» Acting for Kids

Is Your Child a Superkid Actor?

actorguru — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:00:31 +0000

What do kid actors and models all have in common? It’s certainly not appearance… they come in all shapes and descriptions. While it would be naïve to say that attractive looks don’t give anyone a social advantage, even that is not a requirement.

A genuinely friendly, outgoing personality, on the other hand, is almost always present in young actors. They are typically not afraid of people. They come up to you, introduce themselves and shake your hand like they’re reaching for a bag of popcorn. When I see that kind of openness, readiness to communicate and engage, I know the person has “performing” potential. Parents often ask if their son or daughter has acting aptitude. Really that question is best put directly to the youngster. When I was a kid no one had to tell me I could draw. I knew it! Most kids already know if they enjoy (and are good) at being a ham. I’d say If they tell you they’re actors or models, believe it! Your real role is to nurture and develop… they’ll take it from there.

Most schools offer some kind of acting curriculum. Encourage your child to take these classes and, if you can afford it, get them an acting coach. There are also community theatre groups that offer young actors a wide range of opportunities. Helping them to locate these programs is on of the best things you can do. Look for auditions to local productions. See if you can get them an agent. And of course get them a professional headshot or composite so they are not competing with a handicap with other youngsters who are “well packaged.”

But what if you were really hoping for a career in law or engineering for your son or daughter? Well, all is not lost! Acting students learn how to communicate… how to project personality… how to entertain. These are things that prepare a kid for the broader stage of life regardless of what direction he takes –corporate executive or movie star. It also teaches discipline because competing in the modeling/acting field, going to auditions, getting rejected, getting accepted… losing at times, winning at others… all this teaches perseverance and the value of working towards a goal. When you stick with it, you win!

Super Kid Models: Meet four of our kid clients!

Derrick started working with Talent Trek Agency in Knoxville four years ago. His first gig was eating Debbie Cakes for a McKee Foods commercial. It was his fifth bithday! Now, at nine, he is a seasoned pro… cool as a pickle! His favorite jobs ever? A Regal Cinema commercial and a Mayfield Dairy shoot. His comment: “it’s all good! Watching a movie, eating Debbie Cakes, and going to the store and seeing my face on an ice cream box!”

Madison was eight years old when she performed her first time… her school’s annual talent show. She was immediately hooked and never looked back. Now at ten, she reflects: “I love acting because one day I can be a bratty rich girl, the next day a poor girl in the South, and another I get to do a flip off the stage, almost drown in water and be carried around by a monster. Acting is so cool.” Her favorite performance ever was: Frankenstein at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA.

Casey, at thirteen, has quite a list of credits to his name. He has acted in theatrical productions since first grade but got his start in Los Angeles after being drafted by an agent at AMTC in Florida. He is represented by Talent Trek in Knoxville, and has done a variety of print and TV including a recent Wal-Mart commercial . His comment: My favorite part of acting is to step inside another person’ shoes and use my own life experiences, as well theirs, to bring a character to life.

Sanzeray is ten years old. He recently finished a commercial for McKay’s Ice Cream, and this comment pretty much sums it up for him: “It’s awesome! I get paid to eat ice cream!” His handiwork has also appeared in Nickelodeon and a variety of print work (most recently UT Medical Center) booked by his agent Talent Trek of Knoxville.

CHRISTIAN LANGE is a fashion and advertising photographer in Knoxville, TN. He works with editorial clients, fashion designers and emerging talent building a career in acting and modeling. You can visit his website at: christianlange.com

Child Actors

Child Actors

actorguru — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:50:13 +0000

Child actors are basically kids in the acting business. Well, duh, I know. However, the purpose of the article is to make you aware of the pressures many child actors face when it comes to self-esteem and maintaining success in this business. If you’re young and hot and an actor in the entertainment industry, guess what? You’re gonna eventually grow up, and guess what again? You’ll be considered a “former child actor.” And a lot of former child actors, unfortunately, do not have a good reputation in Hollywood.

