Your Young Actor

What is an Open Call When Referring to Auditions (Showbiz Term of the Day)?

Debbie Sikkema — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:31:34 +0000

When we talk about acting and modeling auditions, it is important to know what it means if the audition is an Open Call. Today’s Showbiz Term of the Day is “Open Call.” My daughter went to Open Calls a couple of times for shows such as America’s Most Talented Kid before we moved to LA. Those [...]

If Your Child Auditions for Professional Acting Jobs, Should You Participate in Community Theatre?

Debbie Sikkema — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:29:53 +0000

If your child auditions for professional acting jobs, being involved in community theatre can sometimes result in unexpected dilemmas. Certainly, your child is auditioning hoping to get acting jobs. But you never know when a booking will occur. You don’t want your child to just sit around doing nothing while waiting to hear that an audition [...]

What Is Improv? (Showbiz Term of the Day)

Debbie Sikkema — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:37:39 +0000

Today’s showbiz term of the day is “improv.” If you type the word “improv” into just about any editor where spelling is checked, the word will be flagged as being spelled incorrectly. But in the world of acting, the word “improv” is a term that is used regularly. It is one of many showbiz terms that [...]

Does Your Child Need an Entertainment Work Permit in States Other Than California?

Debbie Sikkema — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:38:56 +0000

Previously, I’ve discussed entertainment work permits for children working in the state of California. But there are many of you in states other than California who are wondering if you need an entertainment work permit for your child. If you are looking for employment within the state of California, refer to my posts concerning entertainment work [...]

When Should You Join Screen Actors Guild When You Are an Actor?

Debbie Sikkema — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:34:18 +0000

So many actors and parents of child actors seem to be concerned about not being in Screen Actors Guild (SAG) (See “What is SAG?” and “What Does SAG Stand for?” for more about what SAG is). They wonder exactly how to join SAG and whether they will be seen for SAG projects if they are [...]

What Is a Callback After an Acting Audition? (Showbiz Term of the Day)

Debbie Sikkema — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:37:58 +0000

There is a chance that your child will get “a callback” after an acting audition if that acting audition goes well and your child is right for the part. When your child gets a callback for an acting audition for the very first time, you may not know exactly what that means. My daughter got a [...]

What Is a Go-See? (Showbiz Term of the Day)

Debbie Sikkema — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:52:08 +0000

If you are starting a career in showbiz that includes modeling, you have certainly heard, or will very soon hear, the term “Go-See.” Today’s Showbiz Term of the Day is “Go-See.” My daughter was almost 6 when she had her first “go-see” for Pottery Barn. She did not even have a comp card or headshot [...]

What Skills Are Helpful When You Become a Child Actor?

Debbie Sikkema — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:42:33 +0000

When you become a child actor, it is important to work on your acting skills. Being a good actor is certainly important when you pursue an acting career. But when you become a child actor, it is also a good idea to work on other skills. Learning to do a variety of things helps you to [...]

How Much Money Must Be Deposited Into a Coogan Account from a Child’s Earnings?

Debbie Sikkema — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:17:50 +0000

It is required by law in California and New York that a percentage of a child’s entertainment industry earnings be deposited into a Coogan Account, a.k.a. a Coogan Blocked Trust Account. In California, only 10 days after getting an entertainment work permit, you must have also opened this special Coogan account specifically for that purpose. The [...]

Can a Bank Deduct Fees from a Coogan Blocked Trust Account?

Debbie Sikkema — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:05:32 +0000

Understanding exactly what a Coogan blocked trust account is and how it works is no easy feat for a parent of a child actor or model. Many employees at banks are just about as clueless about Coogan accounts as you probably are, and some are even more so. In fact, finding the information you need related [...]