7 Reasons to Involve Your Young Actor in Managing Their Career

Today, I am busy organizing my financial records to prepare for taxes and the upcoming year. As I add up my mileage log and collect my receipts, I can’t help but reflect on the many young actors and parents I advise about the business of show business. They too are collecting receipts and keeping mileage logs. What starts out simply as a child’s drive and passion to act quickly becomes a business with financial, legal, and organizational responsibilities well beyond acting in the school play.

Many parents feel overwhelmed as they struggle to prioritize and stay organized. My advice is: don’t do it alone. You have the perfect resource to help keep it all successfully together—your child. No, a 10-year-old will not be able to help with the carpool. Nor is it likely that your child will immediately make things easier; however, involving a young actor with many of the day-to-day details of managing their own career can result in a tremendous growth in maturity and many other benefits.

Sound like more trouble than it’s worth? Here are seven reasons to get your preteen and older actor involved in the management of their own career:

1. Empower your child. Young actors who understand the decision making, diligence, and sacrifice necessary to pursue an acting career on both their own part and the part of their families are often completely invested. Teens and pre-teens thrive when parents nurture their adolescent development rather than control it. An inclusive approach to career decision making with real and understandable expectations and responsibilities for your young actor often leaves them feeling in control, focused, and determined.

2. Get better results. Families who involve their young actors in the nuts and bolts of running their acting careers spend more time planning and weighing their options in terms of craft development, audition opportunities, financial commitment, and family conflicts. It helps the actor make good career choices and the family unit function better.

3. Learn to budget. Pursuing an acting career is a significant financial investment. It presents a wonderful opportunity for parents to give their children a hands-on understanding of budgeting and financial decision making. A young actor can learn a lot from helping you spend their “acting allowance” wisely.

4. Keep their feet on the ground. Success can be tough to handle gracefully. Two of the best ways to keep things in perspective is  for your child to experience the hard work it takes to meet their goals and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of those supporting them.

5. Put that smartphone to good use. Tech savvy teens are a great resource to help organize the paperwork functions of an acting career. A teen with a smartphone can log mileage, receipts, and appointments. They can upload sides, keep an audition log, and create an online acting notebook. In addition, they can regularly look for new audition and training opportunities. It is truly amazing what a young actor can get done in the car with their smartphone on the way home from an audition.

6. Develop life skills. Scheduling, budgeting, goal setting, and personal and family decision making develops important life skills. The consistent effort to stay organized teaches children how to focus effectively to get things done. Involvement on this level with proper parental guidance also develops communication and critical reasoning skills. These life skills show up in the audition too. Casting directors look for young actors who focus and communicate well.

7. It’s their dream. The child that is truly invested and passionate about pursuing an acting career will often appreciate the rewards of involvement and accept the responsibility to do their part. While it is not necessarily the ultimate sign of disinterest, children who are resistant may be sending you a message about their commitment or maturity. It is certainly not an all or nothing proposition. Parents who take this approach generally match the level of responsibility to the stage of their young actor’s development.

Gaining Industry Attention for Your Child

Parents write to me all the time asking advice on how their child can get noticed in the business. One mom writes, “I have sent my child’s photos around and have gotten no response.” Another asks, “How do I get an audition for my child if he has no representation?” Much has been written on this subject, and after many years in the business working with child performers and their families, I am happy to weigh in with my six tips on increasing your child’s chances of getting representation and auditions.

1. A great headshot. This is an actor’s calling card and may be the single most important tool in your young performer’s kit. Unless you or grandma can take a really great snapshot, spend a little money on a professional headshot. Even if a rep has a lot of clients, a great headshot will win attention. Be sure to read my article on how to choose a photographer for some additional tips.

1. Mailings. Send your child’s fabulous photo to agents and managers who represent children and teens. If you subscribe to Backstage, you can access a full list of agents and managers on Backstage.com. Put together a simple resume with pertinent info such as height, weight, and hair/eye color. List any experience, training, and special skills such as a language, instrument or sport your child plays or excels in. For an example of a good resume format, visit my website. Don’t forget to attach a short, simple cover letter with your contact information asking for an opportunity to set up a meeting.

