College theater majors: To BFA or not to BFA, that is the question

High school sophomores and juniors start your engines. It is time to begin considering colleges for next year's college application process. With many of you planning to visit schools during spring break, I thought it would be both helpful and fun to guide you towards the right performing arts degree with a little self-assessment quiz. Scoring is below. In the coming months, Denise will explore questions about college admissions in a series of free upcoming teleseminars with theater professionals from several well regarded programs throughout the country.  

1.  I have known that I wanted to be an actor and have been performing since: 

A.  Elementary school or before 

B.  Middle School 

C.  High School 

D.  I have very little or no acting experience 

E.  I've acted in some shows, but I've taken some breaks from acting too 

2.  I am mostly motivated by: 

A.  Making money 

B.  Performing 

C.  Both

D.  Neither 

3.  What is your attitude about the business of show business?

A.  It is something I pay attention to, but my focus is on being the best actor I can be. 

B.  It turns me off or is scary. 

C.  The business part of the industry is really interesting; I want to learn more. 

D.  I'm going to be an incredible actor. The business will take care of itself. 

4. Do you possibly want to teach acting, voice, or dance someday?

A.  Yes. It would be kind of cool to teach.

B.  No. I'm on stage or bust! 

C.  Not sure. Do I have to know everything at 17 years old? 

5.  Are your parents OK with your decision to study acting? 

A.  No, They wonder why they're about to spend all that money on an acting degree. 

B.  Yes, Your parents tell you to go for it. 

6.  Are you an unbelievable salesperson when promoting your talent and ability? 

A.  Maybe not incredible, but I can hold my own. 

B.  I don't have to; people notice my talent wherever I go. 

C.  You bet I am and I don't take no for an answer! 

D.  The thought of self promotion makes me nauseous. 

7.  Are you consistently on the high honor roll?

A.  I nail it in the classroom and on stage. 

B.  My grades are good, just not the high honor roll all the time.

C.  My grades could be better, but I'm going to really apply myself in college.

D.  Grades don't matter, I'm developing my talent. 

8. I want to go to a school with a lot of school spirit and cheer for really good sports teams. 

A.  Absolutely, I'll be the one with his face painted in school colors.  

B.  No way, I only watch the Superbowl for the commercials.

C. It might be fun, but it's not a big consideration.

9. Are you planning to work while you go to school? 

A.  Absolutely, I need the dough. 

B.  Probably, I could use a little extra spending cash. 

C.  Not likely, I'm concentrating entirely on school during the semester. 

Scoring: 1. A2, B2, C1, D0, E0; 2. A0, B2, C1, D0; 3. A1, B0, C0, D2; 4. A2, B0, C0; 5. A0, B2; 6. A1, B0, C2, D0; 7. A2, B1, C0, D0; 8. A0, B2, C1; 9. A0, B1, C2. 

Results: 13 or less, you're leaning toward a BA. 14 or greater, you're leaning toward a BFA.

Before we analyze your scores, let's talk about the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) versus a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in broadest terms. The difference is usually in the required coursework. The BA generally requires 40 - 45 semester hours of training in a performing arts concentration, such as theater, while the BFA requires 70 - 80 semester hours. In a nutshell, that means the student in a BFA program will not have time for much else. Let's look at the quiz results to see how this may impact you. 

Questions 1 - 4 Are meant to help you consider your goals. Students who are deeply committed and motivated to performance above other goals including making money are great candidates for a BFA program. The extra coursework in your major provides additional opportunity to hone your craft. However, it is almost impossible to double major in the BFA track without taking more than the typical 8 semesters to graduate. That makes the BA particularly appealing to students who have wide interests and talents and/or who might want to double major. A double major in business, for example, could be ideal to prepare for a career in the business of show business. On the other hand, students who aspire to teach in the arts often choose the BFA for its rigorous, focused training and its appeal to graduate programs.

Questions 5 - 6 Assess whether you have the support and personal qualities to succeed in show business. Students without solid support from their families might reach a mutual understanding with a BA in theater and another major. Family support can be important when entering an exceedingly competitive career. Fearless self-promotion doesn't hurt either. If you are not sure that you are up for the challenge and sacrifices typical of actors in the business, a BA degree that gives you wide career options could be best for you.  

The remaining questions focus on the college experience. Regardless of degree type, success in school requires a commitment to hard work and smart planning. The BFA track has more required coursework in theater and the order in which the coursework is taken often matters. Demanding courses sometimes pile up altogether without much scheduling flexibility. Though not impossible, it can be harder to hold a job or attend football games when in the all-consuming experience of a BFA program. Students who eat, breathe and sleep theater should go for the BFA while those who want to do it all or have many outside demands might be happier on a BA track.

The scoring on this quiz is decidedly unscientific, but the questions are designed to you give you some clarity and focus. I encourage you not to get caught up on which degree is best. Rather, focus on which degree and individual programs best meet your goals. Do that and you will end up with a wonderful college experience and a promising career.

