2 answers
Brayden
Student
Mitchell, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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How do I find actor/voice acting jobs, for my age, near my area?
I'm a fourteen year old boy wanting to act/voice for a career.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1848
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brayden !
The first thing that you will need to do as a professional actor at the age of 14 is obtain a Work Permit from your high school. Keep in mind that your hours of working as an actor will be limited due to your age. Also, sometimes older teens that can pass for younger are hired due to child labor laws. The teenagers in the movie, "Grease" were actually all in their thirties and late twenties. It is something that you may or may not encounter.
The next thing that you'll need to do is meet with your high school guidance counselor and inform the counselor that you will be working as an actor and what are the school's guidelines for that ? Work will come your way that will be in production during school hours so there may be many days during which you won't be able to attend your school if your career takes off at age 14. Next step would be to obtain agency representation which means you will have to go to all of the agencies that your adult accompanist can drive you to. The adult will have to stay with you during the shoot or production during rehearsals and performances. You will need a series of different photos and a resume of your acting experience, education and any private or community places where you've studied acting. The photo types you will need will be specified in casting notices or your agent will let you know what they need.
It sounds as though you are ready to work right now, so this advice is for starting a professional career. Join SAG/AFTRA which is the actors union that covers film, television and radio work. Your parent will pay a large fee for you to join and thereafter, there are dues that must be paid even if you haven't worked that year. Your parent or a commitment from an adult is necessary for your safety and guidance. Although it sounds like you want to do this now, and are ready for the hard work and commitment it takes, then again I wonder why you are asking how to start. I know, being in Mitchell, Indiana is not exactly the hub of the film industry, but there are some websites that you can register at as an actor that have casting notices and it is not listed by age. You can explore Backstage, Actors Access, and Direct Submit. Just put a search in for casting agencies (these are not casting directors or Agents) and submit your materials to them.
You can try Mitchell Talent once you join SAG-AFTRA, Mitchell Casting (I don't know if these are in your town), Unfortunately, there is no presence of casting agencies where you live so you may want to consider one of the major cities in Indiana such as Indianapolis or Fort Wayne. There may be some in Evansville or in South Bend. A simple search online will let you know. Backstage and Direct Submit carry casting notices for all locations and all age ranges. There are child actor Agencies (representation) in New York City and in Los Angeles, however.
All of the information that you will need for your specific circumstances for starting an acting career now can be found by further exploring online. You will need moderate experience, adult accompaniment, clearance with your high school, work permit, photos and resumes and a reel of your work. If it doesn't seem like it's time for you to begin, just keep acting in school and in any community opportunities in theatre or student films. Once you are 18, you can do it on your own without restrictions or an adult being with you at all times, especially driving you to and from projects.
If you have any more specific question for your own personal situation, definitely return here to ask ! Best wishes in all you do !
The first thing that you will need to do as a professional actor at the age of 14 is obtain a Work Permit from your high school. Keep in mind that your hours of working as an actor will be limited due to your age. Also, sometimes older teens that can pass for younger are hired due to child labor laws. The teenagers in the movie, "Grease" were actually all in their thirties and late twenties. It is something that you may or may not encounter.
The next thing that you'll need to do is meet with your high school guidance counselor and inform the counselor that you will be working as an actor and what are the school's guidelines for that ? Work will come your way that will be in production during school hours so there may be many days during which you won't be able to attend your school if your career takes off at age 14. Next step would be to obtain agency representation which means you will have to go to all of the agencies that your adult accompanist can drive you to. The adult will have to stay with you during the shoot or production during rehearsals and performances. You will need a series of different photos and a resume of your acting experience, education and any private or community places where you've studied acting. The photo types you will need will be specified in casting notices or your agent will let you know what they need.
It sounds as though you are ready to work right now, so this advice is for starting a professional career. Join SAG/AFTRA which is the actors union that covers film, television and radio work. Your parent will pay a large fee for you to join and thereafter, there are dues that must be paid even if you haven't worked that year. Your parent or a commitment from an adult is necessary for your safety and guidance. Although it sounds like you want to do this now, and are ready for the hard work and commitment it takes, then again I wonder why you are asking how to start. I know, being in Mitchell, Indiana is not exactly the hub of the film industry, but there are some websites that you can register at as an actor that have casting notices and it is not listed by age. You can explore Backstage, Actors Access, and Direct Submit. Just put a search in for casting agencies (these are not casting directors or Agents) and submit your materials to them.
You can try Mitchell Talent once you join SAG-AFTRA, Mitchell Casting (I don't know if these are in your town), Unfortunately, there is no presence of casting agencies where you live so you may want to consider one of the major cities in Indiana such as Indianapolis or Fort Wayne. There may be some in Evansville or in South Bend. A simple search online will let you know. Backstage and Direct Submit carry casting notices for all locations and all age ranges. There are child actor Agencies (representation) in New York City and in Los Angeles, however.
All of the information that you will need for your specific circumstances for starting an acting career now can be found by further exploring online. You will need moderate experience, adult accompaniment, clearance with your high school, work permit, photos and resumes and a reel of your work. If it doesn't seem like it's time for you to begin, just keep acting in school and in any community opportunities in theatre or student films. Once you are 18, you can do it on your own without restrictions or an adult being with you at all times, especially driving you to and from projects.
If you have any more specific question for your own personal situation, definitely return here to ask ! Best wishes in all you do !
Kennedy Kosmalski
Consulting
44
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kennedy’s Answer
Hi Brayden, great question! There are many ways to kick-start your acting career, and being young is the perfect time to refine your skills. You've got a lot of choices. You can join acting workshops, find a mentor in the acting field, enroll in acting classes at various schools, or just jump right in and learn from audition experiences. Each method provides a unique opportunity to learn and grow!