[Alli]

So, I realized how many young (I define that as under college age) performers, who may or may not be interested in a performing career, we have on this forum. I wanted to ask a few questions, (okay, more than a few) both to help myself and for them.

Answer as few or as many as you can, all responses (as they may vary by personal opinion) are very welcome!


-What is the best thing a young performer can do besides taking classes and performing in shows, to help their voice? What about acting skills? Dance? Performing in general?

-What is the general rule when creating a resume for a young performer? Can choir concerts be included, report cards? What sorts of special skills?

-Should headshots be taken with braces, or waiten on until the young performer is without them? What are some good ideas on getting headshots for young performers?

-If you are interested in a part that may be listed as a few years older/younger than you are, should you skip the audition all together?

-What is the MOST IMPORTANT skill you can work on as a young performer?

-What is the most important form of dance that can be worked on as a young performer?

-What are some general things young performers should avoid?

-For those eventually wanting to pursue theatre/musical theatre as a college major, how important are your school grades/SAT scores? What subjects are most important?

-Should young performers use monologues from books specially written for teens?

-When given two opportunities, one being the chance to perform as a chorus member in a large theatre, where many people will see you (such as The Muny, not like actual Broadway stuff), or the option to take a workshop where you will be given a key part in a musical and actually work on skills, but very few people have heard of the company/academy, which would you choose?

-Regarding health, what are some good/bad things you can do for yourself as a young performer?

-When being given the option of only the 'Basic 4' languages in high school (as my school district is), which is the best for those studying vocal music, or to list under special skills? These are Latin, Spanish, French, and German.

-When, if at all, should young performers get an agent? How do you go about doing this?

-What are some good books to learn about the business of theatre?

-What, besides getting an agent, are good ways for young performers to get noticed?

Thank you!

[Holly]

[pinkstiletto510]

-What is the best thing a young performer can do besides taking classes and performing in shows, to help their voice? What about acting skills? Dance? Performing in general?
practice! but remember that practice makes permanent. Also, network- the more networking you can do the better

-What is the general rule when creating a resume for a young performer? Can choir concerts be included, report cards? What sorts of special skills?
for a starting off resume, include everything (sans the report card) once it's filled out a bit then start taking things off like choir concerts and school shows. Special skills can be anything and often times can be used as a conversation piece with the director

-Should headshots be taken with braces, or waiten on until the young performer is without them? What are some good ideas on getting headshots for young performers?
once you absolutely need a headshot (you start auditioning for more shows and community shows) then have some done but dont pay too much. your look changes so much as a kid that paying $500 for 1 headshot is not the way to go. A school picture is usually fine when you're starting out (when auditioning, a director wont pass you up just because you used a school or home picture)

-If you are interested in a part that may be listed as a few years older/younger than you are, should you skip the audition all together?
no, auditioning is a learning experience and the more you do it the better and more confident (hopefully) you get so always audition if you can just be up front with the directors (if you dont want to do chorus because you have a million other commitments then NICELY tell them)

-What is the MOST IMPORTANT skill you can work on as a young performer?
consistency and being well-rounded

-What is the most important form of dance that can be worked on as a young performer?
take a bit of everything if you can but if you can only take 1 class then take something like jazz or modern

-What are some general things young performers should avoid?
dont get ahead of yourself, remember that you'll always have to pay your dues (thats just how the performing world is) also- stay healthy!!

-For those eventually wanting to pursue theatre/musical theatre as a college major, how important are your school grades/SAT scores? What subjects are most important?
depends on the school- universities have requirements that you must meet to get into the school and then a seperate audition for the drama program (2 step program) Conservatories are almost completely based on your audition and recommenations. With that said, if 2 students apply to a conservatory and they both do equally well on their audition and have equal recommendations but one student has taken a more intense class-load at school then it's likely that that student would be admitted over the student who didnt take the AP and honors classes (sucks,i know)

-Should young performers use monologues from books specially written for teens?
depends on how much of a risk taker you are. If you use one and a director calls you on it , are you ready to back up your choice?

