A-  I’ve worked for 25 years preparing young actors for the Hollywood market.  Quite a few have been working on TV series, Major motion pictures in lead, starring and guest roles.   Over the years, I’ve developed important networking relationships with some of  Hollywood’s biggest professionals in the TV/Movie Industry for young talent.  These include  Bob Preston ( who was Head of Youth Division of L.A. Talent Agency C.E.D. for 20 years- now C.E.S.D. which discovered and developed Miley Cyrus ( Hannah Montana TV series) career, Hayden Panetiere ( Heroes TV series), Annasophia Robb ( Bridge to Teribitha) and many others.   Cindy Osbrink of Osbrink Talent agency, who reps Hollywood’s highest paid teen actress, Dakota Fanning who was recently in the latest Twilight movie saga, and 12 yr old actor Jae Head, who played Sandra Bullock’s son in the blockbuster movie, “The Blind Side”.   

Here is some of the ADVICE for those young aspiring actors:  1)  BE PREPARED for the Industry. It’s a business.  That means understanding how it works, what you should or shouldn’t do, who does what, from Agent to Casting Directors, Directors, producers, TV vs. Feature Film roles, etc.   The more knowledge you have, the less mistakes you’ll make and the better you’ll do.    2)  Get quality ACTING  TRAINING  from reputable acting schools,  those recommended by top level professionals such as Agents, casting Directors who do work with successful young actors.   The list of those acting studios and acting coaches who are well known and have an impressive history of developing young talent, is short.   You will need to do your research, visit the school/studio, learn about its history, what it offers, etc.   Spend your time and money wisely by getting into the best acting program you can.  You will need to have strong acting skills to be competitive and book roles.   3)  Be DEDICATED and PASSIONATE.   If you are,  you won’t mind putting forth the extra work and time it takes to make it in the Industry.  

These are the basics to get started in the Industry.  More Advice & tips on getting into the acting business, actors Headshots, Resume, What agents do,  marketing and more… coming up in future blogs.

A- It takes more than attending a local talent search to get discovered. If you really want to be an professional actor in TV & Movies, you first need acting training & some experience to even be considered for a role. There are thousands of professional actors all competeting for these jobs, many who have years of experience and an impressive working resume in the business.

Many of these actors are signed with Talent Agents who then send them out to auditions for acting opportunities in TV and Film, Movies, Commercials. Casting Directors have time to see a limited number of actors before having to then choose an even smaller callback group of maybe a dozen actors to then be seen by the Director and/or Producer of that project. Then after one or more callbacks, the one actor is chosen for the role.

A more typical scenario would be like: A 9 year old child enjoys acting, maybe does a few school or church plays, community theater performances, something along the performing arts for a year or more. Mom decides that “little Jimmy/Jenny” could maybe be in a Commercial, then does some research into looking for a Talent agent in their area. Legitimate Talent Agents won’t ask for any money upfront. They get paid only by a 10-15% commission on any job that child actually books. So if that child isn’t fully prepared to beat the existing competition, the Agent makes nothing. This means that any talent the Agent signs, needs to be well trained as an actor. Agents won’t keep a talent/child signed for a year or more, if they don’t start booking jobs and making the Talent agency money.

The Talent Agency may give the child/teen a list of area acting schools to look into and explore. After they receive training, the Agency may re-audition them again to see if they are up to competive level. The specific acting they will need will provide the child/teen with the acting skills for TV, Film, Movie and commercial acting, since these are the type of jobs that they will be competing for. This will give them the knowledge of not only Acting as different characters but also more specific training on what to do on camera, how to audition/interview, understand and take quick Direction, voice training for camera, cold reading skills and
performing for the screen vs. stage.

When filming a commercial or movie, there isn’t time to “train the actor”. They will be expected when booked for a TV/movie production to know what to do “on set” with Cameras, microphones and lights all within several feet of them. It can be very intimidating to try & perform in this type of setting, with many different factors to contend with and on a time pressure deadline.
It becomes logical why producers will tend to choose actors who have training & experience on sets. With professional careers on the line, budgets to stay within, deadlines and more. Much different than a ” school play”.

Bottom line: Save your $1,500-$3,000 and go get real acting training with a reputable acting studio. ( see Breaking into Acting- part 1, previous blog) It will cost less, you’ll get more and have a chance at a real acting career. It will take longer than a “week-end” talent search or two….but you really didn’t think it was that simple..did you? These expensive week-end talent searches are hoping that you and thousands of others think it is…and is willing to pay big bucks for it! Unfortunately, most people don’t know how the talent/acting industry works…so these groups cash in on that fact.
Also, stay away from groups that “float from city to city”. These stay for a short time, have no real local business address to contact them later for any reason…including getting your money back, if you are a dissatisfied customer. They know this.
What they offer, you can get for very small amount of amount locally. Just do your research. Ask questions, know that you may have to sift through dozens of different ads and google searches to find those few who are reputable professionals in your area.
It’s worth the time and will save you money.

