5 Dramatic Monologues for Kids

I’m not a big fan of generic monologue books. Every now and then I’ll run across a piece that is well-written and works nicely, but most of the time they’re trite and obvious. Instead, I look for monologues from plays, movies, and even novels, which contain conflict and good character work. These can be hard to come by for kids under age 12 though.  

So here are five dramatic monologues for kids that are sure to push your child to improve their acting skills.

1. “A Little Princess”This whimsical book-turned-movie-turned-musical follows Sara Crewe, an imaginative 11-year-old who is forced to move into a boarding school after her father dies in combat during World War I. In one scene, she assures her fellow students that their loved ones watch over them in heaven even when they can’t be seen.

I love this monologue because of its sincerity. Sara’s optimism, cheerfulness, and genuine heart shine through in every word, and those are qualities that many young girls already possess and celebrate. Beyond its surface-level charm it offers a multi-layered character to develop. Sara’s description of heaven is detailed and unique, enough so to reveal why she maintains such a cheerful attitude without fully dismissing the effect her mother’s death has had on her. It highlights Sara’s naivete without being condescending, making it a perfect monologue for naive children to relate to.

 2. “The Member of the Wedding”This coming of age story follows 12-year-old Frankie as she follows her older brother on his honeymoon. In her monologue, Frankie explains her awe in realizing the extreme loneliness she felt before understanding what it meant to “belong to a ‘we.’ ” This monologue is perfect for auditions because of the distinct changes Frankie undergoes throughout. While the piece climaxes when she decides to follow her brother to Winter Hill, there’s no shortage of personal realizations and emotional beats as she comes to that understanding. Frankie’s universally shared desire to find her place makes the monologue both relatable and entertaining as she comes to terms with her desires in unique, childish ways. Additionally, the character herself is more spunky than Sara Crewe, making it good for more spirited girls who may have a hard time connecting to Sara.

 3. “Irreconcilable Differences”This film monologue expertly tackles mature themes such as neglect and emotional abuse while still highlighting the innocence of its protagonist, Casey. In it Casey argues for legal emancipation from her absent parents, explaining the decency she feels adults owe to one another and the obligation they have to care for their children. Casey’s simplified view of right and wrong is blunt and honest. This is why her monologue is good for kids; it bridges the divide between youthful innocence and adult maturity through the eyes of a child. The monologue is essentially a plea for attention, respect, and understanding, and that’s something kids can understand in a world where their voices are often overlooked. Casey must articulate her desire for independence to a room full of adults who still see her as naive and incapable, and that’s a conflict young girls can understand.   

4. “Nine Months”While “Nine Months” is a comedy film, Truman’s monologue is actually dramatic. In it the young boy explains to his new therapist why he was forced to go to therapy after his father had a mid-life crisis and he began acting out to get attention. The monologue begins with some comedy, as Truman admits that he sawed the heads off of his dad’s golf clubs and super glued his credit cards to his wallet. But in the end, when he finally confesses that “kids need their dads,” it becomes a heartfelt monologue with the depth necessary to challenge a young actor to understand the character. The need for attention isn’t a foreign struggle for young boys, making this the perfect monologue for them to add to their repertoire.

5. “Runaways”The musical “Runaways” features a cast of about 20 teens and children, each one having a song, scene, or monologue about why they ran away from home. It’s a great source of material because of its dynamic writing. Each monologue has a unique voice, yet they all have the same lingering sense of uncertainty that’ll have the audience on the edge of their seats. Some of my favorites are AJ’s monologue when they explain why they had no choice but to leave their unstable home, when Eddie asserts that they believe there is a problem with the world while begging that their teacher doesn’t flunk them for their criticism, and Lazar’s monologue, in which the child explains why superheroes can only be found in comic books. Most of the monologues will work for kids of any gender, and while many were written for teens, they’re still great material for younger actors.

All these dramatic monologues will help your child ace their audition and showcase their skills, but there are plenty of other plays, TV shows, and books out there with dynamic monologues for young actors. As long as the conflict is good, the tactics used to overcome the conflict change, and your child can relate to the material, there will be nothing keeping them from reaching their full acting potential.

