Curriculum

Auditions often require a different approach. Commercial, theatrical (film & television), v/o or print auditions are different. We’ll walk you through what to expect and how to prepare your child specifically for commercial casting calls.

We will help with Sides Services (the script)

Dialogue Memorizing

Casting process for both in-person and at home casting

In today’s digital age, understanding how to navigate casting submission platforms is essential for any child actor's career. These platforms are where agents and casting directors look for talent, so knowing how to manage and update your child’s profile is key to success.

Key topics include:

Overview of Current Casting Systems

• We’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the most popular casting platforms used in the industry today, including:
• Casting Networks
• Casting Frontier
• Actor Access / Breakdown Services

Agent vs. Self-Submissions

• Learn the difference between agent submissions and self-submissions, and how both work within these platforms. Whether you’re working with an agent or submitting your child independently, we’ll show you how to navigate the systems with ease.

How Often Should You Update Your Child’s Profile?

• Understand the importance of keeping your child’s profile up-to-date. We’ll explain how frequently profiles should be updated and what kind of new material — like headshots, resumes, or demo reels — should be added to keep your child’s profile competitive and visible to casting directors.

How to Navigate Each Platform

• Step-by-step instructions on how to use each platform effectively for submissions. Whether it’s uploading new content, tracking applications, or managing submissions, you’ll receive detailed guidance on how to make the most out of these tools.

Joining Instructions

• We’ll guide you through the process of joining each platform, from account setup to profile creation, ensuring you’re ready to start submitting your child for opportunities as soon as possible.

Self-taping is an increasingly important part of the audition process. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to create a professional-quality self-tape at home. From framing your shots to delivering the best performance on camera, we’ll show you what casting directors are really looking for in child actor self-tapes.

What do casting directors look for in self-taping?

Casting directors want a clean, professional presentation that showcases your child’s talent. We’ll teach you how to highlight their performance and personality in a way that stands out, while avoiding the common mistakes that can make your tape look unprofessional.

• Learn how social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your child’s career and building a fan base. From gaining visibility to connecting with industry professionals, we’ll teach you how to leverage these platforms effectively and professionally.

The Potential Risks

• Social media can also be a double-edged sword. We’ll help you understand the risks, including the potential for unwanted attention, online bullying, or missteps that could impact your child’s image or career. We’ll show you how to maintain control and set boundaries to protect your child’s privacy and well-being.

Platform Breakdown: Pros and Cons

• Each social media platform has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We’ll walk you through:
• Facebook: Connecting with family and friends, but concerns about privacy.
• TikTok: A great platform for viral content, but the risk of exploitation and peer pressure.
• Instagram: Perfect for showcasing visuals, but managing exposure can be tricky.
• X (formerly Twitter): A platform for real-time updates, but can quickly become overwhelming or negative.
• Snapchat: Popular for younger audiences, but fleeting content means less control over permanence.

How to Keep Social Media in Check

• As a parent, you need to know how to manage your child’s social media presence. We’ll teach you best practicesfor monitoring accounts, setting privacy settings, and ensuring your child stays safe while benefiting from social media’s opportunities. We’ll also cover how to guide them in creating a positive, professional image online.

Understanding the regulations for union and non-union actors is crucial in navigating your child’s career in the entertainment industry. In this workshop, we’ll break down the key aspects of working with SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and how it affects your child’s career.

Key topics include:

• Fi-Core Status: What it means and how it impacts union and non-union work.
• Union vs. Non-Union: The differences between union and non-union work and how to decide what's right for your child’s career.
• Types of Work Covered by SAG-AFTRA:
• Commercials
• Theatrical (Film & TV)
• Print Work (Modeling)
• Industrial Work (Corporate videos, training materials, etc.)
• Voice-Over (Animation, commercial voice work, etc.)
• Jurisdiction: Understanding which types of work SAG-AFTRA covers and where your child can work under union or non-union status.
• Dues & Joining the Union: A complete understanding of the financial aspects of being a member of SAG-AFTRA, including dues, how to join, and the benefits of union membership.

By the end of this section, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how SAG-AFTRA works, what it means for your child’s career, and the regulations you need to follow to ensure you’re making informed decisions every step of the way.

When it comes to launching your child’s acting career, headshots are essential tools. But how do you know which photographer to choose, what to include, and how much to spend? In this workshop, we’ll give you the insider knowledge you need to create these materials effectively.

Key topics include:

Choosing the Right Photographer

• Why a professional photographer matters: We’ll help you understand the importance of selecting a photographer who specializes in child actors and knows what casting directors are looking for.
• Where to go and why: Not all photographers are created equal. We’ll guide you on where to find reputable photographers who understand the nuances of working with kids.
• Cost considerations: We’ll give you a realistic idea of what to expect when it comes to pricing — and why you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great headshots.

What Makes a Great Headshot.

• Casting directors’ perspective: Learn what casting directors are really looking for in a child actor’s headshot and how to ensure your child’s photo makes a memorable first impression.
• How often do headshots need to be redone? Kids grow quickly, so we’ll cover how frequently your child may need new headshots to keep them current and relevant.
• How Much Do Headshots for Kids Cost?

