What do kid actors and models all have in common? It’s certainly not appearance… they come in all shapes and descriptions. While it would be naïve to say that attractive looks don’t give anyone a social advantage, even that is not a requirement.
A genuinely friendly, outgoing personality, on the other hand, is almost always present in young actors. They are typically not afraid of people. They come up to you, introduce themselves and shake your hand like they’re reaching for a bag of popcorn. When I see that kind of openness, readiness to communicate and engage, I know the person has “performing” potential. Parents often ask if their son or daughter has acting aptitude. Really that question is best put directly to the youngster. When I was a kid no one had to tell me I could draw. I knew it! Most kids already know if they enjoy (and are good) at being a ham. I’d say If they tell you they’re actors or models, believe it! Your real role is to nurture and develop… they’ll take it from there.
Most schools offer some kind of acting curriculum. Encourage your child to take these classes and, if you can afford it, get them an acting coach. There are also community theatre groups that offer young actors a wide range of opportunities. Helping them to locate these programs is on of the best things you can do. Look for auditions to local productions. See if you can get them an agent. And of course get them a professional headshot or composite so they are not competing with a handicap with other youngsters who are “well packaged.”
But what if you were really hoping for a career in law or engineering for your son or daughter? Well, all is not lost! Acting students learn how to communicate… how to project personality… how to entertain. These are things that prepare a kid for the broader stage of life regardless of what direction he takes –corporate executive or movie star. It also teaches discipline because competing in the modeling/acting field, going to auditions, getting rejected, getting accepted… losing at times, winning at others… all this teaches perseverance and the value of working towards a goal. When you stick with it, you win!
Super Kid Models: Meet four of our kid clients!
Derrick started working with Talent Trek Agency in Knoxville four years ago. His first gig was eating Debbie Cakes for a McKee Foods commercial. It was his fifth bithday! Now, at nine, he is a seasoned pro… cool as a pickle! His favorite jobs ever? A Regal Cinema commercial and a Mayfield Dairy shoot. His comment: “it’s all good! Watching a movie, eating Debbie Cakes, and going to the store and seeing my face on an ice cream box!”
Madison was eight years old when she performed her first time… her school’s annual talent show. She was immediately hooked and never looked back. Now at ten, she reflects: “I love acting because one day I can be a bratty rich girl, the next day a poor girl in the South, and another I get to do a flip off the stage, almost drown in water and be carried around by a monster. Acting is so cool.” Her favorite performance ever was: Frankenstein at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA.
Casey, at thirteen, has quite a list of credits to his name. He has acted in theatrical productions since first grade but got his start in Los Angeles after being drafted by an agent at AMTC in Florida. He is represented by Talent Trek in Knoxville, and has done a variety of print and TV including a recent Wal-Mart commercial . His comment: My favorite part of acting is to step inside another person’ shoes and use my own life experiences, as well theirs, to bring a character to life.
Sanzeray is ten years old. He recently finished a commercial for McKay’s Ice Cream, and this comment pretty much sums it up for him: “It’s awesome! I get paid to eat ice cream!” His handiwork has also appeared in Nickelodeon and a variety of print work (most recently UT Medical Center) booked by his agent Talent Trek of Knoxville.
CHRISTIAN LANGE is a fashion and advertising photographer in Knoxville, TN. He works with editorial clients, fashion designers and emerging talent building a career in acting and modeling. You can visit his website at: christianlange.com
