7 Lessons Young Actors Can Learn From Amanda Gorman

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. 

1. Overcoming obstacles. 

I have many students with dyslexia who wonder if they’ll be able to act because of their learning disability. Reading out loud, even though it’s hard, is one of the best ways to combat it. Speaking wasn’t always easy for Gorman. She struggled with a speech impediment and auditory processing issues throughout her life. Speech articulation was particularly challenging for her. She struggled with the R sound in particular. Gorman listened to the Aaron Burr song from “Hamilton” over and over, which helped her master the R sounds. Acting requires continual practice to develop skill and confidence.  

2. Hard work pays off. 

A recent Harvard grad, Gorman is getting the attention she deserves not because of luck but because of hard work. In her “Good Morning America” interview she spoke of her doubts and fear about speaking at the inauguration. She worked hard to overcome those doubts and delivered a wonderful presentation. Success comes to those who work for it. Acting looks easy because good actors make it look that way. It takes years of training and discipline before it all pays off. 

3. Command of language. 

Audiences respond to precise speech supported by inflection and tone. They can’t help but listen. Watching Gorman recite her poem with simplicity and ease, I was magnetized by her exquisite pronunciation. Young actors who master diction will command attention from their audiences.

4. Physicality. 

Actors don’t just act with their voices but their bodies too. Gorman used her hand gestures to support each line of her poem. In my classes, I teach the Laban method of interpreting and visualizing human movement. As young actors become more comfortable moving their bodies, their physicality will support their words, just as Amanda’s did.

5. Truth and simplicity. 

Skillful actors find the truth in their work. Gorman spoke with simplicity and sincerity. No one could doubt that she was speaking her truth. What makes great actors great is finding the truth in their work. When young actors find their truth, they communicate it with ease and simplicity, delivering powerful performances.

6. Passion. 

When I played this speech for my students, they described the presentation as electrifying, dynamic, moving, honest, and passionate. Gorman’s passionate belief in her words enabled her to speak them with such impact. For actors, in every scene the character played is equally as passionate about what they need. When young actors discover their character’s passion, they too will electrify audiences.

7. Making a dream a reality. 

Just as Gorman dreams of running for president one day, don’t let your dream stop short. Shoot for the stars!

“If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”–Amanda Gorman 

How To Tell Your Parents You Want To Be an Actor

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. 

1. Have a family discussion.

Pursuing an acting career is a big commitment and one that parents and children alike need to be 100% committed to. From headshots to auditions and even just providing emotional support, your parents will play a large role in making sure you can effectively navigate the industry. Because of this, it’s important that you give them the time to ask questions and voice their thoughts. Sit them down and take some time without phones or electronics to really connect with them and make sure you’re on the same page. Siblings should be included as well, though it may be helpful to discuss with parents before bringing little ones into the mix. Make sure you give your parents space to give their opinions too, so everyone can embark on this journey as a cohesive unit. 

2. Explain the why.

If your reason for pursuing acting is that you want fame and fortune, you may want to rethink your motives. If you use acting as an outlet for your creativity and truly enjoy doing the work to understand a character and pursue a career, let your parents know that. As a mom myself, I know that parents will do anything to support their children when they recognize genuine passion. Explaining why you want to be an actor, rather than what will happen after you’ve become an actor, is a great place to start to show your parents that this won’t be a phase you give up on when you get a PS5.

3. Help them learn about the industry.

Unless you were raised in the entertainment industry, chances are your parents don’t know much about it. They probably have a lot of misconceptions that make them worry about your well being as an actor, like acting will cause you to neglect your education or will irreparably damage your self-esteem. The best thing you can do is answer these questions as they come and do some research ahead of time to show that you understand the serious implications of pursuing an acting career. The truth is that even if you don’t end up acting as an adult, the experience can help build self-esteem, teach you to cope with rejection, learn transferable skills, and even help during the college search process. I’ve had students go on to study at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Doing a bit of light reading ahead of time is the best way to guide them into the industry with you.

