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Tips & Tricks from Industry Insiders
While many think that children have to be a specific type to be cast in TV and film, or that there isn’t any work for teens, that’s untrue. TV and film are actually very accessible, provided you know how it all works. The first step to getting your child into the business is understanding the casting process. Here’s what you need to know.
What do shows like “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “Waitress,” “Frozen,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “The Lion King” all have in common? They’re all running on Broadway and employ child actors.
There are many roles for children and teens on and Off-Broadway, as well as in regional theater. While good actors make acting look easy, getting cast in a live theater production is no easy feat. It takes hard work, discipline, and persistence. It also requires an understanding of the audition process.Here are five things you need to know.
Imagine this scene: You close out of iMovie and back away from the computer having just finished editing clips for your child’s demo reel. It’s terrific, and you marvel at how well your child’s personality and talent shine. There’s only one problem: how do you get the reel seen by anyone? It can’t get your child work if no one sees it.
So, what can you do? Here are four ways to get your child’s reel seen.
Did you know that your behavior influences your child actor’s opportunities?
In my more than 30 years of teaching, coaching, and directing child and teen actors, I’ve seen parents who unknowingly sabotage their child’s ability to get parts. Those parents weren’t intentionally harming their child’s career. They just lacked insider information about what directors and casting directors are looking for when they screen young actors.
My long-time colleague Matt Lenz is a theater director based in New York who has worked with child actors on Broadway, in touring productions, and in regional theater. Most notably, Matt directed the national tour of “A Christmas Story.” He has also worked on “Billy Elliot,” “Hairspray,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Sound of Music,” all shows with multiple child and teen cast members. I spoke with Matt recently and asked him to give me the scoop on what he looks for in child actors and their parents.
Matt and I both agree that working with young actors is different than working with adults. “I can’t believe how skilled and intuitive some young actors can be,” said Matt. He always chats with young talent and gauges their ease, ability to be in the moment, and how they can relate to adults. “It can be a hard test for a child to connect with adults and not be overly precocious,” Matt shared. He finds that a child who can be natural and authentic will be most successful.
Over-coaching your child is the biggest mistake you can make. “It is hard to break some kids who are over-prepped and over-rehearsed,” says Matt. “It is helpful when kids come into rehearsal with their lines memorized but not OK when I see kids make gestures that their parents coached them to do.” Directors like Matt can readily spot young talent who come to an audition highly coached.
Caution to parents: Please don’t coach your child if you don’t know what you are doing. It won’t help them in the audition room or during a performance. (I’ve written about the dangers of over-coaching previously.)
Directors like Matt cast young talent with enthusiasm and a strong desire to act. They also want a child who can stay focused and in the moment as well as connect honestly with the character. Too much pushing for perfection by parents can stress a child and harm their enthusiasm and joy for acting.
As for newcomers, I asked Matt if a lack of experience would prevent a child from being cast. He replied, “Absolutely not. Everyone has to start somewhere.” If your child is inexperienced and cast in a role, directors will often cast a more experienced actor as a cover or understudy.
Many of us who work with children have also worked with “parents from hell,” well-meaning people who are pushy, demanding, or unrealistic about their child’s skills or fit for certain parts. It is a difficult situation for everyone. Be aware that creative teams evaluate parents during auditions as well as the youth. If you are difficult, you may very well cost your child the part he or she so desperately wants.
Instead, be open to conversations and working with directors to create the best possible experience for your child as well as the show. Parents need to accept direction too! If you can demonstrate a sense of humor, a flexible approach, and a willingness to take suggestions, you will be the kind of a parent directors love to work with.
Be aware that when your child or teen is cast in a production, it requires a commitment from the entire family. There are long hours of rehearsals, travel, and coordination with school and other activities. Your child may need to give up sports or time with friends to honor their commitment to the production. Parents who are good role models can help their young actor as well as their entire family cope with the challenges and changes that will occur during a show.
Your child has a dream of being in the spotlight and soaking in the applause after a successful performance. By using the tips mentioned above you can help make that dream come true.
“Acting for Dummies” is the silliest name for a book on acting because acting is certainly NOT for dummies. It takes a real education to look natural in front of an audience or camera. As an acting coach, my teaching style consists of myriad techniques learned over the years from some very gifted teachers in the industry. This mix is also reflected in my reading list. Between my Kindle and my bedside table, I have perused and read far too many books to list in one article. However, I’d like to recommend six must-haves for aspiring and working actors alike.