• We’ll break down the typical cost range for headshots and why it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity when selecting a photographer.

Crafting an Effective Resume

• What to put on your child’s resume: Even if your child is just starting out, a resume is a critical tool. We’ll help you understand what experience, training, and other details should be included to make their resume stand out.
• How to format your resume for child actors: From layout to information, we’ll teach you how to craft a resume that’s professional and appealing to casting directors.

Creating an Impactful Demo Reel

• What’s needed for a demo reel: We’ll explain how to put together a demo reel that showcases your child’s acting skills, even if they don’t have a lot of past projects. This can be a mix of self-tapes, class performances, or any relevant footage.
• Tips for making a reel that stands out: Learn what works and what doesn’t when it comes to creating a reel that catches the eye of casting directors.

You don’t need to invest in expensive gear to create a great self-tape. We’ll go over the basic equipment you’ll need, as well as lighting tips and shot selection to ensure your child’s audition tape is high-quality and ready to impress.

We’ll walk you through the steps to getting your child signed with an agent, from submitting headshots and resumes to attending agent meetings. We’ll also discuss how to assess whether an agent is a good fit for your child and what to look for in an agent’s track record and reputation.

Is There a Difference Between an Agent and a Manager?

• Agents and managers have different roles in the industry, and it’s important to understand how each one supports your child’s career. We’ll explain the specific responsibilities of each:
• Agents: Focus on securing jobs for your child (auditions, bookings, contracts).
• Managers: Provide career guidance, help with strategic decisions, and manage long-term career development.
• Do I Need Both an Agent and a Manager?

• Many child actors have both an agent and a manager, but it’s not always necessary, especially at the beginning of a career. We’ll help you decide if your child would benefit from having both, or if starting with just an agent is the best route.

How Much Do Agents and Managers Charge?

• Learn about the industry-standard commission rates for both agents and managers. Typically, agents take 10-15% of your child’s earnings, while managers may take 15-20%. We’ll explain what to expect and how to ensure the terms are fair.

Top 150 Talent Agents

• As part of this workshop, you’ll receive a complete list of the top 150 talent agents, including who they represent, what kind of clients they are looking for, and when they typically take on new clients. This valuable resource will help you target the right agents and increase your child’s chances of finding the perfect representation.

    Learn about the different types of production contracts your child may encounter, including film, television, and commercial contracts. We’ll help you understand key terms and conditions that may affect your child’s career.

Talent Agent & Manager Contracts

• Understand the role of talent agents and managers, and how their contracts work. We’ll explain the industry-standard terms and conditions you should be aware of, so you can make informed decisions when signing with representation.

Work Permits & Union Sign-In Sheets

• Every child actor needs a work permit to work legally in the industry. We’ll walk you through the process of obtaining one, as well as understanding union sign-in sheets and what they mean for your child’s career.

Coogan Accounts & Financial Obligations

• Coogan accounts are mandatory in many states for child actors. We’ll explain what they are, how they work, and why they are important for protecting your child’s earnings.
• Ongoing financial obligations: We’ll also give you a clear picture of the ongoing costs you may face as the parent of a child actor, from taxes to agent commissions, and how to plan for them.

Additional Costs & Considerations

• Beyond basic contracts, there are additional costs associated with being the parent of a child actor. We’ll provide insights into other potential financial obligations and how to manage them, so you’re not caught off guard.

California child welfare laws

Ensuring your child’s safety, education, and overall well-being while working in the entertainment industry is a top priority. In this workshop, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of child welfare laws and the regulations that protect young actors on set.

Key topics include:

Safety on Set

• Learn the laws and protocols in place to ensure your child’s safety while working in production. From guidelines on working hours to restrictions on types of work, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your child while they pursue their acting career.

Managing Education During Production

• Understand how child actors can maintain their education while working on set. We’ll explain the legal requirements for schooling, including the role of a studio teacher and how to ensure that your child is not falling behind in their education while pursuing their acting career.

When & Where Children Can Work Under “Hot Lights”

• Understand the specific working hours and conditions for children on set, including how long they can work each day, rest periods, and what is considered a safe environment. We’ll teach you when it’s acceptable for your child to work under hot lights and other demanding production conditions, and when to raise concerns about their well-being.

Understanding the Laws & Regulations

• We’ll guide you through the specific child labor laws that apply to the entertainment industry, from the local to the federal level, so you can be confident that your child’s career is being handled safely and legally.

Creating a nurturing environment amidst the demands of the industry as well as strategies for managing your child's academic and acting pursuits. Having a realistic perspective on career trajectories and challenges. Techniques for maintaining your child's confidence and knowing when to take breaks and prioritize well-being.

"Talent Search", "Open Call" these are an unfortunate part of the business. There are many companies out there that will charge up to and sometimes exceeding 10,000 dollars for "packaging" and "showcasing your child". The average cost to get started for any child actor is under $1,000.00, but if you are unaware of how this business works you will find yourself wasting thousands on unnecessary talent packaging. It is also imperative that parents have full control of what they are doing and have been asked to do at any meeting.