4. Ask for support.

Your parents are going to be important when you begin navigating this difficult industry. Having a strong support network at home is great for young actors, especially when they begin facing rejection. Make sure your parents understand what you hope to get out of being an actor and ask them if they’re willing to help you along your journey. Whether they’re able to drive you to auditions or just offer emotional support, having them there to back you up will be a great asset along the way.

5. Take action.

After you’ve sat your parents down, it’s good to take action to let them know you’re serious about pursuing acting as a career. Find auditions (Backstage is a great place to start), get in touch with an acting coach, or start finding scenes you like to make a reel. A lot of young actors think that you need an agent or manager to get started in the business but that’s not true. As long as you’re willing to put the work in, there are plenty of opportunities for you to show your passion, and that passion will be infectious. It’s important that you still ask your parents for assistance before you reach out to any contacts, but by finding these opportunities and showing them to your parents, you’re doing the work to assure them that you have what it takes to be an actor.

Talking to your parents about your passion isn’t really that hard once you start. The most difficult part is taking the first step and beginning the conversation. Once you’ve done that, you can bet your parents will do what they can to guide you and become your biggest cheerleader.

8 Great Books for Child Actors, Parents & Teachers

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.

1. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” 

No library is complete without this collection. From the tragedy of “Hamlet” to the upbeat wit of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the Bard has it all. Exploring his signature lyricism can be a great way for kids to keep their acting brains sharp during the holidays. It’s always great for kids to become familiar with old English, and the best place to start is with this hefty collection.

2. “Parenting in the Spotlight: How to Raise a Child Star Without Screwing Them Up” by Denise Simon 

Yes, that’s me! When your child wants to become an actor, you may be thrilled and a little scared. I wrote this book to help parents going through the industry alone, to guide them through getting representation, legal and union matters, balancing schoolwork, and much more. I also speak about the lessons children learn to become happy and successful adults while pursuing the performing arts. If you’re a parent with a child in entertainment or a teacher, this book is your ultimate how-to guide. It’s a great gift for anyone looking to help the child actor navigate the ups and downs of entertainment.

3. “Great Scenes for Young Actors From the Stage” 

This is a great collection of scenes for teens to work with whenever they want to practice their acting techniques. It’s great for young actors who are still trying to find a technique that suits them, and for anyone looking for some engaging scenes to peruse over the holidays.

4. Great Scenes and Monologues for Children Ages 7–14

This is a companion book to “Great Scenes for Young Actors.” It’s another great collection of previously performed scenes to help children sharpen their technique. It has comedy, drama, and everything else your child might want to practice as they break for the holidays. It’s also a great way for young actors to practice their reading skills with fun scenes that they can connect to.

5. “Scenes/Monologues for Zoom” by Larry Silverberg

Written by my friend and colleague Larry Silverberg, this digital download features scenes to perform on Zoom appropriate for teens, college-age actors, and adult actors. Larry is renowned for his best-selling books on the Meisner approach to acting and this book features his wonderful writing for active and compelling scene work in the digital age.

6. “Actions: An Actors Thesaurus” by Marina Calderone

I’ve included this book on my list of must-haves before but it’s worth a mention again. Acting means TO DO. You cannot play a mood but you can play an action. An essential companion to actors, this thesaurus helps them find actions and active ways to approach their work. It’s a great guide for any actor to have in their back pocket, as it helps break down the ways young actors who struggle can remain grounded and truthful in their work.

7. “The complete TIPS Ideas for Actors” by Jon Jory

Jory, a veteran acting teacher, and producer of over 1,300 plays has brought his expertise in the form of tips for actors. Clear, concise, and direct, his advice to actors nails the aspects of performance on the head. Divided into different categories such as textual study, character development, technique, and strategy, Jory covers a wide range of necessary skills that young actors sometimes forget and need to master. I highly recommend this book for young performers, as they can learn valuable lessons without getting lost in an author’s words. 

