If we’ve learned anything from Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy’s acclaimed new memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, it’s that parents shouldn’t push their kids to be actors because it was the parents' childhood dream. But if your kid has stars in their own eyes and is begging you to follow their Hollywood dreams, where do you start?
Joe Lorenzo, CEO of Society Performers Academy, has discovered and cultivated some of today’s most popular young stars as a renowned Hollywood talent manager and casting director, and he now crisscrosses America to find the next big star, working to give kids and parents the opportunity to train and develop their craft. Some of the talent Lorenzo has worked with includes Danielle Nicolet (CW’s The Flash, Supergirl), Jack Griffo (Nickelodeon’s The Thundermans), Elias Harger (Netflix’s Fuller House), and Raphael Alejandro (Disney Channel’s Bunk’d). He spoke with LittleThings to share tips for parents who are helping their children pursue acting careers, as well as red flags to watch for when beginning the process.
First, Lorenzo stresses to never push your kids. “They will let you know they don’t want to do it; listen to them,” he says. “If they have a flair for videos around the house, want you to watch their plays, or sing Disney theme songs, they may be a right fit.”
This may be around age 5, which Lorenzo says is the best age to begin because they have formed personalities and can follow direction. Then you can start the process from home. There’s no immediate need to move to Hollywood or New York City. Lorenzo points out, “Everything can be done remotely now, until they book enough to make it worth the move. Your agent and manager will tell you when that is.”
Which means you need legit representation. “With any company, the parents should do their research,” advises Lorenzo. “We tell them to do their homework, which is Google us and feel free to contact some of the 200+ parents who have given us good reviews. Also, you have to have a good feeling about the people you are working with. If you meet with someone online or in person and it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.”
Enroll your child in acting class before you start anything. Lorenzo says, “You must train, create a resume, and take proper headshots, before you start submitting to casting websites.”
Auditions are up next. Lorenzo says, “An audition is just a tryout, like in sports. Let them try it; if they don’t like it, or the director who they are auditioning for lets you know they may not be ready, then take a pause. Don’t stop if someone says ‘no.’ Just reassess and have a long conversation with your child. Really make sure it is something they want to do. Learn lines, go to classes, be on Zoom, and train. If they say, ‘Yes, Mommy, yes I want to,’ then try again. Never force them because everyone tells you they are cute. Being cute is not the requirement to be on TV or film.”
He continues, “Working hard and listening to those you have paid to guide you along the way is the most important way to success. One time, we did have a girl audition and make it in, then we reached out after a few days of not seeing her on attendance. Her mom said, ‘What do you mean? She up there every night on her tablet in class.’ We said, ‘No, she has not been to one class yet.’ She lied to her mom so that her mom would get off her case about being an actor and model, and it backfired. So, be very aware and listen to your kids. They are very intuitive, and they will tell you when they don’t want to do something.”
When kids want it, Lorenzo says the “it factor” shines through. “The ‘it factor’ is coined by Disney and Nickelodeon, because most decision makers don't know what ‘it’ is that they want, until the talent walks into the room and blows them away. When I met Tyler Blackburn, he was referred from his modeling agent and didn’t have any credits to his name and had barely taken an acting class, but he was so kind and eager. I knew he would work hard, and he did for years and then landed that amazing role of Caleb on Pretty Little Liars that catapulted him to be a recognizable star.”
To help your child gain experience, Lorenzo encourages parents to be proactive. “Don’t wait for your agent to call you. Be in class. Check out all the casting websites, join them, and submit on your own.”
You don’t need to hire a professional film crew to make reels. Lorenzo says, “A good self-tape can be done at home with mom or dad helping. Film it against a plain white wall. Wear bright solid colors. Get a tripod and some soft box lights from Amazon. The cost is under $100 and will pay off in the long run. Never film anything in your bedroom, with laundry in the background. Less in the background is better. No props. Just you as the character, the reader off camera, and great lighting is key.”
You don’t need to be social media famous to get hired. Lorenzo shares, “We don’t specifically work with reality or influencer stars, but there is a huge market for that and I have great respect for it. Please note this is not how kids are getting hired, but sometimes it does play a factor in edging one actor out over the other. Think of this: The producers equally like two kids for the same role. Both kids did an equal performance, yet they can’t decide. Then they go to their social media. The one kid has a presence, posts good, clean, fun content. The other does not. The kid with a social media presence most likely will get the role.”
Bottom line? Lorenzo says, “Nowadays you can also shoot things yourself. Create social media channels, no matter the child's age. If a child is under 12, parents can manage the page. Create videos with your friends with scripts and props. Be as creative every day as you can. If you want to be an actor, act every day in some way.”
Rejection is part of the journey, and when it happens to your child, Lorenzo says, “Shake it off.” He elaborates, “Each audition is another chance to perform, just like in class. Do not harp on it, wondering if you got it. Move on to the next thing. If and when you get the call you got it — eureka! — nice surprise. Also, don’t let everything rest on this one thing. Let kids be kids. Don’t live, sleep, and breathe acting. Let them do other things, like sports and clubs at school. This also gives the fuel for future performances and special skills they can use in commercials, TV, and film.”
There’s no secret to success, even once you follow all these expert tips. Lorenzo wants parents to know, “There are no shortcuts. Make this a marathon, not a sprint. If you are auditioning and you have a friend or neighbor much like your child who is also auditioning, and getting roles, remember this, popcorn kernels pop each at different times.”
