Young Performers

Welcome to Screen Actors Guild, a labor organization whose mission is to negotiate the best possible wages and working conditions for professional actors—even young ones.

The following pages present an overview of some of the information you will need to make your way through this exciting, but often challenging, industry.

This is a Business

If guided carefully, a young performer’s acting career can give them a head start on their adult lives, help them develop leadership skills, teamwork skills, self-confidence and the ability to earn income.

We call this industry “show–business” for a good reason—it is a business. You should treat it as such. That being said, it should also be fun. If for any reason, it is not fun and educational for you, get out. If your goal is to make a lot of money and get really famous, really quickly, your hopes will probably never be recognized. You should be in this business only if you are truly dedicated, have plenty of stamina, and a passion for the craft of acting.

SAG Can Help

Screen Actors Guild does its utmost to protect young performer’s safety and wages; however it is always your parent or guardian’s responsibility to insure that you are being treated fairly and with respect.

We encourage you and your family to attend our monthly orientation meeting in order to launch your career with knowledge and support.

Remember, there is nothing new about show biz kids. There have been many generations and there will be countless generations of them in coming years. So don’t reinvent the wheel here. If you have questions, please call or email the Guild for guidance at (800) SAG-0767.

Together we can work toward positive experiences for you and all young performers in the entertainment industry that will serve as a foundation for successful adult lives.