021 ACTORS TALK PODCAST – HOW TO BE A CHILD ACTOR with KIDS/TEENS ACTING COACH DIANE CHRISTIANSEN

Summary: Does my child have what it takes to make it as an actor in Hollywood? That is the most common common question asked of Hollywood acting coach Diane Christiansen by parents of young actors. Diane Christiansen takes on this question and much more in a three part series of free videos on the MASTER TALENT TEACHERS web site. I am very pleased to have Diane as my guest interviewee for this episode of Actors Talk. She has the experience (twenty years as an acting coach in Hollywood) and the accolades from industry resources and publications that demonstrate her professionalism and her success in the specialized area of coaching young actors in Hollywood and, thanks to the internet, across the US and in several foreign countries. She is a past receipient of Back Stage West Reader's Choice Awards as having the Best Acting Class for Teens and Kids. She has been voted the #1 Top Rated Acting Coach in Hollywood for kids and teens by Children in Film. She has been voted one of the top 10 most effective coaches in Hollywood by Actors Access. Here's a bit of information off MASTER TALENT TEACHERS web site that will give you a taste of what you will find there: What does it take to became a successful actor? The desire to become an Actor The commitment to find professional training The support system to get you there The drive and talent to succeed An understanding of your art and yourself – KNOWLEDGE …And most of all – A LOT OF FAITH. In other words…you need to be more than cute and talented. You need to be ‘The Package’ and you need to be coach-able and so does your parent. Some of the most talented and adorable kids and teens I’ve trained have parents that will ruin it for them. In the interview, Diane mentions a couple of very helpful web sites for parents and young actors: The BizParentz Foundation The BizParentz Foundation is a non-profit corporation providing education, advocacy, and charitable support to parents and children engaged in the entertainment industry. The organization promotes a positive public image regarding child performers and educates the public regarding the safety and rights of child performers including child labor laws and regulations. CHILDREN IN FILM: NOTE: Some content on this site may require a fee but the information looks very valuable for the parent of a young actor. The following CIF articles directly relate to your child's emotional and spiritual well being. When preparing for showbiz, the child's emotional needs often go undiscussed. How will you teach your child to deal with fear, anxiety, stress and depression? Children In Film is working together with child and family therapists, teachers, and spiritual leaders to bring you helpful info on this topic. We welcome your feedback on this or any other part of our website. Responsible Parenting Articles: College Bound? Team Etiquette Paperwork Prep The Psychology Behind Fame Giving Back Morality On Set Dealing with Rejection Here are some additional questions to consider and research prior to deciding on a coach for your young actor: How can make sure your child is training in a safe environment? How can you know you're working with a teacher or coach who really knows how give your child the tools to become a working actor? How can you know you're spending your money wisely? What is the Coogan Law and why do you need to know? What do parents need to know about Child Labor Laws? What parents need to know about dealing with the actors's union, SAG-AFTRA To be competitive in the acting business, training is a basic requirement. In an industry that is notoriously tough to break into and tougher still in which to sustain a career, mere training isn't enough. GREAT training is essential. The first thing parents have to do is become educated. That takes a bit of time, but thanks to the internet, the information is freely available.