Classes: What and When?
"Choosing the Right Kinds of Classes for Your Child"
Trying to figure out whether your child needs to take performance classes? The equation for figuring this out is very simple: Does your child want to break in to showbiz? If the answer is yes, he or she needs classes.
But you don't have to take our word for it. We spoke with Member Top-Rated Agent,
Jeremy Apody of Abrams Artist Agency and he had this to say:
"Starting at the age of four, we like our kids to get into classes and workshops. It's a great way for them to get experience and to work on dialogue and improv."
No matter how talented a person is, if he or she is looking to turn a craft into a career, classes are needed. Even the best Hollywood stars continue to take classes, because regular coaching is part of the job, not just a means to an end.
"We like to see that even working actors are continuing to be coached in order to work on their craft," explained Jeremy.
The bigger question really is what type of classes your child will need and at what age will he or she need to take these classes.
What age is a good age to start with classes?
Even young children can begin taking classes designed to fit their needs. A good age to start acting classes is probably about the same time that your child is ready for school. If he or she is comfortable being apart from your for short periods of time and can take instruction from another adult, he/she can probably begin to take classes.
"A good time to start training is when your child can read, focus and memorize," notes Member Top-Rated Trisha Simmons of LAKidsAct.
You, of course, don't want to overwhelm your child or push them to unreasonable limits, but there are classes designed for little ones to teach memory skills, help them interact with others, learn to take direction, and these classes often include games that will help them increase their creativity.
What types of classes should I take?
Children In Film recommends starting with a class in an area in which your child is fairly interested or skilled. For example, if your child is good at performing monologues and wants to increase this skill, a monologue or scene study class would be good. Boost confidence in areas that your child excels and then work on areas in which he or she needs improvement.
"If a child has an agent or manager or simply knows they want to take acting more seriously, they need to take classes that give them the tools with which to audition, prepare cold readings, and approach a script and scene study," suggests acting coach, Loren E. Chadima of Intentional Acting.
"Then [the actor will want to] move into some of the 'business side' of the Industry: camera technique, cold readings, style & tone," explained Simmons. "And once they are booking roles, there are more in depth courses."
Where can I find reputable classes?
"Anybody can create an acting class for kids," warns Chadima. "So a parent has to listen to their intuition to know if the school and the teacher feel trustworthy and safe for their child. Is it a class where your child is encouraged and empowered to grow and explore? Reputable acting teachers should have an education in acting themselves as well as some industry credits."
Children In Film offers a way for our members to find classes, nationwide. Plus, you can read the ratings and recommendations from parents and other pros who have worked with the acting coach. Simply search acting classes and coaches in our Member Directory.
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