8. “The Actor and the Target” by Declan Donnellan

This book provides wonderfully specific tips for young actors to understand their craft in a more nuanced way. It works to answer every actor’s essential question: what is acting? And does it in a way that is both witty and insightful. The writing style is best understood by teens and tweens, but it will also make a great gift for anyone looking to get back to basics and revisit exactly what it means to be truthful in your work.

These books serve as helpful guides to push your child to a better understanding of acting and, by extension, themselves. Aside from the books I’ve listed above, it’s always great for young actors to read plays (you can check out my other articles for suggestions on comedies, dramas, and everything in between), and monologues and scenes from performances they can relate to. For anyone looking to keep their minds active over the long break, these works are sure to provide some entertainment and helpful advice while keeping you invested in your craft.

6 Benefits of Online Training for Child Actors

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.

1. Nothing changes. 

Just because kids aren’t physically coming to acting class doesn’t mean they stop working. They still need to log on to meetings on time, have their material memorized, and be accountable when they don’t have props or important costume pieces. This requires a discipline that few kids have when they’re attending class in their PJs and learning from the living room. But acting class is still acting class. Kids learn to be responsible for themselves in unconventional class environments and learn to implement those skills even in times of stress.

2. Can be done from anywhere. 

Whether you’re on the road, on vacation, or stuck at home with your family, you can always log onto Zoom or Skype and make it to class. Ideally, a child will be in a quiet, well-lit room so they can be seen and heard when reading a scene. When a parent is juggling schedules for all of their children, kids don’t have to miss class when a conflict arises. This assures that they won’t miss anything and can maximize their time spent working on scenes with their classmates.

3. Teaches kids to minimize distractions. 

The most difficult part of transitioning from a classroom setting to an online chat is learning to stay focused in often rowdy environments. This can be a difficult skill for young actors to develop, but is necessary for them to have when working on loud, chaotic film sets and in noisy audition rooms. Teaching a child to choose a quiet room for their meeting while their siblings are wreaking havoc and ignoring the distractions around them is a great way to help them prepare for professional work on a set. Online learning presents new challenges, but the ways a student overcomes these challenges can help them learn self-control.

4. Improves technological skills. 

With recent improvements in technology, the entertainment industry has become increasingly reliant on computers for casting and production. It’s important for an actor to have some technological savvy when communicating with others in the industry and when understanding how moviemaking works. Online learning can help teach a student to work with computers, a necessary skill for an aspiring actor, and prepare them for the adult work world. As technology evolves, it’s important for a student to be able to troubleshoot their electronic issues so they can use those skills to enter the workforce. 

5. Improves self-taping skills. 

These days more and more auditions are done through self-tapes, where a child records a video of themself performing with a reader and submits the tape to casting directors. While this may seem simple, a good self-tape is extremely reliant on technological skills that, for busy students, can often go undeveloped. Without appropriate lighting, a flattering camera angle, and adequate sound equipment, an audition will fall flat. Casting will be distracted and unable to focus on the child’s talent. Online learning can be a great way to teach a child the elements of a good self-tape. For the past few weeks I’ve been having my students submit self-tapes to me for this exact reason; having them practice taping at home is important to help them ace their auditions without adding any distractions.

 6. Kids have fun.

Let’s face it. Kids love computers. They connect with their friends from around the globe every day on Instagram, Snapchat, and social media in general. While we may be facing uncertainty with respect to social distancing and how long until they return to school, at least they can have fun using a platform they enjoy. When they learn how to use virtual backgrounds on Zoom, the younger ones won’t want to return to the classroom!

Online learning can present challenges, but there are benefits to a student being able to adapt to changing circumstances and make the most of their time spent online. While ideally, a child would be able to learn acting in a classroom setting, taking a break from the classroom and moving online can, at least momentarily, help them grow.

7 Tips for Child Actors Who Want To Create Their Own Content

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.

1. Know your strengths. 

Knowing the skills you want to showcase is the first step to creating engaging content that speaks to your individuality. If you’re a singer, tell your story through a one-person musical. If you’re a comedian, do some impressions. The best thing about creating content is that you can tailor your videos to highlight your greatest strengths. When you’re beginning to grow your channel and find your niche, individualized content can be a great place to try new things and test out what works for you.

