Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/17/2007

Question
I am interested in getting my seven year old into acting and modeling.  I live in Maryland and am looking for reputable agencies that will not require me to have headshots or classes.  I don't know what my next step should be.

Answer
There's only two talent agencies I see listed in that area:
  
Kids International Talent Agency
938 East Swan Creek Rd., Suite 152
Ft Washington, MD 20744
Tel: 301-292-6094
and
Taylor Royall Agency
6247 Falls Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21209
Tel: 410-828-6900
They both look like the offer classes.  Perhaps you would be able to consider agencies in a larger market.  You could commute for the summer when your child is not in school.  Even if NYC is too far, perhaps you could check out the Philadelphia area.  Unfortunately, number of agencies who serve an area, is proportionate to the amount of work available in that area, which will limit your opportunities unless you can figure out a way to get to a larger market. Generally, very young talent would not be required to have a professional actor's headshot and resume, or modeling composite card, but you might want to consider at least an auditioning class unless you're both already comfortable with the auditioning process and lingo.  And if you do get up to the New York area, you can pick up a copy of the Ross Reports (or get one online, rossreports.com) to find agents and casting directors in that general area.  Their print version has a guide for children from 2001, and there are also numerous books written about child modeling and acting (available in your local library, bookstore or online) many of which also contain an agency directory and other resources that might be helpful as well.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty