Print Work (Modeling)
- Industrial Work (Corporate videos, training materials, etc.)
- Voice-Over (Animation, commercial voice work, etc.)
- Jurisdiction: Understanding which types of work SAG-AFTRA covers and where your child can work under union or non-union status.
- Dues & Joining the Union: A complete understanding of the financial aspects of being a member of SAG-AFTRA, including dues, how to join, and the benefits of union membership.
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By the end of this section, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how SAG-AFTRA works, what it means for your career, and the regulations you need to follow to ensure you’re making informed decisions every step of the way.
Headshots, resumes, demo reels for actors.
When it comes to launching your acting career, headshots, resumes, and demo reels are essential tools. But how do you know which photographer to choose, what to include, and how much to spend? In this workshop, we’ll give you the insider knowledge you need to create these materials effectively.
Key topics include:
Choosing the Right Photographer
- Why a professional photographer matters: We’ll help you understand the importance of selecting a photographer who specializes in child actors and knows what casting directors are looking for.
- Where to go and why: Not all photographers are created equal. We’ll guide you on where to find reputable photographers who understand the nuances of working with kids.
- Cost considerations: We’ll give you a realistic idea of what to expect when it comes to pricing — and why you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great headshots.
What Makes a Great Headshot?
- Casting directors’ perspective: Learn what casting directors are really looking for in a child actor’s headshot and how to ensure your child’s photo makes a memorable first impression.
- How often do headshots need to be redone? Kids grow quickly, so we’ll cover how frequently your child may need new headshots to keep them current and relevant.
How Much Do Headshots for Kids Cost?
- We’ll break down the typical cost range for headshots and why it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity when selecting a photographer.
Crafting an Effective Resume
- What to put on your child’s resume: Even if your child is just starting out, a resume is a critical tool. We’ll help you understand what experience, training, and other details should be included to make their resume stand out.
- How to format your resume for child actors: From layout to information, we’ll teach you how to craft a resume that’s professional and appealing to casting directors.
Creating an Impactful Demo Reel
- What’s needed for a demo reel: We’ll explain how to put together a demo reel that showcases your child’s acting skills, even if they don’t have a lot of past projects. This can be a mix of self-tapes, class performances, or any relevant footage.
- Tips for making a reel that stands out: Learn what works and what doesn’t when it comes to creating a reel that catches the eye of casting directors.
Contractual and financial obligations as an actor.
Understanding the ins and outs of contracts is essential when navigating your career in the entertainment industry. In this workshop, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the various agreements and financial responsibilities that come with having a career as a professional actor.
Key topics include:
Production Contracts
- Learn about the different types of production contracts your child may encounter, including film, television, and commercial contracts. We’ll help you understand key terms and conditions that may affect your career.
Talent Agent & Manager Contracts
- Understand the role of talent agents and managers, and how their contracts work. We’ll explain the industry-standard terms and conditions you should be aware of, so you can make informed decisions when signing with representation.
Union Sign-In Sheets / Non-US Citizens
- Every actor needs to be able to work legally in the industry. We’ll walk you through the process of the international actor as well as understanding union sign-in sheets and what they mean for your career.
Financial Obligations
- Ongoing financial obligations: We’ll also give you a clear picture of the ongoing costs you may face as an actor, from taxes to agent commissions, headshots, resumes, and demo reels and how to plan for them.
Additional Costs & Considerations
- Beyond basic contracts, there are additional costs associated with being an actor. We’ll provide insights into other potential financial obligations and how to manage them, so you’re not caught off guard.
Key topics include:
Safety on Set
- Learn the laws and protocols in place to ensure your safety while working in production. From guidelines on working hours to restrictions on types of work, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your safety..
Casting submission platforms and training.
In today’s digital age, understanding how to navigate casting submission platforms is essential for any child actor's career. These platforms are where agents and casting directors look for talent, so knowing how to manage and update your child’s profile is key to success.
Key topics include:
Overview of Current Casting Systems
- We’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the most popular casting platforms used in the industry today, including:
- Casting Networks
- Casting Frontier
- Actor Access / Breakdown Services
Agent vs. Self-Submissions
- Learn the difference between agent submissions and self-submissions, and how both work within these platforms. Whether you’re working with an agent or submitting your audition independently, we’ll show you how to navigate the systems with ease.
How Often Should You Update Your Profile.
- Understand the importance of keeping your profile up-to-date. We’ll explain how frequently profiles should be updated and what kind of new material — like headshots, resumes, or demo reels — should be added to keep your profile competitive and visible to casting directors.
How to Navigate Each Platform
- Step-by-step instructions on how to use each platform effectively for submissions. Whether it’s uploading new content, tracking applications, or managing submissions, you’ll receive detailed guidance on how to make the most out of these tools.