2. Tell a story. 

In acting, it’s important to ground your performance in truth, so both you and the audience can have a deeper connection with the material. Creating content is no different. The most engaging material is always the most genuine. When you tell a personal story, your sincerity and interest shine through to viewers. You can tell your story in whatever way is most comfortable to you: singing, poetry, dancing, or comedy, to name a few. What’s important is that your videos have structure which helps you connect with viewers in a sincere way.

3. Know your platform. 

In the age of digital media, there are many ways such as YouTube, Instagram Live, TikTok, and Snapchat to distribute your content. It’s important to understand the platform you’re using so you know the best ways to convey your stories and messages. If you’re using TikTok, for example, you only have one minute to draw the viewer in and leave a satisfying conclusion. Alternatively, on YouTube you have the option to make videos of whatever length you like, so you have more freedom to decide how long you need to keep viewers engaged. Understanding these differences can push your content to the next level, and get your videos more attention.

4. Quality over quantity. 

One mistake I see many young students make is thinking that they need to make 10 videos per day for their content to be successful. It’s always better to make one movie you’re proud of than to bombard viewers with enough content to monopolize all of YouTube. If you have some time on your hands and you want to make three good videos, go for it. But don’t feel obligated to produce a lot of content if it means the quality of your videos will suffer.

5. Work with a pro. 

It’s always a good idea to get help from a seasoned pro when you’re just starting out. If you want to make a singing channel, consult with your voice coach to make sure your voice is on pitch. If you want a cooking channel, ask a chef. Editors can also help you stitch together your clips in a thoughtful way. While there’s no reason you can’t just jump in and get creative on your own, getting some help from a pro can always make your videos stand out and catch some attention.

6. Use the right equipment. 

If you’re a young actor submitting video auditions, chances are you already know the importance of having a good camera and microphone. The equipment you use can help viewers connect with you and become more engaged. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy the most expensive camera. Most smartphones these days have great cameras. What is most important is that your audience sees and hears you well.

7. Have fun. 

People enjoy watching an actor, dancer, or aspiring magician who loves what they do. If you’re not having fun making your own content, maybe it’s time to switch it up. Try a new format or a new skill. When you’re enjoying yourself it makes the whole experience worthwhile allowing  you to have more creative freedom with your work 

If Lin-Manuel Miranda has proven anything, it’s that actors don’t need to wait for a casting call to find success. By creating content, young actors can get creative with the ways they view their work and get some behind the scenes experience too.

What You Should Consider as Work Resumes for Child Actors

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.

Difference Between Union and Nonunion Jobs

When your child works under the SAG-AFTRA union guidelines, the production must follow stringent safety guidelines. In response to COVID, SAG-AFTRA developed specific protocols to ensure safety during auditions and on set. You can review the safety protocols here.  

If your child works in a nonunion job, the production team will develop their own safety protocols. Requirements may vary widely from job to job. Before your child auditions or accepts work in a nonunion production, inquire about safety procedures for both you and your child. If your child has an agent or manager, make sure to consult with them. Having a thorough understanding of the SAG-AFTRA guidelines will help you evaluate nonunion opportunities wisely.

Auditions

All first auditions are conducted virtually for union jobs, with scripts, rundowns, schedules, and agreements provided digitally. If your child earns a second live audition, they’ll be able to either wait in your car until their turn or in a waiting area with enough room for social distancing. Some productions may use an app for check-in and text messaging to call them in for their audition. If a live group audition is required, actors will be protected either by clear face shields or partitions provided by the producer. Again, for nonunion auditions the guidelines may be different so be sure to consult with your team first.

