How To Become A Disney Or Nickelodeon Actress?

I could suggest that you ask again in about 7 years when you've had enough training at a major stage school, and loads of experience with a reputable youth theatre - but if you're old enough to be on this site, 13, you'll be at least 20 by then, and far too old to get on either channel.

The kids you see on TV have all been attending stage schools since they were 6 years old.

Agents get their clients from those top stage schools.

Headshots are NOT a huge thing until after years and years of training.

Sorry - but Katrina is right. Read her answer.

"I would love to become a Disney or Nickelodeon actress, but how?"

1. Get realistic. Give up the fantasy that actors are "discovered". It's a business, not a lottery. Acting is not as easy as it looks. People are not as good at it as they think. And people (even very talented ones) just wait around hoping someone will notice how great they are and tell them what to do next. There's no one way to be an actor - it'll be up to you to take responsibility for your career. No one will give it to you. Assuming you're a minor - talk to your parents. They HAVE to be involved and it will be a huge investment of time, effort and money for your parents and you.

2. Get quality training from well respected instructors. Not only does it improve your skills but it's one way to start to network and make connections in the industry. Where you study and who you study with matters.nit can help open doors.

3. Get experience. Audition for what you can - school plays, community theater and the like. You can try contacting local film schools and ask how the find actors for student films and check those sources. You need to make sure you're passionate about the work of acting - not just the idea of being an actor. And you have to see if you're any good. Training and experience is how you do that.

4. Learn the business end of things. You and your parents need to understand things like the casting process (casting directors, agents, breakdowns, etc); legal requirements (contracts, unions, taxes, work permits, trust accounts, work your restrictions, education requirements etc); effective marketing strategies (head shots, resumes, show reel, website, social media, etc); networking. Attempting an acting career is like running a company and you are the product to be marketed and sold.

A couple of helpful websites:

http://bizparentz.org/

http://www.backstage.com/topics/kids/

5. Plan. Not only do many actors not make it big - most professional actors don't support themselves by acting a lone. Every acting job is temporary, so you always have to worry about when (and if) you'll get another job. That means you need to plan how you're going to support yourself and how you're going to approach your career.

"I live in the Chicagoland area, so it would be helpful if you can give me a list of agencies."

With training, experince and an understanding of the industry you'll be able to create a list with your parents of potential agents.

"...which pays more Disney or Nick"

Neither. Payment is more dependent on the type of role you get then on which network (Disney or Nick). The union sets the minimum amount for payment based on the type of role and how long you work. There are also issues of residuals and many other things.

"Where do Disney and Nick film?"

Mainly in CA - the LA area.

"Any other tips"

Read other responses that answer these same questions before posting.

You most likely won't get on Nickelodeon or Disney, but you can still act in other stuff.

Step 1: sell your soul to satan

Step 2: Kiss your freedom goodbye

Step 3: prepare to be the next Miley Cyrus/Jamie Lynn Spears/other child star disaster story.

It's the harsh truth. if you sign a contract with Disney they basically own your soul. I can't say much about Nick but yeah have fun.

you aren't going to do that from Chicago. Disney auditions are in LA and you need a local agent to get you on them. agents only send you on calls local to them. an agent in Chicago is not going to look for auditions in LA.

If you don't want it for money, then why are you asking which one pays more?