KidsCasting

KidsCasting is a specialized casting platform designed specifically for young performers and their families, addressing the unique needs and safety concerns that come with navigating the entertainment industry as a minor. The platform was created to provide a dedicated, family-friendly space where parents and guardians can discover legitimate casting opportunities for their children across film, television, commercials, modeling, and voice work. The youth entertainment industry has historically been fraught with scams and exploitative practices targeting stage parents, and KidsCasting positions itself as a safer alternative by focusing exclusively on age-appropriate opportunities and building parental oversight into the platform's design. The platform has grown into one of the most recognized names in youth casting, serving families across the United States and beyond. KidsCasting fills an important niche that general casting platforms like Actors Access and Backstage serve only partially — while those platforms do list youth roles, KidsCasting's exclusive focus on young performers creates a more targeted and family-oriented experience.

What distinguishes KidsCasting from general casting platforms is its purpose-built approach to the unique dynamics of child and teen performing careers. Every aspect of the platform is designed with the understanding that a parent or guardian is the primary decision-maker, not the young performer themselves. The listings are curated for age-appropriateness, and the platform provides educational resources for families who are new to the entertainment industry, covering topics like child labor laws, set safety protocols, Coogan accounts for protecting minors' earnings, and how to identify legitimate opportunities versus scams. This educational component is particularly valuable because many families entering the youth entertainment space have no industry background and are vulnerable to misinformation and exploitation. KidsCasting also serves as a community hub for stage parents, providing forums and resources where families can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who are navigating similar journeys. For families with genuinely talented children who want to pursue performing, KidsCasting provides a structured, informed starting point.

Getting started on KidsCasting begins with a parent or guardian creating an account and building a profile on behalf of their child. The profile includes photos of the child (typically a headshot and full-body photo), physical measurements, age, special skills, any performance experience, and other relevant information casting directors look for when considering young talent. The registration process is designed to be parent-driven, with all communications and notifications going through the parent's account rather than directly to the child. Once the profile is live, parents can browse casting calls specifically seeking young performers and submit their child for appropriate opportunities. Casting calls include details about the production, role descriptions, age requirements, shooting locations and dates, and compensation information. The platform also allows casting professionals to search the talent directory for young performers matching specific criteria, which provides passive exposure. The submission process is similar to adult casting platforms — you review the casting call, confirm it is appropriate for your child, and submit the profile with relevant materials.

The daily experience of using KidsCasting involves checking for new casting calls, evaluating whether opportunities are appropriate and logistically feasible for your child, and submitting for relevant roles. Parents should approach this process with a different mindset than adult actors use on their own casting platforms — the priority is the child's well-being, education, and development, with casting opportunities serving those goals rather than driving them. The platform publishes new casting calls regularly, with volume varying by market and production season. The search tools allow filtering by location, age range, project type, and compensation, helping parents quickly identify relevant opportunities without excessive browsing. KidsCasting also provides industry guides and educational content that help parents understand what to expect at auditions, on sets, and throughout the casting process. Notifications alert you to new postings matching your child's profile, and the platform's design ensures that all interaction flows through the parental account. For families new to the industry, the educational resources may be as valuable as the casting listings themselves.

KidsCasting serves families with children and teens ranging from infants to young adults who are exploring or actively pursuing performing careers. The user base includes parents at every stage of the journey — from those who are just curious about whether their child might enjoy performing to families with experienced young actors who have been working for years. The platform attracts families from across the United States, though the highest concentration of opportunities is in major production markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Both represented and unrepresented young performers use the platform, as families with youth agents may use KidsCasting to supplement their agent's submissions while families without representation rely on it as a primary casting tool. The production side includes casting directors seeking young talent for commercials, film, television, theater, print modeling, and voice work. The community aspect of KidsCasting creates connections between stage parents who can share practical advice, recommend youth agents, and support each other through the unique challenges of managing a child's performing career.

KidsCasting operates on a freemium model with a basic free tier and premium subscription options. Free accounts provide limited access to casting calls and basic profile features, giving families the ability to explore the platform before committing financially. Premium subscriptions unlock full access to all casting listings, enhanced profile features, priority placement in talent searches, and additional resources. The exact pricing varies by plan and is structured to be family-friendly, with monthly and annual options available — check kidscasting.com for current rates. The premium tiers are typically priced lower than adult casting platforms, recognizing that families managing a child's nascent performing career may have limited budgets. There are no per-submission fees for either free or premium members. Parents should evaluate whether the volume and quality of available castings in their market justifies the premium cost, keeping in mind that a child's performing career should not create financial strain on the family.

KidsCasting is a reasonable starting point for families exploring the entertainment industry on behalf of their children, particularly those who are new to the process and need a guided, educational introduction alongside casting opportunities. It is most valuable for families without youth agent representation who need a direct path to discovering casting calls. Parents should use KidsCasting as one tool among several — if your child shows genuine interest and talent, investing in a reputable youth talent agent should be a priority, as agents provide access to higher-caliber opportunities and crucial on-set advocacy. Always prioritize your child's education, emotional health, and normal development over any casting opportunity, no matter how exciting it seems. For families in major markets (LA, NY, Atlanta), the platform provides meaningful supplementary casting access; for those in smaller markets, the volume of local opportunities may be limited. If your budget is tight, start with the free tier and upgrade only after confirming that the platform generates relevant, geographically accessible opportunities.

Never pay any casting or talent company that asks for money upfront to represent your child or guarantee bookings — legitimate agents and managers take commission on work your child actually books, not fees in advance. Use KidsCasting's educational resources to understand child labor laws in your state before your child sets foot on any set, as regulations vary significantly and productions are required to comply. Invest in natural, well-lit photos of your child rather than expensive professional headshots initially — children's looks change rapidly, and frequent professional photo shoots are not cost-effective until they are booking regularly. Accompany your child to every audition and be present on set at all times, as both California and New York law require a parent or guardian to be present when minors are working. Keep a Coogan account (blocked trust account) set up to protect a portion of your child's earnings, even for small amounts, as this is a legal requirement in many states and a best practice everywhere. Most importantly, let your child lead — if they are not enjoying the process, no booking is worth sacrificing their happiness and well-being.