So your child has some visible skill in acting and you’ve decided it’s time to turn their hobby into a career? Although social media and online platforms like Star Now are a great way to access acting opportunities yourself, it may be wise to invest in a Talent Agent who can take the hassle out of finding and securing paid acting/modelling work for your child.
Please note: many of the agencies listed here also represent talent for Modelling, with some only for modelling. For those parents who want their kids to do more than simple print shoots and commercials, and who want to secure paid speaking roles in television shows and films, contact those agencies below that you see fit for that.
Before submitting your child for representation, make sure to…
- Consider the pros and cons of the acting industry for your child.
- Gage from your child whether this is something that they want for themselves just as much as you might want it for them.
- Undertake significant research on each Talent Agency to gage which is the best fit for you. This may include browsing their websites, reading their FAQs or speaking with them over the phone.
- Take a look at this infographic that explains where Actors fit into the whole casting process.
- Familiarise yourself with the following terms so that you approach any agency meeting with confidence:
Talent: The actor (so, your child).
Commission: The percentage of your child’s payment that your Talent Agent will receive for having found your child the job. Normally 10-20%.
Membership Fees: The upfront or yearly fee payable to the Talent Agent to organise your photos, online profiles etc. Note: not all agencies charge membership fees.
You would rather take your time and find the right agent than rush into a decision for the sake of it. The information below will hopefully get you started on that process.
A List of Kids Talent Agencies in Sydney (alphabetical order)
Here is a list of the prominent Kids Talent Agencies in Sydney, listed in alphabetical order. Note: some of these agencies have their head offices interstate. (For a list of Adult Acting Agencies, click here).
> Bambini Talent Group | Baulkham Hills NSW
Bambini Talent Group was established 21 years ago and are a well-respected Children’s Agency servicing over 500 clients annually from Australia and beyond. Their clients work across fashion, photographic and acting and their talent have featured in campaigns for Bonds, David Jones, Witchery, Country Road, Peter Alexander, Disney and they have had talent featured in films such as Unbroken, Hacksaw Ridge, The Water Diviner, Adoration as well as numerous TV commercials. To become a Bambini kid, you’re required to fill out an application form and then wait to be contacted for joining.
> What you need to know about Bambini Talent Group:
Represents ages: 6 months – 17 years
Website: http://bambinitalentgroup.com/
Phone: 1300 336 036
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bambinitalentgroup/
To Apply: http://bambinitalentgroup.com/join/
> Bettina Management | Chippendale NSW
Bettina have been around since 1992 and as such have developed a reputation for being one of the industry leaders in the placement of talent in TV commercials, TV shows, film and catalogues. Their talent has featured in fashion parades, musical theatre, mini-series, productions, promotions and events for a range of clients including Huggies, Cadbury, Myer, Samsung, Big W, House Husbands and Offspring. Bettina Management have offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, and to arrange a personal meeting for your child simply submit an online application or contact them directly.
> What you need to know about Bettina Talent Agency:
Represents ages: 3 months to 16 years
Website: http://www.bettina.com.au/
Email: info@bettina.com.au
Phone: 1300 888 611
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettinamanagement
To Apply: http://www.bettina.com.au/become-a-star
> Brats Models | Surry Hills NSW
Brats Models, the little sister of Broadcast Management, was established in Sydney in 1989. With offices in three states – NSW, Queensland and Victoria – Brats Models has access to a range of quality advertising, film and television projects Australia-wide. Their clients represent some of the country’s leading brands including Myer, David Jones, Target, Best & Less, Osh Kosh, and Puma. The application process to Brats Models is free but there are some costs involved should your child be accepted by their agency.
> What you need to know about Brats Model Management:
Represents ages: 6 months – 16 years
Website: https://bratsmodels.com.au/
Email: info@bratsmodels.com.au
Phone: 9281 9433
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bratsmodels
To Apply: https://bratsmodels.com.au/how-to-join/
> Cute Kids | Bondi Junction NSW
For nearly 40 years, Cute Kids talents have appeared in TV commercials and photographic campaigns for McDonalds, David Jones, NRMA, Myer, Best & Less, Big W, QANTAS, Telstra, Westfield, KFC, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, Colgate, Aldi, Woolworths, LG, Samsung and many others, as well as roles in movies, TV series and stage productions. Applications to Cute Kids are online. For auditions, see link below.
What you need to know about Cute Kids:
> Represents ages: 3 months to 14 years old
Website: http://www.cutekids.com.au/
Email: abc@cutekids.com.au
Phone: 9389 8655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutekidsmanagement
To Apply: http://www.cutekids.com.au/become-a-model/
> Matrics Management | Spit Junction NSW
Matrics is a respected boutique agency specialising in talent management for child and teen actors. Established in 2003, Matrics has launched the careers of some of Australia’s best young talent: Sophie Lowe (Beautiful Kate, Blessed); Rhys Wakefield (Sanctum, Black Balloon, Home and Away); Louis Hunter (US TV series Secret Circle, War of the Roses, Out of the Blue), Hayley McCarthy (Mamma Mia), Alex Thompson (Beneath Hill 60) Holy Fraser (War of the Roses, My Place), James Fraser (Devil’s Playground, December Boys, Double Trouble, Blackjack), Kenya Pearson (Looking For Grace) and emerging talent, Leonie Whyman (Redfern Now, Ready For This) and Heath Ledger Scholarship winner Mojean Aria (Bronx Bull, Hybrids, Hara Kiri).