2. Demo reel. Did you remember to get a copy of the commercial your child shot? How about the film footage the student director promised you? Now is a good time to put a short (2-3 minute) reel together. There are professional companies that specialize in this, or you can save a few bucks by asking a savvy teenager. Since he probably gets a lot of practice making and uploading YouTube videos, you may be pleasantly surprised at the results. A demo reel is a great way for a potential rep to see what your child looks like on film.

3. Hire a coach or consultant. You think your child has talent but don’t know what to do next. How do you know if you are targeting the best manager or agent for your child? Hiring a professional industry coach or consultant to assess your child’s talent and readiness can offer a lot of advantages. A good coach or consultant has spent years in the business and knows exactly what industry reps are looking for. He or she can point you in the right direction and may really help open doors for you.

4. Workshops. Casting directors, agents, and managers are always teaching and attending workshops. Not only will your young performer benefit from the teaching, but he also will have the opportunity to be seen where he can show off his talent and personality.

5. Networking. My best business connections have come from people I talk to. Be sure to connect with other actors and parents of kids in the biz. Most folks are happy to share their contacts with you. Consider getting involved with networking groups like STAR Parent Network. They share audition notices and information, organize workshops, pursue opportunities for education and performing for all ages and abilities and it is completely free to join.

Following these six steps can really give your child a boost when it comes to getting attention in this business. Even if you have already done some of these things, go back over them from time to time, refresh and update things as needed, and keep putting the effort in.

7 Tips For Parents of Young Performers

WANTED: Parent of working child actor. Must be on call 24/7, be willing to commute four hours a day or rent an apartment costing $2500-$5000 per month, parent other children from a distance and teach spouse how to do laundry and cook while you are away.

Did you mean to apply for this job? Despite all the ways a parent supports a young actor’s dream, few parents are actually prepared for the enormous commitment of a tour, Broadway show, film, or television series. The experience often comes with many delightful and difficult moments. It can be a wonderful investment of time, but financially draining. It is exhilarating to see a child blossom, but isolating to be apart from family and friends. It may create a lifetime of precious memories, but leave a parent physically exhausted.

The key to success for both the parent and young actor is to prepare for the challenges, remain flexible and creative when solving problems, and stay organized. Here are some tips to make your experience as the parent of a working child actor a happy and successful one.

1. Do your research. Know what you are getting into by speaking to the parents of other child actors in the show. Every production has its unique challenges. For example, some production companies provide tutoring while others don’t. Make of list of all the organizational, financial, and emotional challenges you are likely to encounter. This includes issues around marriage, raising other children, finances, housing, and employment to name a few. For example, one parent I know copes with the close quarters of hotel rooms by booking suites. Another parent negotiated tutoring for her other child whom she also takes on the road.

2. Family conference. The life of a working child actor will affect every member of the family. Have a family discussion before accepting any offer. It is likely that siblings will have to be more independent, spouses will work harder and endure loneliness, and details of home life may go unattended. Be specific with new responsibilities. Make sure everyone is on the same page and willing to accept the changes that go along with supporting a working actor.

3. Be realistic. Once on the road or in a production, be flexible. You can’t plan for everything. Some things will cost more, take more time, or go undone. An extra plane ticket for a sibling who misses an on-the-road parent is often the cost of supporting a young actor’s work.

4. Be organized. Driving long hours, eating on the run, and sleep deprivation are often part of the job. Your daily routine of staying healthy—including cooking healthful meals and exercising—will now be compromised unless you are organized. Keep a daily schedule to ensure you remain focused. Do research to plan for the next stop on a tour. Knowing that the grocery store is only a block from your hotel can make all the difference when you are checking-in late and have to prepare for the next day.

5. Keep your marriage healthy. Nothing beats sitting with your spouse and watching your child happily perform on stage. However, there will be times when you and your partner will be separated for long periods. Make your marriage a priority. Be prepared for unanticipated stresses that come from employment, child rearing, and separation. It is often very helpful to have a trusted family member take over the chaperoning duties for a bit while parents get together to recharge their relationship.

6. Early empty nest syndrome. Closed rehearsals are one of the hardest parts of parenting a working child actor. It’s a bit like the first day of kindergarten. Children leave for work early in the day and don’t return home until quite late in the evening. There is generally no parental involvement during this time even with regard to schooling. It’s important to listen carefully to your child for signs of stress and develop a trusting relationship with key members of the production such as the child wrangler and tutors. The parents of other child actors are also a good resource to help chart these difficult waters.