7 Comedic Monologues for Teens

From balancing the drama inherent in comedy to understanding wacky, slightly awkward characters, tackling comedic monologues can be one of the most difficult tasks a student undertakes. The first step to nailing comedy is finding good material. This can be challenging as students often fall into the trap of choosing generic monologues without depth or focusing on surface-level gags. It’s important to remember that monologues should be active instead of passive and be age-appropriate and relatable. It’s OK to piece together several small speeches to make a monologue cutting as well.

I’ve spent decades reading plays and helping young actors choose the material. Here are seven comedic monologues I’ve chosen for teens to look at.

“A Midsummer Night in the OC” by D. Tupper McKnight

A modern interpretation of the jealous maiden, Helena’s monologue here oozes with teen insecurity and angst. Beneath the entertaining one-liners about “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and middle school, we can see her insecurities peeping through as she tries to convince Demetrius, an equally awkward boy, to return her affection. It has all the humor of Shakespeare’s original play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” mixed with modern references that teens are sure to connect to.

“Serendipity and Serenity” by Jonathan Marc Sherman

Jonathan Marc Sherman wrote several plays for the Young Playwrights Festival in his youth, so you can rest assured he knows how teenagers think. That understanding comes through in every line of dialogue. His dark humor is tinged with adolescent fear without being overly melodramatic. You may be familiar with his play “Women in Wallace,” which itself has a great monologue. But he’s also written more obscure plays full of the authenticity that is essential to character-based comedy. I’ve seen Lionel’s monologue from this play, which takes place in a bathroom, performed by both boys and girls and it’s always a winner.

“All This Intimacy” by Rajiv Joseph

The title says it all. The character Jen’s hilarious attempts to wring some emotion out of her boyfriend are foiled by her own ineptitude in her monologue here. While we laugh at her seriousness as she spars with the laryngitis-stricken boy, we can also appreciate her genuine attempts to understand her place in the world, a connection that endears us to her beyond the surface-level humor.

“Dags” by Debra Oswald

This piece really does call out the oxymoron of adolescence. Teen girls will relate with not fitting in, attempts to be popular, and waking up with pimples which will ruin your day. Told through the eyes of a girl with her head in a bag, the monologue really just gives teens an opportunity to let loose about the stress of adolescence. It dials up the melodrama, angst, and confusion, making it easy to connect with it and really have fun. Written by an Australian writer, some of the words can be changed to Americanize it.

“Everything Will Be Different” by Mark Schultz

The confusion of this character is both hilarious and endearing as he tries to convince Charlotte, a girl who doesn’t know him particularly well, that they should “be like boyfriend and girlfriend or something.” After he stumbles through history’s most awkward pick-up monologue, the audience will be rolling at his final, darkly random apology over the death of Charlotte’s mother.

“From Up Here” by Liz Flahive

This piece is a more mature version of “Everything Will Be Different.” It has all of the awkward, stumbling romance that Schultz writes, but the character Charlie is slightly older and more in control of what he says. It’s a dynamic monologue, with beats of contemplation juxtaposed with Charlie’s anxious ramblings. It is an easy monologue for lovesick teenage boys to understand.

“I Ought to be in Pictures” By Neil Simon

Is there anything more awkward than a girl and her dad having “the talk”? Not when Libby is in charge. Although Libby doesn’t have one long speech you can splice together some of Simon’s witty dialogue. This cutting is more of a dramatic comedy as Libby transitions from her initial nervous ramblings about her crush into the pain she feels over her strained relationship with her mother, and the lyricism is impressive throughout. The subject matter is more mature, so I’d recommend it for an older teen, but Libby’s sporadic changes in tone make this an impressive monologue for anyone who likes a multi-layered character to explore.

When looking for a great monologue to perform, read this past article of mine to understand how to choose a compelling piece. While searching for your next comedic piece you are sure to have fun exploring different playwrights and styles of writing to see what speaks to you. 

