How Young Actors Can Play Emotional Scenes

As an acting teacher for young actors, parents frequently ask if I can help their child cry on cue. Having once been a young actress myself, I thought this skill was the key to being a good actor. I believed it was a complicated technique that only the most skilled and talented had mastered. 

Then during a college lecture with actress Jean Marsh as the guest, she was asked about crying on cue. In her very British accent, she responded, “I just turn around and poke myself in the eye.” It was then that I realized it was pretty simple. Simple, yes, but not easy.

Emotions like sadness and anger may come naturally for some, but for many young actors, producing real emotion is an acquired skill. It’s not the real tears that are of concern—that’s what glycerin drops are for. Rather, it’s finding and applying the honest emotional life of the character.

There’s a term in the industry called “indicating,” which is when an actor plays a scene showing but not connecting to the emotional life of the character. Good actors communicate real emotions, not pretend ones. But remember that preparing for an emotionally challenging scene can be deeply personal, so you’ll want to make sure your child actor is going about it the right way. 

Here are some tips to help your child learn the necessary skills and let go of fake emoting habits.

Be physically open.  
All good acting classes begin with exercises to relax and physically open up the body and mind. Body constrictions will get in the way of emotions flowing freely and organically. Before auditioning or performing any scene that calls for emotions such as grief, rage, hatred, or jealousy, relax by doing some head and neck rolls, stretches and breathing exercises. Just a few deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth will relax the body and mind, helping you stay open to letting things happen naturally.

Have a strong preparation. 
You cannot play a scene emotionally empty. Once you identify what the character is feeling—mad, sad, lonely, etc.—connect with the emotion before the scene begins by using the “as if.” Ask yourself how you would feel if this were happening to you. Or what similar situation could you have faced in the past or imagine to be true that would feel as if you were going through the same thing? 

READ: 1 Exercise Child Actors Can Use to Get Into Character 

Music.  
As an actress during the 1980s, one of the ways I tapped into my character’s emotional life was through music. I would put my Walkman on and play a song that triggered a specific emotion and got me into the right mindset. Make a playlist on your phone with your favorite songs and different styles that you can use to stir up emotion.

Don’t push.  
If the scene calls for the character to be in tears and the tears won’t flow, don’t force it. If you are so concerned with how you are going to cry it probably won’t happen. Connect internally, relax and stay open. And of course, don’t forget the advice of Ms. Marsh: turn around and poke yourself in the eye if you have to. What’s most important is honest vulnerability, not something fabricated.

How Auditioning is Just Like Dating

Have you kissed a lot of frogs lately? How many dates do you have to go on to find “the one”?

I’m currently exploring the world of online dating and have found a surprising parallel: first dates are a lot like auditions. Whether you’re looking for a role you love or the next love of your life, you have to go on lots of auditions before you find the perfect fit. Online dating, auditioning, or both, these tips offer valuable information you can use in either situation!

You can’t control the outcome. 
When you go on a first date, you only know the basics: height, age, whether they like dogs, etc. Auditions are also big unknowns. An actor often walks into an audition with basic information and is asked to perform without knowing much about the context. Just like hoping “he’s the one,” this is scary, exciting, and a fact of life for actors. Sometimes all you can do is show up to the audition—or the date—ready to be your best.

A good photo is your calling card. 
Your photo is the first step in getting someone’s attention. Having an up-to-date, flattering photo is essential for both attracting dates and those in the entertainment industry. Your headshot will be reviewed by casting directors, potential agents, and managers. Be sure it portrays you at your best but isn’t airbrushed or faked in any way. People want to see the real you!

READ: 7 Tips for a Better Headshot

Be your unique yourself. 
Told a little white lie about how you love to rock climb and now find yourself in a harness and safety helmet on a date? What about fibbing and listing stage combat as a special skill on your actor resume only to find yourself asked to spar with someone during an audition?