Quarantining 

Recently one of my students booked a guest role on a television episodic. He was asked to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks before starting work. Since his mom couldn’t leave her full-time job he was accompanied by his aunt, Broadway actor Michelle Aravena. They had no idea what to expect but were excited for the experience. This is how Aravena described it: “The rules of our ‘hard’ quarantine were much stricter than I had anticipated. We were only allowed out of our hotel room for two 30 minute sessions a day which were supervised by a personal assistant in order to make sure that our quarantine was not compromised. We were tested every other day. The most important thing to me was keeping Jordan active and motivated. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be cooped up in a hotel room for 12 days and then be thrown on set expected to be ready and focused. I needed to be sure that he stayed stimulated.”

Make sure the production staff reviews any isolation requirements with you and your child when offering a part. 

On Set Protocols

Safety is essential on set. In union jobs, the SAG-AFTRA guidelines outline requirements for testing, screening, zoning, and the use of personal protective equipment. Aravena says one of Jordan’s favorite parts that made him feel like a movie star was when they were escorted from their trailer to the set and some shouted, “Zone A coming through. Please clear.” Jordan’s biggest disappointment was no craft services!

Schooling 

If your child is working three days or more on set, they’re required to have an on set tutor. I spoke to Alan Simon, president of On Location Education, an educational consulting service for young performers, to hear what he had to say: “The COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement signed by a consortium of unions with the major studios, amends the SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement Section 50.D ‘to provide that [onset] teachers may instruct minors remotely to the extent permitted by law or the applicable governmental authority. The key wording in this sentence is ‘to the extent permitted by law or applicable governmental authority.’ In California, for example, its Department of Labor yields to remote shoots that allow for a studio teacher to be on call virtually. However, live tapings, rehearsals, etc., require the physical presence of the studio teacher. Additionally, parents should also be clear that virtual teaching is not necessarily a panacea. Virtual teaching is best one-on-one, especially onset, where every student comes to the table with a specific curriculum. More than one or two students may not get the focus of a virtual teacher, and so a hybrid of physical and virtual teaching may have to be discussed with production.”  

On Location Education has also compiled a list of resources for on set schooling and industry updates here. 

Managing Anxiety 

With so much uncertainty as virus cases are still on the rise, your child may have many concerns about taking a job right now. Rather than skirt the issue, talk openly and honestly about realities. The worry of imagining circumstances can be worse than what is actually happening. Stress self-care and assure them safety protocols are in place for everyone's benefit.  

You are your child’s best role model, so do your best to stay calm and reassuring. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. If you don’t feel an audition or role is safe for you or your child, decline it and wait for a better opportunity. 

Because we don’t know when the virus will subside, aim to stay flexible, maintain your regular family routines, and work with your child to evaluate each opportunity with an eye on safety as well as how the job will delight and challenge your young actor.

6 Dramatic Monologues for Teens

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. 

Here are my top six picks for dramatic monologues for teens.

1. “A Bright New Boise” by Samuel D. Hunter

“A Bright New Boise” was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and won an Obie Award for Playwriting in 2011. While the play itself is more of a dark comedy in the vein of Sam Shephard, this functions as an unadulterated drama in which a teen boy, Alex, searches for his estranged father. There are several monologues in the play that offer honest looks into Alex’s relationship with his dad, including one that extols Alex’s pipedream of his father being a hero returning from war: “When I was little I used to have fantasies about my real dad coming to get me.” Hunter doesn’t sugarcoat his language, making the characters difficult to support at times but still unwaveringly human. While the language is dynamic, it can be crude, so I always suggest changing it to fit the young actor’s age.

2. “Class Action” by Brad Slaight “Class Action” 

This a collection of 25 scenes and monologues about life in and outside the classroom, and any one of them can be a great audition piece. The dialogue is engaging, funny, heartfelt, and occasionally hormonal, much like adolescence itself. One of my favorites is Dennis’ speech in scene nine where he laments the lack of recognition for intelligence at school and settles on the conclusion that when he gets out, life will be full of possibilities when he “makes a fortune on cutting-edge computer software.” This monologue doesn’t take itself too seriously and can even be funny at times, but underlying Dennis’ struggle is a universal desire to be accepted, and his frustration at a system that places the boy with the 176 IQ on the sidelines. This makes it an interesting monologue for an actor to play with, exploring these themes in a more lighthearted manner.