11 Ways Young Actors Can Be Productive This Holiday Season

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Holidays, travel, family, food, chaos. It’s what life’s about. So what better place to learn about human behavior than at a large family gathering or traveling with Aunt Beth, Uncle Billy, and their three children? Perhaps you’re stuck in the airport due to a weather delay and your flight is canceled. Turn lemons into lemonade this holiday season and work on developing new characters by people watching, try learning a new accent while waiting, tap into some newfound emotions, be observant, or just be thankful.

With a week to a month off for some, there’s enough time to learn a new skill, get introspective with journaling, or give back with community service. Here are some ideas for how young performers can stay active and productive this holiday season. 

1. Participate in community service. Instead of receiving gifts this year, give the gift of service. Volunteer at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving or Christmas, collect gifts for the needy, or participate in a cabaret or performance with a group at a nursing home or hospital. The best way to feel good about yourself is to do “feel good” things. 

2. Go to a museum.One of my favorite plays is Tina Howe’s “Museum,” an absurd comedy in which 40 characters react to several art exhibits. No matter where you live there are probably many different types of museums. Have fun watching how others react to art and each other while getting your own inspiration from another art form. 

3. See theater. With time off from work or school, it’s a great time to catch up on live theater. You don’t have to live in NYC to see a good play. Professional companies tour many cities across the country and there are plays being produced at your local regional or community theater. Here’s a tip if you plan to visit New York. If you want reasonably priced seats to a sold out show, just go to the box office and ask. Seats are released daily and you might just get lucky and score a ticket to “Hamilton” without paying tourist surcharges. 

5 Things You Can Do to Further Your Career During the Holidays

4. Catch up on movies. Who doesn’t like seeing a blockbuster movie? If you don’t want to spend the money or just feel like hunkering down at home, I’m sure your streaming devices have an old flick playing you’ve never seen. Some of my favorite recommendations for young actors are “Paper Moon,” “Whiplash,” “Splash,” and “Blast from the Past.”

5. Read!I have a stack of plays to read this holiday season. When reading new playwrights’ work I often find great scenes and monologues to recommend to my students. Plays read much faster than novels so what are you waiting for!

6. Enjoy nature.We all get bogged down by life’s daily distractions. Embrace this opportunity as you take some quiet time for yourself or with your family. Whether hiking or cross country skiing, enjoy the outdoors and the beauty and solace it brings. 

7. Do a puzzle. Not only is doing a puzzle good for brain building, but it’s a great way to bond with family and friends and get your mind off work.

8. Create a business action plan. Acting is a business and like most successful businesses you need a strategic action plan to succeed. Make sure to check self-submission sites such as Backstage daily so you don’t miss out on casting opportunities. Be current with your picture and résumé, and start work on your demo reel footage. Create lists of casting directors who accept headshots and résumés, and scour the internet for workshop and performance opportunities.

9. Write a monologue.Looking for the perfect monologue? Recall a funny or moving story in your life and take pen to paper and start writing. Remember truthful, honest, and real narratives will be the most powerful.

10. Write thank you notes. It’s not called Thanksgiving for nothing. Seize the opportunity to remind your child of how many people work to help them have a career. 

11. Create a vision board. Who says resolutions don’t stick? With plenty of time to plan for the coming year, the holiday break can be a great opportunity to organize your ambitions and make sure you’re ready for the next cycle of auditions and classes. Vision boards can really help motivate you for your work as an actor and remind you of your goals, making it more likely that you’ll find success in whatever areas you decide to pursue. So what are you waiting for? Grab some scissors and get crafting! 

4 Ways to Get Your Child’s Demo Reel Seen

Imagine this scene: You close out of iMovie and back away from the computer having just finished editing clips for your child’s demo reel. It’s terrific, and you marvel at how well your child’s personality and talent shine. There’s only one problem: how do you get the reel seen by anyone? It can’t get your child work if no one sees it. 

So, what can you do? Here are four ways to get your child’s reel seen. 

