Feralpeg or anyone else with acting experience...

[Desiree]

My daughter, Devyn has expressed an interest in acting. How did you get your children started? I've emailed someone that works at a theatre here in town and am awaiting a response about some classes that they offer. The problem is that the beginners class is for ages 5 - 8. She is about to turn 10 in May. The class that is from ages 9-13 is a Musical Theatre class and I really think that beginning class is where she needs to be as she's had no formal background in either singing, dancing or acting. So I guess I'm just looking for someone who has some suggestions or recommendations as to where to begin!

She auditioned for her first talent show yesterday so I think she has the bug now!

Many thanks in advance!

 

[MrsKreamer]

Does the theatre hold open auditions? Just take her to one of those. If she doesn't make the cut see if she can volunteer helping out with other aspects of the show. You can gain a lot of experience this way, and if someone drops out of the show she will be right there to fill in. This is how I got started.

 

[Desiree]

Yes, they do but there are no current auditions for kids right now. It's through Playmakers in Baton Rouge.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No ideas or help, here, Des, but sure wishing Dev the best. How neat!!!! And wow, almost 10!!!! I remember her so little. Cool!!

 

[bengalbelle]

Bump!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Look at local community theaters everywhere. We do have many.
Here in St. Louis we have "The Muny" and I know that they audition for "Muny Kids" for the season. They have a resume a mile long.
Maybe you have places like that in your area?

Good Luck to your dd!

 

[Desiree]

Thanks for your suggestions so far. We do have a Little Theater (it's a local community theatre) and a couple of them in surrounding areas too that I can look into. Also there seems to be a TON of summer camps and that will probably be the best route for Dev to start off with.

 

[Desiree]

Bumping this up for the afternoon DISers!

 

[MrsKreamer]

Thanks for your suggestions so far. We do have a Little Theater (it's a local community theatre) and a couple of them in surrounding areas too that I can look into. Also there seems to be a TON of summer camps and that will probably be the best route for Dev to start off with.

My little cousin did one of these here in New orleans. He loved it, and it was a great place to start! Good luck!

 

[Feralpeg]

Sorry, it took me awhile to see this. I agree with the previous posters. Open auditions for community theater are a great way to get started. Many places that teach children dance have theater programs for children as well. My DD did some of that and then auditioned for local theater in the park productions. In the end, it just boils down to knowing your child. If she is outgoing and just seems to be performing all the time, chances are she would really enjoy acting. If she tries a few children's productions and likes them, you could try approaching an agent. Be careful, there are many scams out there. Never give anyone money up front. If you decide you want to try to get her an agent, PM me and I'll give you a few tips.