3. “Fences” by August Wilson

This is one of the more well-known plays on the list, lauded as a “classic American drama.” The piece follows Cory, an African American teenager and aspiring football player living in the 1950s, when he stands up to his abusive father. As Cory confesses his resentment for his father’s lack of support, he gradually finds the courage to openly defy his father and in doing so, to recognize his own strength. I love the way this monologue builds to allow Cory his moment of triumph. The character’s growth and arc in this one-minute monologue is enough to give any young actor room to develop their own character and find their own moments of triumph. It’s understandable to any boy who’s ever felt ignored or insignificant and climaxes in an almost cathartic win for the powerless.

4. “Everything Will Be Different” by Marc Schultz

I mentioned this play in my comedic monologues list because it brilliantly handles vast changes in tone and character throughout. This particular monologue makes great use of its contrasting characters as Charlotte, the “ugly duckling” whose mother recently died, expresses her frustrations to Heather, the most popular girl in school. The monologue is easily relatable to teenage girls, who themselves are constantly bombarded with images of, and demands to, mirror society’s standards of beauty. Beyond this, it offers an engaging character in Charlotte, whose naiveté creates a heartfelt confession as she tries to comprehend her personal tragedy.

5. “Laramie Project” by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project

A high school favorite to produce, this deeply moving play tells the true story of Matthew Shepard, a young, gay man who was the victim of a hate crime and has since become a symbol for America’s struggle against intolerance. Zubaida Ula’s monologue, in particular, stands out as a rallying cry against ignorance, while she herself struggles to comprehend the tragedy that she sees unfolding around her. The monologue is brutally honest and offers a biting look into how hatred can infest and spread beyond a single event, while it still manages to retain the curiosity and confusion universal to adolescence. In the end, Zubaida proves herself to be a confused, morally-driven intellectual, as she begs the audience to recognize the hate crime for what it is: “these are people trying to distance themselves from this crime. And we need to own this crime.” 

6. “Push” by George Cameron Grant

“Push” grapples with heavy subject matter, exploring the life of a boy named Chris after he faces bullying and eventually takes his life. I find it to be a rich source of material for any teen willing to confront these difficult topics. Two particularly engaging monologues follow Eve, Billy’s sister. The first provides a look into Eve’s personal grief when she visits the subway platform where her brother died, attempting in vain to understand the tragedy. The second tackles her guilt when, in a flashback, she sees her brother trying to tell her that he’s gay as she fails to comprehend and provide the support that he needs. Both monologues provide deeply moving looks into Eve as a character, and into her relationship with her brother, and provide plenty of layered subtext for a teen actor to unpack.

There you have it. Six dramatic monologues perfect for an audition or just to improve your craft. Keep these in your back pocket and you’ll be prepared for anything a casting director or director throws your way.

How to Know When a Child Actor Needs a New Reel

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.

Old FootageIf your child is 15 but their reel is still using footage from when they were 8 years old, it’s time to update the reel. Even if the acting is good in the clips, the reel no longer reflects who your child actor is today. Casting directors need to get a sense of who they are now. They’ve grown and matured and it’s time for the reel to showcase that. 

New Style and Type 
In entertainment, an actor’s type is the role they’re most likely to play based on their personality and physical appearance. This can range from the bratty little brother to the girl next door to the bookworm. Your type is important for casting directors to decide where you best fit and what roles you exemplify. So, if your child’s reel was shot when they were an awkward middle schooler, it’s not going to reflect who they are after they dyed their hair blue or became the prom queen. Current footage will help them get the roles that fit their style and personality.

Skill Kids
Don’t just change physically. As they age they also improve their craft and learn new skills. If your child’s reel isn’t an accurate reflection of where they are in their abilities, it’s time for new footage that showcases that. If they’re a stronger actor now than they were when they filmed their reel, get new footage that showcases that. If they’ve learned a new talent that they can use to get cast, they can add that too.