Q: My 10-year-old daughter just landed a role in a short film that begins filming in three weeks. What’s the best way to help her memorize her lines before then? —@dramamomma, Backstage Community Forums*
When it comes to memorizing lines, the way your child learns the words is just as important as the way she performs them. I’ve found that learning lines by rote is the best, most effective way.
This means rewriting the lines completely free of stage direction and punctuation; basically, as a long run-on sentence. This way, your daughter learns the words without meaning and without concern for how she will deliver them. Since punctuation and stage directions are the first things that lead an actor to a predetermined and intellectual way of performing, removing them allows her to solely memorize and then instill her own take on them.
In real life, people rarely talk with any notion of punctuation. It happens on its own as they’re speaking and is based on what’s happening at that moment. The same must be true in acting, and memorizing by rote will help your daughter give a more natural performance.
To start, read the scene very slowly with your daughter. Have her listen and respond, learning the words as best as she can. Then move on to line rehearsal, where she’ll spit the words out mechanically without any pauses. If she pauses or messes up, have her start again. In line rehearsal, there’s no acting; it’s just a great way to get stronger and stronger in knowing the words.
Q: I see that a play in the New York City area is auditioning “Equity actors.” My daughter is 11 and is new to the industry. As I understand it, Equity is essentially union and non-Equity is nonunion. Can she audition for an Equity show? I’m reading that one of the few ways to become Equity is to be hired into an Equity show.—@NoviceDad, Backstage Community Forum*
You are correct in thinking that Equity is union and non-Equity is nonunion. Typically, only actors who are in the Actors’ Equity Association union are invited to attend an Equity call.
However, because many young actors are not members of Equity, when it comes to auditions, nonunion actors may be seen at the end of the day if time allows. Of course, there’s no guarantee your daughter will get to audition, but many of my clients over the years have done so successfully.
In terms of your daughter joining Equity, there are a couple of options. She can join by virtue of employment under an Equity contract. Another way to join is if she has been a paid member of an affiliated union such as SAG-AFTRA, AGMA, or AGVA for one year and has worked as a principal or “under-five” (under five spoken lines), or has at least three days of extra work in that union’s jurisdiction. (Make sure to check Equity’s official website for clarification!)
The benefits of union membership include safeguards for child actors, such as parental or guardian supervision, education, safety, compensation, and limits on working hours. She will also get a pension and health care coverage, higher wages, discounts, and access to educational and business seminars.
That said, I don’t advise joining the union until it’s required. It’s a common myth that union membership is essential to getting representation and auditions, but children can usually be seen anyway. Don’t limit your child; once she joins the union, she’s ineligible for nonunion work and there is far more nonunion than union work available for young performers. Gaining experience will provide the necessary learning opportunities for growth.
These days, young actors are being asked more and more to come to auditions with scripts fully memorized, even if they’re provided with pages the night before. Obviously, this is a difficult and daunting task for actors of any age, but especially so for young actors.
So how can you make the task a bit easier and more manageable? Glad you asked! When it comes to memorizing lines—whether for a production or audition—the way you learn the words are just as vital to the way you perform them. As such, we have found in working with so many young actors on this exact task that learning lines by rote is the best, most effective way.
What does it mean to learn something “by rote”? In short, it means rewriting the lines completely free of stage direction and punctuation...basically a long run-on sentence. If it’s a whole scene, write your lines and the other characters’ lines without capitalization, punctuation, or stage direction.
And why do we think learning lines by rote is the best course of action?
Because it means you learn the words without meaning and without any concern for how you will deliver them. Since punctuation and stage directions are the first things that lead an actor to a predetermined and intellectual way of performing, removing them allows you to solely memorize words and then instill your own take on how to act them. For example, if you see a question mark at the end of a line, you assume you have to raise your inflection when speaking the line. But that’s just an idea—you can perform that line any way that feels right to you in the context of the scene, inflection or no.
READ: 5 Steps to Understanding Your Scene as a Teen Actor
The truth is that in real life, people rarely talk with any notion of punctuation. It happens on its own as they’re speaking and is based on what is happening at that moment between themselves and the others in the conversation. The same must be true in your acting and memorizing by rote will help you with a more natural performance down the road since you haven’t made any hard-and-fast decisions about how you plan to deliver the lines.
