Q&A for How to Be a Kid Actor

Yes, although do keep in mind that acting is considered one of the most competitive industries out there. You can get started gaining experience in easy places like your local theater, acting workshops, a school drama club, or student/independent films.

Yes, actors come in all ages, shapes, and sizes. Your first step is to talk this over with your parents and then go from there.

Definitely! One important parts of acting is to have the ability give off many emotions so it makes your character seem more realistic.

Try local theatre! Almost every city or school has a theatre program that involves people of all ages. Audition for some shows and see if you get cast. Based on how you do on the local level, you can determine just how seriously you want to pursue theatre.

Tell your parents that you'd like to try acting, audition for school plays, and check community theater productions for younger roles.

Instead of just trying to convince them with words, show them how serious you are with your actions. Get involved in school plays or local theater opportunities. Save up money to pay for an acting class or books on acting. Do some preliminary research on talent agents in your area. Make them realize that you are firmly committed to a career in acting.

Yes! It's never too late to start. Sign up for some acting classes at your school or community center. You can also audition for a play or musical at a community theater/children's theater. You may not get big roles at first, but they will give you the training and experience you need to get larger roles.

A lot of places have open or online calls. You can submit your auditions online even if you live nowhere near L.A. You can also pursue local options like community theater to gain acting experience.

Of course! It might be easier in the US or UK due to the number of opportunities, but anyone from anywhere can get into acting if they want.

No. But it's recommended. Having an agent makes it much easier to find auditions and work.

You can upload it on YouTube. This is a great way to get you movie seen. If you have accounts on other social media, you could post the link to your movie there so more people will find out about it.

Why are you "only allowed one thing"? Who is telling you this nonsense? You can easily be both, and in fact, a person who can both sing and act is much more likely to succeed in theater, cinema and other acting work because they're more versatile. Spend time perfecting both skills and you'll be much happier and better prepared.

No, but even if it did, you shouldn't let that dictate whether or not you pursue your goals.

You should never have to pay an agency up front. An agent receives a portion of your pay for roles she helps you land. You can find an agent in your area through a Google search, but be sure to check reviews of the agency.

You would have to do quite a few minor roles in shows and movies to get enough acting credits to get people at Disney Channel to cast you. But if your daughter works very very hard and is very passionate about the business she can get small roles and then more major roles, then eventually get onto one of the biggest channels there is!

Don't let others make you feel that you can't act -- you have the equal knowledge of acting of any hearing person. Learning to act at college can be useful but it's really up to you as to whether or not you feel more comfortable doing college or learning on the job. College qualifications do tend to be respected though, which may help you sometimes, especially if doing theater or Shakespearean style acting.

I think so. At some point, if you catch a big break, the second career may be put on the back burner. At some point in your life you will probably be glad to have that other career to fall back on.

It's difficult to make generalizations because it really depends on the individual. If you have a genuine love of acting, are willing to work hard, and have good self-confidence, you may be ready to pursue an acting career.

Try doing a cheeky smile with your lips closed if you at self-conscious, though it sounds like you have an enviable smile. Lots of actors don't look perfect, and many casting directors look for kids/people that look different from everybody else. Embrace it!

You don't necessarily need to live in a certain area or attend a certain school to become a successful actor. However, it's important to realize that most TV and film opportunities are in Los Angeles, CA, so you're probably going to have an easier time finding jobs if you live there. New York, NY also has a thriving theater scene and some TV and film opportunities.

You can look up agents in your area. For example type "Acting Agencies (State or Provice that you live in)". You can also ask around to see if anybody you know is in an agency.

Be patient! Try to show your parents that you are serious about acting. Look up the dates of auditions for local shows and mention them to your parents. If you have friends involved in theater, have them and their parents talk to your family about the benefits of becoming involved in theater arts. If you are persistent, they may change their minds.

You simply need to plan out your time by doing things like keeping a schedule or writing in a daily planner. Also, try to find plays or shows in your school that you can audition for; acting at school will make it easier for you to go back and forth from work to acting.

Many agencies have a child talent section. You'll want to find an agent who is interested in what's best for you (and who does not charge you any fees to represent you or get the word out). See the "agent" section of this article. Also, make sure to get as much acting experience as you can so an agent will be interested in taking you on.

You must have your parent's permission, you're too young until you're at least 16 to be able to make decisions about work and career direction. You do not have any authority to sign contracts on behalf of yourself until you are legally an adult. You can probably be a kid actor without being in plays but why pass up a great learning opportunity?

You will learn how to read scripts in your drama classes or as part of a production. Other things, like the correct expressions, will be taught by other trained actors or the director.

Read books on acting and search online every day for auditions in your city. You can also take classes at your school or community center.

Try getting into a drama club. You don't really need an agent, yet. Once you learn to act and are comfortable with it, you can worry about getting cast into films.

When they are not busy and they seem to be in a good mood, then bring it up.

Just try to start small and get bigger. Keep at it and eventually your parents might agree.