Discover the proven steps to prepare your child actor for representation, from headshots and resumes to training and submissions.

If your child dreams of acting, landing a talent agent can feel like the golden ticket. But here’s the truth: agents don’t just sign talent. They sign professionalism, potential, and preparation. They want to know your child is serious about this journey and that you, as their parent, are ready to help them navigate it.

So, what exactly makes a young actor stand out? Let’s break it down.

Build a Strong Portfolio

Your child’s portfolio is their introduction to the professional world. It should feel polished, intentional, and age-appropriate.

• Headshots: These matter more than almost anything else at the beginning. A strong headshot should reflect your child’s unique personality while also looking professional. That does not mean stiff or overly styled. Casting directors and agents want to see your child as they really are. Think bright eyes, a natural expression, and clothing that does not distract. Updating headshots every 12 to 18 months (or sooner if your child changes significantly) is a smart practice.

Momager Moment: When we first started out, I thought a nice school photo would work as a headshot. I was so wrong. I quickly learned that casting directors not only spot the difference in less than an instant, but on a page of 100's of options, school photos fade to the background when compared to professional headshots. Once we invested in professional headshots, everything shifted. Auditions started coming in more consistently.

• Resume: Even if you are starting from scratch, do not underestimate the power of a clean, well-formatted resume. Include acting classes, workshops, local theater productions, on-camera classes, and relevant skills. If your child can play piano, ride a horse, or juggle, those skills belong on the resume. Special skills are often what set young actors apart in a crowded field.
• Demo Reel: Think of this as a highlight reel, not a movie trailer. A short reel (30 to 60 seconds) should focus on one or two strong performances. A monologue with good lighting and sound is better than a long, shaky video with poor quality. The goal is to show agents how your child looks and sounds on camera and whether they can hold attention naturally.

Create a Professional Online Presence

Having a professional online presence makes it easier for agents and casting directors to find, evaluate, and consider your child for opportunities.

• Casting Platforms: Start with Actors Access. It is the industry standard and where most film and TV auditions are posted. Casting Networks is primarily used for commercials and Backstage is a combination, with many more independent films, student films, and requests for user-generated content (UGC). Each platform requires a profile with a headshot, resume, and often video clips. Keeping these current is non-negotiable.
• Consistency Across Platforms: Make sure the information is consistent. If your child has three different resumes floating around, it creates confusion and makes them look less professional.
• Social Media: While not a requirement, a professional Instagram or TikTok account can help showcase personality and range. If you choose to create one, keep it parent-managed and remember that professionalism still applies. What you share should enhance your child’s brand, not distract from it.

Show Training and Commitment

Agents want to see that a young actor is not just dabbling, but truly building skills.

• Classes: Ongoing training shows commitment and growth. This could be scene study, improv, voice, or on-camera technique. Online classes are great for flexibility, while in-person training builds confidence in group settings.
• Workshops and Intensives: These short-term programs can expose your child to different styles and teachers. They also help keep things fresh and exciting.
• Coachability: The number one thing agents and casting directors want to know is whether your child takes direction. A child who listens, tries again, and shows growth is far more appealing than one who insists on doing it their way.

Momager Moment: Our daughter has been on multiple sets where children have been "released" from set because they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) follow the director’s direction.  If your child likes to do things “their way” rather than someone else’s, then acting might not be for them.

Submitting to Agents

When you feel ready to reach out, preparation and strategy matter more than volume.

1. Do your research. Look up agencies in your area (or the nearest major market) that represent young performers. Some agencies specialize in kids, while others handle both adults and children.
2. Follow guidelines. If the submission page says “email only” or “include headshot and resume in PDF format,” do exactly that. Not following directions is an immediate red flag.
3. Keep your message short. A brief, professional cover email that includes a quick introduction, your child’s age, a headshot, resume, and a link to a reel is plenty. You do not need paragraphs of backstory. Let the materials speak for themselves.
4. Patience is key. Agents get hundreds of submissions every month. You may not hear back right away, or at all. That is part of the process.

What Agents Look For

Agents are looking for potential they can develop, not perfection. Qualities that help your child stand out include:

• A natural and confident presence on camera
• An ability to take direction and adapt quickly
• A supportive parent who understands their role as a partner, NOT the star of the show
• A sense of professionalism: arriving on time, prepared, and ready to work
• A spark of uniqueness that makes them memorable, whether that is their look, their energy, or their comedic timing

Red Flags for Agents

Just as agents look for certain strengths, there are also red flags that can make them pass immediately.

• Parents who seem pushy, demanding, or unrealistic
• Missed deadlines or poor follow-through on requested materials
• Headshots that look unprofessional or outdated
• Submissions that feel rushed, sloppy, or impersonal
• A lack of preparation that suggests the child is not ready to commit

Final Momager Note

Attracting an agent is not about being perfect. It is about being prepared. A strong portfolio, consistent training, and reliable parent support show agents that your family is ready for the next step. The right agent will not just see your child’s talent. They will see the team effort that goes into supporting that talent. And that is what makes a child stand out in this competitive industry.

Next Steps for Parents

If you are getting your child ready to submit to agents, the first step is often creating professional self-tapes. That is where most kids get noticed in the first place. To help you start strong, I created a free resource, The Ultimate Self-Tape Checklist, which walks you step by step through the gear and setup you need to get it right.

And if you want ongoing support, resources, and a place to get your questions answered, join the waitlist for our Momager Community, where parents like you come together to support each other on this journey. Inside, you’ll find templates, tools, live Q&A sessions, and encouragement from other moms who get it.

You don’t have to do this alone. Start with the checklist, and when you’re ready, join us inside the community.  You’ve got this!