The On Location Education Blog
Industry Voices: Part 2 of Our Interview with Denise Simon
When you think about the team of people who support a young actor’s career, a broad group of professionals come to mind: Directors, coaches, casting directors and agents all fill important functions in the success of a child performer. But let’s not forget about the critical role that parents play in supporting, protecting, encouraging, and overseeing their children’s acting careers.
Industry Voices: Part 1 of Our Interview with Denise Simon
Denise Simon knows a thing or two about the entertainment industry. She’s been an actress, teacher, director, casting director and personal talent manager. A frequent contributor to industry publications, she’s most recently added book author to her list of roles.
Lights – Camera – Action – Yikes!!! Simple tips to overcoming stage fright
If you are the parent of a child performer, you may have experienced the following scenario:
Your young actor has been working diligently on his lines. With each run-through, he is getting closer to perfection. What a brilliant delivery! In your mind, you rearrange the mantle to make room for his soon-to-be-won Emmy. And now, it’s show time! He takes his place on the set, the Director barks, “Action!” But instead of the impeccable performance you’ve seen in rehearsal, you see a blank stare turn into a wide-eyed panic. A true Ralph Kramden “Chef of the Future” moment. (Can it core an apple??)
6 Online Study Buddies to Boost Your Subject Mastery
It’s true what they say: “Practice makes perfect.” Students hoping to get the most out of their lessons should take time to study the material outside of the classroom. Even if your student has learned how to study – an important skill often overlooked – finding the time to devote to the task can be tough. Unless, of course, you tap into the online resources that make studying fun and readily accessible on the go. Here are six sites to get your student started.
When Child Actors Go Good There’s a Strong Support System Behind Them
It’s not uncommon to see a salacious story about a child actor – past or present – featured on gossip TV or in the tabloids. However, these stories that make us cringe aren’t the only outcome for young performers. There are the others who remain grounded as they grow up in front of a camera or on a stage. There is one common thread that runs through these success stories: a strong, healthy, balanced support system.
Keeping Their Eyes on the Finish Line: Combating Spring Fever
With the end of the school year in sight, students (and teachers) are feeling the effects of that perennial occurrence of distraction otherwise known as spring fever. The bad news is you can’t stop it. The good news, however, is that you can learn to work with it. If you have students, try a few of these tips to combat spring fever and reach your instructional goals.
A Post-Pilot Season Survival Guide: No Part. Now What?
Whether your child is a veteran in the entertainment industry or she’s just dipping her toe in the water for the first time, you’ve heard of that bustling time of year known as “Pilot Season.” In a span of time that traditionally runs from January to April, there’s a flurry of casting, production, and screening activity as networks make decisions about which programs will hit their airwaves in the fall.
Homework on the Run: 3 Must-haves for Your Portable Study Station
You pick up your child from school a little earlier than usual. He’s got an audition for a national commercial and you need the extra time to make sure you’re not late. It’s a tight schedule today! There’s the commute, the waiting room, the audition itself, the commute home and, if you can pull it off, there’s karate class later tonight.
“Baby, You Ought to Be In Pictures”: 5 Steps to Avoiding a Scam
“Excuse me, can I talk with you for a moment? Your child is beautiful and has real start potential! She’s just what we’re looking for,” says the woman standing at the kiosk in the center of the mall. There are photos of smiling faces all around and signage that tells you this woman should know a thing or two about what makes a star. You might think: She’s a talent scout, after all. And of course, she’s right. My child is positively adorable with those sparkling eyes and generous, toothy grin.
Industry Voices: Staying Safe Online
An interview with BizParentz Co-Founders Paula Dorn and Anne Henry: Part 2
BizParentz Foundation, a non-profit organization, supports young performers and their parents by providing education, advocacy and charitable support. Created by stage moms Paula Dorn and Anne Henry, BizParentz aims to share information on topics associated with children in the entertainment industry so that families can make an informed decision best suited to their individual needs and experience.
Industry Voices: Safety, Smart Choices & Stage Names
An interview with BizParentz Co-Founders Paula Dorn and Anne Henry: Part I
How it all began: In 2001, Paula Dorn met Anne Henry. Their sons, both 10 years old and established young performers in the LA area, were working in a live show at Disneyland. Around that same time, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) was sponsoring legislation that updated the “Coogan Law,” which requires trust accounts for young performers.
5 Habits to Spruce Up Your Study Skills
Demonstrating productive and effective study habits is a key component of a successful academic foundation. The challenge is that we are often taught what to study, but not how to study. Whether in a traditional school setting or on location, you can help your student boost his or her academic performance with these five tips.