In both dating and auditioning, you need to be your unique, perfect self. No matter how talented and amazing a performer you may be, casting choices are often based on arbitrary traits. Your job is to show up ready to audition honestly with your unique interpretation of the material.

Remember that they want it to work out, too.
He shares your interests, is adorable, smart, and witty. You like this guy already, but now you’re worried he won’t feel the same way and you work yourself into a negative spiral before the first date even happens.

News flash! He wants you to be the one, too. It’s the same way in auditions; no one wants you to fail. Casting directors are on your side, hoping that you’ll be perfect for the part. You don’t need to fear them.

Stop trying and let it go. 
My mother tells me love will happen when I least expect it. I think she’s right. Your next part will come along in the same mysterious way. Stop trying so hard. Yes, you need to study your lines, work with your coach, and understand the character. Preparation is always important. However, try to relax and enjoy the process. The sooner you can let go of disappointment over a lost role, the sooner you can move on to the next audition.

READ: 10 Attitudes That Keep Actors From Working

It’s great practice. 
Last month, I went on what felt like a million dates and sometimes I really just felt like giving up. But then I remember my 98-year-old aunt telling me, “Just keep going, it’s good practice for when the right one comes along.” And she’s right: I learn more about myself with every first date.

The same is true for auditioning. Each time you audition, you have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and your craft. Pay attention and keep notes on all you’re learning. The information will be very helpful.

Don’t give up before it happens. 
I dated a lot in my twenties. Just when I thought I might never meet the one, I met my husband. We had a nice long run (although I’m back on the market again). Just like dating, the odds of landing a role are pretty slim. There are often hundreds of actors answering the call for an audition, yet only one will be cast. Every actor faces the same overwhelming odds and the likelihood of rejection. That means you might have to go on 50 first auditions and get hundreds of rejections for every part you do land. Just remember that every “no” gets you that much closer to a “yes.” Actors are rejected many times before finding the right role at the right time with the right people. Success comes to those who stay positive and continue auditioning with confidence.

16 (More) Terms for Parents of Child Actors

Last month, I offered up some useful terminology as it relates to auditions and scripts for child actors. Here, I address some of the daunting terms related to contracts, finances, and union matters. Hopefully, it will help you feel more confident when you’re meeting with an industry professional, in an audition with your child, or on a theater, film, or television set.

Commissions: Percentage of a performer’s earnings which are paid to an agent or manager for their services.

Coogan account: Named after child actor Jackie Coogan, this is a blocked minor trust account required by law for all performers under the age of eighteen in the states of California, New York, Louisiana, and New Mexico, designed to safeguard 15% of their gross earnings per project for when they enter adulthood.

Emancipated Minor: When a child under the age of 18 has been given the legal status of an adult by a judge.

Equity: Actors Equity Association (AEA) is the union governing live theatrical productions.

First Refusal: A non-contractual courtesy situation requesting that a performer notifies the casting director before accepting a booking for another job on the same day.

Hold (On Hold): A contractual obligation for a performer to be available for work.

READ: How Child Actors Can Get Work in Atlanta & Florida

Local hire: An actor hired locally for a production, which eliminates costs for travel, housing, and per diem.

Must Join: If it has been 30 days since your first SAG/AFTRA booking, you MUST join the union before your next union job.

Principal: A performer with lines or with significant importance to the story line. 

Residual: The fee paid to a performer for subsequent showings of a commercial, film, or TV program.

Right-to-work states: Those states that do not have an agreement between unions and performers meaning you don’t have to join the union to get a job.

SAG/AFTRA: Screen Actors Guild/Actors Federation of Television and Radio Artist, the union governing television, radio, and film productions.

Scale: The minimum payment for services under union contracts.

Scale + 10: Minimum payment plus an extra 10% to cover the agent’s commission.

READ: Should You Manage Your Child's Career?

Series regular: An actor in a role in a TV series appearing in most if not all of the episodes.

Taft-Hartley: A federal statute which allows a 30-day grace period after an actor’s first day of employment before being required to join the Union.