Quality
Whenever you’re constructing a demo reel, the quality of the footage is important to show professionalism. If a reel is made up of home movies that you shot with your phone, it’s time to upgrade. Even phones have been updated and the camera quality has improved. If your child doesn’t have footage from a professional project, it may be time to invest a bit to get better quality footage. I work with a professional demo reel company that writes original scenes for my students to film on a professional set. Just as a professional athlete needs the best equipment like shoes and gear, so does the actor need good quality footage to showcase them properly. 

Getting Called for Ill-Fitting Roles
This is the most common result of a child outgrowing their reel. When a child’s agent or manager sends them on calls, oftentimes they’ll be called for younger roles because their reel footage isn’t up to date. It can also result from footage that just doesn’t capture who they really are, regardless of how much they’ve grown. If you notice your child being called for roles that aren’t right for them, it’s time to get new footage. Remember, a demo reel is meant to market their personality to casting directors. If they’re being called for parts that just aren’t right for them, it’s time to try again.

Rep Request
It’s not uncommon for a child’s agent or manager to request new reel material because they aren’t getting the results they want when they submit the child for auditions. This could be for any number of reasons like poor quality footage, the child looking younger in the reel than they do in real life, or the child not showing their full range. If your child’s agent or manager asks for new footage, be sure to get it to them. Your rep works hard for your child to get them seen by casting directors in the audition room A good quality reel can be instrumental for them to market a young actor and get them auditions. 

Since child actors grow and change quickly, assess their footage twice a year to make sure it accurately portrays them currently. As long as it accomplishes that they should be in good shape as you look for opportunities on your own or through your child’s rep.

5 Shakespeare Monologues for Kids

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.

Here are five Shakespearean monologues for your young actor to explore.

1. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Puck What better character to get kids interested in Shakespeare than the mischievous, high-energy Puck. Puck has many great monologues in the show, from breaking the fourth wall to provide helpful commentary to carrying out King Oberon’s demands, and they can be performed by any child. They rhyme and have consistent rhythms, making them easier to memorize and fun to perform, and the playful nature of the character really gives young actors space to explore the style and make bold choices. It’s a great way to get kids interested in the Bard through material they can have fun with. The various monologues can be found in Act 2, Scene 2, Act 3, Scene 2, and Act 5, Scene 2.

2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Snug the Lion This is a great segue into Shakespeare for very young actors. It’s short and easily understood with some coaching and it provides the adorable irony of a gentle child playing a fierce lion. The monologue can be found in Act 5, Scene 1. In it, Snug explains that although he was cast as a lion in the play, he’s still a gentle creature who may be somewhat afraid of the women in the audience. It’s a great way to introduce kids to dynamic writing, as it balances a nuanced character with humor without losing Shakespeare’s signature lyricism.

3. “Macbeth”: Witches “Double, double toil and trouble! Fire burn and caldron bubble.” These wicked ladies are perfect for helping kids expand their range, playing completely opposite to their personalities while still having to find ways to connect with the characters. The monologue can be found in Act 4, Scene 1, and follows them as they list their ingredients to cast a spell, while also explaining the outcomes of using magic. Kids love getting to play these heightened, extreme personalities while still working to find the humanity hidden beneath the surface.

4. “The Tempest”: Ariel Another gender-neutral, mysterious character, Ariel is a spirit inhabiting Prospero’s island. In Act 3, scene 3, he explains to his shipwrecked guests how he and his spirit friends were the cause of their destruction, chastising them for the poor behavior of the nobility. Its writing is deep and rich, giving young actors a large canvas to work with, and the heightened character allows them to step out of their shells and work with confidence (after all, you do need confidence if you’re going to tell someone they were “belched up” by the sea). This is a great piece for young actors to explore with physicality, giving them the chance to build a spirit and how they think it would move.

5. “As You Like It”: Rosalind This speech is essentially an extended insult, as Rosalind mocks Phoebe for being boring yet egotistic because of the men who fawn over her and can be found in Act 3, Scene 5. The long string of insults flows well because of the engaging language, which will keep young girls excited and connected to the story. It’s also a great avenue for kids to express some of their unspoken frustrations, which is always a cathartic experience.

