Acting for my Son

Hi there. I'm new and hoping you can help me out here. My son (who is nearly 6) is extremely confident & outgoing and loves to sing, act, dance etc - basically he just loves to perform! I am trying to find the right way to go about getting him into some acting - tv ads etc & possibly even theatre. Also, which would the the correct type of acting classes to send him to? I had him with Helen O Grady's but that wasn't what I was looking for as they teach more confidence building which he definitely doesn't need. I want him to do something where he gets to perform & utilise & develop his talent. His teacher has told me that he's a 'rare talent' and in her 10 years of teaching she's only ever come across one other child like my son. I even have the school principle encouraging me to get him involved in some other acting. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Sandi, Your son sounds like a wonderful, happy little fellow who seems to have been 'bitten by the bug' quite early! There have been a few posts on this site in the past in response to similar requests from parents regarding the best way forward for eager little people. Some of the advice already offered may prove helpful. It must be encouraging to have the Helen O'Grady teacher speak so positively about your son's talent and passion at such an early age and the professional world of acting may seem like a totally logical and natural 'next step'. On that subject I feel there are perhaps a few points to consider further. It is a blessing that your son is so confident and outgoing at the moment. He must really be enjoying getting involved in drama, pretending to play characters and just enjoying moving and grooving to music with other kids. In my humble opinion, I think that's exactly where you want to be with a 6yo child, regardless of how much early promise or 'rare talent' they seem to exhibit. Perhaps the Helen O'Grady system is not the right place for your son at the moment. I have heard good things about this program and I know that it caters for a diverse mix of students who want to improve their confidence, have fun and get an early taste of performance tuition. Maybe there are other avenues that would suit your son better at this time. However, more serious training for a child so young may prove counter productive to his confidence and general enjoyment of performing. Young children can find their way into TV shows, ads and the professional stage. The experience can be enjoyable and profitable and occasionally launch briliant careers. However, days on set can be long, repetitive, stressful and very taxing on young performers. Late nights and limited access to friends, school and family can be a consequence for kids who get in to extended runs of stage shows. I have been on film sets and witnessed tired, bored and exhausted children who are only half way through the shoot. Accompanying them are the equally stressed parents who have also had to be up at the bang of dawn, take the day off work and now have to try and cajole a tired youngster who was 'over the whole thing' 3 hours ago. I'm sure you see what I'm getting at. For the kids who didn't get offered the part there is the reality of rejection after their audition. For an eager, happy, outgoing and performance loving 6yo this may not be the kind of experiences you wish to expose him to just yet. You know your child, how do you think he might cope with the less glamourous and fun aspects of professional acting? I'm not Perth resident so can't recommend any youth theatre schools for you to try. However, perhaps a dalliance in to a more fosuced 'learning environment' may provide you with a more accurate measure of your son's interest and abilities. and there is always amateur theatre to get him in to in the meantime if he's desperate to get out there and entertain the crowds. I hope this helps. Tulipa.

Sandi, what are of Perth are you in? Get him involved in a pantomime put on by a community theatre group

Thanks for your responses. Certainly alot to think about. We're up in Kallaroo. I'll get hold of the Joondalup counsil & ask them about the pantomime. Thanks.

Hi there Sandi, I'm going to add a little bit of personal experience to this one. When I was 7 I started playing the Piano. My parents were told I had a rare talent and was a gifted child when it came to reading and playing music. My parent (being in the 'industry' themselves) jumped on this and moved me into a more advanced class with people twice my age. A beautiful piano was bought for me. etc etc etc. But no doubt you can guess what happened next. I decided I didn't like playing to piano anymore - I didn't think it was fun. I can now play nothing more than Chopsticks. When I was in my teens I picked up the classical guitar. Exams drew near - I felt a familiar surge rush through me - and gave up an instrument I really loved immediately because I didn't want to go through the pressure of it all again. Emotional scar? maybe? However - of course you cannot turn your back on a talent of your child. You may make take his life down a path that will script out his future (no pun intended). Best of luck with holding his happiness & future in your hands. What a balance. - Sky PS i also agree with the others. Try with your local community theatre. That will give you a good gauge as to whether he enjoys rehearsing, stepping out on to stage in front of an audience and delivering lines/performance. It would be a safe experience for you also because you could also be part of the show and you wont find yourself outlaying $$ for portfolios etc.

You might want to try Wannero's Limelight Theatre or the Joondalup Encore Theatre Society

Thank you for your comments. Sky, I hear exactly what you're saying & I certainly don't want to put my Son under any pressure. I just want to help him on the right path if you know what I mean. I certainly don't want this all to affect things like school & just being a normal kid but I also believe he needs some outlet for his talent. I'm going to look at the theatre schools & see if we can get him in there. This is a great site & you have all been very generous with your advice.