1. Self-submit to agents and managers.
Many websites, such as Backstage, have call boards with the contact information of different agencies and talent managers. Send the reel to prospective agents and managers. Be sure to follow the instructions regarding how they prefer to be contacted. Most reps welcome solicitation from potential clients. The demo reel is a great way to showcase type and experience. Whenever you send out your child’s headshot and résumé, make sure you add a link to the reel on their résumé. 

2. Make sure your child’s rep has a copy.
This idea may sound obvious, but I’ve worked with young actors on their reels who never shared them with their representatives. Agents and managers are responsible for interacting with casting directors and other potential employers, so they need demo reels. If your child’s rep has a demo reel, they can send it to directors and casting directors to generate interest. It’s necessary to see how your child looks and acts on-camera before being hired. 

3. Upload to online casting sites.
We’re living in the digital age and the internet is a great place to put your child’s reel and information out for mass exposure. If your son or daughter has an account on Backstage, add the reel to their profile. You can submit it to casting calls yourself on many sites. Add a link to the reel on your child’s website as well. You can also upload the demo reel to YouTube and other public sites, but beware of scams. Backstage and other such sites regulate who has access to profiles and demo reels to prevent phony casting calls. YouTube and Vimeo don’t have that. That said, they can still be great public platforms to upload the reel to for more exposure.

4. Class exposure. 
I teach weekend and week-long film workshops culminating with the creation of professional demo reel footage. I send the demo reels to industry folks to get my students noticed as I’m proud of their work. Other coaches and instructors may also submit student footage. Check with your child’s acting coach or instructor to see if they provide opportunities for capturing footage. There are plenty of workshops and camps offered in on-camera training which culminate with the creation of demo reel footage. Even some theater college programs are ending their final year with a professional demo reel instead of a live showcase.  

Like a headshot and résumé, demo reels are no longer optional for actors looking to work. A demo reel is a sign of professionalism and experience. Demo reels also help people see how your child comes across on-camera. Having that footage available to potential employers makes the difference between getting the role or not. Make your child’s demo reel available to as many people as possible. Keep supporting your child and look for opportunities where they can get on-camera experience and footage for their next powerful demo reel.

8 Ways to Prepare Your Child Actor for the School Year

January may be the start of the calendar year, but September is the real new year for children and teens. As your child heads back to school, they should also prepare for the new opportunities that await them in television, theater, and film. Proper planning sets a good precedent and keeps your child grounded. 

To have a successful year, and stay sane, use these planning tips in September.

1. Set a budget. 
Supporting your child’s dream comes at a cost like any other passion. Training, transportation, travel, materials, equipment, and business fees all add up. Don’t forget to add in applicable fees for childcare for other children at home and account for missed days at work for you. Professional acting doesn’t come cheap, but the benefits gained for your child and family can be life-changing. 

2. Prepare for missed school days. 
Although most auditions take place after school, there may also be days missed for early auditions, rehearsals, and matinee performances. Landing a job on the road will also take your child out of their regular school for some time. Talk with your child’s principal now to let them know your child is a working professional. Inform him that some professional absences may be required. If your child is fortunate enough to get work, it will require coordination with the school and tutoring company. If there are too many missed days or the school is giving you a hard time, consider alternative schooling options. Remember, there are ways you can help your child stay on top of their schoolwork.

3. Update your marketing tools.
In today’s competitive market, your child must be prepared with the proper marketing tools. Children are continually growing and changing, so make sure to update their headshot. Ensure that the headshot reflects who they are now. Have electronic and hardcopy headshots ready to go along with a current updated résumé including their actual height. If your child doesn’t have demo reel footage, now is the time to put a reel together. 

4. Invest in self-taping equipment. 
Be prepared to submit video auditions with little notice. You can use a high-quality smartphone or camera mounted on a tripod to create these videos. Invest in proper lighting and a plain pop up backdrop if you don’t have a solid, clean wall. Open a Hightail, WeTransfer, or DropBox account to submit the video files as most videos are too large to email. 