Working with Shakespeare allows young actors to improve their craft in all genres. Dynamic language and nuanced characters help push them to better understand themselves. These five monologues are great ways for them to start exploring that nuance with scenes that they’ll enjoy. If they need help understanding the language, No Fear Shakespeare is a great resource, although it shouldn't be used as a substitute for reading the full plays.

6 Shakespeare Monologues for Teens

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. 

Here are six Shakespeare monologues for teens that can be found online. If your teen needs help understanding the language, No Fear Shakespeare is also a great resource (though it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for reading the plays).

1. “King John”: BlanchIf you want high stakes, you can’t get any higher than deciding whether to support your family or your husband in a war. The imagery in this monologue in Act 3, Scene 1 cuts to the core. Blanch wonders if “loud churlish drums, brayers of hell, be measures to our pomp.” She begs her husband to reconsider his allegiances as he threatens to take up arms against her beloved uncle, King John. The strong conflict gives young actors the freedom to play heightened emotions, which, coupled with the complex relationship between Blanch and her husband, makes this monologue a great challenge for any girl looking to expand her acting horizons.

2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Helena Always a fan favorite, here the conniving Helena laments her inability to woo Hermia’s suitor Demetrius. Her desire for beauty, as though confirming her appearance to match Hermia’s will make her worthy of love, is one many teen girls can relate to as is her lovesick despondency. There’s also an opportunity for some comedy when she becomes increasingly overdramatic as the scene goes on. The monologue found in Act 1, Scene 1 begins with the line, “How happy some o’er other some can be,” and provides a fun exploration into a misunderstood character that can work with a number of different choices.

3. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: LysanderElsewhere in our Midsummer love-rectangle we have Lysander, begging Hermia’s father to allow her to marry him instead of Demetrius. Aside from the hilarity of calling Demetrius “spotted and inconsistent” to his face, Lysander showcases unexpected bravery in this scene, essentially standing up to the adults in the room, which is a dream that all teens share. It’s a great scene for a timid teen who wants to expand his range and can be found in Act 1, Scene 1 beginning with, “You have her father’s love Demetrius.”

4. “Henry VI Part 1”: Joan of Arc Who wouldn’t want to play one of the toughest, most headstrong women in history? In Act 5, Scene 4 Joan of Arc attempts to escape execution by reminding her tormenters of their own moral failings during the war. Her terror knowing her execution is near is juxtaposed by her need to remain composed as she argues for her life. Her simultaneous anger at the men who call her a witch gives this monologue great versatility with the tools to make creative choices. The language in it can be challenging, so it may require a dictionary nearby for the first read-through. But if you’re a headstrong, independent actor and looking for a character to showcase that, you may be the perfect witch to play her.

5. “Romeo and Juliet”: Romeo A tale as old as time, “Romeo and Juliet” is filled with dynamic monologues for teen boys to explore (including his balcony monologue in Act 2, Scene 2, although that one is slightly overdone). The character is age-appropriate and has the same confusion about life indicative of being a teen. His monologues tackle themes of love, fate, and grief, and use complex metaphors to paint a dynamic picture of what it means to grow up. This makes it an easy character for boys to understand and provides a vehicle for them to improve their craft with nuanced writing.

6. “Two Gentlemen of Verona”: LaunceIn Act 2, Scene 3 Launce explains all the reasons why his dog is the cruelest member of his family, being the only one to not cry when Launce left. Unfortunately, he can’t stop mixing his metaphors, confusing himself in the process. The language in this speech is definitely a challenge, even tripping up Launce, but it’s a hilarious, self-aware piece that an actor can really have fun with. It’s a break from Shakespeare’s typical style of comedy, playing with language and poking fun at his usual use of metaphor. It really gives an actor the space to play with and become more acquainted with the Bard’s style. 

Shakespeare is valuable for any teen actor to study. His plays persist centuries after they were written largely because of their universal themes and characters. They’re great ways for actors to better understand their crafts, but also to understand themselves.