On Getting Your Start

So I'm off and running!  I'll be signing with an agent soon, I've got 2 offers.  I can't wait to act or model in my first paid job!  But it's going to happen soon.  For those who are just getting started, here's some advice.

1. Get into some training or education on this business, how to model, how to act or play music.  For me I signed up with Barbizon and that's been a great avenue in to the business.  But there are lots of other groups, just check in your local area for opportunities like acting schools, music lesson places like School of Rock or at your school.  Many schools offer programs in arts such as music and drama (mine doesn't).

2. Ask a parent to make a profile on Kids Casting or Backstage and check out the types of roles being posted.  It's interesting to see what might be possible.  Then try to submit for something and maybe you'll get selected.  My mom put me in for Celebration of Music and I was selected!  I didn't win but the experience was worth gold and helped build my self confidence, as my mom says. 

3. If you are scared to be on stage and perform, the only cure is to do it more and more.  Me, I've been performing since I was a little kid.  When I was one or two, the pre-school made us sing for our parents, and so on and so on.  But I always liked performing.  I did magic shows when I was 4 and when I started taking piano lessons I performed at recitals.  The more you do it the easier it gets, that's my advice to get over the jitters.