How do I get my child started in acting?
Answer:
It depends on the age of the child. If you have a child 5-8, set up a mini-theater in your livingroom and have them perform scenes from kids books. Dramatically recite One Fish Two Fish for you and/or their friends. Also Charades is a great game that promotes and developes acting skills. There is an slight chance of getting a part in a local play, but keep your eyes open.
Children 7-12 have limited opportunities in local theater. If a local theater is doing "A Christmas Carol" have the child try out for a part.
Also this is a good time to look into dance and voice classes. There are many more opportunities for children that can sing, and know how to move on stage. Also work on memorization skills. Memorize and recite poetry and scenes from plays. Teach them to read dramaticly.
Children 12-18 can audition for nearly any role, and should be encouraged to do so if they want to act. If they are just now getting into acting, and really want to do it, they will need voice and dance lessons as well.
Understand that "The Theater" is addicting. I have seen brilliant people throw away promising carreers in Engineering and Business Management, to work in a restaurant by day and live their dreams on the stage at night. I haven't seen any statistics on this for a long time but the chances are very low (maybe 1 in 10K) that your child will ever make any money in it. However for many, it has nothing to do with the money, they are just living the dream.
I'd really recommend against it. A child should be focusing on school, playing, and family...not sitting for hours at go-sees just to be rejected. But if you must, then you have to go to a good photographer and get a headshot/comp card made. Then find a reputable, bona fide casting/talent agent in the city nearest you and call for an appointment. If anyone wants you to pay ANYTHING (other than for the head shot), it is a scam. You cannot go into this ignorant--it is a tough industry with a million scumbags out there. Not the place for a child.
contact disney
you can look for a # on yahoo.com
I would wait for the child to get older and let him/her decide if they want to act. I wouldn't want to act because my parents wanted me to. I would want to act because I wanted to. Many college students are undecided as to what they want to do with their future until their 3rd year of college. That's okay. Don't push it. Kids should choose their own activities/careers.
When you find out let me know. I have a ten year old who wants to act.
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