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Last week's Best summer course cast of 'A Grimm Summer Night's Dream'
- who knows who may go on from here to a stage career?
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As the co-founder of Best Theatre Arts I often get asked
what advice I’d give to a parent with a child who seems keen on a career in the
theatre.
The glib responses of “Don’t worry they’ll probably get over
it!” or “Start saving!” don’t really cut the mustard any more. With the
explosion in reality TV and the realisation of how important theatre skills are
for life, more and more children are getting a taste of the stage; a taste
which can turn into an addiction.
There are so many
routes available to a career on stage that there’s no right or wrong answer –
the right path will genuinely vary from child to child. So in a series of
blogs, starting with this one, I’ll look at the various career paths open and discuss
their relative merits and drawbacks.
But the first and most important question I’d ask the parent
is “Why?”
A good reply would be “It’s all she’s ever talks about and
all she’s ever wanted to do. She won’t contemplate any other career! She simply
won’t be put off! She’s always doing something…”
What I DON’T want to hear is…
“He was in a school play and everyone said how good he was
so we thought we’d see if he’s really got anything.” – a good reason to try a
drama class but no basis for a career!
To be an actor requires total commitment, unwavering
optimism, strength of character and a resilient determination to succeed. Stories
of instant discoveries and fame might sell papers, but they are the extreme
exception rather than the rule. Most actors work hard for years so that when an
opportunity does come along, they have the skills and technique available to
make the most of it. And even then it can take a few knockbacks before their
career becomes at all robust.
The drive has to come from within. This is why so many child
actors fall by the wayside – the drive has often come from aspirational
parents. And with early success, the
lessons and training that need to be undergone are often bypassed so that when
the child grows up, they simply don’t have the toolkit to compete any more.
So I’d expect the child in question to be doing everything he/she
possibly can to gain experience. In our area or Hertfordshire, thankfully, they
are spoiled for choice (
DECLARATION OF INTEREST ALERT!!!) : well-resourced school
plays, good amateur shows/pantomimes, quality weekly classes or holiday courses
(e.g.
Best Theatre Arts,
Stagecoach,
Act Now!), and the chance to take part in
larger theatre productions with organisations like
Rare,
St Albans Operatic Society or the
Gang Show.
As the young person turns teenager they’ll be trying to hone
their talents through more focused training: GCSE/A level at school, good
quality youth theatre companies run by trained professionals (e.g.
TheBYTE,
Company of Teens), attending more advanced weekend schools (e.g.
Best School ofActing,
Bodens,
Italia Conti,
Guildhall) or working with some of the more
advanced local theatre groups (
OVO,
Breakaway) etc. etc.
They will be doing everything they can to improve, to learn
the craft and to gain experience.
Recently a very talented young actor came back from watching
Imelda Staunton in ‘
Gypsy’ and said “Now I know how little effort I’ve put in
so far – and I thought I was working hard. Watching her has shown me how much
more I need to give in training and on stage.” This was a fascinating response
to a stunning performance. I’ve had similar inspirational Damascene moments
when watching
Mark Rylance in ‘
Jerusalem’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ (well, anything
he does really). Now matter how talented you are, it’s hard work!
So, in conclusion, if your child genuinely has the drive,
the demonstrable commitment and the right work ethic, and you are prepared to
support them in these endeavours, you have a base from which to move forward.
Next time I’ll discuss child actors and how that ephemeral industry
works!