U-5 (or Under 5): A role with “under five lines.”

Work permit: Issued by a state or local agency, a required legal document allowing a minor child under the age of eighteen to work on creative or artistic projects.

Now you have a general overview of the key terms you’ll hear regularly in legal and contractual discussions. However, if you don’t understand something, be sure to ask for clarification. It’s important that you’re clear on things so you can be the best support you can be for your child actor.

When Does a Young Performer Need an Entertainment Attorney?

For parents of working actors, the entertainment industry may seem like a lot of smoke and mirrors. While there are plenty of mirrors in show business, your child’s legal rights should not be one of them. Parents often ask me when, if at all, is there a right time to hire an entertainment attorney. I have plenty of students who have entertainment attorneys, and plenty who do not. Let’s discuss the right times to hire an attorney to protect your young performer.

Getting representation. Your child has caught the attention of an agent or manager. Congratulations! As an acting coach and career consultant, I have clients from all over work with well-respected and vastly talented agents and managers. I have also had clients approached by talent reps that I would not recommend. Although they may present a legal document, the contract may embroil your child into years of their representation and could potentially freeze or ruin your child’s career if they decide to pursue other options. Any time your child enters a contractual agreement, I would advise an entertainment lawyer to look over the legal obligations and wording of the agreement.

Once you are signed. Once you have a trusting relationship with a talent agency or manager, it is not necessary to use an entertainment lawyer for every contract your child enters. A good agency will negotiate contracts and have your child’s back in all stages of production. Almost every large talent agency has an in-house legal department that handles contracts and the negotiation process. You are not charged for these services because the legal team is there to represent the agency-specific deals—which include actors’ contracts. Even smaller agencies and managers have regular contact with entertainment attorneys, so you can be well assured that your child’s contracts are fair and legal.

Working in the business. Once your child begins to work in bigger productions and gain recognition, you may want to think about an entertainment attorney as a part of your child’s team. They will give personalized attention and negotiate contracts that best serve their clients. They will also inform you of industry norms and make sure your child is protected on set. When your child is constantly working, it is crucial for parents to understand your child’s working conditions. Skilled in the nuances of performers’ rights, an entertainment attorney will advise you of your child’s legal rights regarding their pay, education, and labor laws. They will inform you of your rights as a parent, including sight and sounds laws, hiring a “responsible person,” and money questions. Entertainment attorneys explain, in layman’s terms, rules that can have potentially monumental costs and consequences to a family if enforced. When handling long production periods and large sums of money, an entertainment attorney can inform you of the legal benefits and drawbacks to such big decisions.

Deciding when to hire an entertainment attorney is a complex question, with no one right answer for everyone. Ultimately, the best decision is what makes financial and legal sense for your child and family. It is important to find an attorney whom you respect and trust. Your entertainment attorney is there to protect the interests of your child in an unbiased setting, as they do not fill the shoes of an agent/manager. For more information on the legality of show business, check out Sally R. Gaglini’s book, “Young Performers at Work.” As a top entertainment attorney for young performers, Gaglini’s book provides a deep knowledge of entertainment law to inform and protect you and your family. 

How to Know if Your Child Is Passionate About Acting or if It’s a Phase

If your child is passionate about acting, you know it. They’re regularly performing around the house, to real or imaginary audiences. They’re talking about movies and plays and asking how they can star in them. When there is a play at school or in the community, they’re the first to volunteer for a “big part.” They sparkle on stage or in front of a classroom, perhaps even getting into trouble for being the class clown. If there is a spotlight anywhere nearby, your child wants to be in it.

In my years of experience working with young actors, their passion for the craft of acting is unmistakable. Children with the dream choose acting because they have no other choice. It’s in their blood, in their DNA. They act because they must. Nothing else satisfies them and fills them up the way getting on stage or in front of a camera does.

If your child is in a local theater group, trying out for the school play, looking at actors on TV and saying, “I want to do that! How do I do that?” then you know that they are passionate about acting.

