Young Actors Studio™ – Blog

Breaking into the Acting business

August 17th, 2009

by -Linda Seto
Q- When you Interview & Audition an aspiring young talent, what do you look for?

A- Several things. First, does the talent have any previous training or experience or is this a new interest?… Why are they interested in acting?…..A positive attitude and enthusiasm is a must. It takes a great deal of effort to develop excellent skills in acting..as anything else, like sports. If they enjoy the process, then it will be an exciting journey, if not, it can be just hardwork. Having a great desire to learn, is priority with me. I can teach any student who has this passion. Then it becomes a wonderful adventure for both student actor and acting coach.

Q- Are there children/teens who just don’t have what it takes to make it in acting?

A- Acting can be easier for some than others. Because of this, it may take longer for certain people to learn acting as quick. It can be difficult, with small steps along their development, when you think it will never happen so one just gives up. Everyone has their own learning curve, but if they really have a strong desire, they can overcome many obstacles. If a person wants to try to learn acting, then they should pursue it, until they find they no longer have the passion.

Q- What should I look for when choosing a good Acting Program for my aspiring young actor?

A- One that’s reputable, preferably with a long successful history of training Young people. Acting for children/teens vs. Adult acting is different. It is best to have acting instructors & coaches who are well versed and experienced with young actors. It’s important to have a strong curriculum that supports the type of scenes, scripts, dialogue that a child or teen would need to train with. The roles that a young person would get would not be the same as an adult actor on a movie, tv show, play, etc. They need the proper guidance & direction that caters to the needs of a child/teen. Vistiting with the Director of the school or the head instructor /coach will help you know whether they have expertise in this area or not. Also, visiting the facilities where your child/teen will be training is important too. Does it have a good positive feel? A stage area to perform on?.. Is it clean and safe? Are there rules, what are they?
By finding a Program that’s outstanding & professional in their: Staff/Head Director, classroom material/curriculum, and facilities and equipment, and experienced in working with children/teens is your most important step in providing the best training experience for your child/teen. How long has that business been open in the local area? Are they a non-profit group or for profit? Ones that are non-profit have to follow many guidelines and are regulated by the state and federal government, that other for- Profit acting studios do not have to follow.
Ask if your child can visit a Class if possible, before having to sign up and pay. Or pay for one Class only, if the child decides they don’t want to study there. Ask what their policy is on leaving the program early and fees involved.

Entry Filed under: Interview with the Director