Are you the parent of a child or teenager who loves to act? Here are some suggestions to help you encourage their interest:
Look for after-school acting programs in your community. There are two kinds of drama programs available for young people under the age of 12. One type is skills-based, performance-based, and geared towards the development of acting ability. The other is more experiential, and enhances personal skills through the use of fun and engaging drama activities: imagination, collaboration, problem solving, story creation and more. You’ll need to decide which is more appropriate for your child. Drama programs for teenagers tend to focus on the development of key performance skills.
If possible, take your child or teen to the theatre! As an instructor in the drama department at the University of Waterloo, I was constantly surprised at how many of my students had rarely stepped foot in the theatre! Even if your child is more interested in acting for film that for the stage, theatre is stull the only way to see live actors explore their craft, and many great actors begin their careers in the theatre. Try to encourage a wide range of theatre interests. Go to see musicals… but also classical theatre and contemporary greats.
Here’s a question we’re often asked: if your child loves acting, should you try to get them an agent, and encourage them to audition for professional shows? My answer is almost always no. Begin with acting classes. Look for opportunities for your child to perform. Encourage and develop their interest. Regardless of their eventual goals in life, the personal skills they will develop through a love of drama are invaluable. Pursuing professional work is only appropriate if this is something your child is passionately driven to do.
Many families live in communities without the resources to meet the needs of a child or teenager who loves to act. Or, drama schools and performance opportunities exist, but your actor needs more. An overnight program like Centauri Summer Arts Camp may be the answer. We bring together young people from all over the world, for between 8 days and 7 weeks each summer, to explore arts programs. Young actors choose from specialist acting programs such as Stage Combat, Clown, Devised Theatre, Acting for Film, From Page to Stage, Comedy and An Actor’s Company. All acting programs are taught by qualified and experienced professionals, and everyone works towards a show at the end of the session. It’s about top notch training, developing creative skills – and building community, too.
Julie Hartley
Director
Centauri Arts
416 766 7124