How to Know if Your Child Enjoys Being an Actor

Being a parent is a job that requires wearing many hats: friend, teacher, protector, disciplinarian, etc. One of the most valuable roles a parent can provide for their child is as a guide, helping them discover new passions, make the most out of opportunities, and succeed in their goals.

A lot of the time, being a parent means picking up hints that your child might love something before they even realize it themselves. Wondering if your little one might enjoy acting on stage or screen? There are certain qualities almost all kid actors and kid actresses have in common. Keep an eye out for the following telltale signs...

They're Imaginative

Imagination is an attribute strongly associated with children, but some kids approach it more seriously than  others. Pay attention when your little one is playing pretend. How committed are they to playing their role? How immersed are they in their made-up world? How vividly can they describe it? Do they resist intrusions from reality into their created scenarios? If so, your child may very well have the kind of imagination necessary to pursue acting not just as a hobby, but as a serious creative endeavor.

They're Outgoing

Every kid is different. Some are shy and quiet. Others are energetic and outgoing. If your child is the latter, it may be a sign that they're the type who would enjoy acting. Acting is all about performing, communicating, and expressing yourself. It makes the person doing it the center of attention, which is not something all kids are comfortable with. If you notice that your child doesn't mind meeting new people, telling stories, or showing off, consider introducing them to the world of acting to see if it clicks.

They're Ambitious

Acting isn't just a way to pass the time. It takes work. An actor has to want to get better, to expand their range, increase their skills, learn, grow, and-most importantly-succeed. Kids who are ambitious are more likely to have what it takes to act. Clear signs of this kind of ambition include an ability to follow directions well, to take criticism seriously but not personally, and to pick themselves up when they fail and continue trying without giving up or becoming discouraged.

They're Inquisitive

Some kids love to ask "why." They're curious about the world around them, approaching many of the things we take for granted with fresh eyes and an inquisitive mind. A lot of people mistakenly believe that actors do little more than memorize words on a page, but the truth is that playing any role requires investigation, exploration, and self-interrogation. That's how actors make characters feel real. And that's why children who aren't shy about asking "why" are often natural stage and screen performers.