Is it hard working with child actors?

Asked by: Obie Harvey  |  Last update: September 19, 2025
Score: 5/5 (12 votes)

If I was going to sum it up, that's it: hard. I couldn't believe how hard it was to work with children, and I am a child myself! Some problems were that the children wouldn't settle down and were usually hungry all the time (so you should keep snacks on set, but watch out for them messing up their costumes).

How many hours a day do child actors work?

2 years to 6 years old – 3 hours. 6 years to 9 years old – 4-6 hours. 9 years and 16 years old – 5-7 hours. 16 years and 17 years old – 6-10 hours.

What are the cons of being a child actor?

As child stars age, they are often faced with rejection, objectification and a sense of burnout that can turn many away from the industry in its entirety. According to an article written by Paracelsus Recovery, former child actors are one of the most vulnerable communities for mental health problems.

What is life like for a child actor?

Child actors are isolated from their friends. They can only work 4 hours at a time on set and spend the hours between setups with a tutor instead of school. No classmates unless there is another kid in the show. (And what if you hate the other kid on the show?

How much do child stage actors get paid?

If both the adult actors and the children in a show are happy with their contracts, a production goes ahead. "Equity recommends that children are paid half the minimum weekly fee of an adult actor. Actors must earn between £450 and £500 depending on the number of performances," said Brown.

How to DIRECT Child Actors: 7 TIPS for Working with Kids

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How much do child actors get paid?

Children go through auditions the same way as adult actors. This shows in the way their wages get calculated as well. For one 30-60-minute-long episode in a TV show, the child actor can get paid about $1,000. A weekly rate is usually around over $3,500.

How much do the kids in Matilda get paid?

THE child stars of the hit West End musical Matilda are paid just £250 a week — a fraction of the £1,095 fee their American counterparts will earn when the play opens on Broadway next spring.

Is it hard to work with child actors?

If I was going to sum it up, that's it: hard. I couldn't believe how hard it was to work with children, and I am a child myself! Some problems were that the children wouldn't settle down and were usually hungry all the time (so you should keep snacks on set, but watch out for them messing up their costumes).

What is the best age for a child actor?

Age 8 – 11

This is one of the best ages for getting started in acting as kids this age tend to be that little bit better at reading their lines and more disciplined with practice. Kids in this age group will sometimes play roles younger than their actual age as the group is generally easier to work with.

Do child actors go to school while filming?

In addition to school, minor actors need to go to rehearsal, wardrobe, and hair and makeup before they actually work. The studio teacher makes sure the minor actors get to all the places they need to be as well as making sure they get to their dressing room, have meal breaks, and have time for rest and recreation.

How hard is it to become a kid actor?

So how do you become a child actor? Firstly be assured they is no easy route, being an actor takes, determination, dedication, discipline, talent and a good sprinkling of luck! Even the most talented actor may find it excruciating to find work.

Do child actors keep their money?

Since a minor cannot legally control their own money, California Law governs their earnings and creates a fiduciary relationship between the parent and the child. This change in California law also requires that 15% of all minors' earnings must be set aside in a blocked trust account commonly known as a Coogan Account.

How are child actors not child labor?

US federal law "specifically exempted minors working in the entertainment business from all provisions of the child labor Laws." Any regulation of child actors is governed by disparate state laws.

Are child actors allowed to work at night?

Minors in the entertainment industry may not work more than eight hours in a day [LC 1308.7 and 1392] or more than 48 hours in a week [LC 1308.7]. They may only work between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. (to 12:30 a.m. on days preceding a nonschool day) [LC 1308.7].

Do child actors wear makeup?

If you've ever wondered if young actors really need to wear makeup on stage, the short answer is yes. The very bright lights on stage can give actors without makeup a very ghostly or sickly appearance. This is especially true for kids with light skin, but makeup can improve the look for any skin shade.

Who is the most famous child actor in 2024?

Here's our list of the top ten child actors who are shaping the future of Hollywood in 2024.
  1. Iain Armitage. ...
  2. Brooklynn Prince. ...
  3. Mckenna Grace. ...
  4. Jacob Tremblay. ...
  5. Jenna Ortega. ...
  6. Noah Jupe. ...
  7. Milly Alcock. ...
  8. Roman Griffin Davis.

What age is too late to start acting?

With experience and acting chops, there are still plenty of opportunities in theater, TV, film, and commercials for the older actor.” In other words, there's no age limit. Acting coaches will gladly take you on as a client and help shape you into what it is you're hoping to become.

Is Backstage legit?

Backstage is the largest, most trusted career platform for performers. Every job posted is screened for accuracy and legitimacy. The platform features the most comprehensive talent profiles and tools for finding jobs. No hidden or extra fees for uploading media or applying to jobs.

How to become a child actor for Netflix?

There's no single way to become a Netflix actor—the streamer seeks talent via casting websites, agent submissions, and even social media. Auditions aren't conducted in-house, but the production companies Netflix hires are frequently on the lookout for new talent through these channels.

How do child actors remember their lines?

Child actors remember their lines through repetitive practice and support from their co-stars and acting coaches. Techniques like breaking down the script into smaller parts, using mnemonic devices, and engaging in fun, interactive rehearsals help.

What problems do child actors face?

These children face no clear working hours, massive opportunities for financial abuse, and insufficient protection from sexual predators.

How long do child actors work a day?

Age 6-8: four hours (maximum eight and a half hours on set) Age 9-15: five hours (maximum of nine and a half hours on set) Age 16-17 six hours (maximum of ten and a half hours on set)

Is Matilda Autistic from Matilda?

In conclusion, Matilda tells the story of an undiagnosed Autistic girl's journey to finding her empowerment, figuratively and literally, through her own means.

How much do Wicked Cast get paid?

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar | $450,000. Ethan Slater as Boq | $350,000. Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp | $250,000. Bowen Yang as Pfannee | $250,000.

Where do Broadway actors live?

Many performers find themselves living in Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, or Williamsburg.