> What you need to know about Matrics Management:
Represents ages: Child and Teen actors
Website: www.matricsmanagement.com
Email: vicki@matricsmanagement.com
Phone: 0404 294 633
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matricsmanagement/
To Audition: http://matricsmanagement.com/auditions/
> MCTV Management Group | Sydney CBD NSW
MCTV is one of the longest running talent agencies in Sydney and has a strong focus on film, television and occasional print campaigns for their talent. Although they have a large Extras department and represent adults, children are a huge part of the MCTV Group. MCTV children have worked with clients including Westpac, First State Super, Warner Bros Television, Big W, Best and Less, KMart, and Foxtel.
> What you need to know about MCTV Management Group:
Represents ages: 0-15 years
Website: https://www.mctv.com.au/
Email: reception@mctv.com.au
Phone: 8270 8111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCTVmanagement
To Apply: https://www.mctv.com.au/apply-now-for-work-in-film-and-tv/
> Munchkins Talent Agency | Abbotsford VIC
Established in 1990, Munchkins has grown to become one of Australia’s most respected child talent and modelling agencies. Representing children in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, they carefully select talent ranging from babies through to teens for photographic, film, theatre and TV work. Munchkins talent have appeared in campaigns and productions for clients including Channel 9, Channel 10, Seed, KMart, Target and Qantas.
> What you need to know about Munchkins Talent Agency:
Represents ages: 6 months – 16 years
Website: http://www.munchkins.com.au/
Email: photos@munchkins.com.au
Phone: 1300 288 377
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munchkinsmanagement
To Apply: http://munchkins.com.au/apply/
> Talent Box| Rosebery NSW
Formerly known as Random Management, Talent Box is the new Youth Division, a boutique Agency and Management service representing elite young actors and performers. With over 25 years combined experience they pride themselves in providing personalised and professional services to their clients. Talent Box has offices in Sydney & Melbourne. Having established great partnerships with Casting Directors, Production Houses, Agents, Management Companies, Directors locally and internationally they have been able to offer their clients great opportunities on many different platforms.
> What you need to know about Talent Box:
Represent ages: 4-18 years
Website: https://talentbox.com.au/
Email: agency@talentbox.com.au
Phone: 0433 669 991 / (02) 9822 2822
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentboxaustralia
To Apply: agency@talentbox.com.au
> Starfish Kids | Warriewood NSW
Starfish Kids is a boutique agency that has a long reputation in the industry for personalised service. They’ve worked with brands like David Jones, Country Road, Big W, Nickelodeon, and their talent have also worked in major feature films such as Wolverine, Unbroken and The Great Gatsby. Every application to become a Starfish Kid starts with a face-to-face interview and there are membership fees involved which cover representation, photo shoots and profiles on Casting Networks and Starfish Kids. See full details below.
> What you need to know about Starfish Kids:
Represent ages: 4 months – 18 years
Website: http://www.starfishkids.com.au/
Email: contact@starfishkids.com.au
Phone: 8401 0052
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarfishKidsManagement
To Apply: http://www.starfishkids.com.au/contact/
> T&E Kids | Potts Point NSW
Established in 2011, T&E Kids have fast become one of the most highly regarded children’s agencies in the country. With their incredible top shelf client base, it’s hard for casting agents to go past T&E when they are looking for the perfect child or teen for their job.
> What you need to know about T&E Kids:
Represent ages: Kids and Teens
Website: http://www.tandekids.com.au/
Email: info@tandemanagement.com.au
Phone: +61 2 9281 4115
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tande.kids/?hl=en
Apply: http://www.tandekids.com.au/home#become-a-te-kid
> The Unicorn Kids | Western Sydney NSW
The Unicorn Kids is a boutique agency with nurturing values at its core. They are built on diversity and uniqueness, and a love of modelling, acting and the performing arts. They encourage their talent to embrace their natural differences, to be proud of themselves, to be confident, and most importantly, to love what they do! Their business model is based on ensuring they are prioritising the building of relationships and developing talent. They proudly don’t charge joining fees while still delivering outstanding results for their talent who have worked on feature films such as Peter Rabbit, television shows like Doctor Doctor and Hardball, and many big name TV commercials and fashion labels.
> What you need to know about The Unicorn Kids:
Represent ages: 3 months – 17 years
Website: https://theunicornkids.com/
Email: info@theunicornkids.com
Phone: 0402 771 896
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicorn_kids_modelling/
Apply: https://theunicornkids.com/registration/
Auditioning for, and then securing paid acting work can be fun and exciting. With the right agency (one that you feel best meets the needs of your family), your child can go on to have a fruitful and rewarding career in the acting industry. For more information on one or all of these agencies, get in touch with them through the contact details provided above.
Looking for a list of the Top ADULT Acting Agencies in Sydney? Click here.