7. Watch your pocket book. Your child is now working in the business world! Be prepared to learn about the tax implications of that and the record keeping required to track expenses. Also, manage your per diem payment for expenses wisely. With proper planning, many families are able to cover unanticipated costs like travel.

Parenting a working child actor is tough and yet, most parents would agree that the performing experience is the single best thing they ever did for both their child and themselves. As one mother of a young Broadway starlet put it, “Despite all the downfalls, the joy of seeing my child on stage makes it all worth it. It is a once in a lifetime experience I would never trade.”

Formula for a Healthy Acting Career

I’m not much of a gardener, although I would love to grow beautiful flowers. Something I hear myself say over and over is, “I don’t have a green thumb.” The truth is, if I turned that thought around and put my attention on watering and feeding my plants, the result would be a flourishing garden.

If you truly believe something will not happen, chances are it’s not going to happen. Why? Because the choices you are making are not supporting your goal. A student came in for her lesson a few weeks ago disheartened after her audition. She didn’t hit the notes in her song, wasn’t clear on her choices, forgot the words, and basically fell apart. When we looked at what led up to the audition, she shared she had not done her acting or voice homework. She had also convinced herself the note was a reach for her. The next week, she met with her voice teacher, was in a positive state of mind, told the story beautifully and – no surprise – hit the note! If you open yourself up to the possibility that what you want could really happen, there is a much more likely chance you will get what it is you are hoping for. Want some food for thought? Here are three reasons you may be struggling to reach your goals in your acting career.

1. You are not preparing for success. How many times have you heard yourself say, “I’ll never get the part,” “She’s prettier than I am,” or “Why did I even bother going to that audition?” How about turning those thoughts around? If you don’t have 100 percent proof that what you are thinking will actually manifest, you may as well think a thought that’s more helpful and will support you in getting the results you want. We make up most of what we think anyway, so feel free to rewrite your “script” so that it works for you. What will life be like if you don’t have these negative thoughts but positive ones instead? You very likely will have positive outcomes!

2. You may be giving up too early. A parent of a young student of mine called the other day wondering why she was still bothering to take her daughter on auditions. She was getting a lot of callbacks but hadn’t booked a job in the two years she has been auditioning. Not staying the course will never get you the job. Callbacks are a sure sign you are on the right track. As long as you are doing what it is you are supposed to be doing – studying, keeping your marketing materials up to date, staying physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy – you are setting yourself up to succeed. It may not be in the time frame you would like, so allow yourself to enjoy the process in the meantime. Make sure you have other things in your life that bring you joy while waiting for the gold nugget in your acting career.

3. You are hitting a slump. We all get overwhelmed and have setbacks at times. Life ebbs and flows. Take a look at the three As: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action. Be aware of what is happening. Accept that you are doing the best you can at this moment, and if you are not, take some action. If you are telling yourself a negative story, ask yourself how that benefits you. It’s a simple concept but not easy – change your thoughts. Act as if what you desire is already yours. Fake it till you make it. Affirm what it is you want in a positive way as if it is already happening.

As an actor, you already know that when you are playing a role, you must make your performance real and believable. I invite you to take the same approach when it comes to your mental preparation for your acting career. Connect with the genuine emotion and truth of what you want – then make yourself believe it.

7 Signs of a Casting Scam

Acting has been your dream from the time you saw “Annie” when you were five years old. You know you would be great in a sitcom, if only someone would give you the chance! Now you get your big break. This morning, you spoke with a representative from the website of a casting agency who scheduled you for an audition this afternoon.

Wait just a minute, movie star. Scammers are waiting behind the cover of some very legitimate looking advertisements, web pages, business cards, and flyers. Don’t fall prey to these unscrupulous hucksters. Be suspicious when an advertisement, webpage, or person claiming to represent a casting agency uses one of these telltale strategies to lure you in and take your money.

1. I can make you a star. Legitimate agencies see promise and potential in their clients, but do not make grand promises of stardom, especially on the first or second meeting. Their websites also do not glamorize the life of an actor. Real agencies know that acting is a tough business. There are no guarantees, even when the actor is talented and has great looks.

