Anna Taliaferro

Anna Taliaferro (born Anne M. Barriscale; March 1, 1871 – January 5, 1917) was a theatrical agent, who founded the first casting agency for stage children in America. She was the mother of actresses Mabel and Edith Taliaferro, and the aunt of Bessie Barriscale. She also trained other relatives for the stage, and had over 1000 children listed with her agency. Her agency, which provided training as well, was the subject of profiles in The New York Times and Leslie's Weekly. Among adult actors who went through her training as children were Grace and Helen Menken, Vivian Martin, and Gregory Kelly.