An Actor’s Life For Them

Actor Charlie Brooks, best known for playing Janine in EastEnders, left home in North Wales at 13 to go to drama school in London, so there’s not much about the industry that she doesn’t know.

Charlie, along with her brother Ben, who was a child actor and then worked in production, and his wife Emma, have set up iampro.com, an online platform offering world-class drama and production training on a mission to democratise the industry. They want to make it accessible for everyone, no matter their budget or where they live.

But what do you do as a parent if your child is showing signs they want to act? Where do you start if you don’t know the industry yourself? Here Charlie gives us her top tips on what to do if your little cherubs want to act professionally and how you as parents can help – and protect them along the way:

Be sure they want to do it

Navigating the acting industry can be really hard for parents, but the benefits for your child can be amazing, if this is something they enjoy and want to do. This is very important. I feel passionately about the benefits of drama for everybody, especially young people. Acting and drama classes can help your child thrive. It will build confidence, help them find a group of likeminded people, express themselves in a safe way and most importantly have fun! If it’s not fun for them, then maybe it’s not something you should pursue.

Make sure you child is heard, figure out if this is something they are genuinely interested in and want to commit to. Talk to them about their passion and commitment to the craft. It’s so important that they are genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort.

Find the right training and support

Look for reputable acting schools or classes in your area that are good for young children. These can provide a solid foundation in acting techniques, improve their skills, and help them gain confidence and have fun! It’s also worth finding a talent agent or manager who specialises in representing child actors. They can guide you through the industry, provide valuable connections, and help you find suitable auditions and casting opportunities. We offer guidance and support around this on the iampro platform.

Don’t get hoodwinked

Be careful of scams! Sadly, the entertainment industry is not immune to them. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, especially those that require large upfront fees. Do not pay large upfront fees. Research potential opportunities thoroughly and speak to a professional agent before making any financial commitments. You can ask any questions for free on websites, such as iampro and seek advice.

Immerse yourself in the Industry

Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to network with other actors, parents, casting directors, and agents. Building relationships within the industry can provide massively beneficial insights and opportunities for your child.

Don’t forget their education

While pursuing acting, please make sure your child’s education does not get forgotten. Having a healthy balance between their acting endeavours and their academic and social development is super important.

Be Present – not pushy!

As a parent, it’s crucial to stay actively involved in your child’s acting journey.

Website: iampro.com

Attend auditions and performances, offer encouragement, and provide emotional support. But – be careful not to put too much pressure on or become overly invested in their success. Nobody wants a pushy parent!

Support them

Create a supportive and nurturing environment for your child. Encourage them to embrace the learning process, handle rejection positively, and celebrate small achievements along the way. Help them develop resilience and a healthy perspective on success and failure.

Manage expectations

The acting industry is extremely competitive, and success probably won’t come overnight. Manage both your and your child’s expectations realistically.

Safety first

Your child’s safety and wellbeing must always come first. Research any production or casting opportunity thoroughly. Be cautious of any situations that may compromise their safety or emotional wellbeing.

Remember you’re their parent

The acting industry can be challenging, and it’s important to approach it with a balanced perspective. Encourage your child’s passion while providing them with a stable and supportive environment.

iampro.com offers acting classes, as well as a supportive environment and community for actors of all ages from just £30 a month. iampro JNR is for 8-12 year olds and has been designed to encourage creativity and build confidence in children. It also prepares aspiring performers for further training and work in the industry.

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