BWW Exclusive: My Child Wants to Be on Broadway - A Family Commitment

"My child can sing! She's been singing into her hairbrush for years. She sings in the shower, for relatives, at church, in school productions, and landed the lead role in the local children's theater. My child can dance! She been taking dance lessons since the age of 3, and performed in every recital under the sun. My child can act! She is always reenacting scenes from movies for friends and family, and did I mention that she landed the lead role in the local children's theater? She begs me to take her to New York City. She wants to be on Broadway! I know she can do it."

The truth is that your child may be the most talented kid in the universe, but preparing for a Broadway audition (and possibly booking it) is a huge commitment for the whole family. The child's commitment must simply be this: True love of theater whereas the desire is so great that she is willing to give up other activities; and dedication to constant improvement of her skills. The child must want to strive for excellence in acting out of love of the art. I'm not minimizing the child's commitment, as it takes substantial work and a certain level of maturity to truly understand. The family/parent commitment, however, has many more considerations.

If you are the parent of a child who wants to get started professionally as a NYC actor, the first step is learning how to find reputable auditions and/or agents for your child. Financial and work considerations must also be addressed: Are you able to take time off from work and spend the money to travel in to New York City to have your child audition? Are you prepared financially and work-wise if you have to stay for a few extra days if your child gets a callback? Then, there's audition preparation: How is your child preparing for this audition? Do you know what vocal/acting/dance coaches are familiar with the specific material your child needs to know for their audition, and do you have the finances and time to have your child properly trained in New York City? Has your child had headshots done by a reputable New York City photographer? Does your child have an appropriate resume?

Then, if your child does book a show, are you prepared financially, workwise, and will your family situation allow you to be in New York City (or on the road for a tour) for at least six to eight months, with as little as a week's notice? How will you navigate the needs and commitments of your other children and spouse/ex-spouse should you be elsewhere? Do you know how and where your child (and any other children traveling with you) will be schooled? Are YOU prepared for your child to give up other activities to commit to this? Your child can't be the star of the soccer team and simultaneously be on Broadway.

While there are dozens more considerations which involve time, financial, and whole-family commitment, these questions are not meant to deter you from helping your child pursue a professional acting career. In fact, I've placed some of them here so that you can take the time to become an educated advocate for your child. All children's activities are an expense and time commitment, whether it is sports or becoming a professional actor. Understand your responsibilities as a parent of a child actor, learn about the business, use your money and time wisely, and watch your child flourish as a professional actor!

-Juliet Wall is the mother to a professional NYC child actor, and founder of StarringNow.com, a consulting agency for parents of young actors.