Talent Conventions
(Part I)
We Need Your Feedback!
Each year thousands of children attend acting schools throughout the country such as John Robert Powers, Barbizon and John Casablancas. Along with training courses, these schools offer children the chance to perform in front of industry professionals at large scale talent conventions held in major cities like Los Angeles, NYC and Las Vegas. Here young talent gather enthusiastically in front of discerning agents, managers, casting directors and other industry pros for a chance to show off their star potential.
If you're a seasoned showbiz parent you've probably heard about or participated in some of these conventions, and if you're just getting started, you're probably wondering if talent conventions are a good investment and a good move for your child's career.
While our Forum is filled with questions and stories about acting classes and conventions, there is no one answer.
"We would love to do it again," explained Phillip Bailey whose daughter Jocqueneice attended IPAC (International Performing Arts Conference) in July. "I think Jocqueneice learned how to accept a lot of "no's" before she gets a "yes" which is an important lesson."
While he believed that there was room for improvement, Bailey was happy with the IPAC experience overall stating that it was "fun and exciting" for him and his daughter.
Edie Cisneros' daughter, Anany-Keiko, decided not to attend a convention after her experience with a franchised acting school.
"I believe that there are many parents who expected much
and wanted immediate results," she explained. "[This is] probably because they promise immediate satisfaction, but they don't deliver."
Cisnero recommends parents, "be honest with themselves and with their child - it will make a difference."
As Talent Convention season comes to a close, we want to hear your thoughts on acting schools and conventions. Remember, your feedback helps other parents make decisions as they move forward with their child's career. Whether your experience was positive or negative, we want to hear from you.
Please take the time to fill out this anonymous survey. We will be reporting the results in our next article which will further explore talent conventions.
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