Ready to give it a try? When you first start rehearsing, read the scene very slowly with your acting partner. Do not try to perform yet. Really listen to the other person and simply respond to what they say and do. Allow the meaning to brew in you slowly and steadily.
Once you have the words learned as best as you can and think you really know them, move on to line rehearsal, an effective and fun way to work with your scene partner to get the words even more implanted into your veins.
Get a small ball or pillow—anything you can toss back and forth with your acting partner. Stand about five feet apart and begin to throw the object back and forth rapidly. Then, as you are tossing the object to each other, begin to say the words of the scene as fast as you can. Spit the words out of your mouth mechanically, automatically, mindlessly, without any pauses. If you pause to remember a word, you must start again at the beginning of the scene. If you get stuck and mess up a word, you must start again at the beginning of the scene. Continue to do this before every scene rehearsal until you can do the whole scene—beginning to end—without any mistakes in the words and without pauses.
In the line rehearsal, there is no acting; it’s just words shooting out of your mouth as fast as possible and a great way to get stronger and stronger in really knowing the words. This is so important because when you put the scene on its feet, if you have a beautiful and unexpected moment between you and your partner, the first thing to go out the window will be the words. When you get stuck in this way, you’ll both miss out on a wonderful and surprising moment. But if you really know the words, they will simply ride on the wave of life that is happening and this creative event will take you by storm, which is exactly what we want.
Good actors make acting look effortless. That’s why everyone wants to be an actor. But the truth is, we all know it’s difficult. Yes, you need to train, hone your skills and craft, network, and have what the casting directors need. But being a good actor takes much more than that. Begin following these simple tips and you just might find yourself working more.
Say please and thank you.
It’s what your parents taught you. Saying please is just good manners and makes the other person feel comfortable. People want to be appreciated, plain and simple. And practicing gratitude will make you happy. Say thank you to your agent, manager, casting director, director, assistant director, fellow actors, craft services, the stage manager...anyone and everyone. You never know where your next job is coming from.
Tell the truth.
Telling the truth will bring you peace of mind and allow you to have integrity. Everyone wants to work with someone with integrity. In an industry where people lie to get what they want, telling the truth will earn respect. Be truthful with your words, in your picture, and on your résumé. It must all represent who you are really are, not who you want to be or think someone else wants you to be.
As an actor working on a character, we uncover the lies to get to the truth. We must get to our own truth as well. Watching a truthful actor is an extraordinary experience. The audience can spot a liar—they’re not stupid.
READ: 6 Books Every Actor Should Have on the Shelf
Listen.
Sure, we all practice listening. Do you ever see an actor scrunch up his face to show he is really listening? As my friend and colleague Larry Silverberg says, “listen with the ear of your heart.” That is what real listening means. It’s hard and takes practice, but when you achieve it, you can be fully present with another actor and with anyone you’re interacting with. It’s a great gift to be heard and one that may land you another job.
Go on more auditions.
I encourage all my students to go on as many auditions as possible. The more you audition, the more comfortable you’ll be with the process. You’ll also hone your skills at interpreting material and putting your unique spin on characters. Acting can often be a numbers game. The more auditions you attend, the better your chances are at landing a part.
While you’re waiting, observe others. What do the other actors do that impresses you? What about the casting director and other staff members? Can you learn anything about them by their mannerisms and communication as they watch auditions? This isn’t an opportunity to judge others so you can feel better about yourself. Instead, it’s an opportunity to shift your focus from your own performance and learn from other actors. Everyone contributes something special to an audition, even if it didn’t go well. Watch and learn.
Have quiet confidence.
I was recently on set with a few of my students shooting a film. I marveled at how the director connected with one young actor in particular. She possessed a quiet confidence the other young actors lacked. She was prepared for the challenging scene, but each time the camera stopped rolling and things shifted on set, she remained quiet, professional, and always with a confidence that said, “I’ve got this and am ready for anything.” She listened and offered an opinion or point of view when asked. Actors that possess a quiet confidence in the audition room are apt to get a director, producer, or casting director’s full attention.
Many young actors are taught to play “tactics,” an action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end. The word brings up images of generals sitting around a war room, strategically planning an attack on the enemy. And that’s exactly how most actors approach the “playing of an action.”
But we prefer to call actions or objectives “doings.” What’s the difference? With “doing,” you’re not pretending or faking something, you really do it, hence the name. This small tweak in approach will lead to great acting that is truly alive.
