Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 4/4/2009

Question
I read this answer to a question posted here about where to go to audition for Disney Channel shows:

"There is a lot of competition for shows as good as these [Disney Channel shows], so only the best and best-trained actors really have much chance.
For now, if you love to act, join a club, at school or in the neighborhood, and start playing around with acting. If you still like it when you graduate, you could go to a theatre school, where you'll learn a lot of things that actors need. Then lots of auditions, lots more classes in all sorts of skills, and eventually, who knows, you may make it onto the Disney Channel."

I am interested in how a child between the ages of 1 and 5 get started with shows that are aired on the Disney Channel.  More specifically, is there a talent agency that is "known" in the industry, where casting directors pull a majority of their talent for these particular shows?  

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Joseph, How a child is prepared for being a film actor goes like this. A child between one and five is not going to do much acting, and if they have natural talent, their parents could find them an agent. Of course  the family would have to live where the casting and filming is done, generally in LA and have the agent there, one who specializes in young children. It is possible that a very bright 4 or 5 year old could take acting, singing, and dancing classes as well. It is the child's parent(s) who must do the research on which schools and which agents to try to work with.  Disney shows may have certain agents they like to work with,but they also may change agents from time to time in order to see new faces. I cannot tell you which agents the producers of each show prefer. The Channel does not produce nor cast the shows, each show has their own personnel for that. Another thing the parent(s) must do is network, get the child known among agents and casting directors and directors and producers,and stars.  In other words, really have the child be a familiar available talent for their next production. The promotion of the child in this manner is the most important thing to be done to get the child cast.  Best wishes and God bless, Doc