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Special
E-Report for Parents of Teenagers who want to get into Acting.
For some parents the news that their child wants to become an
actor is about as welcome as a pimple on Prom Night; Others push
their kids into the limelight in a blind frenzy, with stars in
their eyes; And then there are some, like my own parents were, who
don't push or pull but very cautiously
support their child. The results?? Well, me, I've made a living in
the business but will your child....?
Here's
some genuine advice and information from one parent (I have an 8yr
old girl) to another.
Firstly, the chances of any one child becoming a 'Star' are very,
very, small. Secondly, the chances of a child growing up and
making a living from acting are around 4 or 5%. Things sound bleak
so far don't they..... However, the chances of a child who has
studied acting/drama growing up to be a confident, competent
communicator who enjoys a successful non-acting career are greater
than 60%!
Children reap huge benefits by
studying acting and drama; confidence, social skills,
communication skills, public speaking etc, all help a child to
become successful in whatever career they
choose.... and Yes some do become successful actors!
Let's
for a moment assume that you have decided to support your child.
Here are a few tips.
1) Do Not
spend excessive money on photos. To begin with a good head and
shoulders shot, taken by a competent friend,
will do.
2) Do Not
spend money on an agent. They are supposed to make money from
making you money. Any agent who asks for a sum of money up-front
are telling you something.....RUN!
3) Do
spend money on their education and growth; Acting classes, dance
classes, a video camera.... anything that has a real, long term, broad
benefit for your child. You will need to spend some money, just
spend it wisely.
4) Read
through the other e-reports that have come with this one, the
information contained will help in your understanding of what your
child faces.
5)
Finally, we all have dreams and aspirations, somewhere in life a
lot of them are squeezed out of us. When pursuing
an acting career there are always disappointments along the road.
Maybe it's not getting the lead in a school play or perhaps
it's running a tight second for the lead in a feature film. The
disappointments will come. Children should learn acting to grow,
become better people, better communicators and maybe even go on to
a career. If you and your child focus on the learning, education,
fun and personal growth factors inherent in learning acting then
you can only win. The child will become a confident and socially competent
adult. If you focus purely on 'Stardom' 99% of the people reading this
will be disappointed.
I wish
you and your child all the best, Drama and Acting have a lot to
offer if you look at it in perspective.... and who knows, it may
be your child who goes on to make it all the way!
Kind
Regards
Robert Carne
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