5. Refresh audition materials. 
Just as headshots are your child’s business cards, audition materials such as monologues and songs are the portfolio. September is the perfect time to update and refresh all audition materials, including monologues and songs. I recommend two monologues and three or four songs in different styles. Prepare just the first 16 bars of each song.

6. Get work permits.
Minors who are engaged in professional work activities are required to obtain a work permit to ensure that their employment does not harm their health or education. Work permits are generally issued by a state’s department of labor and last six months. Apply now, so you have the permit ready to go for last-minute bookings. You will need a birth certificate and documentation of satisfactory school attendance, school performance, and health signed by a principal or school administrator.

7. Keep up with training. 
Training is an essential element of your child’s acting career. This is a competitive business where luck, talent, and opportunity meet. Having the right look for a role is important, but talent always wins out. I believe weekly and ongoing training is essential for a child’s artistic growth. Most acting teachers and coaches begin new classes each fall. Ask your agent or manager, a friend, or online for acting classes that suit your child’s personality and schedule. Sign up for classes early as many good ones will sell out. 

8. Find the right balance. 
As you begin to fill up your busy child’s schedule, make room for other activities unrelated to show business for fun and personal growth. Plan for family time and downtime. When you help your young actor create balance, you are reminding them that there are other significant things in life besides getting the part. 

By doing this, you can ensure you and your child have a fantastic new school year and fall audition season! 

How to Help Your Child Actor Maintain Normalcy

Many children I’ve worked with have expressed a need to act. It wasn’t just that acting was a hobby they enjoyed, but that they derived more happiness from acting than any other activity on the planet. If you have a child like that, you might worry that participating in the entertainment business will harm them and they won’t be able to live any type of normal life. There are downsides to fame after all. However, my 30 years in this industry have taught me that children who pursue their acting dreams actually reap great benefits from their experiences and they can navigate any downsides and achieve normalcy with your help.

Here are four concerns you might have about the industry and how you can help your child with them as they pursue their acting career.

1. Bullies
It’s no secret that fame can often lead to some forms of bullying, especially with the prominence of the internet. What’s important to remember though is that your child will always have a strong support system. You, their parent, will be their number one advocate who will always have their back. Don’t underestimate your importance in this journey. Their team, including agent, manager and acting coach, will also be there to provide support and help them gain confidence. Neither you nor your child will be alone on this journey.

2. Jealousy 
In a competitive field like the entertainment industry, it can be tempting to fuel jealousy of other children. But it isn’t difficult for a young child to make friends in the industry and grow with them. Remember, your child is still learning as they go and looking closely to you for guidance. Encourage them to feel happy for other children who get opportunities and to support their friends. In fact, I’ve found that the acting industry, being such a close community, actually encourages children to behave more maturely than their peers. They are expected to act like adults, and there is no room for bad behavior. As long as they are being guided along the way, there is no reason for a child actor to develop bad habits.

3. School
It can be difficult for a working child to attend school consistently, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult for them to get a quality education.  Actor unions closely monitor the amount of time a child is allowed to work and mandate that they are provided on-set tutors. For children with special learning needs, accommodations can be provided to cater to their specific course requirements. This is typically negotiated by your agent. One of my students didn’t attend a full week of school for much of her youth while she was working, but she was eventually accepted into Harvard. There is no need for your child’s career to prevent them from studying and growing.

4. A Happy Childhood 
Many parents fear that the stress of working in an adult industry can have lingering psychological effects on their children, from the stress of learning lines to the constant rejection. I’ve found the opposite to be true so long as the child is truly passionate about acting. Children who enjoy acting don’t have to have conventional upbringings to be happy because they love what they’re doing. That said, if you find at any point that they have lost that spark, that they don’t want to go to auditions anymore or have experienced mood changes, it’s OK to take a break! Give them some time to pursue other hobbies. Let them decide if they want to return after taking some time off. There are simple ways to maintain a sense of normalcy as your child is pursuing their dreams. Eating dinner as a family can be a great way for everyone to bond when they may not see each other as often. But there is no need to worry about your child being unhappy with their upbringing, If they love what they’re doing, acting can actually teach them skills that can help them all throughout their life.

