One of the most common questions I get asked by parents of young actors is how they can best support their children at auditions. Whether it’s running lines, serving as a reader, or helping with a self-tape, if parents don’t know a thing or two about technique, they may actually be doing more harm than good.
I recently worked with a top L.A.-based casting director and when asked how to remedy these issues, her advice was simple: “Take an acting class.” Here are five reasons why that advice is sound:
Empathy: Parents of a young actor play an important role. They’re their child’s biggest cheerleader when they succeed and their emotional support when they face rejection. It can be helpful for parents to understand the process an actor undergoes to inhabit a character because it can be draining, especially if the scene is emotional or personal. Knowing the steps they take to give a truthful performance can help you better support your child emotionally as they grow and learn.
Looking for habits: Everyone loves having a dedicated teacher in their corner, but taking advice from a parent isn’t a good idea if the parent doesn’t know anything about acting. Being familiar with pace, rhythm, and volume can help parents identify when their young actors are falling into bad habits during self-tapes in ways the kid may not notice. It’s never a good idea to assume the role of an acting coach, but it can be helpful for parents to know the basic mistakes casting directors look for so you’re able to let your child know if they ask for help.
Reading: Having a good reading partner can be the difference between getting the callback and not. It’s great when parents can help their actor by reading with them for self-tapes, but it can be distracting if they don’t know how to do it in a way that showcases their child. Learning how to listen and react and knowing about acting styles for different genres can really help your child stand out in a self-tape.
Teamwork: It’s always helpful when a parent and child have the same vocabulary; it helps them work together and communicate effectively when it comes to auditions. As a parent, taking the time to get to know your child’s process with acting can really help you better understand their goals and the industry. This will make you more literate on set and allow you to communicate with your child.
Learning from industry pros: Getting information from people who know more than you about something is always a good idea. For parents, this can be a great place to ask questions and learn from the experiences of others. Especially for parents who are new to the industry, it’s great to meet people whose information you trust. While other parents you meet in auditions may try to be helpful, they aren’t always the best resource. Getting information and guidance from casting directors, directors, and coaches can expose you to the many facets of the entertainment industry and give you support as your child continues to grow.
In my experience, many kids don’t like working with their parents; the interactions can make them feel judged, criticized, or misunderstood when filming a self-tape. Acting classes are the best ways for parents to bridge that divide and look at the world from their child’s point of view. By taking an acting class, you’re learning to appreciate their perspective and support them as they carve their path as an actor.
