Wed. Jun 10, 2009 | 5:29 AM

As we saw on this show, when it comes to making your kid a star, there are tons of pitfalls to avoid. Check out this video for casting expert Beth Melsky's exclusive advice.


NEXT: What Kind of Stage Mom Would You Be?
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hi tyra,i love youre show i think you are great.i live in toronto canada and my doughter is 5 years old,and she allways tells me i want to be on tv.i think shes to young but i see parents putting ther children out ther as young as 2 months.so my guestion is how to get my doughter started her in canada.
Posted by sarah 06/10/09 8:49 AM
 
hey my names heidi,tyra i love ur show,i watch it every morning,trya iv been wanting to be an actrist since i was 7. and im 12 now ill be 13 the 29 of june i was born in california and now i live in kentucky,theres not much sucess her to become an actrist so were movin to austin,texas maybe next year so i can audition,for commercials and other things to get me started i kno it takes alot of time and determination to do this but i dont care ill go till the end ill never give upp hopefuly someday ill will become one, if i just follow my dreams i know i can do it,thanx trya u realy inspire me.
Posted by heidi orantes 06/10/09 8:46 AM
 
HI TYRA, FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I ADMIRE YOU AS A YOUNG, BRAUTIFUL, TALENTED, SMART, EDUCATED, STRONG AFRICAN AMRERICAN WOMAN. I WATCH YOUR SHOWS WHENEVER I CAN BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY EDUCATIONAL. YOUR SHOW TODAY ABOUT HOW FAR PARENTS WILL GO JUST TO HAVE THEIR KIDS BECOME A STAR WAS VERY EDUCATIONAL YET SCARY. I HAVE A FOUR YEAR DAUGHTER WHO JUST THINKS SHE IS A STAR BECAUSE SHE LOVES TO SING, DANCE, AND WE ALWAYS WATCH AMERICA NEXT TOP MODEL TOGETHER WHICH SHE ALSO LOVES YOU BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SHE DOES. ONE DAY SHE AND I WERE WATCHING SOME OF THE OLD SEASONS ON THE OXYGEN CHANNEL AND EVERYTIME SHE SEES YOU SHE GETS REALLY EXCITED AND WILL REFER TO YOU AS " TOP MODEL". SO I GOT CONCERN AND STARTED TO ASK HER WHAT DID SHE THINK ABOUT MODELING AND THE SHOW. AND HER RESPONSE TO ME WAS THAT MODELS ARE SUPPOSE TO TAKE THEIR CLOTHES OF AND POSE FOR THE CAMERA. THAT SHOCKED ME BECAUSE EVENTHOUGH THAT IS NOT WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT, I TRY TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT AND I STOPPED HER FROM WATCHING IT FOR NOW TILL SHE IS OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND CERTAIN THINGS. I DON'T WANT HER GETTIN THE WRONG IDEA ABOUT BEING ON TV SO FOR THAT REASON IM ALSO NOT GOING TO PURSUE HER ACTING OR ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH HER BEING ON TV FOR NOW TILL SHE IS OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND. BUT YOUR SHE TODAY WAS GREAT AND IT ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS AND FEARS I HAD ABOUT THE INDUSTRY. THANKS AGAIN FOR INSPIRING ME AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU THROUGH YOUR CAREER.
Posted by Giftee 06/10/09 8:41 AM
 
Hi Tyra I just watched your show on getting children into acting. I have a son and daughter who is interested in acting and modeling. I live in south Florida. Can you suggest an agency that I can go to so that I can get my children started in acting or modeling. Thanks!
Posted by bernidette collins 06/10/09 8:25 AM
 
Hi Tyra my name is Caitlin I'm fifteen and I have a passion for acting.I wanted to thank you for today's show on scams in showbiz.I've come along my fare share of scams as I'm sure most people have, and it just gets frustrating when trying to follow your dreams.I really don't think that i have been able to find a legit casting call,I went to JRP, and recently i went to an audition and they told me i needed to pay them for photos because mine just weren't "cutting it".I really enjoy acting and I know I will be doing it for the rest of my life.Whether I'm 80 years old at the Oscars or at the local theater.I will continue to pursue my dreams. If you have any advice on finding legit auditions or any tips at all I would really really appreciate it. :) Thanks Tyra!!!!!
Posted by Caitlin Schall 06/10/09 8:19 AM
 
Hi Tyra, how are you? I hope good! Well Im writing this letter to you, is because I want to be an actor sinces I was 12, and now I'm !9. I don't want to start late. Im moving to LA next year, can you suggest me anyone or a class, I know you have to start from the bottom and go your way up. Unless you are lucky. Well any info will help, and I appreciate for taking the time of ur busy scheadule, to read my later and answer it.
Posted by Misael 06/10/09 6:45 AM
 
I have been in some model shows at my school.I also have been in plays.
Posted by infinity 03/01/09 12:55 PM
 
I am only 12 years old.I will be 13 on April14,2009.I want to know how I can get into the model industry.I love to model,I love to try new looks and I love to take picturs. ( please dont take this the wrong way i am not conceited.) I love your show and I hope you respond to y letter because I really want to be a model. I WANT TO DO THIS
Posted by Infinity 03/01/09 12:40 PM
 
hi tyra my son is 11 months old very handsome and i would like to know how can i get him started into modeling i really want him to get into commercials but i have no idea of the real agencies in NY please help!
Posted by melba 01/19/09 8:40 AM
 
I have been in plays since i was 2. I do not know how to ask my mom if i can be an actress, although she'll probably say no and laugh her head off. I am 10. How should i ask her if i can audition for something. I am phenomonal btw.
Posted by show biz kid 01/18/09 1:53 PM
 
Hi,Tyra First, I would like to congratulate you on the success in your life. And I would like to seek your advice regarding my six year old daughter, who is extremely talented. And I am not saying that just because she's my princess. Other people have acknowledged this about her also. She is very outgoing and loves to entertain. How can I get her the exposure that is necessary to jumpstart her career without spending crazy money? I have limited time and resources, therefore I must find the most cost efficient way to do this. Please Help!
Posted by kerean 12/29/08 2:03 PM
 
HI TYRA I HAVE A YWO YEAR OLD AND EVERY BODY TELLS ME THET SHE IS CUTE SHE IS AND THAT SHE CAN DO COMMERCIALS WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT FOLLOWING UP ON THAT WITH OUT SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY. I HAD TOOK HER TO AN AGENCY BUT HE WANTED FOR PICTURES 350 I THINK THAT TO MUCH FOR GUEST PICTURES, WHAT YOU THINK
Posted by KALENA 12/27/08 6:07 PM
 
tyra I wont to be kid model I am only 10 yeas old that is my wish .brooklyn matheny
Posted by brooklyn matheny 12/22/08 10:57 PM
 
hi tyra. first of all, i love u! i wanted some info on where to go to get my baby into modeling.she is the cutest thing on earth and i swear im not just sayin that cuz shes mine! but shes 7 months and LOVES the camera.she puts a show on every time i take her pics, or when we go to professionals.please email me. i have some awesome pics to show u!
Posted by candace 12/11/08 12:15 AM
 
tyra i got amail in my box telling me that my so was cute and could be used for commercial,so i went to this talent agency called ad kids in mahattan i want to know if they are genuine 'cos they collected a fee of $600.00 from me
Posted by sisi 12/06/08 8:45 AM



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