Despite what many parents believe, when done right, acting can be a greatly beneficial skill for a child. They learn professionalism from a young age as well as empathy and other virtues. If they have someone to help guide them, there is no reason an acting career should impede your child from learning and improving just as anyone else would.

7 Audition Mistakes Young Actors Can Avoid

For more than 30 years, I’ve worked with young actors and found that many of them fall victim to the same simple mistakes. Talented children are regularly passed over in auditions because of bad habits that parents sometimes don’t even notice.

If you’re on the lookout for these common mistakes and can fix them, you might find your child getting more attention in the audition room. Here are seven mistakes you can help your kid avoid.

1. Not memorizing the script.
One big mistake I see is kids keeping their faces buried in their scripts, which makes it impossible to make a connection with their scene partner or audience. We want to listen to actors because of the human connection they create. When lines are memorized and young actors don’t have to think about what line comes next, they can really listen and develop connections. Especially with very young actors, reading can be a challenge that gets in the way of authentic performances. If they memorize the lines beforehand, they can focus more on the scene than on pronouncing the words. Plus, during TV and film auditions, casting directors expect actors to have the scripts memorized so that they can look directly into the camera instead of at a piece of paper.

2. Asking how to say a line. 
No line readings! If you’ve heard of the great acting teacher Sanford Meisner, then you know that his definition of acting is “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” A child actor can only give a genuine performance when they know what a character wants and what motivates them to achieve that desire. Casting directors want to see children being themselves. When we tell them how to say a line, we aren’t letting them find their truth and create a compelling audition.

3. Not making a choice.
Watching an actor stand and recite lines is boring and ineffective. The difference between a mediocre scene and a standout must-hire is the intention your child puts behind the lines. What do they want to achieve in this moment? Why are they saying this line now? When they can make choices, they will be able to commit to making the scene their own. Understanding the character’s point of view will help them to make their scene specific, not general.   

READ: How to Manage Your Child Actor

4. Second guessing themselves.
Your child should trust themselves enough to make choices. Some actors get very nervous and question everything while they’re performing, including if they’re moving right, speaking correctly, are entertaining or boring, or if they’re even worthy of the part. All of this mind chatter will prevent them from listening to their partner or reader. When they second guess themselves and their talent, the noise in their head gets in the way of connecting with character and desire. Help your child build confidence so that their talent can shine through!

5. Showing up late.
A child may be young, but they should still be professional. Remember, they’re working in an industry and they need to be respectful of other people’s time. Punctuality demonstrates that they can handle the responsibilities of a working environment and will reflect well on them with casting and others. Make sure your child understands the importance of showing up on time and being prepared.

6. Bringing the whole family to auditions. 
Nothing spells unprofessional like every sibling, uncle, and cousin showing up to an audition. It can make a child nervous before they audition, it makes the waiting room crowded, and it can be a nightmare for the creative team running the audition. Young actors show maturity and perform best when they don’t have an entourage. 

7. Skimping on training. 
Even if a young actor has a great look and a great personality, they require training to succeed. Just like with sports or music, acting involves skill. Instruction in voice, speech, movement, technique, and even business savvy will not only improve an actors’ skills, but give them the confidence needed to get hired and give an excellent performance. 

Be on the lookout for these mistakes so that you can help your child develop their skills, confidence, and attitude. A few simple tweaks can make the difference between getting passed over and winning roles.

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy Your Child Stardom

With the recent media expose about wealthy parents who allegedly bribed and lied to purchase college admission for their children, my students and I have had many discussions about fairness, responsibility, and accountability. My students were angry. Kids are refreshingly honest and forthright. They know the difference between earning something and getting it in an underhanded way. They said “I work my butt off to get into a good school. I don’t want someone to get my spot just because their parents have more money than mine do.”

But parents can be tempted to do whatever they can to help their child succeed. This is true especially in acting where it can be hard to find opportunities, particularly if you live outside a big city. Over the years I’ve worked with students from all over the world and some of them are connected to influential people who have used those connections to meet directors, casting directors, and agents. There’s nothing wrong with using your contacts to open a door for your child.

