5 Tips for Preparing Child Actors for Post-Pandemic Auditions

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. 

I recently held a livestream where I brought on three different casting directors and directors. They shared their vision of a hybrid audition process with many first auditions by self-tape and further down the road, in person. Theatrical casting hopes to be in person sooner than later. So now that the world is opening up, how do you best prepare? Here are some tips

1. Vaccines and testing.

The unions and productions are still figuring out how to open safely. Most sets will require proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test before shooting. Store your vaccination card on your phone or in Excelsior Pass if you live in New York state. If you’re traveling to and from certain cities, you may be asked to quarantine so research requirements and plan ahead. 

2. Perfect your setup.

Over the past year, actors had to adapt to the new virtual world. Now that we know casting directors are planning to work this way, having the right gear should be of utmost importance. It not only makes you look professional but being seen and heard with no distractions will help you stand out. Make sure you have a blank wall in a neutral color or purchase a pop-up screen. I like the blue and grey ones. You’ll need a tripod for your camera or phone and good lighting. Many of my students have a tripod ring light. Whether you like it or not, the self-tape is becoming an integral part of the process and well worth the small investment. Auditions have been conducted by self-tape and Zoom for over a year now. Proper equipment is expected. There is so much out of your control in this business that you don’t want to be passed over by inadequate equipment. 

3. Use the self-tape to your advantage.

Self-taping allows casting to see many more actors and it provides many benefits to the actor. They can put their best foot forward by doing multiple takes and choosing the best one to send in. They have more time with the scene and more time to prepare. There are no excuses for memorizing their lines, understanding their scene, and making strong acting choices. Also, since actors may still be taping at home, parents should get savvy on being a good reader to increase their child’s chances of having a great audition. 

4. Talk about the audition room.

As casting progresses into callbacks, testing and chemistry reads, actors will be brought back into the live audition room. Since it may have been over a year that your child has been in an audition, remind them of new protocols like no shaking hands. Being around people may generate some anxiety or nerves, especially for those kids who have been worried about getting sick. Talk to them and assure them no one wants to get sick, and everyone is taking measures to ensure their safety. 

5. Stay flexible, adaptable, and open-minded.  

Don’t keep your child so overscheduled and overbooked that they can’t take adequate time to prepare for the auditions that lie ahead. They may have become so used to taping in the basement that the thought of traveling to an audition or performing in a show again might stress them out. Have a family meeting where you talk to your children about their worries, fears, and excitement. What are they looking forward to most? What are they not? Give them space to share their thoughts and feelings. 

For me, teaching online this past year has been both challenging and rewarding. My students have been more disciplined than ever, with fewer distractions in their Zoom boxes but craving the connection with others. We are a strong community and will all do our part to ensure a safe transition back into the room, on set and onstage.

The Differences Between Notes From an Acting Coach and A Director

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.

If you’ve ever worked with me or another acting coach, you’ll understand what I’m about to say. A coach helps students dive deep into a character’s motivations, objectives, and struggles. It’s a collaborative process to help the actor find their truth in the character. Sometimes you’ll be playing a character similar to you. Other times a character could not be more different than you. It’s the job of the coach to help you understand the scene and character while helping you to make strong and interesting choices. 

A director may give a note that says, “Go bigger.” I often give actors notes that say “Go deeper.” A casting director may ask the actor to speak faster. I might say, “Find the urgency that makes you speak faster.” These notes help guide students to think about their character beyond a surface level. It’s not my job to tell students how to act. One of my biggest pet peeves is when actors ask me how they should say a line. I’ll never answer that. Instead, I might have them reframe the question to ask, “Why does my character say that or what do they want right now?” They will then know how to say the line.   

When an actor is brought into an audition, the casting director or director believes that they can play the role and play it well. That being said, they may still give direction to see if the actor can make the adjustment and not get stuck in one way of playing something. A casting director or director may often give notes to the actor such as “more energy please,” “incorporate more gestures,” or “speak louder or more slowly.” They may even give a line reading to get what they need from the actor quickly. It’s the actor’s job to justify these notes with why their character may do these things. 