Joining Instructions
- We’ll guide you through the process of joining each platform, from account setup to profile creation, ensuring you’re ready to start submitting your child for opportunities as soon as possible.
Social media, the good the bad and the ugly.
Whether we like it or not, social media is a permanent part of our digital landscape, and it’s something you’ll need to navigate as an actor. While most people today are immersed in platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat, these platforms can be both a detriment and an advantage, depending on how they’re managed.
Key topics include:
The Role of Social Media for Young Actors
- Learn how social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your child’s career and building a fan base. From gaining visibility to connecting with industry professionals, we’ll teach you how to leverage these platforms effectively and professionally.
The Potential Risks
- Social media can also be a double-edged sword. We’ll help you understand the risks, including the potential for unwanted attention, online bullying, or missteps that could impact your image or career. We’ll show you how to maintain control and set boundaries to protect your privacy and well-being.
Platform Breakdown: Pros and Cons
- Each social media platform has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We’ll walk you through:
- Facebook: Connecting with family and friends, but concerns about privacy.
- TikTok: A great platform for viral content, but the risk of exploitation and peer pressure.
- Instagram: Perfect for showcasing visuals, but managing exposure can be tricky.
- X (formerly Twitter): A platform for real-time updates, but can quickly become overwhelming or negative.
- Snapchat: Popular for younger audiences, but fleeting content means less control over permanence.
How to Keep Social Media in Check
- As aa actor, you need to know how to manage your social media presence. We’ll teach you best practicesfor monitoring accounts, setting privacy settings, and ensuring your safety while benefiting from social media’s opportunities. We’ll also cover how to create a positive, professional image online.
SAG franchised agents, managers, who, what, when, where, and why to submit.
Understanding how to navigate the world of agents and managers is crucial for successfully guiding your child’s career. In this workshop, you’ll learn what to expect from both, how to find the right representation, and how to build a strong professional team for your child.
Key topics include:
How do you get an Agent?
- We’ll walk you through the steps to getting signed with an agent, from submitting headshots and resumes to attending agent meetings. We’ll also discuss how to assess whether an agent is a good fit for your career and what to look for in an agent’s track record and reputation.
Is There a Difference Between an Agent and a Manager?
- Agents and managers have different roles in the industry, and it’s important to understand how each one supports your career. We’ll explain the specific responsibilities of each:
- Agents: Focus on securing (auditions, bookings, contracts).
- Managers: Provide career guidance, help with strategic decisions, and manage long-term career development.
Do I Need Both an Agent and a Manager?
- Many actors have both an agent and a manager, but it’s not always necessary, especially at the beginning of a career. We’ll help you decide if you would benefit from having both, or if starting with just an agent is the best route.
How Much Do Agents and Managers Charge?
- Learn about the industry-standard commission rates for both agents and managers. Typically, agents take 10% of your earnings, while managers may take 15-20%. We’ll explain what to expect and how to ensure the terms are fair.
Top 150 Talent Agents
- As part of this workshop, you’ll receive a complete list of the top 150 talent agents, including their contact info, who they represent, what kind of clients they are looking for, and when they typically take on new clients. This valuable resource will help you target the right agents and increase your chances of finding the perfect representation.
Expectations verses reality as an actor, managing “rejection” and supporting your well being.
Navigating the world of show business can be exciting, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. In this workshop, we’ll help you set realistic expectations for your career while maintaining a nurturing, supportive environment that puts your well-being first. You’ll learn strategies for managing the demands of the industry alongside your personal life, ensuring your mental health, confidence, and career trajectory stay on track.
Key topics include:
Creating a Nurturing Environment
- The entertainment industry is fast-paced and competitive, and it’s important to create a healthy balance between pursuing a career and maintaining a supportive, family-centered environment. We’ll show you how to keep your emotional needs and well-being at the forefront, even as they begin to navigate auditions, on-set work, and industry pressures.
Realistic Career Trajectories
- It’s crucial to have a realistic understanding of what an actor’s career path looks like. Not every audition leads to a role, and not every actor becomes a star. We’ll provide insights into career expectations and growth, helping you understand the likely trajectory of your career, including the typical challenges they may face and how to manage setbacks.
Building and Maintaining Confidence
- Show business can be tough. We’ll provide techniques for helping you maintain your confidence, even in the face of rejection. Learn how to celebrate your achievements, encourage a growth mindset, and ensure you don’t internalize setbacks as failures. Confidence-building strategies are essential for keeping your mental health strong as they work through auditions and acting jobs.
Knowing When to Take Breaks
- A successful career doesn’t mean pushing yourself beyond your limits. We’ll teach you how to recognize when you might need a break or when it’s time to prioritize well-being over bookings. Whether it’s taking a break from auditions, stepping away from set, or just spending more time with family, you’ll gain the tools to ensure you don't burn out in pursuit of your acting career.