However, if you try to buy your child stardom you’re not doing them any favors. In fact, you may cause lasting damage to their self-confidence and future. Here’s why:

1. You won’t teach them that hard work reaps great rewards.
There is no joy without struggle and no success in acting without preparation, practice, and training. Being an actor may look easy, but it’s hard work. When your child puts in the time and effort to win a role and perform it well, the applause they hear will be sweet and stick with them throughout their life.

2. Your child may lack readiness.
If you get your child an audition or meeting with industry professionals, you must make sure your young actor is ready. If they are not well prepared and trained, you’re doing them a disservice. While you may hear stories about overnight success and instant stardom, those stories are generally misleading.

3. You send a message that you don’t believe in their capabilities.
If you do the work for your child or help them take shortcuts to success, you’re inadvertently sending the message that you don’t believe they have the skill or power to earn their success. Young actors learn life lessons from the process of auditioning like failing, succeeding, and preparation. Acting teaches self-discipline, risk-taking, managing disappointment, organization, and teamwork. Your child can only learn those valuable lessons via direct experience.

4. You will take away their pride.
Just imagine how the students whose parents apparently bought their way into college must feel. Those teens are most likely embarrassed, ashamed, and have lost confidence in their own skills. Shame is devaluing and teaches kids that they’re not worthy or good enough. Acting requires enormous effort and helps students realize their potential for success. They’ll carry that sense of pride with them in the future because they’ve developed confidence in their ability to achieve goals. Success comes from believing in yourself and your abilities. As an acting teacher, I don’t teach my students what to say or how to say it. Instead, I show them how to find answers within themselves, instilling confidence. After all, only confident actors get hired.

Since this topic is currently in the news, I recommend taking the opportunity to talk with your young actor about the value of hard work. Have a talk over dinner or ice cream about what they’re learning while acting, and how those lessons support them now and in the future. Ask questions like: Do you think acting has changed you? Is it easier now to set and accomplish your goals? What do you like most about the process of auditioning? What’s the hardest thing about not getting a part? What tasks in school feel more comfortable now that you’ve been studying acting?

You don’t have to ask these questions all in one sitting or make this discussion uncomfortable. Instead, when an opportunity arises, help your child consider the life lessons they’re reaping from acting.

And, if you’re wondering how you can help them succeed in this business without doing it for them? Support them, love them, and drive them where they’re going. Just let them steer the bus.

Young Actors Should Be Their Own Entrepreneurs + How to Do It

Your dreams of becoming a working actor and thrilling people with your performance drive you forward. Acting is a creative art but they call it “show business” because it is a business, so consider yourself the CEO of your career, be your best advocate, and stay invested.  

You spend a lot of time taking classes, being available for last-minute auditions, and making choice about your activities. There are also legal, financial, educational, and organizational things you can learn over time as you gradually take more responsibility for your career, schedule, and even finances. 

As a young actor, it’s likely you’re surrounded by a team of parents, coaches, managers, and agents. All of these adults are invested in your career, but none have the same level of investment as you. To make sure you’re taking full entrepreneurial control of your own career, follow these tips. 

Take charge.
Start by writing down your goals and what you want to achieve in this business. Stop relying on your parents to do it all. Young actors who understand the decision making, diligence, and sacrifice necessary to pursue an acting career gain more confidence. 

Call your agent or manager yourself and ask what auditions might be coming up for you. Maybe it’s been slow or you want to pow-wow about what you can be doing to get things going. You will feel more in control, focused, and determined by understanding expectations and taking responsibility yourself. 

READ: How to Manage Your Child Actor

Have an acting allowance.  
Budgeting, goal setting, and understanding financial obligations are essential life skills. Ask your parent to help you learn about taxes, deductions, and bookkeeping. Make a plan and create a list of all the equipment and supplies you will need to be successful, then discuss a monthly allowance for pictures, classes, demo reels, new dance shoes, self-taping equipment, audition attire, theater tickets, etc. 

