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Advice, Mindset, Technique Denise Simon Advice, Mindset, Technique Denise Simon

5 Comedic Monologues for Kids

Let’s be honest. Comedy is hard! Understanding timing, the secret to comedy, and the drama beneath the character’s warped reality is not easy. The first step to improving your child’s comedic game is finding good material. There are plenty of online reservoirs of simple comedic monologues that can work, but I prefer to look to published plays, TV and film scripts, and even novels for more layered, nuanced material. 

Let’s be honest. Comedy is hard! Understanding timing, the secret to comedy, and the drama beneath the character’s warped reality is not easy. The first step to improving your child’s comedic game is finding good material. There are plenty of online reservoirs of simple comedic monologues that can work, but I prefer to look to published plays, TV and film scripts, and even novels for more layered, nuanced material. 

Here are five comedic monologues I find work great for young children.

1. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Richard R. GeorgeEvery kid in town knows and loves “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The play, written by George, is based on the classic book by Roald Dahl. The monologues in it are surprisingly scarce on the audition scene. One particular monologue I like comes courtesy of Veruca Salt, who demands her wealthy father get her a Golden Ticket when she decided she just had to have one. It’s a great character piece for girls who have enough energy to nail Veruca’s over-the-top brattiness. From the engaging story to the unexpected shift in tone at the end, this monologue is a slam dunk to entertain even the most reserved audience.

2. “The Loman Family Picnic” by Donald MarguliesI love this monologue because of its self-aware writing. It’s riddled with jokes that kids might not understand, but the character, Mitchell, is confused right alongside them. In the monologue, Mitchell explains to his Dad his plan to write a musical comedy version of “Death of a Salesman” titled “Willy!” with emphasis on the exclamation point. Mitchell’s attempts to connect with the adults in his life, including his father and his teacher, provide a dramatic backbone for the piece that kids can relate to while his creative interpretation of a classic work makes for an entertaining finale.

 3. “The Fifth of July” by Lanford WilsonThis is another high-energy piece that works best for outgoing kids. It follows 13-year-old Shirley as she regales the audience with tales of her future successes when she’ll “do something astonishing.” What will she be famous for, exactly? She’s not sure. But she’s certainly enthralled by the possibilities. Her unflinching self-confidence is itself funny to witness, but the writing takes it a step further by piling on the melodrama, even having Shirley pretend to be a woman who died of amazement after seeing her gifts. The excitement that Shirley has while looking toward the future is endearing and hilarious, making the piece great for kids to impress with their willingness to make bold choices.

4. “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” by John Gordon and Charles M. SchultzCharlie Brown may be the ultimate underdog of children’s literature. In this monologue he once again manages to self-sabotage his attempts to woo the cute little redheaded girl, even putting a lunch bag over his head when he realizes she may actually be looking at him. The arc of his monologue takes the audience on a full journey as Charlie Brown goes from being generally worn down by the world to being hopeful that the little redheaded girl may look his way to realizing his best option is just to count down the 2,863 lunch periods until he can be free of eating daily peanut butter sandwiches. The hilarity comes from his utter lack of self-awareness. He goes from quickly throwing a bag over his head to wondering why the girl won’t look at him, and can’t seem to decide whether he really wants her to look at him at all. The comedy isn’t as high-energy as some of the other monologues on the list, making it great for a quieter student looking to show off their comedic skills.

 5. “The Young Girl and the Monsoon” by James RyanIn this piece, our young girl laments the hypothetical gain in weight she’ll experience if she eats her father’s oily broccoli. She’s definitely overdramatic, but the unfortunate reality is that low self-esteem is an issue that many kids face and one which is captured so brilliantly by this confused, anxiety-ridden piece. It’s a conflict kids can understand that is presented by a hilariously talkative little girl, creating a comedic environment rooted in a real, albeit overblown fear. 

In addition to these five monologues for your young performer to showcase their comedic chops, there are plenty more out there. Just as long as it’s age-appropriate, there’s an interesting conflict, and there are plenty of changes of intention, your child will be ready to ace whatever audition is thrown their way.

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Advice, Mindset, Technique Denise Simon Advice, Mindset, Technique Denise Simon

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.

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.

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Advice, Mindset, Technique Denise Simon Advice, Mindset, Technique Denise Simon

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.

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. 

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Advice, Mindset, Self Care Denise Simon Advice, Mindset, Self Care Denise Simon

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. 

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! 

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Advice, Mindset Denise Simon Advice, Mindset Denise Simon

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.

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! 

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Advice, Mindset, Self Care Denise Simon Advice, Mindset, Self Care Denise Simon

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.

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.


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7 Ways Young Actors Can Cope With After-Tour Letdown

It’s a thrill getting the phone call from your agent or manager saying the words you’ve been waiting to hear: “Pack your bags. You’re going on tour.” You let your school know you’ll be absent for 6-12 months and you bid goodbye to your friends and family as you embark on the dream of a lifetime.

It’s a thrill getting the phone call from your agent or manager saying the words you’ve been waiting to hear: “Pack your bags. You’re going on tour.” You let your school know you’ll be absent for 6-12 months and you bid goodbye to your friends and family as you embark on the dream of a lifetime.

