Author Gloria Iatridis has composed this lively manual to benefit those parents who may wish to promote and sustain the promising stage and screen career of observably talented children, with her daughter Olivia Kate adding memories and counsel. Convinced of her daughter's vibrant personality, artistic tendencies, and her zeal for performing through early ballet, dance, and interpretive skating, the author strove to assist her in every possible aspect. The Western Arctic Inuit family lived in Canada's Northwest Territories, so the inculcation into this unusual life pathway required extensive study, making parental reinforcement essential.

Iatridis soon realized she must become Olivia's manager, or "mom-a-ger," intertwining her daughter's increasing acting zeal with her own full-time job. This led to her insider's understanding of crucially important roles and relationships, from creating a resume to understanding publicity requirements such as photo "head shots," along with dealing skillfully with producers, agents, casting directors, and fellow performers, all of which are amply described. From teen to young adult, her daughter ascended from minor but memorable small parts on local stages to major film roles and significant awards.

Iatridis has accepted the challenge of assisting her child in a rising and increasingly complex calling, and, with Olivia now matured to manage and advance her own opportunities, has created this pragmatic memoir filled with advice based on sometimes hard-won but always determined experience. She and Olivia offer a helpful glossary of "Olivia's Top Fifty Terms," such as "cold read," "set etiquette," and "non-disclosure agreement (NDA)." The detailed explanations and recommendations offered here will undoubtedly achieve the author's purpose to aid those parents in a situation similar to hers to ably and enthusiastically assume the role of manager, guide, and guard for the young actor, and achieve as their reward the joy of celebrating their child's successes.

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