Is That Passion Consistent? 

Most children tell their parents, “I want to be on TV,” or “I want to be an actor,” at least once in their childhood, because, after all, acting seems like a fun game of make-believe. What child doesn’t love that? However, acting is a challenging business that requires hard work and sacrifice. It’s important to evaluate the consistency of your child’s passion. Is it just a passing interest or something deeper? 

When your child constantly talks about performing or wanting to be on a TV show or in movies, you can tell that they’re very interested in acting. If they mention it once or just in passing, their level of interest might not be sufficient to lead to success in the long term. As you’re evaluating your child’s level of interest in performing, don’t just listen to what they’re saying, but watch what they’re doing. If your child is doing some of the following things, it might indicate that acting is their dream:

• Auditioning for the school play

• Trying out for community theater

• Making up skits and performing for friends and family

• Asking for additional opportunities to act and audition

• Asking for an agent

• Getting excited at the prospect of taking an acting class

• Searching for opportunities to act and bringing them to you, especially as a teenager These indicate that your child’s interest in acting isn’t just a passing phase but a genuine interest and passion.

The Essential Characteristics Your Child Needs to Land an Agent

A good agent opens doors to auditions, so I’m not surprised that one of the first questions I am asked by parents is, “How can my child get an agent?” Talent agents know how to identify kids with the most potential, and in order to maximize your child’s chances you should know what those factors are. While some characteristics are out of your control, there are some that aren't.

Self-Motivation
David Gilbert, of Zuri Model and Talent Agency, says, “Most importantly, I always ask the kid if this is something they want to do. I want to make sure they're not being pushed into it.” There are two types of parent-child teams: Those led by the parent’s agenda, and those led by the child’s. Most young performers who rise to prominence are driving their own careers, with parents who help them get things done. Nancy Carson, of the Carson Adler Agency, agrees, saying, “I want kids who really want to do this, the kid who drags his parent into the office, not the other way around. ”

The “Wow” Factor
There will always be an intangible aspect to stardom. Charisma is hard to define, but we all know it when we see it. As Bonnie Shumofsky, of Abrams Artists, says, “I believe identifying young talent is a process. As in many professions, there is a combination of the so-called art and science. The science aspect is what is tangible. The art, however, is having an eye for what I call the “wow” factor. It may be from a performance I see or even just a conversation during a meeting. It is very hard to put this piece of the process into words and as with most art, it’s more a measure of sensing and being in tune with the emotional impact generated by a young artist. That’s what I look for.” The agent will be evaluating your child’s personality at all times, looking for the sparkle that only a diamond has.

Confidence
There is no substitute for confidence. It affects everything about a person’s demeanor—face, voice, body language—and every interaction. David Gilbert says, “I am always looking for someone who is going to ‘win the room’—when they walk into my office, they’ve got to have confidence. Also, they’ve got to be directable, able to make adjustments on the spot.” When a young performer believes in himself, he not only makes a great impression, but he is better able to respond to unexpected situations such as taking direction during an audition or taping. Being self-assured puts people at ease, inspiring confidence in the agent or director—and transmits to an audience, too! It is something that can be developed over time with experience, yet we can also dig deep and project more confidence than we might feel at the moment.

Marketability
Barry Kolker, of Carson Kolker Organization, knows there has to be a market for each young performer in his stable. “When signing children and teen performers, I look for a ‘type’ that I need, so that I don’t have ‘conflicts’ and submit too many clients.” This is often a matter of timing, so keep in mind that while your child’s “look” might not be in demand today, things may change tomorrow. It could also mean that one agent already represents someone with this particular “type,” but there will be other agents who are looking to fill the same spot in their roster. Persevere. Markets are fluid and young performers evolve as they grow up, so over time they will find themselves positioned differently depending on many factors.

