In “better late than never” news, HMB was flattered to recently be included in Blogging & Social Media Guru Ciaran Blumenfelds ongoing Babble.com Column, CASA DE CHAOS in a feature called “How to Stage Mom; Secrets and Tips for Your Little Stars.”  

We were in good company with Amy Anderson, fellow blogger, comedianne and Hollywood Mom of Modern Family‘s talented “Lily,” Aubrey Anderson Emmons and Hollywood Mom of steadily working child actor Adrian Turner, Maria Turner.

We each added something different to the mix but HMB’s fantastic Hollywood Moms and Dads created this list of top ten tips:

  1. Study! Study! Study! Acting Classes, Improv and Scene Study. Don’t put your kid “out there” on auditions and interviews until he or she is truly ready to go out. *HMB has a list https://hollywoodmomblog.com/schoolscampsclasses/
  2. Get Head Shots (good ones) from a professional photographer preferably one who specializes in babies, kids and teens. Make sure you leave with both Commercial and Theatrical looks. This will be your child’s calling card and first impression with casting directors. *Small list here http://hollywoodmomblog.com/photographers-printers/
  3. Submit to the top talent agencies for kids in your market after having researched them thoroughly. Meet with them in person before making a commitment. http://hollywoodmomblog.com/agents/
  4. Get Experience! Do student films, local theatre and school plays.
  5. Get a Work Permit http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSEForm277.pdf
  6. Open a Coogan Savings Account http://www.aftrasagfcu.org/coogan_accounts/
  7. Join online casting sites like Actors Access and Casting Networks (aka L.A. Casting)
  8. Network and read up at industry sites: Hollywood Mom Blog, ParentBiz, Deadline, THR and Backstage
  9. Keep your credit card in your pocket! Don’t pay anyone for “advice” or “services.”  Other than acting classes, agent-requested head shots and getting set up on the legitimate casting websites, you don’t need to fork over ANY money. Stay away from conventions, weekend seminars and packaged deals that promise to “make your kid a star!”
  10. Remember Show Biz is a business. Once you’ve decided as a family to take this journey, keep your commitments (like class and auditions), even if you’re having a bad day. 

Thanks to all our wonderful Hollywood Moms & Dads who generously contributed their expertise to this article:

Lisa Pitts, Nyna Lyle, Karean Chapman, Gail Watson, Kimberly Dawn, Amy Silbermann, Anne Henry, Valerie Sullivan, Maura Muhl, Monika Whiteley, Keiley White, Dani Burkhardt, Cari Anderson Mason, Rachels Wells Wilk, Jamie Willard Allen, Maria Bitros, Suzette Troche Strapp, Maha Sweiss Maturo, Janina Gavin Cantrell, Dina Argus, Elise Burks, Rebecca Fondessy, Dave Desmond, Jennifer Dodson, Rebecca Zawarski, Sharon Prelesnik, and Mae Ross!