Ask Denise: Is Show Business Right For My Child?

Q: How can I decide if show business is the right choice fir for my child?

A: Here are some questions that might help you determine if show business might be a good choice for your child.

• Does your child express a strong desire to perform?

• Does he/she talk about it all the time?

• Do you think your child has the “right look?”

• Is your child personable and outgoing?

• Is your child funny?

Ask Denise: How do I Find a Good Photographer?

Q: There are so many photographers out there. Which one will portray my child best?

B It’s all in the research, really. Do keep in mind that initially parents need not spend any money on headshots for their children. A good candid shot of your child will be sufficient for an initial interview; however, if you want to go with a photographer, here are some pointers and some photographer recommendations:

• Find out if the photographer has worked with children.

• Look at his or her book before making the decision to hire.

• Make sure the work environment is compatible with what you want. For instance, does the photographer work in the studio or in natural light?

• Get prices. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. About $300 for a sitting is reasonable, especially since children grow quickly and these shots must be re-done again and again.

Ask Denise: What Advice do Parents or Children in the Business Have?

Q: Do parents and children in the business have any advice for us?

A: Definitely!

The following is advice from Yvette and Taylor Bright. Taylor has performed in both community theatre and regional theatre. She worked productions such as That’s Andy! and the Annie national tour. She has also done commercial and print work.

Advice for Parents, by Yvette

•  Be flexible, the schedule is demanding.

• The experience is the child’s experience, not the parent’s.

• Don’t be afraid to take time away from the group when it’s needed.

• Have an open mind about schooling; don’t expect that the experience will be the same as at home. Remember: “not the same” doesn’t mean not as rewarding; in fact, it’s more rewarding.

• If you are touring, sign up for all the airline and hotel reward points.

• Keep open communication with company management and the education provider.

• Visit as many sites as you can in the various cities.

• Respect the adult actors’ time and privacy.

• Be professional; it’s a business.

• Have fun!

Advice for Kids, by Taylor

•  Have fun and enjoy every performance.

• Learn as much as possible from the professionals you work with.

• Get your rest, and drink plenty of water!

• Be respectful and do what you are asked to do to make the child wrangler’s job easy.

• Remember you are there to do a job.

• Share the experience with your friends and family.

• Visit as many places as you can.

• Be thankful for the opportunity.

• Use your down time to keep up with schoolwork.

• Laugh, Laugh, Laugh.

Ask Denise: Do You Have Any Book Recommendations?

Q: Can you recommend any scene and monologue books for my child?

A: Of course! Here’s a great list:

• Great Scenes and Monologues for Children Ages 7-14; edited by Craig Slaight and Jack Sharrar

• Great Monologues for Young Actors; edited by Craig Slaight & Jack Sharrar

• Great Scenes for Young Actors from the Stage; edited by Craig Slaight & Jack Sharrar

• Childsplay; edited by Kerry Muir

• Monologues for Young Actors; by Lorraine Cohen

• Scenes for Young Actors; Edited by Lorraine Cohen

• Monologues for Young Actors; edited by Robert Emerson & Jane Grumbach

• The Young Actors Workbook; by Judith Roberts Seto

• Scenes That Happen and More Scenes That Happen; by Mary Krell-Oishi

I’d also like to recommend some other books that have been very effective for my students:

•  Audition ; by Michael Shurtleff

•  Meisner On Acting ; by Sanfore Meisner