GETTING STARTED
How Much Does It Cost to Get My Child Into Acting?
BY JENN BOYCE
FORMER HOLLYWOOD TALENT AGENT & FOUNDER OF THE HOLLYWOOD PREP
Technically?
Nothing.
There is no entrance fee to become an actor. 😂
But yes, if your child is going to pursue acting professionally, there are some legitimate expenses that come along with building their career.
And I think it’s really important for parents to understand the difference between investing in your child’s career and being told you need to spend a bunch of money just to get your child “into the industry.”
Those are two VERY different things.
What Should Parents Expect to Spend Money On?
As your child gets started, some of the normal expenses may include:​​
Acting Classes
Headshots
Casting Websites
And depending on where you live, there may be a few other things you’ll need to take care of, like getting a child performer work permit or setting up a Coogan account.
These aren’t necessarily expenses, but they are important requirements in certain states. Minor Performers Alliance has some helpful resources to get you started.
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And of course, depending on where you live and where your child is working, there may be travel expenses to consider, too.
You don’t necessarily need to do all of these things on Day One.
Remember what we’ve been talking about throughout this Guide:
Figure out where your child is right now, and then take the next best step.
You don’t have to buy the entire acting career starter kit this weekend. 😂
Do I Need to Pay for Casting Websites?
If your child doesn’t have a Talent Agent yet and you want to explore some self-submission opportunities, I generally recommend starting with an Actors Access account.
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One thing I want parents to understand is that not every casting website is used in every market.
Depending on where you live, the type of work your child is pursuing and which Casting Directors are working in your area, the platforms you need may be different.
And if your child already has an Agent or Manager, please ask them which casting websites they want you to use before spending money on memberships.
You don’t need to sign up for everything just because it’s available.
But remember what we talked about earlier with self-submitting: I don’t want you submitting your child to everything simply because you can.
Be selective. Be smart. And always know who you’re sending your child’s information and videos to.
Do Talent Agents and Managers Charge Upfront Fees?
NO.
And I want this one to be really clear.
It does not cost you money to get a Talent Agent or Manager.
Legitimate Agents and Managers do not—and should not—charge you an upfront fee simply to represent your child or “get them started.”
They make money when your child makes money.
So if someone is telling you that you need to pay them thousands of dollars before they’ll represent your child, I want you to review the FTC’s scam guidance and ask questions before handing over your credit card.
There are legitimate expenses in this business.
Paying someone simply for the privilege of being represented should not be one of them.
Large upfront fees to be represented
Legitimate Agents and Managers don’t charge upfront representation fees.
Promises to make your child a star
No one can guarantee auditions, bookings or success.
Pressure to pay or sign immediately
Take your time, do your research and trust your gut.
Required acting classes or photographers
Be cautious if representation depends on purchasing specific services.
You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune to Give Your Child a Good Start
I want you to be thoughtful about where you’re putting your money.
Spend it on things that actually help prepare and market your child professionally.
Good training? Yes.
The right headshots when they’re ready? Yes.
The appropriate casting tools? Yes.
Thousands of dollars because someone promised they’re going to make your child a star?
No thank you.
There will be plenty of opportunities to spend money in this business. 😂
My goal is to help you understand what is actually worth spending it on.
Jenn's
Take
There are legitimate expenses in this business.
​
​Paying someone simply for the privilege of being represented should not be one of them.