What does an agent do?

An agent is your go-to person in the industry. Their main focus is finding professional acting opportunities for your child. This can be in a variety of mediums including commercials, TV, film and theatre. They support you through the audition process and once your child books work they will work with you to complete the child licensing. An agent also handles the contracting and invoicing for the job.  

Are you a sole agency?

We allow our clients to have a separate modelling agent as that is an area we do not cover. The modelling agent would not be able to submit them for any acting work except for modelling jobs.

Will my child earn money?

If they book work, then it is very likely. Most professional work is paid. Fee information is usually included in the initial audition email.

What kind of work is there for young performers?

Young actors perform in commercials, stage shows, West End musicals, musical tours, television series, short films, feature films, student films, still photography and animation/voice over. 

Is my child ready for representation?

Children who want to perform professionally should be confident and love to perform. They don't need to have professional experience. In honesty, children are usually more ready for this than the parents. What I love about young performers is that they go into an audition, have a good time and that's it, quickly moving on to the next fun thing, not worrying about the outcome. Parents usually do the worrying for them. What's important in this industry is supporting the child through the process by ensuring they are enjoying the experience. You will hear more 'nos' than 'yeses' but if you celebrate every audition as a win then you help build the child's resilience and the experience continues to be a positive one.

What are my responsibilities as a parent/guardian?

Parents will have a large role in supporting their young performer in this industry. You will have to help them with their audition prep and taping, such as reading the other characters' lines off-screen. You'll also have to take them to in-person auditions in London. Most auditions take place after school hours, except during the school holidays when they can be during the morning or early afternoon hours. Some auditions can also take place on weekends. Some jobs also require the parent to be the on-set chaperone, which means you'll be on location with them during a job. Another adult can be a chaperone for your child on a job, but they will need to be a licensed chaperone.

What will it cost me to join?

It's free to join the agency. You will need to pay for a Spotlight subscription which is around £125/year (fee information here) and get professional headshots which vary in cost depending on the photographer you choose. I will only take a commission on monies earned through auditions/jobs.

Are all auditions in London?

Many first auditions are still done via self-tape, which you do in your own home. If you're invited to an in-person audition then it will likely be in Central London. There are a number of casting studios that are used by casting offices such as Bang Studios, Coptic Street Studios and others.

What are auditions like? 

Many auditions still start with self-tapes which have to be recorded in your own home. You don't need fancy equipment; you can use your smartphone. If it's an in-person audition then you'll have to take your child to a casting studio or office to audition with the Casting Associate or Casting Director, and possibly the Director and/or Producers. Children will go into the audition room alone, and parents will wait in the waiting area. These auditions are also recorded so they can be reviewed while the casting team make their decisions.

Auditions consist of a slate, or ident, where the child introduces themselves to camera stating basic information (name, age, etc.). Then they will be asked to perform a short improvised scene(s) or a scripted scene(s) (called sides). If the sides have other characters in the scene, then someone else will need to read those lines aloud off-screen so the child performer can react and respond to the lines. If attending a musical audition then there will likely be music or dance routines that need to be learned prior to the audition or learned on the day.

Some jobs require multiple audition rounds, often called recalls or callbacks. The young performer may be asked to learn new material for the recalls/callbacks, but they are often asked to redo the original material they were given.

Is there anything we need right now? 

Many auditions are still being done via self-tape, so I would recommend you buy a tripod for your smartphone and a ring light so you are well lit for your self-tapes. These items are available on Amazon.

How long does it take to know if you got a role?

This varies on the job type. Some jobs, such as commercials, have a very quick turn around time, making confirmations with in a week or two. Other jobs, such as TV, film and theatre often have longer turn around times with multiple rounds of auditions which can take months.

We don't have any industry experience. Is that a problem?

Not at all! As long as you are open and willing to learn as you go, then you'll be A-OK. I've helped many families over the years gain a better understanding of the industry and the way everything works. I'm here to guide and answer any questions you have.