You asked for suggestions for your series on young actors, and since young actors are my specialty I thought I’d pipe in.

The one thing I find myself explaining to parents often is that actor training is like any other training in the arts — no one would expect a young person with talent for playing the violin to start playing the violin professionally after only a few lessons. Like gymnastics, dance, or even voice training, actor training takes dedication and commitment.

It’s true that a young performer may start with a lot of natural ability and a great look, but that will only take them so far. Sometimes it seems that parents can be expecting a return on their investment in their child’s career too soon, as even the most talented young pianist trains for hours a day for years before earning an income.

Like athletics or other arts, I believe that good quality training early on in life can be instrumental in developing a young actor’s full potential. In my classes we focus on goal setting, positive achievements, and replacing can’t with can. I am teaching them skills that will benefit them in any field they decide to pursue as adults. If that field ends up being acting, they will have a strong foundation that will sustain them throughout their careers.

Also just wanted to give a shout-out to the non-profit www.lookingaheadprogram.org. I am on the advisory board of this wonderful program of the Actor’s Fund for Young Performers. They provide excellent free services for young performers.