For example, you’re playing a character named Sally who just found out she’s failing math class. She needs to get the teacher to change her grade so as to not disappoint her parents. All too often, we’ll see the actor make a sad facial expression and sad sounds with her voice to make it seem like she is, in fact, sad about the grade. This is called indicating and it’s nothing more than a lie.
To really grip the audience and hit them where they live, the actor instead needs to actually experience and feel what the character is experiencing and feeling. She needs to be devastated. She needs to beg the actor playing her teacher, not just have her character beg another character. It’s a simple concept, but it’s not as easy to achieve.
Have you ever seen an actor onstage who is supposed to be hungry and eating but only pretends to eat, not actually putting the food in his or her mouth for fear of the food getting in the way of the audience appreciating the clever way he or she is delivering lines? If you’re supposed to be hungry and eating cereal, eat the cereal. Really do what you are doing.
How? Here’s an example from life that may help illustrate the point.
You come home from school and your sister is standing by the sink, crying. You rush over and hug her but she pushes you away and shouts, “Don’t!” What do you do next? Do you run right back and hug her again in the same way? Of course not. You’re a human being and you would adjust to the information you just received from her response. Maybe you remain silent for a moment. Maybe you gently whisper, “What happened today?” The only person who would rush right back over and throw their arms around her in the very same way would be the actor who had carefully and strategically rehearsed their “tactic.”
While you must always know what you’re doing or what your objective is, the how to do it is supplied by the other person. You must learn how to actually receive what the other actor is giving and then authentically respond to that behavior, moment by moment.
This takes a lot of practice and is only truly achieved through training with others. It requires taking risks and being willing to explore freely with your mind, body, and spirit. The objective must be accomplished with all of your behavior—the speaking of the words, your physical and emotional behavior, the way you listen and receive what the other actors are giving you.
It’s invigorating stuff and will transform the quality of your acting in the most brilliant way, making you what we call a “true actor.”
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
The internet has provided an ease of accessibility that has made the entertainment industry harder than ever to navigate. There is more opportunity to fall prey to a casting scam and bad teachers. However, in this episode, Denise’s advice and tips will give you the tools to spot red flags in the industry. Don’t let a bad advertisement and ill-intended “industry professional” get in the way of your child’s road to success.
Join Denise Simon and CESD talent agent David Doan in this week’s episode to get the inside tips about actor representation. During this interview, David answers many commonly asked questions as well as gives some unexpected advice about the role of agents and what you and your child can do to elevate your career to the next level! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear a top agent’s thoughts on the industry and what talent can do to make the most of their relationship.
One of the trickiest and most important elements of the business is finding representation. There are so many options so it can be difficult to know where to begin! It is crucial to choose the right people to be a part of your child’s team! On this week’s episode, Denise Simon answers many commonly asked questions about what the difference is between an agent and a manager and what you can do to cultivate the best working relationship.
Has your child ever dreamed of being on Disney, Nickelodeon, or Broadway? Are they performing skits for you in your living room? With so many roles for young actors, now might be the right time to get them into show business! Denise Simon, former celebrity talent manager, and expert youth acting coach will answer all of your questions about what it takes to get your child started and thrive in the business of show business.
We have lived through trying times these past few years. Between the times of isolation, fewer auditions, and trainings on Zoom instead of with people, it’s been challenging. Thankfully, things are starting to return to a sense of normal. As you begin thinking about 2022, here are some ideas to start your new year off right:
One of the most common questions I get asked by parents of young actors is how they can best support their children at auditions. Whether it’s running lines, serving as a reader, or helping with a self-tape, if parents don’t know a thing or two about technique, they may actually be doing more harm than good. I recently worked with a top L.A.-based casting director and when asked how to remedy these issues, her advice was simple: “Take an acting class.” Here are five reasons why that advice is sound:
Many of my students are curious about theater opening up again and changes to the industry. More specifically, the audition process. With Broadway, television, and film resuming production, the question of auditioning in our new reality is increasingly becoming a hot topic among actors.
Imagine yourself in an audition. You may be reviewing a monologue or reciting lines from a scene as you nervously wait to be called in. While preparing, you remind yourself of the notes that you were given by your acting coach. Once in the audition room, you slate and perform your monologue or scene. What happens next is the wild card. The panel of casting, film, and/or TV directors might smile and say, “Thank you, next!” Or they may give you direction and adjustments. In order to take the direction given, you need to have the foundational skills to act and the ability to understand the language and concepts. A casting director or director expects the actor to be trained and ready for the role they’re auditioning for. To succeed in your audition, you need to understand the differences between working with coaches and directors, and the notes you’ll receive from both.
