The Varied Skill Requirements For Both Fields
In both modeling and acting, kids will have to adjust to effectively communicate and follow directions from people who are not their strangers and, at least initially, are actually strangers to them. Both professions demand that the young performers be able to adapt to planned and unplanned changes quickly, as well as provide versatility even if unexpectedly required. While more so for adult performers, kid models, and actors also will sometimes also have to endure various setbacks during the work process - the sort of moments where resilience and dedication make for standouts. Beyond that, the fundamentals of skills required to succeed in both fields can be quite varied.
Amongst the specific skills that are required from kids for modeling is the ability to appear confident and naturally photogenic in front of cameras. The specific physical appearance requirements for children will differ from project to project, yet each time their abilities of providing confident body language, posture, grace, and poise will determine if the aspiring kid model is the right person for the respective job.
While modeling puts its emphasis on visual skills, kid actors have to go beyond just physical appearances, as acting requires a broader display of emotional range that almost always will include providing vocal performances. That means kids delving into the world of acting will need strong memorization abilities to remember their lines, as well as discipline to remain in character in front of the camera or a live audience, to deliver monologues convincingly.
The Preparation Of A Portfolio For Modeling Or Acting
Once the time to apply for either an acting or modeling casting call has arrived, kids and their parents also need to create a portfolio, which is an essential part of any application. A performer’s portfolio is the first impression casting directors receive about them, giving them insight into their appearance, skills, and, if there is such, previous experience and credits. It must be updated regularly as soon as there is new information to add, as well as kept up to date with how the child has grown up as time goes forward.
While either modeling or acting portfolio serves the same purpose, the contents inside can be slightly different. For kid models, the focus of the photos and footage includes showcasing various facial expressions and poses, as well as showing their visual diversity possibilities through clothing or hairstyle choices. For kid actors, the headshots are meant to be more natural and show the young performer’s own personal looks rather than strike special poses, while video footage should show the performer in action reading lines, or showcasing other skills related to the craft.
The Differences In Auditioning For Modeling Or Acting Jobs
Following the applying to casting call, what follows next will either be a rejection, which is something every actor and model should be prepared to experience and accept as part of the industry, or hopefully the invitation to audition for the gig.
Modeling auditions normally revolve around the kid performer being able to strike poses confidently in front of the camera or audience, as well as evaluating if their physical appearance fits what the casting director is looking for in candidates.
Acting auditions are slightly more demanding, as the kid performers will likely be required to not only learn or read their lines before appearing in front of the casting director but also to do so by conveying the necessary emotions. While actors also get evaluated in regard to their visual appearance, the performance is the main factor in the final decisions.
The Career Possibilities For Kids Amongst The Two Choices
There is always a demand for kid models of every age, but as children grow up, it poses a challenge to adjust to the changes in their appearance. When modeling, it is important the kid and their parents update their portfolio accordingly, and look for appropriate casting calls as the kid keeps on getting older. Thankfully, the previous experience can surely help to adjust to new and different modeling fields, and thus to stand out amongst the competition.
The same goes for kid actors, but as not every child physically matures in the same way, the shift from kid or teen actor to adult performer will differ in each individual case. For actors, it is even more important to continue to build on their initial experiences and develop their skills to be able to provide more complex performances.
Regardless of how well, if at all, kids continue their acting or modeling aspirations as they get older, the numerous experiences and skills gained during the process will positively impact other aspects of their lives, including academic and other professional pursuits.
