Child actors. is it right?

Hello,

I am doing a research assignment on child actors. If you could possibly answer these questions and email them to me it would be so much help. Please note: Your email address and name will be kept confidentail. The only other person who may see this information is my teacher. For more info please email at - jassy_jase@yahoo.com

Q1:
Do you believe its right for mothers to push their children, some as young as 2 into modeling and talent agency's?

Q2:
At what age do you belive children should be allowed to work in the arts industry?

Q3:
Do you think it's right for theatre companies to use children to rope in profit. Eg. Annie, Oliver, Sound of Music.

Q4:
Should we wipe out child performing all together in television/theatre. Allowing only children from 15 onwards to enter this field?

Q5:
In your own opinion, what is a normal childhood?


Thank you for your time,

Jason Triggs.

Hello Jason.

I hope you will find my response to your survey in your inbox.

It may be handy, for some, to know what outcome of this survey you intend to achieve. From reading some of your questions, I would say that your are looking for a negative outcome ie. it is not right for children to perform in theatre or television. For example, Question 3 asks whether it is "right for theatre companies to use children to rope in profit". Examples given include productions such as Oliver, Annie and the Sound of Music. Whoever may be completing this survey will be impulsed to answer a resounding 'no' to this question: after all, nobody wants the young and innocent to be taken advantage of by a big, bad producer. But it is, indeed, rather subjective as to whether or not a theatre company is taking advantage of them - largely depending on if the company in question is an ametuer theatre group or professional company which is in search of profit. One would suggest that an ametuer theatre company would not use children to reap the benefits, as they are a not-for-profit organisation, and any funds gained are usually returned into the theatre. If it is a professional company, then the actors should receive the payment that a 20 or 30 year old actor would receive, respective of the role played. If it is resonable in respect to what the other actors are receiving, and they are still being used in a profiteering matter, then the whole company of actors are in the same boat.

Question 2 asks if it is "right for mothers to push their children, some as young as 2 into modeling and talent agency's (sic)". Once again, we are compelled to reply 'no'. Once again, this is another subjective and, to some, a highly sensitive topic. My view on this, is if the child doesn't complain (cries, wails, etc) and the parents are decent in handling the payments (eg. depositing in a trust fund or holding it for their future use) then I see no problem with it. It is only when it is completely against their will, and when they are not enjoying it that their parents should wake up and realise what they are doing. I child might not be old enough to understand exactly what's going on, but they are never to young to know whether or not they like it.

In the end, this all comes down to child actors' rights: Who controls them, and what they are. I child has a right to refuse what they are being 'spoon fed', but if they go with the flow, then they also have the right to whatever benefits come from their services. But a child should never be prevented from entering the industry, because if they want to do it, then nobody should be able to stop them.

Good luck with your assignment.

Cheers
Alan Gill

"I have great faith in fools. My friends call it self-confidence."
- Alan Edgar Poe

Well said Alan. You echo my thoughts far better than I did.

See the message under Billboard Bulletins

http://www.theatre.asn.au/read.php?f=18&i=2520&t=2517

Jeff "Hollow Echo" Watkins

[%sig%]

Dear Jason,

As a reply i would like to say that i am a child actor. I have been training and working in the buisness for about 5 years now and at the moment i am 14 years old. I feel that i was never pushed into the industry but have such an ambition towards it that i strongly disagree to your comments. Through the last five years no theatre or televison companies have taken advantage of me. Not once. Maybe you should try to talk to more child actors before encouraging us to answer negativly as i am sure that many of us have just as much ambition to get work and be proffesional actors in later life as many actors.

Thanks,
Lauren

Good to hear from the focus of the disucssion. It's great to have a passion. Let it atke you to the stars.

Jeff.

[%sig%]

Hi,
sorry i'm not going answer your questions, becaue i figure you will have already finished your project. The reason for my email, is that i am currently doing my thesis on children in theatre and am looking for examples of plays with children (not musicals). Just wondering if you found any? Or If you have any other information you would be able to pass on.
thankyou
my return email is nessydoor@hotmail.com
ness

1.No
2. Depends on child
3.Yes
4. No, tv and theatre need children, some children need to perform
5. A child should have the opportunity to express himself through music, visual arts and kinetics. a child should be able to express emotions, learn by example, be respected, and learn respect

1.No
2. Depends on child
3.Yes
4. No, tv and theatre need children, some children need to perform
5. A child should have the opportunity to express himself through music, visual arts and kinetics. a child should be able to express emotions, learn by example, be respected, and learn respect

Jason;
Why do u ask? Its not up to u, your just trying to get a neg. survey on child performing. I dislike people who try and ban child performing-Yes, there should be limits, but ask yourself this...do u have children? If answer no, you really have no right to comment on the subjects. Please think twice before where you post negative surveys like this.
Abby Nicole

Jason;
Why do u ask? Its not up to u, your just trying to get a neg. survey on child performing. I dislike people who try and ban child performing-Yes, there should be limits, but ask yourself this...do u have children, or are you a child? If answer no to both of them then, you really have no right to comment on the subjects. Please think twice before where you post negative surveys like this.
Abby Nicole