Start with classes and simple, current photos, then research licensed agencies that work with young performers and follow their submission process or use a genuine referral. A legitimate agent never charges to sign your child and takes commission, generally 10%, only when your child is paid. Built for parents from 34 answers by our parent experts, plus the rules as SAG-AFTRA, California and the FTC state them today.
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Not on day one. Jess Orcsik's view is that classes come first; an agent or manager matters once you're building a real foundation. Karen Workman, a mother of working actors, says most young actors need at least one rep submitting them, but not necessarily both.
Her rule of thumb: if you're new and unsure, a manager can guide you and introduce you to agents; if you already know the basics, an agent is the quickest route to auditions. Our guide to getting your child into acting covers the very first steps.
Our experts split here. Bonnie J Wallace, author of The Hollywood Parents Guide, says it's better to wait for a good agent than to grab any agent, and the more experience your child has, the better the agents who will want them. Karen Workman points out that agents sign children who aren't polished yet, because they need young people on their books.
Kym Jackson adds that young performers face less pressure on their resume, so the work carries more weight: natural acting, current photos and a positive attitude.
Both can work. In LA, Kym says young performers usually sign with a youth talent agency, and some of those keep clients into adulthood by moving them to the adult side. Karen adds that many adult agencies have a children's division or an agent whose job is signing kids. Her bottom line: sign with whichever agency believes in your child.
One thing to know: SAG-AFTRA notes that agents often represent children for print work, which doesn't fall under any union's jurisdiction (SAG-AFTRA).
Less than you might think. Jess Orcsik says a child who's just starting doesn't need thousands of dollars of headshots; find a reputable photographer your child relaxes with. Karen Workman notes that children's looks change fast, so you'll reshoot more often than an adult would. The FTC adds that legitimate scouts for children "generally ask for casual snapshots, not professional photos."
An agency asking for new headshots is normal. Insisting on one photographer is not: SAG-AFTRA says agents should offer a list of several.
Research first. Jess Orcsik suggests looking agents up on IMDb, checking which actors they represent, and making sure they have experience with your child's age group. If you want union work, check the agency on SAG-AFTRA's franchised agents list; in California, check its licence in the Labor Commissioner's licence search.
Then follow each agency's process for new talent, or use a genuine referral. Our guide to checking an agency is legit has the full checklist.
Expect your child to read a little and chat. When Karen's children first auditioned for their agent, she waited outside while they did a few commercial lines. Business conversations are different: Karen and Jess both say parents belong in representation meetings, and Bonnie J Wallace says parents should stay involved until 18, since minors can't sign contracts.
The agent is also meeting you. Karen says agents sometimes look at the parent almost more than the child. They want someone supportive but not overbearing, organised, open to advice, and no trouble on set. And let your child know they can say no if an agent doesn't feel right.
The same as for adults. As of November 2026, SAG-AFTRA's page for parents says agents are generally limited to a 10% commission and managers generally charge 10 to 15%. Managers are neither franchised nor regulated by the union and rarely regulated by state law, so the union advises having an attorney review any management contract before you sign. Karen Workman's answer matches: 10% for agents, 10 to 15% for managers.
Signing should cost nothing up front, Karen says. Our page on how much agents take explains what commission applies to.
Scammers target parents because we want the best for our kids, Karen Workman says, and the biggest scam is paying to audition, whether for an agency or a show. Watch for:
In California there's an extra check. As of November 2026, anyone who provides paid services to performers under 18, such as photography, career management, publicity or acting classes, must hold (with some exemptions) a Child Performer Services Permit, which involves a fingerprint background check. Licensed talent agencies are exempt because they hold an agency licence instead, the Labor Commissioner says. You can search current permit holders online.
Not for the big shows. Karen Workman explains that agents in LA must be licensed and bonded, and she advises parents not to negotiate their own child's contracts. You can self-submit your child on legitimate casting sites, and you'll naturally do many of a manager's jobs, from driving to auditions to choosing classes.
Paperwork. In California, every minor working in entertainment must have an Entertainment Work Permit; the six-month permit is free to register or renew, as of November 2026. SAG-AFTRA says California, New York, Illinois, Louisiana and New Mexico also require a blocked trust account for a share of your child's earnings: see our guide to the Coogan account. And before signing anything exclusive, SAG-AFTRA suggests asking around so you don't limit your child's opportunities unnecessarily.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the rules in your state, and have a lawyer review any contract for your child.
Start with classes and simple, current photos, then research agencies that work with young performers, check their licence and franchise status, and follow their submission process or use a referral.
A legitimate agent charges nothing to sign. SAG-AFTRA says agents are generally limited to 10% commission, taken only when your child is paid, and managers generally charge 10 to 15%.
Not at the very start. The FTC says legitimate scouts for children generally ask for casual snapshots, and Jess Orcsik says new child actors don’t need expensive shoots.
Yes. Karen Workman and Jess Orcsik both say parents should attend representation meetings, and Bonnie J Wallace says parents should stay involved until their child turns 18.
Treat it as a red flag. SAG-AFTRA says agents may not charge up-front fees, and California law bars talent agencies from collecting registration fees.
If your child is a teenager, read Your Free Teen Actor Book together before you start meeting agents. It’s free to download.
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All rates current from sagaftra.org and dir.ca.gov as of 9 November 2026.