During those next magical months, you learn to adjust to a new schedule. You attend school with your fellow actors in a small room for three hours a day. You work long hours rehearsing and performing. You travel to new locations, stay in hotel rooms with room service, and don’t have to make your bed or take out the trash. You enjoy the thrill of opening nights and applause after every performance while making new friends. It’s terrific.

And then, it’s over. When a tour ends, you can experience an emotional and physical letdown. This letdown is natural and to be expected.

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All of a sudden, you return to living at home with your siblings, doing chores, and attending regular school with your old friends. Life back home can be a little dull after the intensity of a tour. You may want to start auditioning again or decide you’re going to take a break. It’s a significant change. But don’t worry. There are steps you can take to make the transition back to “normal” life as easy as possible.

1. Make space for downtime.
Traveling for such a long time can be exhausting. You may want to find some downtime to reconnect with friends, read, catch up on TV shows and movies, and dream of your next adventure.

2. Appreciate all you did.
Being a kid and working is hard! Celebrate your hard work and accomplishments. You’ve learned discipline, how to work under pressure, how to deal with conflicting personalities, and how to watch other great actors act. Revisit photos and reminisce about the fun times and even the frustrating ones and how you overcame them. You might want to create a scrapbook, slideshow, or video highlight reel of the moments you don’t want to forget.

3. Find new hobbies.
You’ve been singing, acting, dancing, and rehearsing long hours. Perhaps it’s time to take up something new and unrelated to show business like a sport or photography. Summer is around the corner. You might attend a camp offering other activities to pique your curiosity like cooking, yoga, creative writing, or tennis.

4. Consider other acting opportunities.
If you’ve aged out of the theater for a while, explore making the transition to film or television. Talk with your coach, manager, and parents about what opportunities exist and ways you can adjust your skills to on-camera work.

5. Know the sad feelings will pass.
All of us have letdowns after an exhilarating experience. Sit with your feelings, experience them, and then let them go knowing in time you’ll be on to your next project creating wonderful new memories.

6. Have a reunion with cast and crew.
Plan a get together with fellow cast mates. You may not be able to replace the memories you made, but together, you can relish in the amazing highs and lows and the special bond you created with your peers.

7. Reach out for support.
If you find yourself struggling with getting back to your routine, having trouble eating or sleeping, withdrawing from friends, or are not motivated to audition and study, you may want to reach out for support. Young performers under the age of 18 in New York City or Los Angeles may be eligible for the Actors Fund Looking Ahead Program, which offers free services like individual, family, and group counseling, informational seminars, group activities for young performers, and more. Eligibility differs in each city. You may need to have membership in an entertainment union, professional representation, or be able to show two years of professional industry income.

At first, it may seem like all the fun is over after a tour, but by taking these steps you can find your footing and move forward in no time.

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Advice, Mindset Denise Simon Advice, Mindset Denise Simon

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.”

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.”

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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.

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Advice, Mindset Denise Simon Advice, Mindset Denise Simon

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

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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.

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Advice, Mindset Denise Simon Advice, Mindset Denise Simon

When It’s Not Fun Anymore

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My students tell me they act because they love stepping into a character’s shoes and making an audience laugh or cry. Acting makes them happy, fills them up and provides fun. I’m so glad they are not doing it for the fame or fortune, both of which are fleeting and may never happen. It’s hard work to make it as an actor and requires dedication, persistence, and fortitude. However, if your son or daughter isn’t having fun while acting, it may be time to make some changes.

Many kids start acting as a fun and fulfilling hobby but then realize it’s a profession. Showbusiness is fraught with anxiety, rejection and financial concerns. It can place a lot of stress on youth and families.

I teach a serious but fun course of study; I design classes and workshops for the disciplined young actor committed to their craft. However, I make sure to keep the element of fun in the class work. If acting isn’t fun, why bother? Why would anyone want to face the rigorous demands of an acting profession if they’re not enjoying the process?

Casting directors and directors are looking for actors who are engaged and find the fun, passion, and aliveness in what they’re doing. Audiences want to fall in love with the actors. When a young actor is missing the passion, he won’t be able to connect with or delight the audience. So how do you know when it’s not fun anymore? Here are some of the signs to recognize if your child is burning out and may require some action:

  • No desire to go to acting classes or workshops

  • Turning down auditions

  • Not memorizing lines or completing class assignments

  • Exhaustion

  • A high level of stress

  • Little enthusiasm for anything related to acting

If your young actor is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s time for you to talk with them about how they feel about acting now. Ask if they’re having fun and want to continue or if they’d like to take a break and be a “regular kid” for a while.

It can be difficult for some parents to realize their young actor is burned out or ready to stop acting. You have invested time, money, and effort into their acting career, just as they have. However, loving parents realize that change is good for development and growth.

If your child isn’t having fun with acting any longer, celebrate together the good memories and skills gleaned from acting. Talk about the life lessons they learned and how those lessons can help them going forward. Support your child in taking a break from acting. Let her know she can decide to return when she’s ready or let it go to pursue another interest.

When the passion for acting is gone, it’s time to take a break. When you support your young actor in following their passion—whether it’s for acting or not—you are doing the very best possible parenting job, even if it’s not fun for you!

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