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TIPS ON CHOOSING AN ACTING CLASS FOR YOUR CHILD Part II - Types of Acting Classes for Kids Contributed by Nora Feldman -- Youth Arts Editor There are a few different types of acting classes available for your child: Improv – improvisation classes will have kids thinking on their feet and stretch their imaginations; with older kids, it allows them to express themselves more freely than they would with scripted material and gives them permission to, on occasion, be laughed at in a safe environment. Theatre games, such as those developed by Viola Spolin, are taught and performed in class, and may later be performed for an audience. Sometimes sitcom scenes or comedy scenes from movies are worked on and are used for performance as well. Acting/Scene Study – classes sometimes start with vocal or physical exercises that relax and free up an actor’s body and mind. Improvisation may be also be used as a warm up. A first acting assignment might be a monologue or a poem for the young actor to explore, memorize and then present in front of the class. A monologue is worked on until it is mastered and then the student would probably move on to a scene with another actor. Classes sometimes incorporate improvisation as a means to write a scene or to open an actor up to more character choices for a monologue or some scene work that is being is worked on. As the student becomes more comfortable in acting class, scene work and characters become more complex for the more advanced student. Musical Comedy – classes deal specifically with musical comedy style - - acting, singing, dancing or movement that would be used when performing in a musical comedy or musical review on stage. Generally speaking, the acting style is broader and not as intimate as acting work in a non-musical play. Classes can be great fun and usually end in an actual musical comedy production or review. Commercial – these classes are geared specifically for kids who want to act in TV commercials. It is my opinion that very young children just need to be themselves. For children age six and up, it might be a good to consider a commercial class. These classes are generally more costly because the class involves the use of video equipment, and may later entail a final showcase for casting directors, agents and managers to attend who are searching for new talent. In addition, working on commercials can bring in big bucks and might serve as a stepping stone for a young actor who is looking to a further career in TV and film. A good commercial class will instruct your child how to find his/her mark (where to stand), how to look in the camera, how to slate (say name, age and agent), how to work with commercial copy (the script), how to take direction, how to work with props, how to eat food product, how to punch up certain words of the dialogue, how to charm the camera and how to react in an interview situation with a casting director. Practice commercials are put on tape and later played back to go over what the actor did or didn’t do to sell the product. The teacher then makes suggestions as to what would make the commercial spot better. Do your best to audit a class (with your child, if possible) that you might want your child to attend - - that way both of you will know what to expect from the class and whether or not you think your child will respond and cooperate with the teacher. You know your child and what your child will and will not do. There are teachers who don’t like parents to audit classes because it “makes the kids uptight” - - in such cases be sure you trust the opinion of the person who directed you and your child to that teacher and class, and be sure to monitor your child’s progress if your child studies with a teacher who does not permit auditing. The NoHo Arts District has several schools to choose from: Theatre of Hope Co-Op at North Hollywood Recreation Center Ongoing Acting Classes Free of Charge Acting I Ages: 8-10 Days: Monday Time 4:00-6:00 PM Ages: 11-14 Days: Saturday Time 4:00-6:00 PM “Beginning Acting Class includes theatre games designed to encourage cross cultural understanding, foster problem solving skills, and create a love of the arts.” North Hollywood Recreation Center 11430 Chandler Blvd. Information (818) 763-7651 Secret Rose Theatre Kids Acting Class (Ages 7-12) & Teens Acting Class (Ages 13-17) Students learn how to incorporate use of circumstances, actions, justification and character building while mounting a one-act play. *Singing, Dancing & Acting – Creative Workshop for Pre-Schoolers* Parents are encouraged to join this class. Spring, summer and fall class sessions are available. Days and times vary. Secret Rose Theatre 11246 Magnolia Blvd. Information (818) 766-3691 or www.secretrose.com TOTAL IMPROV FOR KIDS Total Improv For Kids offers ongoing improvisation classes where “kids learn teamwork and how to fly by the seat of their pants utilizing non-competitive Viola Spolin theatre games.” Young actors showcase their improv talents in live onstage shows throughout the year. Ongoing Improv Classes Ages: 9 -18 years Days: Saturday Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Coming Soon: After School Classes Avery Schreiber Theatre 11050 Magnolia Blvd. Information (818) 481-8072 or www.totalimprov4kids@aol.com Class Act…the Young Actors Studio Stanislavski Technique for Children and Teens “The young actor develops a technique that he or she can take into any medium, be it stage, screen, TV or film.” NoHo Actors Studios 5215 Lankershim Information (310) 281-7545 or www.youngactorsstudio.com