Get organized.   
Casting directors look for young actors who are focused and disciplined. Keep a list of everyone you’ve met, follow up with thank you notes after a great audition or a meeting with a potential rep. Stay in touch with fellow actors—You never know when they might recommend you to their agent. Do your research on auditions and opportunities. Put your smartphone to good use and log mileage, receipts, and appointments. Upload sides, keep an audition log and create an online acting notebook. 

When you take steps toward making career decisions and learning about business expectations and responsibilities, you’ll start to feel in control of your future in an industry that doesn’t offer many opportunities to feel in control. You can’t control decisions made by casting directors, your body type, or even your vocal quality but you can manage your schedule, which auditions you pursue, and some of the required paperwork and record keeping.  

You may decide later that show business is not for you but the entrepreneurial skills you glean will be valuable in whatever career you select later in life.

8 Ways Acting Can Help You Excel in School

Last month, I wrote about how parents disempower their children by doing work for them whether it’s writing college essays, completing homework, or using personal contacts to secure roles. It inspired a discussion between me and my students, who spoke about how what they learned pursuing an acting career has helped them in life—especially in school. Here’s how acting can help students excel: 

1. You learn how to listen.
Acting requires listening. Not just scrunching up your face to look like you’re listening, but actually listening to your partner. Becoming a good listener helps you retain information, which will help with tests and other assignments. Being a good listener can also improve friendships, making school life more enjoyable. 

2. You learn to speak with confidence.
Students are regularly required to give oral reports, class presentations, and participate in high school and college interviews. Memorizing lines and being able to connect to a person or an audience is just the practice needed for excellent public speaking skills. Acting will give you the confidence required to do presentations without fear.

3. You learn to set and reach goals.
Being an actor demands a lot. You have to learn to juggle homework and school obligations while memorizing lines and doing work for acting and voice classes, all while still making time for friends and family. This balancing act requires planning, time management skills, and accountability. Working long hours on set or in rehearsal also requires discipline. All these skills are essential to success in the classroom as you have to manage assignments and make sure you complete them on time.

4. You learn to manage stress.
Working in theater or film requires travel, long hours, and managing school, home life, and the emotional letdown after a show closes. Learning how to deal with all of this stress sets you up for the challenges of day-to-day life. When you practice leaving your nerves and anxiety outside the door, letting go of control, and relaxation techniques in acting class, you’re gathering valuable tools for managing any type of stress.

READ: How to Manage Your Child Actor

5. You learn to think on your feet.
Improvisation training is part of an actor’s life. It provides a competitive edge that leads to success inside and outside of the classroom. It improves listening, working spontaneously, conquering fears, and working collaboratively. Improv helps you get out of your head and engage without second-guessing, making you a more confident student and person. 

6. You learn to cope with rejection and disappointment.
All actors face rejection. Lots of rejection. Over time, you learn resilience, that life is not always fair or easy, and that reaching your goals requires effort and perseverance. This resilience makes it easier to manage traditional school rejection such as not getting a grade you expected, being cut from a team, or turned down for a date. These rejections can be devastating for some kids. However, young actors have already developed the ability to hear a “no” and keep on trying.

7. You learn to focus.
Have you ever fallen asleep while the teacher is speaking? Caffeine may be one way to stay awake, but learning to stay engaged is more effective. The skills you develop while practicing connecting to your acting partners also show you how to pay attention and focus in school. This is just what you need for those long lectures! 

8. You learn to grow more comfortable in your skin.
Acting helps you own your individuality and care less about what others think. You develop confidence and pride in your accomplishments. In acting, you learn to accept who you are and how you fit into the world, as well as the importance of each cast member, the hero, the villain, or the goofy best friend. This awareness helps to develop empathy as you study what it is really like to become another person.

Succeeding in school is challenging. All your experiences, including rehearsing and performing, enrich your academic performance in a variety of ways. Acting is not an academic distraction, but a powerful way to strengthen your chances of academic success while you’re having a great time!