Casting Confidence: Navigating Music & Film for Your Rising Performer

Unlock your child’s talent—and your confidence—with Casting Confidence, a dynamic workshop designed for parents of young musicians and actors who are ready to explore the entertainment world with clarity, safety, and strategy.

From understanding auditions, castings, recording sessions, and representation to knowing how to avoid industry pitfalls, Casting Confidence breaks down the music and film business into simple, empowering steps. Parents will learn how to spot real opportunities, support their child’s creative development, build a strong portfolio, understand contracts, communicate with industry professionals, and nurture their child’s passion without pressure.

Whether your child is just discovering their artistic spark or already stealing the spotlight, Casting Confidence equips you with the insider knowledge, tools, and confidence to guide them through an exciting, ever-evolving industry—while keeping joy, balance, and protection at the center.

Step into the spotlight with clarity. This is your roadmap to raising a thriving young performer.

Instructor: Deu Almeida | Click to read biography

Upcoming Session: January 10 - March 14

Day & Time: Saturday, 12:00PM - 12:50PM

In-Person Cost: $300 (10 seats — includes free childcare!)

Online Option: $200

Week 1 — The Entertainment Industry 101

• Overview of the music and film industries

• Key players: agents, managers, casting directors, producers

• Understanding how kids break in (realistic entry points)

• Industry myths vs. realities

Week 2 — Identifying Your Child’s Path

• Distinguishing between acting and music pathways

• Assessing your child’s natural strengths, interests, and readiness

• Setting age-appropriate expectations

• Supporting passion vs. pressure

Week 3 — Training, Classes & Skill Development

• Choosing the right acting, music, or vocal coaches

• What quality training looks like (and what’s a red flag)

• Balancing school, life, and artistic training

• Creating a healthy skill-building routine

Week 4 — Headshots, Demos & Branding

• What makes a strong headshot for kids

• Creating music demos or performance clips

• Building a simple, effective portfolio

• Understanding “brand” without over-stylizing your child

Week 5 — Auditions, Castings & Self-Tapes

• Preparing kids for auditions in music and film

• The anatomy of a successful self-tape

• Common audition mistakes parents make

• Encouraging confidence without over-coaching

Week 6 — Agents, Managers & Representation

• The difference between agents and managers

• How to know when your child is ready for representation

• How to submit to agencies

• Red flags: scams, pay-to-play, and “guaranteed casting” traps

Week 7 — Industry Safety, Boundaries & Wellbeing

• Protecting your child’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing

• Managing rejection, nerves, and big emotions

• Privacy, safety, and social media boundaries

• Ensuring sets, studios, and rehearsals are safe spaces

Week 8 — Contracts, Payments & The Business Side

• Understanding basic entertainment contracts

• Work permits, child labor laws, and Coogan accounts

• Paying for lessons, coaches, and managers responsibly

• How money actually flows in music and film

Week 9 — Building Visibility & Momentum

• Using social media safely and strategically

• Connecting with casting platforms (Actors Access, Backstage, etc.)

• Building relationships with coaches, studios, and local opportunities

• Knowing when to level up from local to regional or national markets

Week 10 — Your Child’s 12-Month Action Plan

• Creating a personalized development roadmap

• Scheduling training, auditions, and performances

• Setting confidence-building habits at home

• Parent Q&A and final strategy session