Competition

FAQ

How do I register?
Why should I choose Kids Acting Up!?
Why should I enter this competition?
What does my registration fee include?
How can I get sponsors?
Can I enter if I live outside California?
Are the agency contracts real?

Q: How do I register?
A: Just download both sides of the registration form on our homepage. Fill out and sign the form. Then, mail it to us with your payment and a non-returnable headshot or clear snapshot. Remember that registration is first come first serve. After we receive your deposit, we will mail you out a full contestant packet. It will include full details about the competition and tips on preparing. There will also be information about making lodging arrangements if you will be traveling from out of town.
Q: Why should I choose Kids Acting Up!?
A: Kids Acting Up! was developed by working actors who also have children in the business. There are a lot of competitions out there. Many of them are really good and some of them are not. We designed this competition to really highlight and help develop the skills needed for working in the acting business professionally. Not only do we want to help the kids get the practical skills they need, but we want to arm parents with all the information they need: from accounts that need to be set up by law to what the agents and casting directors expect to set etiquette. At the end of the competition on August 31,2008 at least 8 kids will walk away with a signed contract from an agent.
Q: Why should I enter this competition?
A: If you feel you are ready and are looking to jump start your entry into the La market, then this is a fun way to do it. Kids Acting Up! Talent Competition is offering actual contracts from top agencies here in Los Angeles. Some competitions offer classes, or trophies for their winners. Our winners will have bypassed a lot of time and effort in looking for an agent. Even if a contestant does not win, they still may be signed by one of the agents or managers! All contestants will also be seen by the casting directors who are currently casting shows and movies right now!
Q: What does my registration fee include?
A: Your $350 registration includes your entrance into all 4 competitions, a Kids Acting Up! T-shirt, 1 free half page ad in the program book, 1 program book, our Kids Acting Up! Parents Seminar and a chance to win an agency contract. All of our judges will also be receiving our program book which will have your picture, free ad, and any additional ads you purchase or sell. These programs will be given to other agents, managers, and casting directors who may be looking for new talent. Your contestant packets will have details about getting sponsors to help pay for your registration fee. There will also be photographers and coaches and many others offering giveaways in free raffles.
Q: How can I get sponsors?
A: You can use the half page ad you get free with your registration to promote a local business. Just go to a local business or businesses and tell them what you are doing and about the competition. Most are glad to donate to a good cause:You! Your contestant packet will have tips for getting sponsors and the format that ads need to be submitted in. Contestant packets will be sent out after we receive your $50 deposit.
Q: Can I enter if I live outside California?
A: Definitely! In fact, we encourage it! Agents love to find undiscovered talent. Just be sure to realize that if you win the competition and contract you must be willing to either relocate to Los Angeles or make arrangements with the agent to be here and available for auditions at certain times of the year. Your contestant packets will also include information and special discounts for booking hotel rooms by a certain date.
Q: Are the agency contracts real?
Yes, they are completely legitamite. The contracts that are awarded to the winners are legally binding when you and the agent sign them. The agents and managers are completely independant and not employees or affiliates of Kids Acting Up! An agent only gets paid (10%) when you get paid. You should never pay an agency upfront. Kids Acting Up! is not an agency or management company. We receive no compensation from any work you book. Abrams Artist Agency will be awarding our commercial contracts and Direct Talent will be offering our theatrical contracts.

Our 2008 Judges

Lisa London

Lisa London, of London/Stroud Casting has cast such projects as the pilots "Hannah Montanna" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody".

Jeremy Apody

Jeremy Apody is the Head of the Youth Commercial Division at Abrams Artists Agency. He is actively involved in scouting and finding up and coming talent and developing young rising stars. Currently, Jeremy represents such young stars as Angus Jones from Two and A Half Men, Forrest Landis from Cheaper by the Dozen and Daniel Curtis Lee from Ned’s Declassified. He has placed children in national campaigns including Sears, Goodyear, AT&T, Target and Verizon to name a few. His client Erin Sanders from Zoey 101 was just recently the national campaign spokesperson for VTECH, the educational video game and his client Jaylen Scott can currently be seen in a National Commercial for Lowes.

Vicki Leclerc

Vicki Leclerc, Direct Talent Inc., Los Angeles-Direct Talent Inc. is a full service agency representing print, commercials, television and film. We represent children, teens, young adults and adults. Direct Talent Inc. has clients currently in films to include Crossing Over (Harrison Ford and Sean Penn) Pineapple Express, Stop Loss and Flying By. Clients also appear on television shows such as The Rich's, Lincoln Heights, The Bold and the Beautiful, Criminal Minds, Samantha Who?, Suite Life, Zoey 101 and more. Print and commercial spots include GAP, Bravo, Pepsi, Hometown Buffet, McDonald's, Burger King and many more. Direct Talent Inc. is looking for committed individuals willing too work hard to develop their craft where training is a must. Direct Talent Inc. believes success is the result of teamwork involving the agent and the talent.

Brad Warshaw

BRAD WARSHAW began his career at Writers and Artists Agency

(Paradigm) as an assistant working his way up quickly to a Talent Agent specializing in TV. The first move was to CBS in the network Casting Department covering all drama pilots, current shows, and movies of the week.

Next, Brad was recruited by Stephen J Cannell Productions as a Casting Director for the Production Company who’s credited shows include: ROCKFORD FILES, 21 JUMP STREET, THE COMMISH, and HUNTER. Later, Brad became an Independent Casting Director and Partner in the group McSharry/Warshaw Casting. Offices covered casting for episodic, movies of the week, mini series, and feature films. Additionally, Brad was the exclusive Casting Consultant for the USA Networks and its affiliates regarding on-air talent. Later, expanding their offices to include Talent Management, McSharry/ Warshaw began representing actors, writers, and directors.

Next, Brad merged into Sneak Preview Entertainment, an independent film company which produced independent films including: TWIN FALLS IDAHO and PHAT GIRLZ, as a talent manager, in-house casting director, partner and producer. Today, Brad is a partner with National Lampoon, the management and comedy production company known worldwide.

Talent Competition Rules

2008 Talent Competition