Modeling and Acting in the DMV: What I've Learned as a Young Actress

Hi everyone! A lot of people ask me what it's like to be a young actress and model in the DMV. If you're not from around here, the DMV means D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and it's honestly such a cool place to be a performer. So I decided to write a whole post about it!

Most people think you have to live in New York or Los Angeles to act or model, but that's not true. The DMV has theaters, commercial shoots, print campaigns, student and indie films, and TV projects happening all the time. Washington, D.C. has a big theater scene, and there are brands, businesses, and production companies all over Maryland and Virginia that need kids for their ads and photo shoots.

Acting and modeling are different, but I love doing both. For acting, I prepare lines, think about how my character feels, and do self-tape auditions from home or go in person. For modeling, it's more about posing, taking direction from the photographer, and showing different emotions with just my face and body. Print modeling, catalog shoots, and commercials are all things youth talent in the DMV can do.

One thing I love about the DMV is that I can also work in nearby markets. I'm available for casting in the DMV, Atlanta, Georgia, and North Carolina, and Atlanta is one of the biggest places for film and TV in the whole country. Being close to all of these areas means more chances to audition and book work.

Some of my own credits have come right from this area, like the Children's Hospital of Richmond commercial, the CBN commercial in Virginia Beach, and being a spokeschild for the NBC12 Toy Drive for the Home Again shelter in Richmond.

If you're a kid who wants to start acting or modeling in the DMV, here are my biggest tips: get good headshots that look like the real you, practice your self-tapes (good lighting and a plain background help a lot!), take acting or dance classes, and say yes to local opportunities like school plays and community theater. Every bit of experience counts.

And here's a tip for parents that my mom always says: real talent agents and managers don't ask you to pay big fees just to sign with them. Do your research, check reviews, and always go to auditions and shoots together.

The best part of acting and modeling in the DMV is meeting so many creative people and learning something new on every set. I'm so excited for what's next! Casting directors and talent agents, you can find my headshots and booking information right here on my site. Thank you for reading!

P.S. I'm represented by The Brock Agency, Inc. — casting directors, please contact my agency for auditions and bookings!