I’ve worked in the youth acting industry for over 30 years as an acting teacher, career consultant, and former talent manager. I know and collaborate with many youth agents and managers, and can shed some light on what makes a good agent or manager for your child. Let’s first start with the differences between the two, the roles they play, and why some are better than others.
College is a big investment! With today’s tuition ranging anywhere from $25,000–$75,000 per year students often have to scramble to figure out how to pay. There’s no guarantee that the career you choose will pay for all of your expenses, so it’s important to consider your future before leaping too quickly into student loans. Here are five ways teen actors can lighten the burden of college tuition.
Having clear and proper speech is essential. It’s how we communicate and share our ideas, and, more importantly, it lets us express emotion. For an actor, the voice and the body are tools that work together to tell a story. If one can’t be properly understood, how can a young actor do their job and get an audience engaged? Many of my younger students have trouble understanding and controlling their voices. Here are five ways young actors can improve their diction.
At 22 years old, Amanda Gorman is the youngest poet ever to speak at a presidential inauguration. Last week, people across the United States and the world were captivated when Gorman read her moving poem titled “The Hill We Climb.” Less than a week later, she’s a sensation. As I listened to her stirring recitation and watched her interviews on television, I couldn’t help but think how much young actors can learn from this young woman.
How do you tell your parents that you want to be an actor? You may be worried you’re disappointing them because you aren’t going to take over the family business or become the doctor they want you to be. But have some faith. When you’re following a path you’re passionate about, your parents will do anything they can to support you. That said, there are still a few things you can do to alleviate their stress at knowing you want to start an acting career. Here are some tips if you’re wondering how to convince your parents to let you be an actor.
The holidays are fast approaching and with canceled vacations, many of my students have been looking for something to keep them sharp over the break. Why not settle down with a good book? Actors can learn a lot just by reading the works of veterans in the field. Here are eight ideas for the child actor, parent, or teacher to get cozy with over the holidays.
The world we’re living in right now is full of uncertainty, but it’s important that we try our best to maintain business as usual. Many schools have moved classes online, but for students in the arts that can be challenging. As an acting coach, I’ve been teaching on Facetime and Skype for years for students who are on the road or who don’t have access to teachers because they’re in smaller markets. In an attempt to continue regular training for my students, I’m now teaching group classes on the platform Zoom. Here are the benefits I’ve found my students experience through online learning.
With productions shut down and theaters only now starting to open up, many of my students have been asking how they can stay sharp in their acting. The great thing about living in the digital age is that students don’t need to wait for opportunities to come knocking at their door. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are all great platforms for young actors to create their own content, garner some attention, and have fun doing it. Here are some pro tips for students who want to start creating their own content.
After months of COVID-related audition and production shutdowns, the acting world is beginning to reopen. I’m fielding many questions from my students’ parents regarding safety precautions, auditions, schooling, and on set protocols. Here’s some information that you should consider so that you can make wise choices as you think about your child actor returning to work.
Who isn’t in search of an exciting, job-booking dramatic monologue? As an acting coach for kids, teens, and young adults, I understand the struggle, having spent hours searching for engaging material to use as teaching tools. Throughout my ongoing searches, I’ve explored the classics and great writers of the past, but I’ve also found many contemporary playwrights producing current, trendy material.
Kids grow and change quickly. New heights, haircuts, styles, and skills appear daily as they mature. In the entertainment industry, your image, age, and type all play a part in determining what jobs you’ll be right for. Just as you need to update your headshot regularly to stay current, the same needs to be done with a demo reel. Here are the signs your child actor needs a new reel.
One of the most troubling areas of study for young actors is Shakespeare. They feel challenged by the language, vivid characters, and scenes that are often foreign to them. Young actors are typically still growing vocally, physically, and emotionally. Working on Shakespeare helps connect all these different moving pieces so that they can work with confidence. It’s a great way for them to expand their craft, and when given the right material, they can actually have a lot of fun with it.
Every young actor dreams of the chance to deconstruct and explore Shakespeare. High stakes, vivid language, rhythm, and poetry all come together to create a perfect storm of lyricism in his work. This is the kind of material that will really push a young actor to dig deep with his nuanced characters, and it’s pretty popular in the high school scene. That said, it can often be difficult for teens to find material that they can connect to and understand.
