My 7 yr old has been wanting to start acting and I keep putting her off. I know nothing about how or where to start. Can anyone give me advice? Do I send her to acting classes? Do I get photos taken? Do I try to find an agent first....? Thank you for any direction and help!

I would start looking at agents first. Submit some pictures to agencies. :-)

Read and research first. Mominbiz has a great post for "Parents of children getting started.". I'll bump it up for you. And read everything on Bizparentz.org, especially regarding child safety and scams. Good luck!

any suggestions on agents or agencies?

There are several posts about different agencies on this board which is a wonderful resource. Some are more focused on print, others are smaller boutique agencies but just as wonderful and then there are the big prestigiously recognized ones. Some suggestions are Zuri, Paloma Model and Talent, Osbrink, and Ford. It really depends what you are looking for. :-) Keep us posted!

can you suggest a photographer for the pictures or can I send in any good pic to agencies?

Of course. In OC Lil Toes Photography is amazing as is Carla Rhea. Other photographers who come to OC are Nicole Benetiz and Steven Wetherbee is on San Diego and is also amazing. :-)

Seconding Colette with Lil Toes Photography Love her! But not sure if you need headshots just to send to agents? I am not sure I would invest in prof shots until after they got an agent...

so it sounds like I just need to get her signed up with an agent now. I shouldn't worry about getting her to auditions and stuff posted on backstage.com-right?

thank you everyone!

My name is Marnie Cooper and I'm an acting coach. I've been teaching for over 27 years in both NY and LA. I recommend that you first see an acting coach who can prepare them to meet with agents. Very often, children go into the agents office dressed too formal and the mini interview that the agent will give your child is confusing. They don't know how to answer questions and they aren't sure what is expected of them. If you are interested, my book just came out on Amazon/Kindle/Barnes & Noble, which helps prepare children for this business.
Good Luck, Break A Leg - Marnie

OCMom, read this: http://bbs.backstage.com/group...611031/m/9461061/p/1