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Good acting makes the art of acting look effortless and watching strong performances will help young actors catch the nuances of a truthful and realistic performance. These four films feature fully-developed young characters and award-winning performances. While they were made quite some time ago, the honest acting and wide variety of roles will give today’s young talent compelling examples from some of the greatest child actors.
With Broadway lights dark until 2021 and COVID numbers still on the rise in many states, most educators have decided to continue teaching virtually. This has unfortunately resulted in camps and programs being canceled for the 2020 season, causing many students to worry about how they’ll continue to train. Lucky for them, educators have stepped up to the plate creating programming where different classes can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Whether it is Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Hangout all you need is a phone, an iPad, or a computer to get started.
Q: How can my child get cast in an indie film? —Jane S.*
Independent films can be a great launching pad for an actor’s career. That being said, getting cast in an indie film is not much different from getting cast in any other medium.
The first things to consider are your child actor’s talent, readiness, marketability, and type.
Let’s be honest. Comedy is hard! Understanding timing, the secret to comedy, and the drama beneath the character’s warped reality is not easy. The first step to improving your child’s comedic game is finding good material. There are plenty of online reservoirs of simple comedic monologues that can work, but I prefer to look to published plays, TV and film scripts, and even novels for more layered, nuanced material.
I’m not a big fan of generic monologue books. Every now and then I’ll run across a piece that is well-written and works nicely, but most of the time they’re trite and obvious. Instead, I look for monologues from plays, movies, and even novels, which contain conflict and good character work. These can be hard to come by for kids under age 12 though.
So here are five dramatic monologues for kids that are sure to push your child to improve their acting skills.
From balancing the drama inherent in comedy to understanding wacky, slightly awkward characters, tackling comedic monologues can be one of the most difficult tasks a student undertakes. The first step to nailing comedy is finding good material. This can be challenging as students often fall into the trap of choosing generic monologues without depth or focusing on surface-level gags. It’s important to remember that monologues should be active instead of passive and be age-appropriate and relatable. It’s OK to piece together several small speeches to make a monologue cutting as well.
While many think that children have to be a specific type to be cast in TV and film, or that there isn’t any work for teens, that’s untrue. TV and film are actually very accessible, provided you know how it all works. The first step to getting your child into the business is understanding the casting process. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Holidays, travel, family, food, chaos. It’s what life’s about. So what better place to learn about human behavior than at a large family gathering or traveling with Aunt Beth, Uncle Billy, and their three children? Perhaps you’re stuck in the airport due to a weather delay and your flight is canceled. Turn lemons into lemonade this holiday season and work on developing new characters by people watching, try learning a new accent while waiting, tap into some newfound emotions, be observant, or just be thankful.
With a week to a month off for some, there’s enough time to learn a new skill, get introspective with journaling, or give back with community service. Here are some ideas for how young performers can stay active and productive this holiday season.
What do shows like “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “Waitress,” “Frozen,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “The Lion King” all have in common? They’re all running on Broadway and employ child actors.
There are many roles for children and teens on and Off-Broadway, as well as in regional theater. While good actors make acting look easy, getting cast in a live theater production is no easy feat. It takes hard work, discipline, and persistence. It also requires an understanding of the audition process.Here are five things you need to know.
Imagine this scene: You close out of iMovie and back away from the computer having just finished editing clips for your child’s demo reel. It’s terrific, and you marvel at how well your child’s personality and talent shine. There’s only one problem: how do you get the reel seen by anyone? It can’t get your child work if no one sees it.
So, what can you do? Here are four ways to get your child’s reel seen.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
Join Denise Simon and CESD talent agent David Doan in this week’s episode to get the inside tips about actor representation. During this interview, David answers many commonly asked questions as well as gives some unexpected advice about the role of agents and what you and your child can do to elevate your career to the next level! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear a top agent’s thoughts on the industry and what talent can do to make the most of their relationship.
One of the trickiest and most important elements of the business is finding representation. There are so many options so it can be difficult to know where to begin! It is crucial to choose the right people to be a part of your child’s team! On this week’s episode, Denise Simon answers many commonly asked questions about what the difference is between an agent and a manager and what you can do to cultivate the best working relationship.
Has your child ever dreamed of being on Disney, Nickelodeon, or Broadway? Are they performing skits for you in your living room? With so many roles for young actors, now might be the right time to get them into show business! Denise Simon, former celebrity talent manager, and expert youth acting coach will answer all of your questions about what it takes to get your child started and thrive in the business of show business.
We have lived through trying times these past few years. Between the times of isolation, fewer auditions, and trainings on Zoom instead of with people, it’s been challenging. Thankfully, things are starting to return to a sense of normal. As you begin thinking about 2022, here are some ideas to start your new year off right:
One of the most common questions I get asked by parents of young actors is how they can best support their children at auditions. Whether it’s running lines, serving as a reader, or helping with a self-tape, if parents don’t know a thing or two about technique, they may actually be doing more harm than good. I recently worked with a top L.A.-based casting director and when asked how to remedy these issues, her advice was simple: “Take an acting class.” Here are five reasons why that advice is sound:
Many of my students are curious about theater opening up again and changes to the industry. More specifically, the audition process. With Broadway, television, and film resuming production, the question of auditioning in our new reality is increasingly becoming a hot topic among actors.