The director looks for actors that can listen and follow direction. They’re not only looking for great actors but actors that can be flexible. Onset there is an exorbitant amount of pressure on directors to get scenes done in a timely manner. Actors that can’t incorporate style notes and adjust their performances will have more difficulty booking work. Casting directors are also looking for a level of confidence. As I always say, “only confident actors get hired.” If the actor has worked hard with their acting coach or teacher the actor will be prepared to incorporate casting director comments with ease. Also, the more auditions you do, the better you’ll understand how to interpret and apply any director’s notes.  

Working with an acting coach can be a different experience than working with a director. However, both are essential experiences for the actor to learn, grow, and work in the field. When an actor is ready to audition, they need to understand the key differences between how directors and coaches give notes. Directors give notes that should be followed while coaches give notes to help you develop your performance organically. It’s essential to train as an actor either in classes or one on one with a coach so you’re ready to audition and perform, but ultimately it will be the director that hires you and guides your final performance. 

What Makes a Good Youth Talent Representative

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.

A talent agent or agency in New York or California is licensed by the state. They find employment for clients. Most are franchised by the Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) unions, and are affiliated with the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) and/or the National Association of Talent Representatives (NATR). They are usually limited to taking a 10% commission for employment contracts. Some agents prefer an exclusive agreement initially. Others freelance, getting permission to submit a client by calling or emailing.

Just as in many other businesses, agents come in all sizes with different specialties. Large agencies can have several departments including beauty (modeling and print), commercials and voiceover, and “legit,” meaning TV, film, and theater. A smaller boutique agency may be able to provide some of the services a manager provides.

I spoke with David Gilbert, director of young talent at Zuri Agency in NY, who is very selective about who he signs to their theatrical roster. David and his team watch every tape their clients submit, giving notes and adjustments as needed before submitting to casting. They recommend their clients coach whenever possible allowing them to put their best work forward as they see each audition as a chance to be remembered by another casting office.

Another sign of a good agent is one who appreciates managers and can communicate and coordinate with them. Actors with managers can be more appealing to agents, therefore more likely to gain and maintain representation.

While an agent’s focus is to secure employment for an actor, a manager is more focused on growing your career. With fewer clients than agents, they can offer more personalized attention. This doesn’t mean the manager doesn’t get involved in the audition process. Many have good relationships with casting directors themselves and get on the phone to push for their client as well as get feedback after the audition is over.

A good manager will communicate well, help you find other professionals that can benefit your career like acting coaches and photographers, and more. They also help your child and you manage success when they finally land that one job that catapults them into stardom. A manager takes a 10–20% commission on earnings, and usually offers a three-year contract with a two-year extension. 

Before signing with an agent or talent manager, make sure they share your vision of where your child’s career is headed. You must be comfortable communicating with them while being mindful that they have other clients too. Both agents and managers provide representation and support for young actors. What is most important is having a rep who believes in your child’s talent and ability, fights for them, and helps keep their spirits alive during inevitable slumps while including you as part of the team. After all, you are your child’s best advocate.

How Teen Actors Can Pay for College

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.

1. Save

You’re never too young to get a job and start saving for college. You can make a decent salary dog walking, babysitting, or even in food services. If you have been lucky enough to work as a young actor, you can also put that money away. Opening a savings account is a great way to earn compound interest (that is, interest added to the initial sum you put in the bank). There are also plenty of student accounts you can open to avoid service fees or to lower the taxes on the money. Saving can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. It can take a while for spare change to turn into big money, but just remember not to get discouraged. Every little bit counts.

2. Invest

If you make money as an actor, consider meeting with an accountant or a financial advisor to talk about investing some of your earnings in the stock market. If you understand the market and are capable of making educated decisions, you can invest in public companies and increase your profits as the company grows. You can also reap the benefits of compound interest, and earn money through both interest payments and investment returns.

3. 529 Plan

Ask your parents if they started a 529 plan for you when you were younger. This is a plan that parents can open for their kids when they’re born so that in 18 years their investment can grow tax-free. This money can be used for any qualified expense related to education (for example, you can use it to pay for textbooks, computers, expenses related to accessibility for disabled students, or just for tuition). If you get scholarship money from a school, you’re also able to take that amount out of your 529 to use for whatever you want. It’s a great investment opportunity for students looking to save from a young age. 

