I have been working with young actors for many years- first as a talent representative and today an acting teacher and coach. When I ask them what they want to achieve in this business the responses vary from: to be on Broadway, to be famous, to make people laugh and almost always- to be on a television series.
Years ago when I first started representing actors, television was not a popular option. “Real” actors starred in films or were on Broadway. There was a worry that if you landed a role on television, you might get stuck there.
Today, television is well respected and full of great opportunities. In addition to the networks, there are series on Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu, with many more cable and independent producers arriving on the horizon. Today’s television is outstanding! Just look at your social media feed. We are all tweeting or posting about the fabulous new series we just binge watched or trying to find the time to watch all of the others we just heard about it. Shows like Stranger Things, which include actors I have worked with, have catapulted young careers to stardom. Landing a tv series today is a dream job for an actor because it provides a steady paycheck, an opportunity to work consistently doing what you love, and a chance at fame.
Let me share this story to inspire you. About four years ago I met a young actress who had done school plays and community theatre. Her dream, like many young actors, was to appear on Broadway or star in a television show. Her mom recognized her talent and drive but didn’t know how to begin. She began shopping for an agent or manager to help her daughter get started. The first rep she approached acknowledged her passion but also spotted the girl’s lack of training. She gently told her she needed to take some acting classes and get some experience under her belt. The young girl did not live in a big city like LA, NY or Atlanta so she found alternative ways to train and be mentored. Today, this teen actress is starring on a Nickelodeon tv series! This is how she did it:
Don’t put the cart before the horse. My client learned early on that she needed training and experience before she could get signed by an agent or manager. Looking for representation too soon can be a mistake. If you are not sure your child has the skill or readiness, seek out an industry professional to give you an honest assessment. Once your child is trained and ready, there will be plenty of reps eager to take them on.
Training. You can live outside a big city and get acting training, just like my client did. ,I and many of my colleagues, offer weekly ongoing group classes, one-day workshops and private one on one lessons, both in person and via SKYPE. Find a teacher or coach with a good reputation and experience working with young actors and get on-going, consistent training.
Balance. Landing a role on tv may seem a needle in a haystack, but it is possible. Stay positive and happy while enjoying other things in your life such as good friends, hobbies and volunteer and service opportunities which enrich your life and give you purpose. My client is a well balanced young lady with other interests in her life. Let go of desperation and replace it with humility and graciousness just like she did.
A supportive Family. The most important thing a young performer needs is a parent who believes in you and is willing to support you. That parental support helps actors believe in themselves and develop the confidence necessary to show up and say, “I got this”- not in a cocky way but with quiet confidence.
Persistence. Don’t give up before the miracle happens. My client sure didn’t. She and her mom did whatever they could to support her dream. She worked with me every week on SKYPE. She also traveled to New York on school holidays and in the summer to work intensively in classes and productions. After all that training and experience, she started shopping for representation. Although there were many no’s, she persisted until she found someone who believed in her, a local agent in her home state. That agency pitched her to Nickelodeon…..and all of her dreams came true!
Master your craft, Empower yourself, Enjoy the journey.