A- Several things. First, does the talent have any previous training or experience or is this a new interest?… Why are they interested in acting?…..A positive attitude and enthusiasm is a must. It takes a great deal of effort to develop excellent skills in acting..as anything else, like sports. If they enjoy the process, then it will be an exciting journey, if not, it can be just hardwork. Having a great desire to learn, is priority with me. I can teach any student who has this passion. Then it becomes a wonderful adventure for both student actor and acting coach.

Q- Are there children/teens who just don’t have what it takes to make it in acting?

A- Acting can be easier for some than others. Because of this, it may take longer for certain people to learn acting as quick. It can be difficult, with small steps along their development, when you think it will never happen so one just gives up. Everyone has their own learning curve, but if they really have a strong desire, they can overcome many obstacles. If a person wants to try to learn acting, then they should pursue it, until they find they no longer have the passion.

Q- What should I look for when choosing a good Acting Program for my aspiring young actor?

A- One that’s reputable, preferably with a long successful history of training Young people. Acting for children/teens vs. Adult acting is different. It is best to have acting instructors & coaches who are well versed and experienced with young actors. It’s important to have a strong curriculum that supports the type of scenes, scripts, dialogue that a child or teen would need to train with. The roles that a young person would get would not be the same as an adult actor on a movie, tv show, play, etc. They need the proper guidance & direction that caters to the needs of a child/teen. Vistiting with the Director of the school or the head instructor /coach will help you know whether they have expertise in this area or not. Also, visiting the facilities where your child/teen will be training is important too. Does it have a good positive feel? A stage area to perform on?.. Is it clean and safe? Are there rules, what are they?
By finding a Program that’s outstanding & professional in their: Staff/Head Director, classroom material/curriculum, and facilities and equipment, and experienced in working with children/teens is your most important step in providing the best training experience for your child/teen. How long has that business been open in the local area? Are they a non-profit group or for profit? Ones that are non-profit have to follow many guidelines and are regulated by the state and federal government, that other for- Profit acting studios do not have to follow.
Ask if your child can visit a Class if possible, before having to sign up and pay. Or pay for one Class only, if the child decides they don’t want to study there. Ask what their policy is on leaving the program early and fees involved.

This year’s movie was an action & adventure family film, filled with some added special effects and some clever twists on this years script. ( we’ve done this story several times before..always changing it up ) The Movie featured 12 of our Dallas Young Actors Studio™ student actors ages 10- 18 yrs old. They were in a special Movie “boot camp” for actors, where they had only 1 week to learn the script & complete filming of it. It was an hour long Movie produced by Dallas Young Actors Studio™.

Yes, summer is almost over and everyone’s getting ready to go back to school. That’s why we enroll early with our Fall program & classes- to see all of this semester’s young talent who we will be busy working with! Plus we are planning and scheduling all of our exciting activities, events for the Fall…..
We are SO jazzed already, with our SUMMER CAMPS filled with lots of new talent…some from out of state!… and our recent MOVIE Premier held at the ANGELIKA Film Center in Plano!…. our students were the STARS and CAST & CREW of the movie. …oh..this is our 25th year of presenting this ONE OF A KIND Acting Program experience..no where else in the nation!

We are busy this month already with activities…. Parents MEETING & orientation held SUNDAY, August 23….meet, greet, & learn about our Studio & the acting Industry!.. Actors HEADSHOTS scheduled on Saturdays starting August 29th…Sign up at the office!..come on in and visit with our great Parent volunteers! Grab a CALENDAR & read the activities! It’s going to be a fantastic semester and we’re glad to have so many wonderful families and talented children & Teens!…..

Wow! We just got home from the Parent Workshop. It was great and very inspiring! We learned a lot about what our daughter, Kristin, is doing in her acting classes. We were able to “look” through our child’s eyes today and share an experience.
Linda gave us a ton of information. If you weren’t able to make it to this parent workshop, we highly recommend you plan on attending the next one, probably next spring. We won’t miss it!

First, Linda talked to us about the skills our children are learning. The she took us through a few of the warm up exercises the kids do each class. Then she educated us on auditioning for commercials. She told us what to expect during the audition. She also taught us creative ways to help our child do the best he/she can.

After this experience we realize all the benefits of this education in all aspects of our daughter’s life. No matter what career she chooses these classes will benefit her greatly.

Hope to meet you at the next parent workshop.

The Video from the Young Actors Studio™ DANCE and Costume Party is now online! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!

New Video posted on the Blog…. GREEN SCREEN Acting Class (DAY 1). Get a behind the scenes look at one of our Green Screen Acting classes! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!!!

Young Actor Studio™ Student, Kaitlyn Dever stars in the new American Girl Movie that is coming to DVD soon! Watch the trailer now that shows Kaitlyn! CLICK HERE to Watch the Movie Trailer (it’s in our Blog Videos area)!