2. Earn up to $300 per day as an extra, no experience necessary. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Promises of high pay are another red flag. According to the Screen Actors Guild Digest on Background Actors—also known as “extras”—the SAG rate for extras in Los Angeles County is $174 per day. That’s the rate for dues paying members of SAG. Non-union jobs typically pay much less.

3. Don’t stop believing. Chase your dreams, follow your heart, and other inspirational messages are meant to lure in people who are desperate for success and have little experience in the acting industry. Legitimate agencies look for confident, successful, and poised talent. Sure, they want actors with big dreams, but they don’t specifically advertise for actors who are down and out.

4. Rush casting calls and immediate auditions. Representatives that are in a rush are often trying to close the deal. They know that people tend to make poor decisions under pressure and are more likely to make a payment for some legitimate sounding purpose. Legitimate agencies occasionally cast last minute; however, they generally require you to submit a headshot and resume well before they invite you to an interview or audition.

5. Casting call ads on Craigslist. A recent Craigslist advertisement in the New York City area displayed the NBC logo and claimed to be casting for extras on a new TV series. Don’t believe it! Established production companies in urban areas use established casting agencies to provide extras for their upcoming shows. Those agencies do not advertise on Craigslist, in classified ads, or through representatives stopping people in a shopping mall.

6. All types, ages, and ethnicities wanted. Specific roles generally require a specific look, age, ethnicity, or type. Be suspicious when almost anyone could fit into the advertised opportunity.

7. Major casting agency accepting calls until 10:00 PM. If that’s all you know, let it go! Major casting agencies never hide their identities. Neither do they have operators standing by to take your call late into the night. Sketchy and suspect contact information is a big tip-off to a scam. Do not call agencies that provide a telephone number with no other identifying information.

What’s a new actor to do and who should they trust? Before plunking down your hard-earned cash, follow the tips above and do a little research. Legitimate agencies have legitimate websites. Try entering the website address at whoishostingthis.com. You’ll be able to see when, where, and by whom the site was created. Search the individuals listed. If they are a successful casting agency, you will not have any trouble linking the people behind the website to real people in the industry. Don’t stop there. Search the company name for complaints with reputable reporting agencies such as the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org and your state’s division of consumer affairs. Be wary of comments on commercial websites, either positive or negative. Those comments, while sometimes helpful, are generally unverifiable and often misleading.

There are plenty of reputable agencies working with real directors on exciting projects. Reputable casting agencies accept new talent every day—often through websites—for a wide variety of projects. Continue to develop your acting skills and post your resume, headshot and audition reel with a legitimate agency, and you could soon find yourself in the movies.

How Your Child Actor Can Benefit From Intensive Summer Training

Summer is coming, and it’s the perfect time for young actors to improve their skills. My favorite acting mantra is “talent and passion are essential elements in an actor’s life. Training is the glue that holds them all together.” Yet, it can be challenging for child actors to find time for intensive training during the school year. Now that summer is approaching, it’s time to talk with your child about training opportunities.

It’s not difficult for kids to understand the importance of continually increasing their acting skills. They can easily realize that acting is similar to athletics. Both require practice and improvement. If they’re genuinely passionate about acting, you won’t need to convince them to attend an acting class, work with a coach, or attend theater camp. They’ll be begging you for the chance to learn more.

In my experience with private one-on-one sessions, weekly group classes, and one-day master classes, I find students make the most significant gains in group classes or camps that last for at least a week. That makes summer the perfect time for such training. Besides being a fun place to make friends, on-going classes reinforce acting basics such as listening and reacting. Students learn to trust each other and can tackle difficult material in a safe setting. Young actors often discover life-long friends during classes and camps. They also learn to encourage each other and celebrate each other’s progress. These social skills help to balance some of the competitive nature of auditions.

When your child participates in an intensive summer training experience, he or she will gain the following:

Mastery
Just like a sports drill or playing the musical scales, repetition is an essential component of skill development. Working on acting exercises and daily rehearsing allows a student to learn new skills quickly.

Confidence
Confidence comes from competence. Once young actors observe their growth and progress over the training experience, they gain more trust in their abilities. That confidence can carry over into every part of their lives.