8 Ways to Prepare Your Child Actor for the School Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Help Your Child Actor Maintain Normalcy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 Audition Mistakes Young Actors Can Avoid

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

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

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

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

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

READ: How to Manage Your Child Actor

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

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

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

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

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

An Acting Coach on the 6 Elements of a Great Kids Monologue

Some young actors dread working on monologues. Perhaps it’s because they have trouble speaking to someone who isn’t there or maybe they have no idea how to find one that’s unique enough to fit their personality and is interesting to perform. Well, help is on the way!

I’ve worked with young actors for over 30 years and in that time I’ve figured out what works for kids when it comes to monologues. Here are the six elements to look for when deciding on a great monologue for children and teens.

1. Age Appropriate
Nothing makes an auditor cringe more than watching a child play an adult they cannot identify with. Kids play older characters all the time in school, community or children’s theater. But when performing a monologue to showcase your general talent you must find a piece that is age appropriate. Many plays are racy with foul language and strong sexual content. Although you may watch them on stage or on screen, they are not suitable for auditions and class work. The challenge is not only to find a monologue your age or close to it but to find one that is relatable and interesting enough to capture someone’s attention.

2. Relatable
Start by looking at who you are. Are you quiet and shy? Sassy or outgoing? Ask yourself what you value and find important in life. Look for monologues that easily connect to your real personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Material that speaks to you in an intimate way will not only be easier to connect with but will demonstrate the depth of your understanding of the character and so create an honest impact.

3. Activeness
Acting means to do, not to talk. Narrative monologues telling a story can be a real bore. Look for what the character is doing while they try to get what they want. Are they freaking out because their parent won’t let them have a sleepover? Are they discovering what love is as they meet someone that gives them butterflies for the first time? Active, not passive pieces will have more interest and conflict, making for a more captivating performance.

4. Conflict
What does your character want? What stands in their way? If you don’t have a compelling conflict, the auditor has no reason to listen. Find a monologue with heightened stakes. The situation doesn’t have to be life-or-death, but it should feel that way to the character. If the blockade is big enough the monologue will have tension and urgency, two ingredients for an interesting scene.

5. Arc
A good monologue will show a difference between what your character wants and feels at the beginning of the piece and at the end. Find material with different beats or changes of action. Watching a character journey from point A to point A is boring. Take a leap from point A to point B and the monologue becomes important. If your character changes their intention and the ways they overcome the conflict, there will be more growth and the scene will be more fulfilling to watch. This will also allow you to showcase your range, which is helpful for auditions.

6. No Ghosts
Of course, when performing you should know who you’re talking to, but the monologue should not be written answering questions that we don’t hear. Any time the dialogue contains unheard interjections from other people, the audience becomes confused. Additionally, you should be speaking to a single person. This will allow you to clearly pursue what the character wants from the other person and how they are going to get it.

There you have it, plain and simple. If you follow these guidelines, your child will be able to showcase their skills and be a standout sensation.

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.

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.

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.

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy Your Child Stardom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ: How to Manage Your Child Actor

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

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

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

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

8 Ways Acting Can Help You Excel in School

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

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

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

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

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

READ: How to Manage Your Child Actor

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

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

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

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

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

4 Questions To Ask An Agent or Manager

I recently produced an industry showcase for unrepresented actors. Twelve very talented performers did what they do best - perform! I am proud to announce that many were contacted for “stage two": The interview.

The interview is the time to personally interact and see if you and the agency or management company are the right fit for each other. It’s kind of like a first date. Sure, you may be nervous. You may be thinking, “If I am just plain old me, will I make enough of an impression?" Your best bet is to be prepared, but also be yourself. Look your best without trying too hard. Relax and have a good time. This is supposed to be fun, remember?

Before the meeting, think about some questions to get the conversation going. In my previous article on assembling your team, I suggested some contractual questions. Here are some more conversation starters to consider.

1. What type do you see me as? 
This is a really important question and one that needs addressing before signing. You may think you can play the leading lady but your potential rep sees you as a character actress. Now is the time to get on the same page. Discuss whether or not you will be sent out on theater as well as television and film auditions. Do you both agree that comedy is your thing? And if it is, will you still be considered for one-hour dramas and film as well? If you are interested in pursuing commercials and voiceovers, find out who within the agency handles that.

2. How many clients do you have and how many are my type? 
Agencies and management companies come in all sizes. Some have a handful of clients; some have hundreds. Find out how many other represented clients are your type and how that might affect you getting submitted for projects.

3. How do you feel about me submitting myself for projects? 
There are many ways these days to find out about projects on your own. There are open calls listed in Backstage and plenty of resources on the Internet. While your potential rep will work hard for you in securing auditions, there may be times when you find something that he or she does not know about it. Ask how they like to handle this. What about student films? Find out if they are open to you pursuing these leads on your own. Remember you are part of the team, and it’s nice to know they are a team player.

4. Do you recommend photographers, acting, voice or dance teachers? 
There are a plethora of photographers and teachers out there. Ask what this potential rep thinks of your current headshot. Who takes their clients’ fabulous pictures? Find out where some of their other clients study acting, voice or dance. It’s always great to get a personal recommendation when you can.

Remember, good teamwork is just as important for an actor as it is for a star basketball player. Doing your research, knowing what questions to ask, and gaining a good understanding of how an agent or manager can represent you will help you choose the very best rep to be a part of YOUR winning team.