6 Ways Child Actors Can Salvage the Summer

With lights dark until 2021 and COVID numbers still on the rise in many states, most educators have decided to continue teaching virtually. This has unfortunately resulted in camps and programs being canceled for the 2020 season, causing many students to worry about how they’ll continue to train. Lucky for them, educators have stepped up to the plate creating programming where different classes can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Whether it is Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Hangout all you need is a phone, an iPad, or a computer to get started. 

With these options available, here are six ways your young actor can get the most out of their training this summer. 

1. Small group foundation building acting classes.

When your busy young actor is running from audition to audition and performing eight nights a week, they may not have time to focus on structure and building an acting foundation. Small group acting classes with 8–14 students is a wonderful way to cultivate trust within a group, learn from others, and grow with confidence. The good news is many of these classes can be taken online over the summer, allowing students from different locations and backgrounds to grow together. Start by enrolling your child in one of these courses. Many have adapted well to the virtual format so your child can continue learning in a structured environment, despite the uncertainty brought by today’s pandemic.

2. Masterclasses with working performers.

With so many performers out of work, Broadway actors are teaching what they know and do best. Many have begun leading master classes online with prominent student groups, which provide a fun way for your child to improve their craft with artists they admire. Scour the internet for single-day workshops and master classes. Many don’t require huge time commitments and they allow your child to take notes from their Broadway idols. They’re also great for students who live outside of New York who wouldn’t be given these opportunities if they hadn’t gone virtual.

3. One on one coaching.

There’s so much to learn to become a multi-faceted performer. The beauty of working one on one with a coach is you can focus on you and the specific skills you want to excel in including acting technique, voice, Shakespeare, monologues, audition technique, dance, dialects, and just about whatever you feel you need to improve. Working online also provides a unique opportunity to utilize your surrounding environments in ways you wouldn’t in person. Many teachers have been using FaceTime for years to work with students that live far away, so the good news is that the system has already been polished and improved.

4. Mindfulness, relaxation, and stress relief courses.

Being a busy young actor can be stressful and that stress has only been compounded by the recent break in routine that many children are experiencing. Enrolling your child in mindfulness and relaxation courses online is a great way to help them destress and cope with any confusion they might be feeling. While it’s important that they continue honing their acting skills, they shouldn’t neglect their mental health in the process. Online meditation can do both, helping your child improve their focus during work and keeping them healthy.

5. Explore YouTube.

YouTube has always been a great resource for young actors to improve their skills, and its benefits have become more apparent during social distancing. Kids can go online and find free tutorials on anything from cooking to basketball. This can be a great way for them to learn a new skill for their résumé or for them to improve their singing and acting technique. Bear in mind that few of these videos are uploaded by licensed professionals, and they should never take the place of class and coaching for your child. The first person your actor should consult for acting advice is always an instructor they know and trust. But if your young actor is in the mood to learn how to dribble a basketball or do a Russian accent, YouTube is a highly accessible resource.

6. Join virtual performances. 

From cabarets to monologue slams, there are plenty of performances that have gone online and are now accessible to anyone in the world. This allows students to be viewed by hundreds of people who wouldn’t otherwise get to see them. I absolutely recommend auditioning for one of these programs. They’re great ways for students to perfect their skills and make new friends online, and many invite industry guests to the viewings. Students can learn to film themselves effectively and share their work with professionals who often give helpful critiques.

There’s no telling when the entertainment industry will resume in-person classes and auditions, so it’s important that students continue adjusting to a virtual world. These programs are more accessible than ever before, and many have been perfecting their online models for months now to ensure that students can continue to grow over the summer. Even if their camp isn’t meeting in person, students can still receive value on line.  This will assure that they’re ready when our world opens up again.