4. Grants and Scholarships

There are a lot of wonderful grants and scholarship programs for students in need of financial aid, no matter their economic situation. You may find these programs through the school you’re attending or independently through high school programs. For actors, a great place to start is with acting and talent competitions, where prizes can range from $100 to upwards of $15,000. If you’re an actor with a story to tell, there are also plenty of writing and essay opportunities out there to help (“Dear Evan Hansen,” for example, hosts an essay contest with a $10,000 prize). These programs are great ways for you to build your skills and résumé, and they help you to pay off your college tuition by doing something you love.

5. Financial Aid

It’s no secret that many schools (especially elite institutions) offer financial aid to qualifying students. While you don’t have much control over the value, there are still ways that you can maximize the financial aid you receive. For example, if you receive a financial aid package that you believe is insufficient for you to attend, you can often appeal the decision to the school. There are also work-study programs that you can participate in, where a school will forgive portions of your tuition in exchange for work on campus. Working with admissions is a great example. It’s also perfect for theater kids with natural charisma who would be eager to give tours. Just make sure you read your financial aid award letter carefully. This can be the difference between getting a deal you can be satisfied with and being unable to attend.

There are plenty of other ways for you to earn money for a college fund. For example, many students use a two-step college option, where they attend an affordable two-year college for a bachelor’s degree before transferring to a more expensive four-year program. It’s important to remember that there are people out there (parents, extended family, employers), who are willing to support you in any way they can, even if not financially. Just make sure you’ve discussed your future with them before you make any big financial decisions.

5 Ways Young Actors Can Improve Their Diction

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.

1. Tongue Twisters

“I want a cup of coffee in a proper coffee pot.” The first step to mastering diction is making your tongue flexible and the best way to do that is by exercising it, just like any other muscle. Start with something slow, making sure you’re enunciating the vowels. Then speed up and try to keep your jaw relaxed without dropping any syllables. If you want to work on controlling your voice quality (which actors can change to convey emotions), slow it down and assign different emotions to the tongue twister, noting how your voice changes with each. These can be really fun ways for students to gain better control over their voices.

2. Breath

Voice is produced when the air in the lungs passes over the vocal cords, making vibrations. If an actor doesn’t have proper breath support, they won’t be able to control their vocal intonations and will probably get tired more easily, too. But there’s good news! You’ve been breathing since you were born, so you’re already a master. First, make sure you have good posture. This will help you to maintain good vocal health. The voice can only be produced by an exhale, so actors need to work to build their breath support in a way that gives them better control (this is true for singers as well). Try placing a hand on either side of the area below your rib cage. Stand with good posture, inhale slowly, and hold your breath without straining for a count of six. Then exhale slowly while you count to 15, then 20, then 25, etc. This will help you to build your stamina and give you better volume onstage without needing to strain your voice.

3. Relax

Having a relaxed throat, lips, and tongue is the key to maintaining a healthy voice. Just make sure that before you begin any exercise or performance, including tongue twisters, your body and throat aren’t tense or strained. This will prevent you from being hoarse when you speak and sing.

4. Dialects

“The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.” Dialects are diverse and specific. Even if we say we can do an English accent, it’s unclear whether that means Southern English, Midland English, Northern English, Cockney, Geordie, or any one of the numerous tongues specific to the region. As such, to really master a dialect a young actor needs to have an ear for intonation, cadence, phrasing, inflection, and pitch. Working with a coach can be a great place to start, but there are also numerous books and CDs available to help (some personal favorite authors are Edda Sharpe, Jan Haydn Rowles, and Jerry Blunt). Make sure you have a solid grasp on the basics of diction before you begin. This will make it easier to start developing more fine-tuned skills.

5. Voiceover Work

We’ve seen a huge spike in voiceover work for actors during the pandemic, and we don’t predict this increase will dwindle any time soon. Voiceover work is a great way for young actors to flex their diction muscles once they understand diction because it relies solely on voice. It requires a good command of speech, tone, and inflection, but couples that with a need to understand character and intention. Voiceover work requires training and effort before it can be mastered, but when you think you’re ready, it can really help you to use your voice creatively which will help you master other work as well.

In our classes, we always start with a vocal warmup to wake up the lips, teeth, and tongue. This is because diction and vocal control are paramount to a good performance! When an actor can enunciate and use their voice to convey emotion, they can form deeper connections with viewers. If they start building these skills when they’re young, they’ll be unstoppable in whatever career path they choose.

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.