Success. 
Ask any young working actor about their secret to success and they’ll talk about hard work. My most successful clients don’t skimp on training. Instead, they are committed to getting as much training as they possibly can.

Robert Greene examined the lives of some of our most accomplished historical figures in his book “Mastery.” He writes, “When it comes to mastering a skill, time is the magic ingredient. Assuming your practice proceeds at a steady level, over days and weeks, certain elements of the skill become hardwired. Slowly, the entire skill becomes internalized, part of your nervous system.”

There are many opportunities for intensive summer training so choose wisely. First, speak with your child and discuss what they’d like to work on during the summer. Perhaps it’s time to master a new skill set. For example, if your child has only trained for musical theater, try an on-camera training class.

Next, research training programs. Look at reviews on the internet, talk to other parents, and trust your gut. Speak with the instructor or camp director and determine the number of students, the background and experience of the instructor, their philosophy and approach, and if they offer a final performance or film footage which can be included in a demo reel.

If you travel to New York or Los Angeles for intensive summer training, you’ll need to factor in costs for housing. If you’re in New York, consider treating your young actor to theater tickets to round out their experience. You can check websites like Club Free Time, StageLight Magazine, and Arts Connection’s teen programs for discount tickets, though there are fees involved with these. You can also visit sites like TodayTix and Broadway Box or head over in person to the TKTS booths in Times Square, Lincoln Center, or South Street Seaport, where there are much shorter lines.

Summer is an excellent time for consistent training, but it’s also a time for fun. Look for classes and experiences that excite your child and will make their summer one they’ll never forget.

The Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Monologue for a Young Performer

Whether your child or teen is auditioning for a school theater program, a show, or an industry professional, a monologue is a must-have for every young actor. A child actor should always have two different types of monologues in their back pocket. Make sure your young performer loves the monologues! This will increase their chances of giving a great performance since they will be more excited about working on it and therefore will do a better job delivering it.

Here are some dos and don’ts to consider when picking a monologue for your child.

DO

1. Choose good literature. I am not a big fan of generic monologue books. Every now and then I will run across a piece that is well-written and works nicely. However, most of the time, they are trite and obvious. Look for monologues from plays, movies, and even novels which contain conflict and good character work. These will take the actor to a whole new level. Read plays -- one acts as well as full lengths. You can’t go wrong with wonderful playwrights such as Neil Simon, Christopher Durang, Eric Bogosian, and Jonathan Marc Sherman. Great writing will help your young actor look good!

2. Find material your child can relate to. What does your young performer find funny? What moves them emotionally? I recently came across a hilarious play called "Indoor Outdoor" by Kenny Finkle. The pooping cat monologue actually made me laugh out loud! Perhaps a piece about loss might resonate with your child. If he is grappling with adolescence, there are many plays published by Baker’s Plays and Playscripts that might interest him.

3. Choose age-appropriate pieces. At age thirteen, I played Mama Rose in a camp production of "Gypsy." In local theater, at camp, and in school productions, of course we get to play these juicy roles at a young age because there are no adults. But in the professional world, where your child is being cast to play their age, they MUST pick age-appropriate material. Even in class, my students work on scenes playing characters close to their age because it is nearly impossible for them to relate to adult issues.

4. Look for active monologues. Storytelling is boring. Acting means to do. Find pieces where the character is doing something.

5. Keep it short (1-2 minutes). If you are told two minutes, make it ninety seconds. Most of the time, auditors see what they need to in thirty seconds. They may be sitting for hours listening to actors. They will appreciate you keeping the monologue short. Trust me.

6. Read the entire play. This is the only way you will completely understand the character and the story. The more you know, the more fully realized the performance will be. 

DON’T:

1. Pick a monologue with a dialect. Unless the project your child is auditioning for requires one.

2. Perform a monologue from a movie for a theater director. 

3. Pick a piece that can’t stand on its own. It must make sense when taken out of context.

4. Do monologues that contain profanity and sexual content that may make the auditor uncomfortable.

5. Choose overdone monologues that you find on the Internet or in monologue books. There is plenty of good, fresh and new material out there.

