Child Actor 101

Whether your child is just getting started in acting or already auditioning professionally, this conversation is packed with practical advice for navigating the entertainment industry with confidence and perspective.In this interview, Corey Ralston—youth talent manager, acting coach, former child actor, and founder of Child Actor 101—shares his thoughts on training, social media, choosing the right acting coach, avoiding burnout, and helping young actors build sustainable careers without losing the joy of performing.Topics include:• Common mistakes parents make in the industry • How to choose the right acting coach or acting school • Recognizing when training becomes pressure • Balancing acting opportunities with a healthy childhood • Social media strategies for young actors and families • Self-tape preparation and consistent practice habits • Protecting self-worth in a competitive industry • Why watching great television can make you a better actorIf you're raising a young actor, this conversation offers honest insight, practical guidance, and a reminder that success in this industry is a marathon—not a sprint.Subscribe for more conversations, industry education, audition advice, and resources for young actors and their families.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:18 Common Parental Patterns in Youth Acting 02:01 The Stereotype of Stage Dads and Competition 02:59 The Momager Phenomenon and Boundaries 05:42 Recognizing When Training Becomes Pressure 06:19 Finding the Right Coach and Class Variety 07:36 Assessing Kid's Happiness and Engagement 08:47 Red Flags When Choosing an Acting School 09:58 Balancing Training Frequency and Opportunities 11:30 The Prep101 System and Self-Tape Tips 13:10 The Importance of Consistent Practice 14:04 Social Media Strategies and Protecting Self-Worth 16:00 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception 17:00 Parent-Led Social Media and Industry Presence 18:25 Using Humor to Connect and Relieve Pressure 20:05 The Value of Cultural References and Watching TV 21:31 Rapid Fire: Personal Preferences and Fun FactsConnect with Child Actor 101:Website: https://www.childactor101.com Directory: https://directory.childactor101.com Training Programs: https://101training.childactor101.com#ChildActor101 #ChildActors #ActingCoach #ActingTips #YoungActors #ParentsOfActors #HollywoodKids #ActingClass #AuditionTips #SelfTape #ActingIndustry

In Episode 4 of the Child Actor 101 Podcast, Corey Ralston sits down with Kristina Brown Brunelle for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about how the casting process really works for young actors.From self-tapes and callbacks to headshots, reps, and the emotional pressure parents often feel during audition season, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of the entertainment industry — without the Hollywood fluff.Corey shares practical insight from years working as a youth talent manager, acting coach, former child actor, and founder of Child Actor 101, including:• Why casting is NOT a linear process • Why your child may never hear “no” after auditions • What casting directors actually care about • Why memorable beats “perfect” every time • What makes families easier for reps to work with • The truth about self-tapes and headshots • Why “the audition is the job” Plus: a fun lightning round covering favorite performances, film vs TV, callbacks vs bookings, and Corey’s thoughts on authenticity in acting.Whether your child is brand new to the industry or already auditioning regularly, this episode offers grounded perspective, reassurance, and actionable advice for navigating the world of child acting.Hosted by Corey Ralston Founder of Child Actor 101Learn more at:ChildActor101.com

In this episode, Kristina Brown Brunelle sits down with Corey Ralston — former child actor, youth talent manager, acting coach, and founder of Child Actor 101.Together, they discuss:* how Corey got started in the entertainment industry* why Child Actor 101 was created* the realities parents should understand before pursuing acting professionally* the emotional pressure young actors often feel* what casting directors are actually looking for* how parents accidentally over-coach self tapes* why authenticity matters more than perfection* how to support child actors in a healthy way* what Corey learned from his own mother during his years as a child actorThis conversation is honest, funny, thoughtful, and filled with practical insight for parents navigating the world of youth TV & film acting.Whether your child is just getting started or already auditioning regularly, this episode offers perspective on confidence, auditions, family balance, and building a healthier experience in the industry.Topics include:* self tapes* callbacks* child actor mindset* stage parent pressure* acting classes* Hollywood expectations* confidence for young actors* authenticity in auditions* casting director perspectiveLearn more:ChildActor101.comJoin the Child Actor 101 community for parents of young actors pursuing television and film.⸻Chapters0:00 Introduction to Corey Ralston0:50 Corey’s background as a child actor2:05 Why Corey created Child Actor 1014:03 Advice for parents just starting out5:27 The truth about success in Hollywood7:10 How many actors compete for one role8:08 How self tapes changed casting9:09 Healthy vs unhealthy parent support11:35 “The audition is the job”14:13 Why casting doesn’t want “perfect” kids16:29 The best thing Corey’s mom did right18:41 Rapid fire questions22:13 The best advice Corey ever received⸻Hashtags#ChildActor101 #ChildActors #ActingTips #SelfTape #AuditionTips #YoungActors #ActorParents #HollywoodKids #ActingCoach #CastingDirector

Kids today are deprived of television content which is detrimental to their acting careers. Here are 5 types of shows they should be watching

Podcasters discuss Corey Ralston, Youth Talent Manager and his advice to parents considering getting their children started in on-camera acting.

Everything you wanted to know about “Mother Agencies”. From Youth Talent Manager Corey Ralston of Child Actor 101.