What Teen Actors Actually Do and How to Start
Teen acting means auditioning for roles in film, television, commercials, and sometimes theatre, then performing those roles if you book them. You do not need permission from a studio or agent to begin — you can start auditioning right now through casting websites, local theatre groups, and talent agencies in your area. Most teen actors begin by taking acting classes, building a portfolio of headshots and video clips, and attending open casting calls or submitting themselves to roles posted online.
The path is not linear. Some teens book their first role within weeks; others spend months auditioning before landing anything. The work itself is often repetitive — you will attend many auditions where you do not get the part — but the roles that do come through can lead to paid work, credits for your resume, and connections in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- You need professional headshots (photos of your face), a resume listing any acting experience, and video clips of yourself performing to submit for roles.
- Acting classes teach you technique and help you build confidence; many casting directors and agents expect to see training on your resume.
- Casting websites like Backstage and local Facebook groups post open auditions where you can submit yourself without an agent.
- A talent agent can submit you to more roles and negotiate contracts, but you can start auditioning on your own first.
- Your parents or guardians must sign off on any contract, and minors have legal protections on set that differ from adult actors.
Get Professional Headshots and Build Your Materials
A headshot is a professional photograph of your face, usually 8x10 inches, that you submit with every audition. Casting directors use it to remember who you are. You need at least one headshot, though many actors have two or three showing different looks — one neutral, one smiling, one in character. A headshot should be recent (within the last year), well-lit, and show your face clearly without heavy filters or makeup.
Headshots cost between $100 and $500 depending on the photographer and your location. Search for "headshot photographer near me" or ask at a local acting school for recommendations. Once you have headshots, you will also need a one-page resume listing any acting roles you have had (even school plays count), training you have completed, and special skills like singing, dancing, or sports. If you have no acting credits yet, list your training and skills instead.
You will also need video clips of yourself acting — even a 30-second monologue filmed on a phone works for starting out. As you take classes and perform in school productions, save video of your work. These clips go in an online portfolio or get attached to audition submissions so casting directors can see you perform, not just your photo.
Take Acting Classes to Build Skills and Credibility
Acting classes teach you how to take direction, hit your marks (stand in the right spot), deliver lines naturally, and handle the emotional demands of a role. They also build your confidence and give you a place to practice in front of an instructor who can give feedback. Most casting directors and agents expect to see acting training on your resume, especially if you have no professional credits yet.
Classes range from $50 to $300 per month depending on the studio and your location. Look for classes that focus on film and television acting rather than stage acting, since the techniques differ — film acting is quieter and more internal, while stage acting projects to an audience. Community colleges, local acting studios, and online platforms like Masterclass offer classes at different price points. Starting with one class per week is enough while you are auditioning.
School theatre is also valuable. If your school has a drama program, participating in plays and musicals gives you real performance experience and video clips for your portfolio, and it costs nothing beyond any school fees.
Find Auditions Through Casting Websites and Local Groups
Backstage is the largest casting website in the United States. You create a free profile, upload your headshot and resume, and browse auditions posted by casting directors and agents. Many auditions are unpaid (student films, indie projects) or paid (commercials, TV shows). You submit yourself by uploading a video of you performing the sides (the script pages they give you).
Other casting sites include Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Submittable. Many are free to browse; some charge a monthly fee to submit to auditions. Facebook groups for your city or region often post local auditions and open casting calls. Theatre groups and community productions also hold auditions and are a good place to start if you want experience before pursuing film and television.
Open casting calls are auditions anyone can attend without an invitation. These are posted on casting websites, theatre websites, and local arts organizations. You show up at the time listed, wait your turn, and perform a short scene or monologue for the casting director. Bring your headshot and resume printed on paper.
Understand How Talent Agents Work and When to Get One
A talent agent is a person or company that submits you to auditions, negotiates your contracts, and takes a percentage of your earnings (usually 10 to 20 percent). Agents have relationships with casting directors and access to auditions that are not posted publicly. They also handle the paperwork and make sure you are paid fairly.
You do not need an agent to start auditioning — you can submit yourself to open calls and roles posted on casting websites. However, as you book more roles and want to pursue acting seriously, an agent becomes useful because they open doors to bigger productions. Agents typically sign you after seeing your headshot, resume, and video clips, or after you have booked a few paid roles on your own.
To find agents, search "talent agents near me" or look at the websites of actors you admire to see which agents represent them. Legitimate agents do not charge upfront fees; they take a cut only when you earn money. Be cautious of anyone asking for money before they represent you.
Know the Legal Rules for Teen Actors on Set
If you book a role, your parent or guardian must sign your contract. Minors cannot sign legal documents, so a parent or guardian is involved in every step — auditions, contracts, and on-set work. This is not optional; it is a legal requirement.
Teen actors have specific protections on set. You cannot work more than a certain number of hours per day (usually 8 to 10 hours including breaks), and you must have a tutor on set if you are missing school. You must also have a set teacher or studio teacher — an adult hired by the production to supervise minors and make sure they are treated fairly and safely. Productions that hire minors are required by law to provide this.
You will also need a work permit or minor's permit from your state or local government before you can work on a paid production. The production company usually handles getting this, but your parent will need to sign paperwork. Some states require a portion of your earnings to be set aside in a blocked trust account that you cannot access until you turn 18.
Build Your Resume and Portfolio Over Time
Your first roles may be unpaid — student films, indie projects, or small theatre productions. These still count. Every role you book goes on your resume with the title of the project, the character name, and the medium (film, TV, theatre). As your resume grows, casting directors take you more seriously because they can see you have experience and have worked with other directors.
Keep copies of everything: your headshots, video clips of your performances, and the names of directors and casting directors you have worked with. After each audition or role, ask for feedback if possible. This helps you improve and shows you are professional and serious about the work.
Your portfolio is not static — update your headshots every year or when your appearance changes significantly, refresh your video clips with your best recent work, and add new credits to your resume as you book roles. This is an ongoing process, not something you do once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an agent before I can audition for anything?
No. You can submit yourself to open auditions and roles posted on casting websites like Backstage without an agent. Many teen actors book their first few roles on their own before signing with an agent. An agent becomes more valuable once you want to pursue acting seriously and need access to bigger productions.
How much does it cost to get your free guide as a teen actor?
Headshots typically cost $100 to $500, and acting classes range from $50 to $300 per month. You can start auditioning for free through casting websites. Many first roles are unpaid, so expect to spend money upfront before earning anything. Budget for headshots and at least a few months of classes before you see income.
What if I do not live near a major city?
You can still audition through online casting websites and submit video auditions. Many productions now accept self-taped auditions instead of requiring you to show up in person. If you want to pursue acting seriously, you may eventually need to move to a city with more production activity, but you can start building your skills and portfolio where you are.
Can I do acting while still in school?
Yes. Many teen actors balance school and auditions. If you book a role that requires you to miss school, the production must provide a tutor on set. Talk to your school about your schedule before you commit to a role so you can plan around exams and major projects.
What should I do if someone asks me for money to represent me or get me auditions?
Do not pay them. Legitimate agents and casting directors do not charge upfront fees. Agents take a percentage only after you earn money. If someone asks for money before representing you or before you book a role, they are likely running a scam.