How to Transition from Child Parts to Teen Roles

Your cute curls are now a ball of frizz. 
Your milky white skin has turned into a face map of Switzerland. Metal cages glisten as you smile, and your voice sounds like your father’s. Welcome to teenage bliss! Although you may feel like your career is in shambles because you are not getting as many auditions as you had when you were younger, take a breath. Believe it or not, the journey ahead is neither bad nor good; it’s just different—and that can be exciting.

Take Classes to Learn Technique
As you become a more mature actor you will be required to master skills that are beyond your natural ability. Enroll in an ongoing acting class. Whereas I worry about the over-coached child actor, teen actors need training, especially in technique. Sanford Meisner says, “Acting is living truthfully in the moment under imaginary circumstances.” It sounds easy, but it takes practice. Work regularly with a teacher and group that you trust.

Expand Your Range of Skills
Train in new areas, and get out of your comfort zone. If you are an actor who naturally moves well, up the ante. Try out a new style of dance to become more competitive. Now that your voice is settling in, take lessons regularly. Now that you’re coming into your own voice, learn new ones. Read my article on dialects.

Stay Busy
If you aren’t getting professional roles because you’re in the throes of adolescence, don’t stop acting. Find opportunities that challenge your range. Audition for a local theater production, or try out for your school play. Playing different roles whether you are paid or not is another important way to expand your skill set. And don’t forget: Go to the theater and watch classic films; if you want to be a good actor, watch good acting.

Get Comfortable in Your Own Skin
Listen, I know it’s an awkward time in your life. You’re becoming a young man or woman. As a child, you are primarily typecast as a juvenile. To cross over into a successful young adult actor, you need to come to terms with your body and be aware of the image you project. Staying physically active, practicing personal hygiene, and finding a good mental balance are all part of learning to love yourself. Believe me, it shows up in your audition and under the lights.

Take Responsibility For Your Career
Soon you’ll be driving. It can be liberating to feel the independence of learning to steer your career. You’re old enough to communicate with your rep directly. Don’t let your parents do all the talking. Read Backstage regularly for auditions and tips for furthering your career. Make good choices. Surround yourself with friends and family who support you in a positive way.

You’re growing up, and that’s your new role. You may want to put your tutu in a box for safekeeping, but you’re not abandoning childhood; you’re embracing young adulthood. Yes, it will be challenging, uncertain, and even a little frightening. However, it can be the most exciting time in your life if you let it.

6 Tips For Auditioning With a Dialect

“The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain,” Eliza Doolittle famously says in “My Fair Lady.” By  the way, she wasn’t the only one who struggled with her accent! Dialects don’t come easy to  everyone. Auditioning with an unfamiliar dialect can really get in your way of landing the role.  When learning a new dialect, here are some tips to keep in mind to help you have a successful  audition.

1. Play the action, not the accent. Don’t let the dialect own the scene. Pay attention to the  character’s social class, age, upbringing, objective, and obstacle. I have worked with actors who  are so focused on the accent that they are not even listening to the reader. If you are not that  skilled, perhaps a hint of the dialect is the way to go. Keep it simple and do what you are trained  to do. Let your skill as an actor help you land the job, not a contrived accent.

2. Don’t watch Harry Potter. Just as you wouldn’t expect a southern belle to sound like a Texas  Ranger, you can’t expect Mary Poppins to sound like Bert. The dialects in most countries are as  diverse as they are in America. For example, the three largest recognizable dialects in England are  Southern English, Midland English, and Northern English. Within those are Cockney, Geordie—as  spoken in Billy Elliot, among many, many others. Do your research. Find out what type of accent is  needed before settling on a generic one.

3. Listen to the casting director’s instructions. If you are adept with the dialect, by all means,  go for it. However, there are times when the casting director does not want you to use a dialect at  all in the audition. Can you imagine listening to botched accents all day long? Always check with  your agent or manager. When all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask the casting director before you  begin.

4. Work with a coach. Whether you work with an acting coach or speech and dialect coach, getting  help from someone trained in this area can make all the difference in your audition. Dialects are  not only about pronunciation but also about cadence, phrasing, inflection, and pitch. Sometimes in  comedy, the words are not funny until the dialect is in place. Be careful of over-coaching,  however. When in doubt re-read tip number one!

