Opportunities to work can be found in school plays and community theater, local short films and commercials. Small and local can be the easiest way to get TV or film work. Don’t overlook community theater groups. Many directors consider theater training to be the best an actor can receive.
Every state now has a government film commission that provides information about who may be casting local roles and hiring extras for projects that are filming close to home.
Directors and casting directors will be looking for your child’s background in taking direction as well as performing. Classes with an acting coach or vocal coach will demonstrate this experience.
Work as an extra, which is also known as background work, can give your child the chance to work on a set and learn how production works. While it is not considered experience as an actor, background work can be useful as training.
Even the smallest part in a local theater production or student film requires a degree of skill that the industry does not recognize in background work.