Do you think your child is cut out for acting? You child's behavior and personality should give you an idea of his potential acting ability. Most parents can recognize, just by looking at their children, whether or not they possess the qualities and disposition necessary for the industry. If you think your child might be a good actor, but you aren't sure if he has the requirements, here is a list of questions that will help you sort it out.

1. Is your child (A) outgoing and animated; or (B) quiet and shy?
2. Does he (A) say hello to someone when he's introduced; or (B) become distracted by things in his environment and not realize that someone is speaking to him?
3. Does he (A) love to sing and dance for you; or (B) think stuff like singing and dancing is stupid?
4. Does he (A) imitate what he sees on TV; or (B)forget what he watching five minutes ago?
5. Does he (A) respond when he's asked his name or age by someone he doesn't know; or (B) shrug his shoulders as if he no longer remembers what language he speak

If you answered "A" to these questions, that's terrific! Most would-be industry children are little hams by nature, willing to show off at every opportunity. Your child's ability to meet new people easily and to show off for them will be one of the most important factors in his career. We have to remember, nonetheless, that as responsible parents, we raise our children not to talk to strangers and the world of show business is contrary to this upbringing by 180 degrees.

We therefore advise you to have continuing discussions with your child in this topic, especially after his career is launched. Make sure he knows the difference between meeting an unfamiliar casting person or working with a cast and crew of strangers, and speaking to strangers outside of these industry- type situations. The rules you teach him about talking to or going with strangers should remain the same as if he were not in the industry. You may even discover he likes the idea.

Does He/She Want It?
Before you begin launching your child into the spotlight, we recommend sitting down and discussing with him your thoughts about his possible acting career. Be specific when you talk to your child; be sure he understands exactly what is required of him.

A child actor's career should be something you and your child decide to do together. This endeavor requires both parent and child to be voluntary participants. After all, we're talking about his life too! His feelings on the subject must be considered. If you approach the topic positively, your child will likely respond positively. You may even discover he likes the idea!

How Do You Know if He/She is Ready?
Here are a couple of suggestions for testing the water. Before to making your decision (and long after you've committed to it, too), watch programs that focus on children your child's age. You'll find lots of child actors in television commercials too; in fact, in the beginning, your child will go out on more interviews for commercials than for any other medium. (TV series, feature films and movies of the week usually come after your child has done a few commercials.) When watching children, make comments to your child. For example, while viewing a pudding commercial featuring a five year-old boy, you might say, "Wasn't he cute? I'll bet you could do that."

If your child offers an affirmative response, ask him to say a couple of lines about chocolate pudding; the lines do not have to be the same as those in the commercial. Let him make up something on his own. He may surprise you. If he can easily mimic what he hears, he's ready. If your child willingly performs for your upon request, he'll willingly do it for others, like casting directors, producers, and directors. Of course, there's a big difference between performing for you and performing for someone outside the family.

The Temperament
Once your child is going out on calls, keep in mind that he's just a kid. There will be days when he is "on" and days when, no matter what you promise him, he just won't do anything for anybody. Will the casting people understand? Of course they will.

There will be other calls, other projects, and there's no need to burn bridges with casting directors over an attitude caused by a missed nap. Keep in mind, however, there are dozens more kids just like yours lining up right outside the door, ready and willing to stand up and be counted. All the casting people have to do with a child who won't perform is say, "Next."