Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 7/20/2009

Question
I have an ambitious 4 year old daughter who has wonderful talent from acting to modeling. I am a single parent who lives in Columbia,SC and I would like to know how can I get my daughter started with a career in acting or modeling or anything to get our feet wet and her started...I'm lost with no help if you can guide me in the right direction I can take it from there. Thanks

Answer
Hi Bria,

Sounds like you have your hands full!

Well, it's pretty simple when you have a four year old...depending.

Depending on if she can take directions and if she can hold her attention. There is a big difference from "the little monkey girl in the living room" to performing or modeling. It all depends on the child. Unfortunately, what they really want is a little adult in a kid's body. If the child is very mature and listens and can keep still when needed, you have a winner! On the other hand, if she goes to strange surroundings and goes off the hook or clams up in fright, not so good.

I remember a commercial I did for a Sears store in Houston, Texas years and years ago. As usual, I was a young dad and I had a wife and son...well, as they usually do, there were two options on the son as he was so little. It wasn't hard to pick which kid. We went with the one who wasn't screaming and crying from...I don't know what...fear? tired? strangers?...They told me to go make friends with the one we chose, so I went over to the riding lawnmower he was playing on, and he immediately says to me: "BYE BYE!!!" I was just floored! His mom then came over and said: "He's not telling you to go, that's just what he calls any vehicle because we say 'Bye Bye' when daddy leaves each morning in his car!" OK! Glad I wasn't being told to shine off by a 4-year old! NEVER work with kids and animals...Lol!

Anyway, if she has the qualities I have mentioned, you simply take a good picture of her (no headshot needed at this stage) and mail it with a short, polite letter stating you are seeking an agent to represent your daughter. You want to include contact info and give her age. Agents will take on kids depending on their age limits, and at that age, kids are pretty much naturals, so acting and modeling classes come much later in the game. You can find Modeling and Talent agents in most cities in the yellow pages under modeling and talent. PLEASE do not pay anyone money in advance to be her "agent". A real agent will not do that, nor will they make you pay them or an associate to do her portfolio, which she doesn't actually need until later anyway. It is ok to give you names of photographers, but be wary if they "require" classes with them to sign up.

Best,

Taylor