So Your Kid Wants to be an Actor? A Parent’s Guide to Starting a Child Acting Career

Your child has caught the acting bug... Kids are being raised in the new Smartphone era and know what they look like in videos that their parents have made at younger ages than ever. Children are also watching YouTube at an early age and falling in love with digital content and influencers. It's not a stretch to think that this is shaping how they see the world and what their place can be in that world as an on camera entertainer. Maybe they’ve grown up a little bit and have been in school plays by now, maybe they light up in front of a camera, or maybe they’ve simply announced, “I want to be on TV!” As exciting as that moment is, it can also be overwhelming. The entertainment industry is fast-moving, competitive, and sometimes confusing. Here’s what to expect as you begin the journey.

1. Understand the Commitment

Acting isn’t just about showing up to set. It involves auditions, training, travel, and often last-minute schedule changes. Your family will need to be flexible — auditions may happen with only 24–48 hours’ notice. This means you’ll be reading scripts, taping auditions at home, and occasionally rearranging work or school schedules.

2. Start with Training, Not Agents

It’s tempting to jump straight into finding an agent, but a solid foundation starts with training. Acting classes for kids teach not only performance skills but also set etiquette, script analysis, and confidence in front of strangers. Many reputable agents prefer to work with kids who’ve already built basic skills — it makes their job easier and increases your child’s chances of booking work.

3. Build a Simple Toolkit

A clear, well-lit photo, a short introductory video, and a basic résumé (listing school plays, classes, or relevant experience) are enough to get going. As your child gains experience and decides if this is what they want, you can upgrade to professional headshots and a polished demo reel.

4. Learn How the Casting Process Works

Most auditions will be self-tapes — videos you record at home and send in. If your child is selected for a callback, they might audition in person or over Zoom. Booking a role can take many tries — sometimes 20, 30, or more auditions before a “yes.” Persistence is key.

5. Protect Your Child and Your Family

This industry has wonderful opportunities, but also scams. Legitimate castings will never ask for money to audition. Research every opportunity and trust your instincts. Your role as a parent is part coach, part manager, and always advocate.

Bottom line: Start slow, stay informed, and keep it fun. The goal is for your child to enjoy the process, grow their skills, and explore storytelling — no matter where the journey leads.

The best way to set your child up for success is to start with a clear, informed plan. That’s why we created the Child Actor Jumpstart—a free eBook designed to walk parents through the essentials of getting started in the industry. From spotting scams to understanding your first audition, it’s packed with insider tips we’ve learned from over a decade of working with child actors in Atlanta.

📥 Download your free copy today at www.atlantareelkids.com/jumpstartbook and take the guesswork out of your child’s acting journey.