Parental Support
Kolker goes on to say, “I look for talented kids/teens with a lot of personality who have a passion for performing and whose parent or guardian is able to make the commitment. I’m looking for a family who I feel will be easy to work with and that I feel/hope that we can be successful together!” Gilbert agrees, saying, “I want parents who support their child and are encouraging, who understand that their job is to be a good parent and mine is to be a good agent.” Certainly, as a stage parent, you can control how committed you are to supporting your child’s acting career. You are an important ingredient for success, and agents know it. Make sure they understand you are willing to do what it takes so that you all succeed in the end.

Can You Trust Your Child's Acting Coach?

The success of a performer comes from their training, motivation and passion. Just as in the Olympics, a qualified coach can make a great difference in your child’s training and ability to win roles. Acting coaches are experts in enhancing performance skills. They are well trained, highly skilled and know the industry inside-out.

To move forward as an actor and be able to portray roles with intimacy and authenticity, you must trust your coach. You are enlisting them for their knowledge and advice and then practicing what they preach. Acting is such a personal business. Both you and your child must trust your acting coach to create a safe environment for growth. The best way to find a coach you can trust is to evaluate his or her professional etiquette, experience, and ethical standards.

Acting coaches can hang up a shingle without a teaching license or certification. They may be skilled, creative, well trained and even a genius, but how moral and ethical are they? My students come to rely on me as a confidant and mentor as they bare their souls and become vulnerable. They speak their truths, insecurities and fears while they dig within to learn who they are and how that relates to the character they are portraying. It’s deep work and requires me to be careful with their emotional growth.

Students often ask me for guidance and advice. They also share their excitement and joy when they are being considered for a role or book a job. The first thing they say is, “You’re not going to tell anyone, right?” Confidentiality is important for production and it is equally important in relationships. A nine year old student of mine booked a job, and when I asked him what it was he replied,” I can’t tell you because I signed a nondisclosure.” He then coyly asked, “Mom, what does that mean?”

Recently, another student brought a monologue to me and made me swear I wouldn’t give it to anyone else. They trust me to maintain their privacy and to coach them to their very best level of performance.

READ: "How to Choose an Acting Teacher for Your Child"

In addition to being an acting coach I am also a certified life coach. I trained with a master level coach and completed a rigorous examination process in order to receive my certification. My life coach training gives me ethical guidelines and professional standards while establishing trust with the client in a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust. These are the principles I follow as an acting coach. I work with many young students and their parents need to know their child is safe and I can be trusted.

When you are looking for a trustworthy acting coach for your child, consider these characteristics. Does your coach:

• Gossip?

• Take personal or monetary advantage of the client?

• Give misleading information or advice?

• Become sexually intimate with clients?

Or does your coach instead:

• Accurately identify their coaching qualifications, expertise and experience?

• Recognize personal issues that may interfere with their coaching performance?

• Report research with competency and honesty?

• Avoid conflicts of interest?

• Respect their clients’ rights to terminate coaching and not blacklist them?

• Maintain the strictest level of confidentiality?

Before committing to a coach, do your homework. Ask around for recommendations, check them out on the web, read testimonials and trust your gut. As a parent, you know your child best. If you feel that something is off in the relationship between your child and an acting coach, trust that feeling and explore other options.

When you trust your child’s acting coach, and your child does too, it removes fear and anxiety. Once that happens, a young actor can open up to do his or her best work. Developing the art of performance requires a tremendous amount from a young actor. A trustworthy, ethical and experienced coach makes a big impact on that process.

4 Reasons Young Actors Must Embrace Rejection

Like most skills, dealing with rejection takes practice, and show business is the best place to train for it! There are many things that make this a tough industry, but the steep competition is one of the biggest. No one likes being passed over, left out, or told they are not “right.” Still, competition is a fact of life and the better we are at handling rejection, the easier it will be to stay competitive as we grow up. Here are some tips to help guide your young performer as he faces his fears and hears no after giving it his best.

