Movies, television and stage productions need everyone – from the old grandma to the infant child and everything in between. While adults know how the scene works, not as many understand how it does for children. If you’re a parent looking to help your child chase after their dream of stardom, here’s what you need to know.

Age Range

As a rule of thumb, assume your child has an age range of no more than two years. This means if a casting call is looking for a child of 10, your 12-year-old might still be able to pull it off. The reason for such a short timespan rests in the simple fact that children change fast. If the company is filming over the course of six months, they need to make sure their child actor will look the same throughout filming. The same goes for stage productions. Directors won’t cast a boy as a tenor if the child runs a high risk of hitting puberty and becoming a baritone before the show goes live.

Child Privileges

Luckily, children are protected in the acting world. Regulated by labor unions, they receive a lot more care in terms of breaks, schooling and other things a developing child needs to maintain a healthy mindset in a demanding career. That being said, these regulations change drastically depending on where the film or show is being put on. In general, though, children are required to secure a work permit since they are technically too young to hold a job. Their education cannot be disrupted, sometimes leading to teachers working with them on set. As for their money, most goes to the parents while a portion is required to be put into a special savings account known as a blocked trust they can access once they are old enough.