Lessons learned from an 11yr old actor (well, mostly from his Mum!).
Recently, I sat down with Elijah’s mum to talk about their journey so far. As much as passion and commitment are required from the actor, if that actor is a child it’s the parent who is the driving force (figuratively and literally) behind them. I wanted to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like. Here’s what she had to say.
It’s a long road and it’s certainly not for everybody. Getting started is the hardest part because there isn’t a clear path mapped out and you really need to find your own way.
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Sign up for speech and drama lessons.
Currently, there’s not a lot of support for acting in Ipswich but the first thing we did was signed up with Krystie French. She taught Elijah the fundamentals of public speaking.
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Sign up for acting lessons specifically for television and film.
A quick google search will show a plethora of options in Brisbane.
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Book in your headshots.
Do you research and find one that relates to you. It’s important to invest in a long term relationship with a photographers because you’ll need current headshots once every 6 months until you are an adult or every time you change your look.
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Sign up for websites like Star Now, Casting Networks and start applying.
Rinse, repeat and keep applying.
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Participate in everything you can – school plays, local theatre groups, church speeches.
Everything is experience.
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Network and put yourself out in front of people.
Reiterate your abilities. If you don’t ask the answer is always no.
Make sure this is what you want to do. Don’t look for a talent agent until you’re sure. Some actors wait for a couple of years before finding a talent agent and you need to make sure you get along with them. You can also have more than one and probably should if you’re considering having accent lessons for overseas work. Elijah is currently represented by Talent by Theresa.
If the director likes your headshot you’ll get a call back.
Headshots will get you in the door. Your presence will keep you there.
Every audition is your job.
You work begins when you consistently show up and give your all. Because if you don’t, they won’t even look at you.
Sign up for lessons with a casting agent like Ben Parkinson Casting and keep up with acting skills by signing up with NIDA in between roles.
Eventually, you’re going to build up your showreel, so keep at it.
Hi there! I'm Amanda Waschevski
I AM A HEADSHOT AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN IPSWICH, QLD. I help people be themselves in front a camera. Are you ready to put your best face forward? Let's Chat.