1. Perspective. Auditions are big unknowns. You walk into the room with basic information and sometimes little context. All you can be is your unique self. Your job is to go for it! Do your best, don’t worry about what you don’t know, and then go home happy. One way to do that is to understand that some things are out of your control. This is a creative business that has little to do with concrete rules. Casting directors have a number of criteria for each part they are casting, such as age, height, weight, sex, ethnicity, or type. Sometimes, young actors even need to resemble on-set family members who were already cast! It is not personal. The truth is, no matter how talented and amazing a performer might be, the choice is often based on arbitrary traits. Let your child know that the important thing is to do his personal best and enjoy the process. 

2. Statistics. There may be hundreds of actors answering the call for an audition, yet only one will be cast. The odds are not great. Every actor faces the same daunting odds, and the likelihood of rejection. That means you have to go on hundreds of auditions for every one you land. Each no gets you that much closer to the time when you hear yes. The important thing to remember is that success comes from those who keep going, don’t give up, and continue with confidence. 

3. Resilience. Every time we try something, we risk failure. No matter what it is, the next step is the same. Try again! Resilience is a life lesson that actors learn to accept and embrace because it is so critical to their way of life. Praise your child’s efforts, hard work, and the courage they show every time they perform. If they get caught up in second-guessing themselves, acknowledge their concerns and let them know you can relate. Share some things that you learned from your own past “failures.” Teach them that reviewing the past can be helpful as long as it is framed in a positive way. There are lots of clichés about resilience that may be helpful at times of rejection, such as, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and “What defines us is how quickly we get up after falling.” Keep in mind that failures are full of insights! Make it a game to hunt for one or two nuggets of wisdom that will give your child greater confidence in the future. Celebrate the day’s achievements with a fun treat like pizza, ice cream, or a movie!

4. Perseverance. Ask a group of people to define success, and you will get many answers, but every list will include hard work. Hard work is more effective than smarts, looks, money, and talent all put together, because you and only you can make it happen. If you think about only the end goal, it might seem impossible to reach from here. The trick is to start small and persevere. With one small step after another, we make progress. Over time, the results from your efforts will grow. By participating in show business, young performers learn that their dreams may not come easily. They see firsthand that they need to work long and hard in order to succeed. Because they are doing something they love, they are motivated to study the music, memorize their lines, book the auditions, and do it again until they find the right role for them.

The very fact that show business is tough means that kids who pursue their passion for performance will gain valuable life skills. They will take chances by auditioning and face the rejections that come. Given the random nature of this creative field and the odds against landing each role, kids learn to keep things in perspective and not take “failure” personally. With hard work, kids will grow and improve, which empowers them to tackle challenges in all areas of life. Learn to embrace rejection and you will ultimately grow stronger, more confident, and more successful as a result.

6 Skills That Separate Novice Actors From Pros

In many fields and careers, there are different levels of credentials, like associate, professional, master, etc. In acting, we talk about novices, actors who are just beginning, and professionals, actors who have training and experience working in the industry.

I teach my students how to act and audition like a professional, even if they’re still at the novice level of experience. Use these audition tips, no matter what level of experience you have, and you’ll garner more attention and have a better chance of being hired. Even if you don’t get the part, you’ll have at least made a positive impression.

1. Make choices.
More often than not, you won’t have the entire script while auditioning, nor will you know exactlywhat the CD and director want from you. Not the easiest scenario, but one that means you will need to make choices about how you play the character. What is she thinking? What is he feeling? Don’t worry about being right or wrong—just make a choice in each moment, trust yourself, and go with it.

2. Keep the scene active.
Acting is doing, not talking. When choosing monologues and picking songs, find pieces that are active, not passive. Narratives usually don’t have much action, so scenes where a character is doing something—like breaking up with a girlfriend or convincing their friend to skip school—are far more exciting than telling a story about it.

3. Acting is reacting.  
I see many novice actors who believe acting only happens when speaking dialogue. What about when someone doesn’t say anything? Does that mean they aren’t feeling something? No, of course they are. When someone is speaking to you, there must be a reaction. Otherwise, you aren’t listening. Be sure to focus on both your speaking and reactions to the other lines in the script.

