Acting in NYC?

Question:How can I start acting in NYC, where I can actually get paid. What kind of things can I do? I am a 13 year old male, turning 14 soon. And how does having an agent work?

(Like for example how do child stars become so famous, although I want to start simple.)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: How can I start acting in NYC, where I can actually get paid. What kind of things can I do? I am a 13 year old male, turning 14 soon. And how does having an agent work?

(Like for example how do child stars become so famous, although I want to start simple.)

If I were you I would wait until your 16 or 18 until you become more self reliant. Then you can start. Make sure your parents support you! You have to practice really hard, and want it alot. You're going to face rejection, but it's a part of it. Start in your community while your still young, and work your way up, you might even get noticed!

An agent might be a good thing. Go online to your favorite shows or google casting auditions.

Aask parents help about it, it can be the best.

Well i have a friend that is now acting in NYC and the only way she got to where she is is by performing in small or big joints where you live sooner or later an agent will be in one of the places you are performing in. Or you can videotape something and send it in to a company and NEVER give up just keep trying dont let anyone tell u that u cant do it. If it is really your dream then keep going with it and do not stop until u make it.

NY is tough on work laws and you have to be 14 mininum, but there's no school rule like in CA so you are on your own for schooling unless the company is nice and provides it.

NY, however, will NOT let you work daytime hours during school years and you can't work more than 4 hours evenings and you can't work more than 30 or so hours a week.

That makes it rough on employers.

You might be able to find commercial work shooting on weekends. Some do.

You need to find an agent specialing in TV and commercials that works with non union.

Understand if you go union (2nd union job) you have to have a paid union card which is $2,500 in a single payment.

You are a minor, and cannot sign a contract. Your parents must sign any contracts relating to acting and agency, until you are an adult. When you are of legal age, you can sign your own contracts.

Many child actors have famous parents that were actors.

You will need to get your parents involved before you make any serious moves to contact people. You really have to be careful out there.
Start by gathering some good information. You can find just about everything you really need to know right now on my website for new and aspiring actors. Start with this page and go from there. http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/teen_... . You'll also find information about how to get an agent.

Tony

it is very difficult as you can see from the other answers, you also need your parents working on it for you. Agents make money by getting their talent jobs. It is very difficult to get an agent, because they are very busy and not interested in anyone unless they are very good or very unusual. Child stars get that way by having their parents work very hard for it.