3 answers
lizzie
Student
Corpus Christi, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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How do I start an acting career at 13?
Hi! I'm an 8th grader soon to be 14 and soon to be a freshman. I'm in my schools drama class and have done a few plays. I really want to be an actress but don't know where to start. My mom is okay with me getting headshots done but wants me to take theater classes first. I've been interested in acting since 5th grade and want to get my career started early.
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3 answers
Brea Bee
Actor
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Brea’s Answer
Dear Lizzie,
Pursuing an acting career is rewarding, exciting and challenging! The very first thing you want to do is to find a good and reputable acting class in your area. It is so important for you to learn as much as possible about yourself as a performer from a trained professional who can help you to highlight and enhance your natural strengths as an actor, and help you work on aspects that may be challenging to you. You will also have the opportunity to make great new friends in class, and learn more about the business from their own experiences. The more you can practice and be challenged to grow as an actor in class, the more prepared you will be for auditions and jobs!
Try to find local community theaters and see if they have any auditions for roles in your age range. I began my career at age 10 by acting in local theaters which allowed me to gain real life experience and learn from working actors. It also taught me about the level of commitment and professionalism that is required of actors when working on a show in a company. It really is the best education for a young actor!
You might also find out if your city has a local film office website that will list any upcoming productions or casting notices for local talent and kids roles specifically. Another great way to get on camera experience is in student films. Local colleges with a film department are constantly casting short films and often have teenaged characters to cast. Just make sure you always have a parent/guardian with you as there are very strict rules for minors on set! Actors Access is a very helpful website that lists breakdowns for projects based on location which helps you to see what is shooting in your part of the country. You can also create an account on Actors Access that allows you to submit your headshot and resume to casting notices and any performance clips you may have from shows or class.
Regarding headshots, please don't feel pressured to spend a ton of money on pictures when you are just starting out. You are growing so fast at your age that you might need to have a new headshot just a year later and that can get expensive! Our phones have incredible cameras in them and you really just need a solid background and natural sunlight to get a good shot. Until you have an agent, they don't have to be professional pictures. They just need to look like you! If an agency is interested in working with you, they will refer you to photographers in the area if they feel you need a more polished or commercial shot.
Hope this answered some of your questions! Best of luck to you!
Pursuing an acting career is rewarding, exciting and challenging! The very first thing you want to do is to find a good and reputable acting class in your area. It is so important for you to learn as much as possible about yourself as a performer from a trained professional who can help you to highlight and enhance your natural strengths as an actor, and help you work on aspects that may be challenging to you. You will also have the opportunity to make great new friends in class, and learn more about the business from their own experiences. The more you can practice and be challenged to grow as an actor in class, the more prepared you will be for auditions and jobs!
Try to find local community theaters and see if they have any auditions for roles in your age range. I began my career at age 10 by acting in local theaters which allowed me to gain real life experience and learn from working actors. It also taught me about the level of commitment and professionalism that is required of actors when working on a show in a company. It really is the best education for a young actor!
You might also find out if your city has a local film office website that will list any upcoming productions or casting notices for local talent and kids roles specifically. Another great way to get on camera experience is in student films. Local colleges with a film department are constantly casting short films and often have teenaged characters to cast. Just make sure you always have a parent/guardian with you as there are very strict rules for minors on set! Actors Access is a very helpful website that lists breakdowns for projects based on location which helps you to see what is shooting in your part of the country. You can also create an account on Actors Access that allows you to submit your headshot and resume to casting notices and any performance clips you may have from shows or class.
Regarding headshots, please don't feel pressured to spend a ton of money on pictures when you are just starting out. You are growing so fast at your age that you might need to have a new headshot just a year later and that can get expensive! Our phones have incredible cameras in them and you really just need a solid background and natural sunlight to get a good shot. Until you have an agent, they don't have to be professional pictures. They just need to look like you! If an agency is interested in working with you, they will refer you to photographers in the area if they feel you need a more polished or commercial shot.
Hope this answered some of your questions! Best of luck to you!
Isaac Lira
Actor
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
I'd suggest giving YouTube a shot. It could be a fun platform for you and your friends to showcase your projects, or even display your acting skills. Personally, that's the route I would have taken. It's an exciting opportunity worth exploring!
Sharyn Grose
CareerVillage.org TeamResume writing/career coaching
12
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Lizzie!
My daughter acted at a young age in film, tv, commercials and theater. She is now in college. On-camera acting is a little different than theater acting but I'm a big fan of having a stage background. There are many skills learned in that environment that help support on-camera acting. Theater classes are great in giving you a foundation in the art of acting. To be a successful actor means continually getting better at the craft of acting.
To get started, talk to your mom about getting an agent. I'm not very familiar with the market in Texas, but a quick Google search showed that there are at least a couple agencies and management companies. You want to research the agencies and make sure they have a good reputation. Sumit your headshots and resume to the agency for consideration. For your resume, you can list the plays you have been in, any theater or acting classes you've taken, include the drama club, and any special skills you might have (for example singing, dancing, bike riding, sports). You should NOT pay upfront fees to be represented. The agency receives a commission on the work that you get. Usually, commission ranges from 10 - 20%.
While you wait for agencies to respond to your submissions, you can still take theater classes. It shows you want to get better at acting. You can also get an account on reputable online platforms like Casting Networks or Actor's Access and submit yourself to film, TV, and commercial auditions. When agencies respond to your submission, they may have you with your mom come into the agency so they can meet you in person. They may have you audition by reading a script to determine if they want to represent you.
Your mom will need to be very involved in your pursuit of an acting career because she will be your biggest advocate. Research the entertainment industry in Texas with your mom. A resource that helped me some years ago was Children in Film https://childreninfilm.com/parents/.
I hope this was helpful! Wishing you much success on your journey! Can't wait to see you on the screen!
My daughter acted at a young age in film, tv, commercials and theater. She is now in college. On-camera acting is a little different than theater acting but I'm a big fan of having a stage background. There are many skills learned in that environment that help support on-camera acting. Theater classes are great in giving you a foundation in the art of acting. To be a successful actor means continually getting better at the craft of acting.
To get started, talk to your mom about getting an agent. I'm not very familiar with the market in Texas, but a quick Google search showed that there are at least a couple agencies and management companies. You want to research the agencies and make sure they have a good reputation. Sumit your headshots and resume to the agency for consideration. For your resume, you can list the plays you have been in, any theater or acting classes you've taken, include the drama club, and any special skills you might have (for example singing, dancing, bike riding, sports). You should NOT pay upfront fees to be represented. The agency receives a commission on the work that you get. Usually, commission ranges from 10 - 20%.
While you wait for agencies to respond to your submissions, you can still take theater classes. It shows you want to get better at acting. You can also get an account on reputable online platforms like Casting Networks or Actor's Access and submit yourself to film, TV, and commercial auditions. When agencies respond to your submission, they may have you with your mom come into the agency so they can meet you in person. They may have you audition by reading a script to determine if they want to represent you.
Your mom will need to be very involved in your pursuit of an acting career because she will be your biggest advocate. Research the entertainment industry in Texas with your mom. A resource that helped me some years ago was Children in Film https://childreninfilm.com/parents/.
I hope this was helpful! Wishing you much success on your journey! Can't wait to see you on the screen!
This was super helpful, thank you!
lizzie