Imagine yourself in an audition. You may be reviewing a monologue or reciting lines from a scene as you nervously wait to be called in. While preparing, you remind yourself of the notes that you were given by your acting coach. Once in the audition room, you slate and perform your monologue or scene. What happens next is the wild card. The panel of casting, film, and/or TV directors might smile and say, “Thank you, next!” Or they may give you direction and adjustments. In order to take the direction given, you need to have the foundational skills to act and the ability to understand the language and concepts. A casting director or director expects the actor to be trained and ready for the role they’re auditioning for. To succeed in your audition, you need to understand the differences between working with coaches and directors, and the notes you’ll receive from both.
I’ve worked in the youth acting industry for over 30 years as an acting teacher, career consultant, and former talent manager. I know and collaborate with many youth agents and managers, and can shed some light on what makes a good agent or manager for your child. Let’s first start with the differences between the two, the roles they play, and why some are better than others.
College is a big investment! With today’s tuition ranging anywhere from $25,000–$75,000 per year students often have to scramble to figure out how to pay. There’s no guarantee that the career you choose will pay for all of your expenses, so it’s important to consider your future before leaping too quickly into student loans. Here are five ways teen actors can lighten the burden of college tuition.
Having clear and proper speech is essential. It’s how we communicate and share our ideas, and, more importantly, it lets us express emotion. For an actor, the voice and the body are tools that work together to tell a story. If one can’t be properly understood, how can a young actor do their job and get an audience engaged? Many of my younger students have trouble understanding and controlling their voices. Here are five ways young actors can improve their diction.
At 22 years old, Amanda Gorman is the youngest poet ever to speak at a presidential inauguration. Last week, people across the United States and the world were captivated when Gorman read her moving poem titled “The Hill We Climb.” Less than a week later, she’s a sensation. As I listened to her stirring recitation and watched her interviews on television, I couldn’t help but think how much young actors can learn from this young woman.
How do you tell your parents that you want to be an actor? You may be worried you’re disappointing them because you aren’t going to take over the family business or become the doctor they want you to be. But have some faith. When you’re following a path you’re passionate about, your parents will do anything they can to support you. That said, there are still a few things you can do to alleviate their stress at knowing you want to start an acting career. Here are some tips if you’re wondering how to convince your parents to let you be an actor.
The holidays are fast approaching and with canceled vacations, many of my students have been looking for something to keep them sharp over the break. Why not settle down with a good book? Actors can learn a lot just by reading the works of veterans in the field. Here are eight ideas for the child actor, parent, or teacher to get cozy with over the holidays.
The world we’re living in right now is full of uncertainty, but it’s important that we try our best to maintain business as usual. Many schools have moved classes online, but for students in the arts that can be challenging. As an acting coach, I’ve been teaching on Facetime and Skype for years for students who are on the road or who don’t have access to teachers because they’re in smaller markets. In an attempt to continue regular training for my students, I’m now teaching group classes on the platform Zoom. Here are the benefits I’ve found my students experience through online learning.
With productions shut down and theaters only now starting to open up, many of my students have been asking how they can stay sharp in their acting. The great thing about living in the digital age is that students don’t need to wait for opportunities to come knocking at their door. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are all great platforms for young actors to create their own content, garner some attention, and have fun doing it. Here are some pro tips for students who want to start creating their own content.
After months of COVID-related audition and production shutdowns, the acting world is beginning to reopen. I’m fielding many questions from my students’ parents regarding safety precautions, auditions, schooling, and on set protocols. Here’s some information that you should consider so that you can make wise choices as you think about your child actor returning to work.
Who isn’t in search of an exciting, job-booking dramatic monologue? As an acting coach for kids, teens, and young adults, I understand the struggle, having spent hours searching for engaging material to use as teaching tools. Throughout my ongoing searches, I’ve explored the classics and great writers of the past, but I’ve also found many contemporary playwrights producing current, trendy material.
Kids grow and change quickly. New heights, haircuts, styles, and skills appear daily as they mature. In the entertainment industry, your image, age, and type all play a part in determining what jobs you’ll be right for. Just as you need to update your headshot regularly to stay current, the same needs to be done with a demo reel. Here are the signs your child actor needs a new reel.
One of the most troubling areas of study for young actors is Shakespeare. They feel challenged by the language, vivid characters, and scenes that are often foreign to them. Young actors are typically still growing vocally, physically, and emotionally. Working on Shakespeare helps connect all these different moving pieces so that they can work with confidence. It’s a great way for them to expand their craft, and when given the right material, they can actually have a lot of fun with it.
Every young actor dreams of the chance to deconstruct and explore Shakespeare. High stakes, vivid language, rhythm, and poetry all come together to create a perfect storm of lyricism in his work. This is the kind of material that will really push a young actor to dig deep with his nuanced characters, and it’s pretty popular in the high school scene. That said, it can often be difficult for teens to find material that they can connect to and understand.
