Hello,

I've been reading the board for a few weeks and especially appreciate the posts of actorsmommy and dramamama and mominbiz. Thanks Ladies!

In my readings, I've gathered that acting classes are really important to a child's career and may even help her determine if ths is the right choice for her. However, we live about 3 hrs from NYC (in Northeast MD).

Here's what I'm asking in this post: Should I look for classes in my area or go for a NYC based class?

You probably think I'm nuts for even asking that question. Obviously the NYC option is going to be WAY more costly and difficult to manage in so many respects (homeschooling makes it a little bit more doable) . . . but I could be shelling out hundreds locally for years and get no valuable feedback.

So, what do you experienced moms/parents think? Would it would be worth the investment to call say, Madelyn Burns office, and try to get my DD in there? (We do not have an agent yet, and I understand that might be a problem.)

I'm of the mind to do what it takes to find out if my DD is really talented enough to "make it" in this business Yes, I know how subjective this business is, but I also believe that a trained professional can assess my child's talent better than I. My DD is very serious about pursuing an acting career - - on stage, TV, Film - just anywhere she can express herself! I want to be supportive, but also realistic.

Sory for such a long post. Please feel free to PM me.

Not sure how old your daughter is.

Most agents will tell you that acting classes are not needed for a child under the age of 10. In fact my d is 11 and I was told by our agent NOT to have her take any lessons

I am sure there are classes in your area if thats what you would like for your daughter.

There is no need for you to travel 6 hours a day for a class once a week for 6 weeks. Madalyne also offers intensives for a weekend. No one there will "assess" your daughters talent. Someone like Lane Napper could do that for you and he is BRUTALLY honest!!!

Madelyne classes are really more about getting seen by agents and managers (with the exception of Roger Becker from Just voices who I hear is fabulous)and may help you in that respect but keep in mind many are weary of repping someone who lives so far away.


You do not need an agent to get into one of Madelyne classes. They are open to all.

My DD is very serious about pursuing an acting career - - on stage, TV, Film - just anywhere she can express herself! I want to be supportive, but also realistic.

FORGOT TO SAY: My DD 10 y.o. and has been doing community theatre and dinner theatre since she was 5.

There are some things you can do for free and one of them is to audition for student films. Contact the colleges in your area and in DC that have film departments and ask what their submission procedures are. This is a great way to give your daughter a taste of the business without spending a cent. The director will work with her and she will learn more than in most classes. If your DD is over 10 and doesn't have any solid credits, you will kill two birds with one stone.

Many musical theater companies offer programs for kids in the form of workshops. Your dd may not be that interested in MT, but working with other kids and learning to follow directions are huge parts of this business. You will also get to network with other parents and may learn more about local classes.

You should also submit to agencies in Baltimore and DC. Perhaps Philadelphia as well. Working in a small market is less competitive and offers some great opportunities.

When you are ready to get a NY agent, that is the time to take a class from a place like Madelyn Burns. Your dd will be performing in front of agents and you want to make sure she is ready.

For a one-shot NY class, take Lane Napper. He has a "new to Lane" class where he meets with parents afterward and gives his, as Castlerock said, VERY honest opinion of your chances and what you need to do to improve. For most kids in NY he is their favorite teacher. He knows his stuff and the kids love him. If you want a talent assessment, he's the guy.

I definitely think you should start locally/regionally. Traveling back and forth to NYC for training and such may quickly prove daunting. There are many professional theatre opportunities in your area. Check out the Univ. of MD site below for some links.

http://www.theatre.umd.edu/

Why don't you try some of the workshops first. A lot of the different acting teachers, agents, and some parents give workshops throughout the year. Then you could probably get advice from other parents who attend, about the different acting classes in your area.

But, while I do think some kids have natural talent, I think they all could use some type of training at some point. When I went to a workshop given by one of the top agents here in ATL, the agent said that, when they have open calls or interviews for new talent, she can always tell which kids had good training.

Hope that helps some. Good Luck!