austinmodelsandtalent

Children and Auditions

Older actors generally have had some training. They have taken drama or theatre in school, at the very least, or perhaps have done some local theatre plays. They may have attended acting classes and workshops. They possibly have been to auditions and experienced first hand. For children, however, the first audition can easily be a new experience. This experience can be scary for both the child and the parent if they have never done this before and especially if they have not had some basic audition training.

Children (anyone under 18, for that matter) have an advantage in some ways because they often have both an Agent and a Manager. I'm not referring to a professional Manager who is trained, experienced, and skilled in the business. Rather, I am referring to the parents themselves.

In Texas, as well as in many other states, a Manager must be licensed and bonded through the state. Anyone acting as a manager must have these credentials or they are breaking the law. Confusion is often the result of people playing Manager, in fact, because they do not understand what a Manager actually is. A real "Manager," by professional definition, is not someone who finds work for their client (the person they are managing). In fact, one of the jobs of a Manager is to secure proper agency representation for their client - and then the Agency finds that person work. Managers do not book work for their clients, though they may make introductions that lead to working situations. A real Manager is someone who advises their client, the talent, and helps guide their career. By definition, at least in Texas, a person acting as a Manager must have a Talent Agency license. This would apply to any person or persons who "advise" or "guide" models or actors and helps them make decisions.

A Manager is like a "mommy" for their client and helps with things such as, but not limited to: making introductions, securing an agent, reviewing job offers and scripts, helping with legal and financial issues (themselves, or by hiring lawyers and accountants). A good Manager holds their client's hand, makes sure they get to auditions and appointments, takes the blame for mistakes, helps select proper photo images, invests financially when necessary, drives their client to and from when transportation issues arise, helps point out strengths and weaknesses, builds road maps for obtaining goals, tracks the meeting of achievements, deals directly with press and public relation issues, hires PR firms when necessary, and basically babies their client while helping build them into a successful talent and star.

A clause, again at least in Texas, to the Manager licensing requirement is that a parent may act as Manager for their minor child. This means that a mother or father, or a legal guardian, may perform all of the above for their child without having to obtain a license. Moms and dads, this means you can AND SHOULD be managing your child's career.

Going to an audition, in this above styled situation (parent as Manager), is not an issue. A parent always accompanies a minor to an audition or a job - if not because it is required, then definitely because a parent should be present with their child for anything like this. This article does not cover the "how to" for attending an audition, but does cover how a parent and child should act and react in an audition situation.

An adult age 18 or older should attend auditions and jobs alone and without a parent there holding their hand. This refers to attending something that is professional and legitimate. While TFP model photo shoots can be both professional and legitimate, it is always recommended, at least first time out with someone new, to take someone along with you. This person coming with you should ensure, however, that they are quiet and that they stay out of the way. The chaperone situation can be argued by photographers, but a truly professional shooting TFP should have nothing to hide or fear by someone coming along. If they do, then that is a caution sign for the model/actor and should be observed carefully when making a decision to shoot or not.

When an adult attends an audition, they should do so by themselves. It's okay to have someone drive you, but they should wait for you outside. When a minor child attends an audition, a parent or guardian should accompany them. This parent, however, should understand that they are there, even as Manager for their child, to "be seen and not heard." Introducing your child is fine, but let the child answer all the questions unless you are asked specifically. During the actual audition itself you may be asked to wait within another room. This is normal and generally is acceptable. A parent present can either throw a child off and hurt their actions and responses, or it can demonstrate that they must have someone there holding their hand and cannot perform independently, take direction, and perform properly for the director, photographer, or whomever the job will be with if they should land it.

Nobody wants their child to go into another room with closed doors with a stranger. You can best determine if this is something you accept based upon the size and reputation of whomever your child is auditioning with. If it is with a casting director with suitable credits, then consider your level of trust. If it is a student film, you may wish to be more cautious. This is not to say an issue cannot arise from anybody, but proper decision making should always be based upon reputations and research performed in advance. If you are sent by your agent, you can have a higher level of overall confidence than if you are responding, for instance, to a Craig's List ad.

Enter the room with your child when they are asked to come in to actually do their audition. Ask nicely if they prefer you to wait in another room. They'll tell you what they are expecting and might be perfectly happy having you there. If they do not want you present, wait quietly outside. If you are in the same room during, sit quietly in the back or in a corner and do not ask questions, talk, comment, or prompt your child to do this or that. Perhaps bring a book along and read while you are waiting.

After your child is finished, stand up and thank them for their time. Instruct your child in advance to thank them also. Leave quietly and wait to hear back. Do not call and ask, "Did you make any decisions yet?" If you have specific questions after, ask your agent... not the casting people.

Report back to your agency and let them know how things went. As a parent Manager, discuss the audition with your child. Talk about the positive things, and then discuss also those areas which could be improved. Like any real Manager, make sure you encourage your child and help them move on to be ready for the next and next opportunity.




(This article was written by Jeff Curley and is protected by Copyright Law - Please obtain permission before reposting or distributing elsewhere - ©JEFF CURLEY | AUSTIN MODELS & TALENT)