-When given two opportunities, one being the chance to perform as a chorus member in a large theatre, where many people will see you (such as The Muny, not like actual Broadway stuff), or the option to take a workshop where you will be given a key part in a musical and actually work on skills, but very few people have heard of the company/academy, which would you choose?
either way there can be great oppertunities.... look at your resume- what does it need? have you done tons of local stuff but nothing BIG? then go for the big house. Is your training section looking pretty sad? (no big names, or no training at all?) then go with the workshop
-Regarding health, what are some good/bad things you can do for yourself as a young performer?
find good teachers! voice and dance esp. because it's your body. If you can, take a few Alexander technique classes- they're amazing

-When being given the option of only the 'Basic 4' languages in high school (as my school district is), which is the best for those studying vocal music, or to list under special skills? These are Latin, Spanish, French, and German.
depends on your voice type and what kind of music you like. Are you more into German opera and esp. Lieder (are you a light voice?) then go with German. I would cancel out Latin because it's rarely spoken anymore (granted, you can learn a lot of other languages with more ease after taking Latin but you want something thats useful in that moment)

-When, if at all, should young performers get an agent? How do you go about doing this?
generally, unless you're the next big child star- agents are a waste. It's usually easier (as in cheaper and more fun) to go out and find your own jobs

-What are some good books to learn about the business of theatre?
as far as business, i'm not sure but Uta hagen wrote a great book on acting- everyone should read it

-What, besides getting an agent, are good ways for young performers to get noticed?
perform...lots...everywhere....but remember to not take on more than you can handle

[bwayluvor31]

[sunrae]

I think that you asked some really great questions for young performers Alli! I tried to come up with some helpful stuff to say, so hopefully it will be! Get ready though, because I had some long answers! lol


-What is the best thing a young performer can do besides taking classes and performing in shows, to help their voice? What about acting skills? Dance? Performing in general?
In terms of voice, the absolute best thing you can do is take private voice lessons from someone who knows what they are doing! This may not be the local hometown voice teacher, and usually someone with more experience and knowledge will cost more. It is ok, and to your advantage, to look around and meet with different teachers and see who you think is better qualified. And then, of course, outside of that, practice every day with vocal exercises.
In terms of acting, the best thing you can do outside of a classroom or performing setting is again, to practice at home. Hopefully, if you are getting some good training then you will learn some techniques and skills that you can work on outside the class. For instance, observation is always a great tool. Take some time whenever you are out and about to really observe people and their behavior and their body language. When you get home jot down some notes and maybe even try to imitate what you observed.
The same goes for dance and all other forms of performance. The best thing to do to improve your skills is to take what you learn during performances and in the classroom and practice, practice, practice on your own.

-What is the general rule when creating a resume for a young performer? Can choir concerts be included, report cards? What sorts of special skills?
On a resume for a young performer any shows, concerts, special performances and the like should be put on a resume. For events that are not musicals, list them in a separate category under “Special Events”. Every actor, no matter what age should include any special skills. This includes, but is not limited to: any musical instruments you play, foreign languages you speak, accents, skateboarding, gymnastics, belching on cue, twirling batons that are lit on fire….you get the idea!

-Should headshots be taken with braces, or wait until the young performer is without them? What are some good ideas on getting headshots for young performers?
Your headshot should look like you. So if you have braces and will be going out for auditions then by all means get the headshots as you are now. Then, when your braces are removed you can get new headshots to reflect the “new you”. If you are not planning on going out to auditions until the braces are off, then I would save the money and just wait until the braces come off before you get any pics done.
If you find a good photographer who has experience with theatrical headshots then they will be able to give you tips on what to wear and so forth to give you the best look possible. Usually for young performers they suggest no makeup, or very little. You want the pictures to look as natural as possible. A good way to find a good photographer is to get references from local talent agencies or friends who have gotten headshots done before. Then, when you meet with the photographer for the first time, always ask to look at their portfolio. Meet with a couple of photographers before you make a decision. Sometimes, if you are signed with an agent they will ask that you use a specific photographer.

-If you are interested in a part that may be listed as a few years older/younger than you are, should you skip the audition all together?
You should always audition if they will let you. Auditioning in a skill and should be practiced, and it gives you the chance to be seen by more people. The more people who see you the better! You may audition for a show that you aren’t right for the part, but then at another audition the director may remember you and this time there are parts you could be cast in. It is always to your advantage to audition every time you get the chance. Also, each person can usually play a range of ages. No one can just play the age they are. A 14 year old could play a 12 year old or a 17 year old sometimes! It also depends on what the other actors look like. Bottom line, don’t skip an audition just because you think you may not look the right age.

