Build up my daughters acting resume?

Question

My 13 year old daughter is very into acting. We are sending in her resume and headshot for a few disney things. But we are trying to build her resume up.

We live in California. So that is good. I won't put her in classes because I've been told they are a waste of time. And she has a friend whose mom paid 1500 dollars for John Robert Powers or whatever. And I am just not willing to do that, and everyone says it is a scam. And I cannot put her in community theatre, because where we live, it is very serious and a huge commitment, not just some little thing that is fun. Seriously, like practice and voice lessons and everything almost everyday of the week, and her father and I both work and we just can't do it. What can we do to build up her resume? Help!

Answer 1

Wow, where to start.  Are you of the impression that JRP is the only place to take classes and because it's a scam you won't put her in classes?  Are you also saying that because theatre is a commitment you won't do that either?  Of course it's a commitment, what did you expect?  Anything you do is a commitment and an agent will see that if you can't commit to a few shows then how can they trust you to commit to them?  An untrained unexperience 13 year old will get absolutely nowhere.  If you seriously think that with no training and no experience anyone will cast her especially in CA you are delusional.

The way to build her resume is to get into real legit classes at an acting studio (not JRP, agents will shak their heads at you for having gone there), get into local theatre productions, get into student and indie films, & commercials.  If you are not willing to make the commitment to do these things then you are not cut out for this business.  An agent can spot that attitude a mile a way which is why upon looking at your daughter's resume it will go straight into the trash and she will never be called in.

Also, both parents work?  I hope you have a grandparent or someone who has all day every day to be at the beck and call of an agent should she be so lucky to get one because you never know when she'll get an audition and have to run to Santa Monica or Burbank or LA or anywhere!  This is a serious commitment, not just a little fun.

Marianne

Answer 2

i would think that if community theare is too much than is gigs like disney channel shows is going to be way to much, unless one of you is going to quit your job and live off your daughters earnings. if shes so serious then put her in the community theatre

Answer 3

Yeah i know exactly what you mean.

my mom didn't have the money either.

'Community theater with really help! How else or you going to build her resume without her having experience.

I think it really depends on how committed she really is. But I did community theater and it's a great experience, she'll have fun. it's work but she has to learn if it's her passion she has to work hard to get it.

Answer 4

You are not driving your daughter into acting. You are trying to drive her into fame.

Community theatre -- the commitment will pay off with her increased acting ability and experience in theatre.  It makes no sense to refuse it on the basis that it is a big commitment.

If she were to get cast in a Disney show -- yes she would be paid but you or some other family member who is an adult would be quitting your employment to go to California and rent and apartment and be with her on the set every day. Kids have to have an adult on the set.

If your 13 year old daughter is very into ACTING then she ought to be the star of your community theatre first.

If she -- or you -- are very into FAME for no WORK on her part then I have no advice for you.

It is nonsensical to think you can get something for nothing -- especially in show business.

The right thing to do is get her into community theater to make  her a solid ACTRESS. Then you can worry about her making you money and being your tool.

Let her be a kid.

Answer 5

Theater is the best way to build up a resume for a beginner, Also there must be things at school she can do like drama class, school plays, chorus. You need to check out local places, yes it is a huge commitment to drive her everywhere, but being in plays is the only way to get started.. and you also need to be willing to take her places. Classes are what you want to do next (after doing MANY plays) google acting classes in your area. Avoid Powers, Casablanca, and Pro Scout... also ask around if anyone knows where to take classes -- i took classes at a local theater along with workshops. I've been acting for about 6 years, and been in 5 musicals, 3 plays and won thespians, also taken singing, dancing, and acting classes and i'm still not ready to get an agent.. You and your daughter need to work hard by doing things in your community. She is not ready for Disney until she gets on camera work such as commercials, and student films.. but to get those you need an agent -- It takes years and hard work.

Answer 6

I recommend having her participate in either middle school (if she is in this grade level) or high school productions to begin with.  This will give her some experience on the stage and build confidence, etc.  School practice schedules are more kid friendly and can work better with the parents routines.  I would start here.

As far as classes, I do think it is a good idea but again, there are a lot of scammers.  Maybe you can look into scholarships and start small with acting camps through the summer or something.  

Hope this helps.  iwascast.com

Answer 7

If you want to build up her resume, the only way you can do that is through training and experience.

Who told you classes were a waste of time?? That is complete bs. Training is one of the top things casting director look at. Yes, places like JRP and Barbizon are not good places to go to. Check out local theatres, maybe they offer classes and especially during the summer I would think there would be things around for teens.

As for community theatre being to serious...what exactly do you think working a job for Disney is going to be? It's work. It's dedication. It's long hours (well, for minors only 8). Getting experience in community theatre, especially one that is serious about it's productions and can potentially give your daughter a taste of doing professional work can be a wonderful experience. Not to mention, children and teens I've worked with always LOVE doing shows with adults much more that their school shows with other kids. Less drama :)

So, bottom line is if you want to build her resume you're going to have to suck it up and get her into some classes and take her to auditions and rehearsals. You can't put things like "practiced singing at home with mom" on a resume.

Also, just wanted to add that it IS a big commitment for the parent of minors. So, you have to recognize that and be willing to drive her places or help direct her to an activity that's more feasible for your family until she turns 16 and can drive herself. Disney auditions and films during the day, so even if she was somehow cast (with no training or experience, mind you), that would mean rearragning your work schedule so you could drive her. It's a big commitment, there's no way around that.

Answer 8

i have a similar problem im 14 and my community theater only offers stuff for kids 3-12 and adults 16-beyond so i have to find other ways to buil my resume

my suggestion is go to the community theater and ask them if it is possible that you can get some private acting and/or voice lessons with a couch a couple times a week that way it isnt such a bug commitment for you also check to see if her school has a good drama department that she can join

and dance lessons are always good to build a resume and at and having her join the school or church choir is good to put on a resume and summer programs are great!! there are summer workshops everywhere for her to join!!

good luck!!

-ABTS

P.S. john robert powers is a huge scam good for you to not take her there you just saved a lot of money and a lot of time casting directors arent impresses with anyone that has john robert powers on their resume

Answer 9

you shoudl do some classes!participate in plays! build up your resume! get an agent! do auditions! get headshots!

actinginfo.blogspot.com

acting411.blogspot.com

hannahmontanacasting.blogspot.com

and for an agent go to talentagents.blogspot.com and scroll down till you find city nearest you

read everythign you see! and click on words in blue but not double udnerlined ones and i suggest that you sign up with alan baltes go to first site and look at right column it explains everything! he wont be an agent just help you out and its a one time fee of 30 dollars and totally worth it!

classes are not a waste of time! they are good experience to learn!