Finding the Right Acting Agent for Your Child: What Parents Need to Know

If your child loves acting and is starting to think seriously about working in film and television, you may be wondering whether they need an acting agent — and, if so, how do you find the right acting agent for your child?

After more than 35 years working in film and television as a director, producer, set producer and acting coach, I have worked with hundreds of young and adult actors. I know how exciting it can be when your child starts getting interested in professional acting, but I also know parents need to understand a few important things before taking that next step.

I’ve put together a 7-minute video below covering some of the key things I believe every parent should consider before approaching an acting agent.

What Should You Look For in a Child Acting Agent?

Finding an agent isn’t simply about choosing an agency with lots of young actors on its books.

You need to find an agent who is right for your particular child.

Before approaching agencies, think about whether your child genuinely enjoys acting, is comfortable performing in front of a camera, is prepared to learn lines and understands that auditions don’t always lead to jobs. Professional acting can involve auditions, self-tapes, travelling, waiting and rejection as well as the exciting opportunities.

When researching children’s acting agencies, look carefully at:

• The ages they represent
• Whether they actively work in film and television
• Whether they submit children for speaking roles or mainly background work
• Their industry experience
• How they communicate with parents
• Their fees and terms
• How auditions and bookings are handled

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A professional agent should be able to explain clearly how they work and what they expect from both you and your child.

Read the Contract Carefully

If an agent offers to represent your child, don’t rush into signing simply because you’re excited.

Look carefully at the agreement, including the length of the contract, commission, additional fees, services provided, how the agreement can be ended and whether there are any exclusivity arrangements.

You should also understand exactly what you are paying for. Be particularly cautious about anyone who guarantees acting work or promises that your child will definitely get film or television roles.

What About Headshots?

Your child’s headshot is an important part of their professional acting profile.

It should look like your child — natural, recognisable and appropriate for casting. You don’t need an over-edited glamour photograph or a heavily filtered social-media image.

Choose a photographer who understands actors and knows how to work naturally with children and young people.

Remember: An Audition Doesn’t Mean a Job

This is one of the most important things for parents and young actors to understand.

Your child may get an audition and still not be cast. There can be many reasons for this, including the production looking for a very particular type of person.

Try to celebrate the opportunity to audition, rather than making every audition about whether your child gets the part.

Your Child Still Needs Training

Having an acting agent is only one part of becoming a working screen actor.

Your child needs to be prepared when an opportunity comes along. That means continuing to develop skills such as:

• Acting naturally for the camera
• Learning lines
• Listening to other actors
• Taking direction
• Self-taping
• Understanding scripts
• Presenting themselves professionally

This is why at Northern Film and Drama we have always believed in Training while Creating — giving young actors practical experience alongside their training.

Don’t Forget Safeguarding

Your child’s safety and wellbeing should always come first.

Before your child attends auditions, rehearsals or filming, make sure you understand who will be responsible for them and what safeguarding arrangements are in place. Parents should also make sure they understand the current requirements around children’s working hours, education, supervision and licensing.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Be cautious if an agency or individual:

• Guarantees your child acting work
• Pressures you to sign immediately
• Is unclear about fees
• Won’t provide clear written terms
• Makes unrealistic promises
• Insists on expensive services without explaining why
• Doesn’t clearly explain how auditions are communicated

You should never feel pressured into paying a large amount of money simply to prove that your child is serious about acting.

Watch My 7-Minute Video

I’ve put together a short video explaining the key things I believe parents should consider when looking for an acting agent for their child.

Watch the video here:

Video of Alyson Connew speaking about How to Find the Right Agent for Your Child

 

Want the Complete Guide?

If you’re seriously considering professional representation for your child, I’ve created a much more detailed Parent’s Guide to Finding the Right Acting Agent for Your Child.

For just £8.99, sale on now (£6.99) the digital guide takes you further than this blog post, helping you understand what to look for, what questions to ask, what to check before signing and some of the common mistakes parents can make when entering the world of professional children’s acting.

It’s designed to give you something you can keep, refer back to and work through at your own pace before making decisions about your child’s acting career.

Get the complete guide for £8.99 here →

Finally…

Choosing an acting agent is an important decision, but there is no need to rush.

Your child’s enjoyment, confidence, safety and development should remain at the centre of the process.

After more than 35 years in film and television, my advice remains simple:

Choose carefully. Read everything. Ask questions. And never be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

At Northern Film and Drama, we’ve spent many years helping young actors understand screen acting, auditions and what it is really like to work in film and television.

Training while Creating has always been at the heart of what we do. www.northernfilmanddrma.com