-What is the MOST IMPORTANT skill you can work on as a young performer?
Acting. Hands down. In musical theatre acting is the foundation for all the work you will ever do, and for most people it is the most difficult skill to master. That is why even seasoned professionals take acting classes between shows. Of course, dance and vocal skills are also necessary. But in the world of musical theatre, if you cannot act, no matter how pretty your voice is and no matter how skilled a dancer you are, if you can’t act then the chances of you going very far is pretty slim. The sooner you can start working on your skills as an actor the better off you will be. Plus, when your acting skills increase, your vocal and dance skills will also increase. Your interpretation of a song will be more meaningful, and your presentation of a dance combination will be more exciting.

-What is the most important form of dance that can be worked on as a young performer?
Ballet is foundational for nearly all other dance forms. If you have even a basic understanding of ballet technique and terms, then when you begin to learn other dance styles that technique and knowledge will carry over and you will be amazed at the results! In my studio growing up, the students were not even allowed to enroll in a jazz class unless the student had previously taken two years of ballet! Smart teachers. Because of the many techniques that you work on in ballet, there isn’t any other form of dance that would not benefit from this foundation – even hip hop! Ballet works on muscle strength, placement of the arms and head, straight lines, posture, balance and having a strong center, turns, fluid movement, musical timing, etc., etc.
The only other style of dance that I would say is important to have additional training in is tap dance.

-What are some general things young performers should avoid?
I would say that in terms of singing, something that every young performer should avoid is belting! Unless you have the proper vocal training, belting is something that should always be avoided. If you try to belt and do it incorrectly, it is very likely that you may damage your vocal chords.
Try and avoid caffeine – that includes coffee, soda, and even many teas. Caffeine will dry out your vocal chords and is unhealthy for a singer’s voice.
Avoid getting your Equity card too young. This is just from what I have heard (not personal experience) that sometimes if you get your equity card at a young age it makes it more difficult as you get older. Equity opens up many doors but it also closes a lot of avenues for young performers, such as community theatre. Doing shows with local theatre groups can be a great advantage to young performs in terms of performance experience and training. Again, I have no personal experience with this matter, so I would suggest talking to someone who does before making any decisions one way or another on that matter.
Avoid egotism. I know that sounds a little funny, but it is something worth saying. There are too many little divas out there who will one day grow up and think the world of themselves and when they actually get out into the world they will be crushed. Always be humble and know that in the world of theatre there is always room for growth and improvement. There are many, many talented performers out there. And the thing that makes you different from them is not that you are more talented (although that sometimes may be the case) but it is because you are you…and no one else is you! Also, no one wants to work with a diva. A good attitude will many times get chosen over talent. So, if you have a good attitude and great talent, just think of the things you could do! You want people to like you, and you want people to want to work with you. So avoid the diva complex and understand that it isn’t about you.

-For those eventually wanting to pursue theatre/musical theatre as a college major, how important are your school grades/SAT scores? What subjects are most important?
Putting talent aside and the audition into the program aside, acceptance into college is the same for a theatre major as it is for any other major. Usually to be accepted into a theatre program at a university there are two parts. First you must be accepted to the school, and then you must be accepted into the program. Acceptance to the program is most often based on an audition, interview, and essay. Some schools require more, some schools require less…some schools require no audition at all. So, it is up to you to do some research and find out what is necessary for entrance into the program.
In terms of acceptance to the university itself, as I said before, it is the same as any other major. For most schools the higher your GPA and the higher your SAT & and SATII scores, the more likely you are to be accepted. Many schools will accept students with low GPA’s if their SAT scores are high, and vice versa. I am uncertain as to whether or not colleges look at your grades in certain subjects or not. But I do know that extracurricular activities are a factor in your acceptance. Usually they ask for that information on the application, and you can also put it into your personal statement that you must submit.

-Should young performers use monologues from books specially written for teens?
Only use monologues from these types of books if you plan on buying the play it came from and reading it. It is always important to read the entire play that a monologue is from. A lot of monologues in those teen books aren’t from plays, so you need to be careful is your selection. In the reference section at the back of most every monologue book they should have the author and name of the play for every monologue. Not only is it important for your performance of the monologue and character development, but it can also come back to bite you if you don’t know they play. In some auditions (especially for college programs) the auditors may ask you for information about the play, and what will you say if you don’t know? So, always choose a monologue that is from a published play and read the play before you use the piece.

-When given two opportunities, one being the chance to perform as a chorus member in a large theatre, where many people will see you (such as The Muny, not like actual Broadway stuff), or the option to take a workshop where you will be given a key part in a musical and actually work on skills, but very few people have heard of the company/academy, which would you choose?
That is just a personal choice. Do you think you need more performance experience to add to your resume? Or do you think you would benefit more from additional training? In that situation I would say that there is no wrong choice. You just need to decide for yourself which one will benefit you as a performer more.

