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How can i become an actress at 12 with no experience
How can i become an actress at 12.
I have no experience but i would like try with some commercials. Any thoughts or recommendations?
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4 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Mackenzie!
First off—LOVE that you're dreaming big! Acting is such a fun and exciting world, and starting young can be a huge advantage. Since you're 12 and new to the game, commercials are a great way to get your foot in the door. Here’s how you can start your journey:
1. Build Some Experience (Even Without a Resume!)
You don’t need experience to start—you just need confidence and practice! Try out school plays, local theater, or even making fun short videos at home to practice expressing emotions and delivering lines.
2. Get Some Training
Acting is a skill, and like any skill, practice makes perfect! Look for acting classes, theater workshops, or even online courses. Some places offer classes just for kids!
3. Get Headshots (They Don’t Have to Be Fancy!)
For commercials, you’ll need a good headshot. It doesn’t have to be from a professional photographer at first—just a clear, well-lit picture of you looking natural and confident.
4. Find a Talent Agent or Casting Call Websites
Agents help connect actors to auditions. Many agencies work with kids, but be careful—never pay upfront for an agent! If you don’t have an agent yet, check casting websites like:
Backstage
Casting Networks
Actors Access
KidsCasting
They list auditions for commercials, TV shows, and films—even for beginners!
5. Audition, Audition, Audition!
Auditioning is where the magic happens. Even if you don’t land the first (or tenth) role, every audition is experience! Watch commercials, practice reading scripts, and record yourself to see how you come across on camera.
6. Parental Permission & Safety First
Since you're 12, you'll need a parent or guardian involved. They’ll need to help with signing up for auditions, managing schedules, and making sure everything is legit.
7. Start Small, Dream Big!
Many big stars started with small roles. Even doing background work or student films can help you get comfortable in front of the camera. And with time, who knows? You could be the next big star, Machenzie!
First off—LOVE that you're dreaming big! Acting is such a fun and exciting world, and starting young can be a huge advantage. Since you're 12 and new to the game, commercials are a great way to get your foot in the door. Here’s how you can start your journey:
1. Build Some Experience (Even Without a Resume!)
You don’t need experience to start—you just need confidence and practice! Try out school plays, local theater, or even making fun short videos at home to practice expressing emotions and delivering lines.
2. Get Some Training
Acting is a skill, and like any skill, practice makes perfect! Look for acting classes, theater workshops, or even online courses. Some places offer classes just for kids!
3. Get Headshots (They Don’t Have to Be Fancy!)
For commercials, you’ll need a good headshot. It doesn’t have to be from a professional photographer at first—just a clear, well-lit picture of you looking natural and confident.
4. Find a Talent Agent or Casting Call Websites
Agents help connect actors to auditions. Many agencies work with kids, but be careful—never pay upfront for an agent! If you don’t have an agent yet, check casting websites like:
Backstage
Casting Networks
Actors Access
KidsCasting
They list auditions for commercials, TV shows, and films—even for beginners!
5. Audition, Audition, Audition!
Auditioning is where the magic happens. Even if you don’t land the first (or tenth) role, every audition is experience! Watch commercials, practice reading scripts, and record yourself to see how you come across on camera.
6. Parental Permission & Safety First
Since you're 12, you'll need a parent or guardian involved. They’ll need to help with signing up for auditions, managing schedules, and making sure everything is legit.
7. Start Small, Dream Big!
Many big stars started with small roles. Even doing background work or student films can help you get comfortable in front of the camera. And with time, who knows? You could be the next big star, Machenzie!
I appreciate this response. I definitely will try these things! Thank you
Mackenzie
You're so welcome, Mackenzie! I can already tell you've got the passion — that's half the battle! One bonus tip: Start practicing improv. It helps you think on your feet and brings out your natural personality on camera — something casting directors love. You've got this!
Dr H
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Hi Mackenzie,
It's wonderful that you're interested in acting! If it's your passion, there are some exciting steps you can take to get started. You mentioned "commercials," which suggests you might like working in front of the camera more than on stage. Both are great paths and need different skills.
If you're open to all kinds of acting, including theater, consider checking out local theater groups that might be looking for young actors like you. My daughter got her first role at age 6 in a local production of South Pacific, and she loved it from the start. You never know where your first opportunity might come from!
Also, keep an eye out for local indie movies or short films. They often need young actors, too. Even if these roles don't pay at first, they'll help you gain experience and build confidence, which is so important when performing.
Another fun idea is to team up with friends who share your interest and create your own productions. Whether it's a small play or a short film shot on a phone, it's a great way to practice. Sometimes, high school media students are looking for actors for their projects, and you could be just the person they're looking for.
At your age, it's important to try as much as you can to improve your skills and boost your confidence. As you start to show what you can do, people will definitely notice.
Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
It's wonderful that you're interested in acting! If it's your passion, there are some exciting steps you can take to get started. You mentioned "commercials," which suggests you might like working in front of the camera more than on stage. Both are great paths and need different skills.
