So, yes...she went in for her first interview with an agent and she said that my daughter needs to "engage" as soon as she steps foot in as well as converse and listen to directions. She informed me to enroll her in an acting class as soon as possible and referred me to an instructor who no longer accepts children under 4. My question is, are there any acting classes or classes that I can enroll my daughter in so that she listens more and start getting over her 5 minute shyness?

Thanks in advance....

cant you just wait until she gets older? Maybe she just isn't ready yet.

Yes, Madelyn Burns has a baby class for 3 and 4 year olds for just that reason. They learn how to deliver a commercial (something almost all agents ask prospective clients to do) and they have a showcase for the agents at the end. They are the cutest little things to watch.

That just sounds weird--acting class for a 3 year old? Why not let the kid be a kid--I mean has she told you she wants to act?

Kids like to pretend and they have a natural ability for it. Sometimes putting them in a class or even a local theater show helps the shyer kids come out of their shell a bit.

I've also known lots of kids whose parents have put them into a performance class just because the kids are terrified to get up in school and read a report. Sometimes it has nothing to do with looking to get into acting.

yes, I *personally* can wait longer, she (my daughter who "wants to be on tv like scooby doo and pink panther..and dance and sing like hannah montana") is not so patient. Even after when we got home, she asked, "mommy, am I going to be on tv?". That being said, should answer avidactor's question. As for CSilvera, she is a kid in every way, even more. As for the acting class, I believe it is definitely something good for her *if she really wants to be on tv as she claims*.

Actorsmommy, THANK YOU...I think your answer is the most informative and definitely answered my other question which is, would she learn lifetime skills?

I've never been comfortable talking in large groups and I wanted her to not have this block in her future.

Does Madelyn Burns have a class out here in Orange County areas that you know of? Thanks again Actorsmommy....a lot.

And just for all to know, I took it very well. I told my daughter that "The agent loved your look and believes you can do well, as do I but, you have to talk to people more and listen more...ok? You are still mommy's angel and little actress...."...You all would have been very proud of me! After reading all the posts, I believe I said all the right things...

Thanks for all your input and information on this site...truly!

Dear momcarisa,
we got that once from an agent.. "he is not ready, come back in a year." She was nice and sincere about it but I was not sure I agreed with her so we went someone else. They picked him up and he booked SAG right off the back.. So the moral of the story is that that agent may not see your kid in the best light that day and if she is ready in your eyes now, go to another agent.
As far as shyness.. that is something that a lot of Marital Arts classes address... just an idea...

I would look for a Creative Acting class for your child. It helps them loosen up and connect through group exercises and role playing games.

My DD met with the on-camera dept (age 4) and was taped for a 15 min conversation. They showed her the camera and what they were going to do. They told me that she was shy the first five min, but then opened up completely and was very talkative. They said they typically don't start kids until age 6 - or if they are reading. We plan on meeting with them this Fall as well now that it is a year later, so who knows. We always encourage her to have good eye contact when speaking to others, especially adults/people we come across on a daily basis. I see so many parents who make excuses for their kids who do not interact well with people (she's tired, she is hungry, etc..). I think it should be a priority to help kids to be able to communicate with adults well, it is good for them. Good luck to you!

boysboysboys-thank you but did you mean to say martial arts? she's currently in a Hula Class that has regular dance recitals *for instance a Luau in September with over 1000 people attending* as well as a soon to come, preschool with 3 aids per class *whom she will have to get over being shy*...should I enroll her in another group class?

sydwein-do I just look up Creative Acting Classes in my area? please advise...

drcole22-thank you, I also noticed that for some odd reason, this particular agent could not understand a word my daughter said...even when she was saying "your plants are beautiful"...when asked what she was looking at...

so my next set of stupid question is...I just keep sending out pictures then? Go to Barnes & Noble and pick up the latest Ross Report? Research them on this site to make sure they are legit and keep sending out pictures is the key then...?

Thanks all, for your comments!

Dear mom
I have found that martial arts really was helpful for my kid. I mean this in all ways.. eye contact, focus, control, paying attention, just everything. I feel it helped him with modeling and acting but more important with everything else in life. I do think too many classes is not a great idea either... I think of modeling and acting as an extra curriculum activity for my son (not a career necessarily) and along with martial arts and swimming and school (he is school schooled), i think that is a lot! Most kids are not ready for cameras and lights at 4 or 5... but many kids will be when they are a tad older...good luck.