4. Make the decision before doing.  
I recall working on a dramatic scene with some young actresses who were auditioning for the lead role in a television show. There was a key moment in the scene when the character lies to her mother. A novice would just tell the lie when the line comes up. A professional actor knows to take a moment before speaking where she decides to lie.

5. Find the moment before and moment after.  
The scene begins before your first line and ends after the last line. Find your moment before and be ready well before the first line of dialogue. Know your character’s emotional state and tap into it before speaking. This concept holds true at the end of the scene as well. The scene doesn’t stop on the last line. It ends with your reaction after the last line is spoken, whether it’s your line or another character’s.

6. Develop quiet confidence. 
As I say to my students all the time, only confident actors get hired. However, there is a difference between quiet and cocky confidence. Know your talent and strengths and own the room, but do it with humility. No one likes a know-it-all. When you leave the audition room, you want the creative team to say, “Stop that actor and bring him back. He’s the one I want.”

In acting, there’s no substitute for experience. It takes practice and training to become a professional, as well as time and maturity. But by acting like a pro every time you audition, you will have made a mark and hopefully earn a callback, or even the role.

How To Help Your Child Actor Have a Fun and Productive Summer

I like to think of time in four ways – my time, your time, together time, and down time. My child needs empowering, fun, and enriching activities to help her grow and learn independence. I need “me” time whether I am working or relaxing. Together time as a family, including vacations and activities at home, is equally important – especially since our kids are grown and out of the house before we know it. We all lead busy lives so building in downtime is crucial to prevent burn out.

Most school-aged children have eight to ten weeks of summer break. This can either be a blessing or a curse depending on your child’s individual needs and personality. I know my own children benefit from structure. However, as much as I would like them to keep busy, they remind me they need downtime too. For example, seven weeks of sleep-away camp is too much time away from home for my teenage daughter, so we found a program where she goes for four weeks and gets to come home on the weekends. This arrangement works beautifully for our family. I had never heard of this kind of camp schedule before, but I am grateful I found it. The point is that there are lots of options, so you should be able to find something that is just right for your family.

Your Child’s Time
Does your child love to act and want to train? During the school year, he might get really bogged down with auditions and homework. During the summer, maybe he would enjoy something like my upcoming four-day acting boot-camp. Something like this can be a great way for these young performers to get back to basics with improvisation, learning a new monologue, and perfecting their audition technique for TV and film. Or perhaps your child has a musical bent. I am also collaborating with my colleagues in voice and casting offering one-day musical theater workshops culminating with a performance in a landmark cabaret club. I personally love shorter workshops such as these because they give both my students and me the flexibility to fit in many other life enhancing activities that help create balance.

Your Time
While planning out your summer schedule, don’t forget about you – the parent. Our tendency is to put so much emphasis on the many wonderful opportunities available for our children that we sometimes forget our own needs. While your child is either away from home or in a daily program, you may want to consider learning a new skill yourself. How about some yoga and meditation? I recently spent a weekend at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and came back rejuvenated and inspired! Maybe learning to paint or dance is more your thing. Just do something to take care of yourself so you can be the best you can be for your child and your family.

Together Time
Planning a vacation or “staycation?” Summer is a great time to check out theater and concerts in your local parks for the entire family to enjoy. There are also plenty of online sites that offer discount vacation packages last minute. Whatever you decide, the most important thing is doing things together.

Down Time
Burned out on too much theater? Perhaps a week of something physical like tennis or soccer camp is what your child needs to get away from it all and stretch a few new muscles. What about doing nothing? This is a concept very foreign to me, but I am trying to find time to do more and more of it. My child needs it. I need it. And together we all need it to lead calmer, more serene and peaceful lives.

There are many kinds of summer camp programs available for your children – typically ranging from one day to several weeks in length. Taking into account these different segments of time and your family’s specific needs will help you plan your summer wisely, have fun, and stay sane all at the same time.