If you're open to all kinds of acting, including theater, consider checking out local theater groups that might be looking for young actors like you. My daughter got her first role at age 6 in a local production of South Pacific, and she loved it from the start. You never know where your first opportunity might come from!
Also, keep an eye out for local indie movies or short films. They often need young actors, too. Even if these roles don't pay at first, they'll help you gain experience and build confidence, which is so important when performing.
Another fun idea is to team up with friends who share your interest and create your own productions. Whether it's a small play or a short film shot on a phone, it's a great way to practice. Sometimes, high school media students are looking for actors for their projects, and you could be just the person they're looking for.
At your age, it's important to try as much as you can to improve your skills and boost your confidence. As you start to show what you can do, people will definitely notice.
Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
Your advice was so helpful!
Mackenzie
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mackenzie !
To begin a career in acting, you will definitely need to know how to Act and the skills that go along with it. For anyone under 18 years old, your parent will have to accompany, oversee and supervise all you do with acting and the best way to start learning is at your school. Acting is not something to jump into or skip steps with because you will be expected to know how to act. To attempt things willy nilly will cause confusion and feeling overwhelmed or disappointed. There is no cookie-cutter way to go about this and you must work with your specific circumstances with your parent by your side at all times.
Acting lessons are crucial. I would suggest that your parent contact Theatre Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, Matthews Playhouse and NarroWay Productions to ask for a referral to an Acting Teacher so you can begin learning the craft. This will also be important to assess your abilities and monitor your readiness to actually start auditioning. Acting looks all spontaneous, fun and games, but there's a lot more to it than how it looks. You have to make some self-discoveries before you can offer your talent to an audience.
Start out by putting together a variety show at your school. See how it is for you performing for an audience. I did this when I was ten and it was the best thing ever for me. It was at school so my parents didn't have to be there and it was the very first time I performed before an audience of teachers and students.
If you get your training for acting through live theatre, it will give you a strong foundation for acting in film and video. You should also have your parent inquire about some film acting for you, too. Sit and have a conversation with your parent to see how supportive they are able to be because it'll be a lot of work for you as well as your parent. Once you are 18 years old, you can do everything on your own.
So remember, in order to do something that you want to do, you first have to learn how to do it. That comes with lessons and getting experience. Also, read as much as you can about acting from library books or books you can find online that your parent can buy for you.
If you are interested in doing commercials, fortunately, there is a John Casablancas International in your city of Charlotte where you can take modeling and acting lessons that your parent will need to arrange and pay for.
It is way too soon for you to get photos and start submitting them for work. You need the training, skill, knowledge of the business and an understanding of what acting is all about before you start submitting yourself for work. The people at your theatres in Charlotte can guide you and your parent for the best path to prepare you for becoming an acting professional.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
To begin a career in acting, you will definitely need to know how to Act and the skills that go along with it. For anyone under 18 years old, your parent will have to accompany, oversee and supervise all you do with acting and the best way to start learning is at your school. Acting is not something to jump into or skip steps with because you will be expected to know how to act. To attempt things willy nilly will cause confusion and feeling overwhelmed or disappointed. There is no cookie-cutter way to go about this and you must work with your specific circumstances with your parent by your side at all times.
Acting lessons are crucial. I would suggest that your parent contact Theatre Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, Matthews Playhouse and NarroWay Productions to ask for a referral to an Acting Teacher so you can begin learning the craft. This will also be important to assess your abilities and monitor your readiness to actually start auditioning. Acting looks all spontaneous, fun and games, but there's a lot more to it than how it looks. You have to make some self-discoveries before you can offer your talent to an audience.
Start out by putting together a variety show at your school. See how it is for you performing for an audience. I did this when I was ten and it was the best thing ever for me. It was at school so my parents didn't have to be there and it was the very first time I performed before an audience of teachers and students.
If you get your training for acting through live theatre, it will give you a strong foundation for acting in film and video. You should also have your parent inquire about some film acting for you, too. Sit and have a conversation with your parent to see how supportive they are able to be because it'll be a lot of work for you as well as your parent. Once you are 18 years old, you can do everything on your own.
So remember, in order to do something that you want to do, you first have to learn how to do it. That comes with lessons and getting experience. Also, read as much as you can about acting from library books or books you can find online that your parent can buy for you.
If you are interested in doing commercials, fortunately, there is a John Casablancas International in your city of Charlotte where you can take modeling and acting lessons that your parent will need to arrange and pay for.
It is way too soon for you to get photos and start submitting them for work. You need the training, skill, knowledge of the business and an understanding of what acting is all about before you start submitting yourself for work. The people at your theatres in Charlotte can guide you and your parent for the best path to prepare you for becoming an acting professional.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Fallon’s Answer
Try following FB pages that have casting posts local to your area. Also, having well-lit, minimal makeup headshots on your social media pages will help. I would recommend trying applying to extra casting calls to boost or establish your resume. Also, research online if you are able and see what anything comes up. Be mindful of scam castings but don't be paranoid about it. Usually the credible ones will give you pay even for an extra role.