Handbook for Actors-First Things First

Introduction

$1000 Contest

Before you take another step or make one more phone call, be sure it’s you or your child who wants to be the star. It’s not enough that "everyone always says how cute I am" or that you just know your baby could have done a better job in that commercial. An individual has to have the ability, and the desire, to perform.

Being a successful in this industry takes a lot more than just good looks. This is a business, so if you want to be successful, you have to act like a good businessperson.

Self-motivation, self -disciplined, the ability to work well with others and the ability to handle rejection are all qualities you must possess. STARS are NOT created overnight. You must pay your dues. You have to work HARD!

Careers are made, if you don't make it happen
-- it won't happen.

The key is personality. No matter how talented others think you are, people and children who are shy or bashful will NOT make it in show business. Many a childhood has been ruined by "show-biz parents". We can’t caution you strongly enough not to attempt to live vicariously through your child. If he does not have the ambition for show business, take acting classes yourself; and pursue your own career (it’s never too late) and just relegate yourself to filling the family scrapbooks and developing a video library of your little darling.

In order to succeed, you or your child should be a "little ham" who not only enjoys, but craves, the spotlight. On top of that, one has to be mannerly – even when one is having a bad day. One does not have to be especially cute or beautiful. As a matter-of-fact, the trend today is toward "naturalness". Agents today are looking for people of all ethnic backgrounds who portray "the kid next door, and there are more and more opportunities for actors with disabilities.

Just as importantly, are you flexible? Do you respond well to orders from strangers? Are you able to follow direction quickly and easily? Would you rather be in front of a camera instead of a video game? Can you live without the opposite sex (or Mommy, for that matter) for more than a few hours?

Well, alright! You say you or your kid sings, dances, plays guitar AND roller blades? All the better. And finally, does you or your child eat, sleep, and dream show business?

You should know, too, that expenses for a child actor/model can be pretty big. Children grow up quickly, so that first trip to the photographer could easily turn into an annual, or even semi-annual, trek. And the cost of a tutor could quickly become a reality. So, how do you get started?

You can use the Menu bar on the left as a checklist of important things to do that will guide you in launching your (or your child’s) career. These items are not necessarily presented in chronological order but two, determining your desires and the all-important photographs, obviously take priority over all others.