5. Don’t wing it. Dialects are part of the basic training of every good actor. Just like your  monologues and songs, have your dialects in your repertoire ready to go at any moment. Take the  time well before opportunity knocks to learn a few of the more popular dialects such as Standard  British, Cockney, Irish, Australian, Southern, and Brooklyn. Practice on trains, planes, and  automobiles. Just think how much fun you can have while working on your craft.

6. Other good resources. There are many books and CDs available to help you learn dialects on your  own. Some authors to research are Edda Sharpe, Jan Haydn Rowles, Robert Blumenfeld, Paul Meier, and  Jerry Blunt. Other great resources are VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association) and IDEA  Dialects (International Dialects of English Archive) where you can find a real person speaking with  the dialect or accent you are looking for.

For some added inspiration, check out Meryl Streep’s many accomplished accents: British in “The  French Lieutenant’s Woman,” Polish in “Sophie’s Choice,” Danish in “Out of Africa,” Irish-American  in “Ironweed,” Australian in “A Cry in the Dark,” Italian “The Bridges of Madison County,” Irish in  “Dancing at Lughnasa,” Upper-Midwest in “A Prairie Home Companion,” Bronx in “Doubt,” Julia Child  in “Julie & Julia,” and English in “The Iron Lady.” Have fun as you simply watch, listen, and learn!

4 Steps To Choosing an Arts Camp for Your Child

As a former child actor, all I wanted to do was eat, breathe, and live theater. For me, that meant spending my summer doing show after show after show. I wanted to be with kids who “got” me. I didn’t hang around with the popular crowd or the intellectuals. Socially, my comfort zone was with the theater geeks. I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend eight weeks of my summer than fitting in and doing what I loved. As an adult, I also spent my summers at theater camps directing and teaching so I have some experience with these programs that might be of interest to you.

1. Does your child want an overnight or day camp? I was only seven years old when I went to a sleep-away camp for eight full weeks. I was very independent and loved a sleepover every night of the week. This may or may not work for your child. Today there are lots of available options ranging from two to eight weeks of overnight camp. If your child does not like to be away from you and may get homesick, then choosing a day camp may be the perfect solution for now. Either type of theater camp program will offer the same kinds of activities with classes in acting, voice, dance, and rehearsing and putting on a show. I think the main difference is that the overnight camp experience will teach your child independence and responsibility while fostering close-knit, lifelong relationships with other young performers.

2. Does your child want only theater or an all around camp experience? Overnight camps, such as Stagedoor Manor, focus only on theatre arts. Although there is an outside pool, there are no sports or fine arts programs. Their goal is education, performance, and community. They validate kids’ passions and encourage them to build relationships with other kids like themselves doing what they love – theater! Agents, managers, and casting directors love to visit this camp in the summer to scout new talent. There are also options such as Frenchwoods Festival of the Performing Arts. This is another wonderful sleep-away camp, which places a strong emphasis on the performing arts. However, they also offer a wide variety of programs in everything from a circus to art to cooking. Industry pros also visit this camp in hopes of discovering the next big star. Another option is a camp like Long Lake Camp for the Arts in the Adirondacks. This unbeatable, spectacular mountain setting offers a non-competitive, full-camp experience in addition to the performing arts. This camp has a different vibe in that campers can choose daily what they would like to do.

3. What size camp is right for your child? Again, there are many options when it comes to camp size. With about 290 campers, the staff at Stagedoor knows everyone by name. Even smaller, Long Lake has 250 campers per session with a staff of 160. Frenchwoods can have upwards of 800 campers. When you are interviewing camps, ask the question, “How many campers do you have, and how many are in a bunk?” Only you know if your child will do better in a smaller or larger camp community.

4. How much will it cost? Sleep-away camp used to be affordable. At today’s price tag of $3000-$5000 for a three-and-a-half-week session, some camps have become cost prohibitive for many people. Here’s the truth – they are all expensive! Here’s a secret tip – everything is negotiable. Ask about scholarships. I know that some camps want and need boys, so they may offer a discount or even a free ride in some cases. If you don’t ask, you will never know what might be available.

As we all know, the school year can be stressful on kids, especially young working actors who carry the burden of both work and school. Summer camp should be fun!

Keep this in mind as you choose the best summer camp experience for your young performer.