-Regarding health, what are some good/bad things you can do for yourself as a young performer?
I already mentioned staying away from caffeine. Other than that, just general all around healthy choices is the best thing for a performer of any age. Always drink lots of water, exercise, make healthy choices when eating, and all that good stuff. Of course, I shouldn’t even have to mention it, but for a singer smoking is just about one of the worst things you could do. That includes tobacco and any other substance that one might consider smoking. You’ve all heard it before: drugs are bad. So just stay away from them. A performer needs to be in prime physical and mental conditions at all times. For young performers drinking is out of the question because, well, it’s illegal. But also because, just as caffeine does, alcohol will dry out your vocal chords.

-When being given the option of only the 'Basic 4' languages in high school (as my school district is), which is the best for those studying vocal music, or to list under special skills? These are Latin, Spanish, French, and German.
For students who are studying vocal music and opera the languages that you will run into most often are Italian, Spanish, French, German, Latin…oh wait, that’s all the languages you mentioned! I guess what I am trying to say is that in vocal music you will come across selections in many languages. Your voice teacher should instruct you on correct pronunciation and give you the translation. But in school, I would say just choose the language that you are the most excited about and that you believe to be the most useful.

-When, if at all, should young performers get an agent? How do you go about doing this?
I think this depends on what you want to do. If you want to get into TV and film, then I would say either get an agent and start when you are very young, or wait until you are 18. The reason for this is because in TV and film, most companies don’t want to have to deal with child labor laws. So when you get to be about 15 or so they will cast actors who are 18 or older for those teenage roles. Of course, they can’t get an 18 year old to play an 8 year old so if you want to start that young, then you’re probably good.
If you want to go into theatre then you could probably get a theatrical at any age you wanted. Again, though, you will run into the 18-year-old thing when you get into your teens. (I could it the “black pit of teenagedom”.) My agent was for TV and film, so I do not have any personal experience with theatrical agents. So, I would find someone who has more experience with this are for any questions.
In terms of going about finding an agent there are two ways you can get an agent. The first way is to go around and drop off resumes and ask for auditions or interviews with agents. I would also send out postcards or letters to follow-up and invite them to any shows you are performing in. My experience with getting an agent was the second way you can get an agent. I was lucky enough to have an agent in the audience of one of my shows and afterwards she found me and asked to represent me. So, I have not had the experience of trying to get representation, I got lucky. And many people do get lucky, but the majority of people don’t. So, again, I would have to point to you to find someone who has the experience of finding an agent to answer your questions about that.


-What are some good books to learn about the business of theatre?
These are books I have read, and also some that others have suggested to me. Audition by Michael Shurtleff. Making it On Broadway by David Wienir. The Complete Professional Audition by Darren Cohen. On Singing Onstage by David Craig. There are many others out there, but those are a few good ones.

-What, besides getting an agent, are good ways for young performers to get noticed?
Keep training, keep auditioning, and keep performing. Send out post cards inviting people to your shows. That’s about all you can do. Just keep on keeping on. The more you put yourself out there, the more you will be seen, and the more chances you have of “getting noticed”.


I would caution any young performer about the hope of one day just “getting noticed” though. For most every working actor that never happens. You just keep working (it is called show business) and doing what you love. If the only reason why you perform is to become a star, then you are likely to fall into a great disappointment when that doesn’t happen. If you want to go into show business you need to be in it for the right reasons…because if you don’t then you will get very discouraged, disappointed, and depressed. You need to go into this business because it is what you love, it is where your passion is, because you couldn’t be happy doing anything else. If there is any other job in the world that you could have and be happy doing it, then go do that, because this business is not for you.

I know that sounds a little harsh, and I hate to end on a down note like that. But I think it is important for everyone to really think hard about choosing to go into this field of work because is is a brutal one, full of rejection. You need some thick skin to take all the punches. If you love it then just be prepared for what may come at you!

I hope I gave at least a few helpful suggestions for some people out there. And I know it was a lot! But if you have taken the time to read it all, then number one, thanks! And number two, I hope you use any information that you found to be of value!

[jazzygirlsings]

Listen to sunrae! She knows what she's talking about! (And we basically share the same views on this stuff!)

I have nothing to add, really...good job!

[sunrae]

[Kate_Monster]

This post if V.V. helpful! You asked every question I've ever thought of! Many thanks xxx