If you’re a parent or a young person reading this, just know that this is a business. The entertainment industry is all about making money. Sure, you’ll have lots of fun on that hit television series, you’ll have lots of fun working on that movie, but sad to say, Hollywood may or may not always hire you. In other words, you may not be “hot” anymore as you start to get older. Yep, only the few survive in this business so you’re gonna have to take certain steps to stay afloat, to remain successful and beat Hollywood at its own game.

In my opinion, the entertainment (acting) business is the most exciting, most lucrative, most enjoyable business you can ever be in. However, it can also be the most cruel and vicious. I’ll talk about this more in other articles. Meantime, just be aware that you need to avoid the necessary pitfalls of becoming another “former child actor statistic.” Here’s a small list of things you can do to stay successful as an actor while you’re young.

1. Finish school. Getting an education is important. I don’t care how hot you get, work on getting that college degree. You may need it to fall back on.
2. Save your money. This one’s for the parents…don’t steal your child’s money. There is a law called The Jackie Coogan Act. Please respect it and honor it.
3. Have a good support system. The people who loved you before you were success will love you when you’re not working, so never turn your back on them when you DO make it.
4. Respect your peers. Never get conceited and start disrespecting people as you start to get popular. This is a common mistake young actors make. Respect everyone. And this goes for directors, producers, your fellow actors, make-up, wardrobe, hair artists and crew–even extras (background players). Do this and you’ll go far. That way, if you ever get down and out in your career; people will remember your kindness and will pull together to lift you back up.
5. Stay away from drugs. It will ruin your career and your life. Never forget that.

Anyway, these are just a few pointers…for now.

Acting Young

actorguru — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:14:10 +0000

Want to act young? Hmmmm…that’s a tough one. Or do you mean you want to be a young actor? Well, the good news is that if you’re young, talented and want to get into acting, Hollywood loves you. Not that you can’t be successful as an older actor but young is “in”. Remember, the entertainment industry looks at you as if you were a “product”. They think about longevity when it comes to your career so if you’re young that’s a good thing.

You have to think “long term” if you want to be a successful actor. You have to plan your career and make sure you also get a full education. First, know that there’s nothing wrong with starting your acting career at a young age. However, convincing your parents to help get you in the business may be tough. If you can start off doing local or school plays then your talent will shine. This may convince your parents to pursue your career further. There are many young actors who work as professionals in the entertainment industry. I started off as a child actor myself when I was only eight years old. It was fun for me. I loved it. I also went to school while I worked as a professional actor. I went to to both regular school and school on the set. When you get around eighteen years old, the entertainment industry will love you if you still look like you’re in high school. When you’re eighteen, you’re considered an adult and can work longer, regular adult hours as a professional actor. If you’re under eighteen you will still be considered a minor and may will have to go to school (tutoring) for at least three hours on the set every day (unless you graduated from high school).

Also, if you’re a minor you can only work for a certain amount of hours per day–depending on your exact age. Basically, the older you are as a minor, the longer you’re able to work on the set. In general, know that it’s cool if you want to become an actor at a young age.

Acting Classes for Teens

actorguru — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:29:48 +0000

If you’re interested in information on acting classes for teens, check out more of the info that Kid’s World provides on their site. Below is some info that they provided.

Acting Workshops – How Much Do They Cost?

A four to six week acting workshop ranges from around $200 to $400 US. Most workshops will have classes once a week for a couple of hours per class. If this seems too pricey, see if the school of your choice offers drop-in classes or discounted programs.

Acting Workshops – Schools to Check Out

Here are a couple acting schools you might want to check out if you’re interested in taking classes:

Lights, Camera, Action! is located in Orange County, California and offers a ton of great classes for kids and teens. Private classes are also offered.

L.A. Acting Workshop is located in Orlando, Florida and offers a wide variety of classes, as well as summer camps and seminars.

The Theatre Learning Center is located in New York City. Here you can take a variety of classes depending on your age and level of expertise.Do you take acting lessons or have you attended an acting workshop? Tell Kidzworld about your acting experiences!