Myself and ten year old needing advice

I was hoping to receive some advice from you all. And thankyou in advance for your time. My son is ten (11 in a couple of months). he has just finished with his end of year play at school in which he was chosen by the staff to help out in the younger childrens play (he's dependable in this way) he is basically chosen for the leads every year. His teachers, and as I have been told over the years also the members of our small town are surprised I havent put him into a 'Company'. To be honest, I do not know anything about theatre nor where to begin. He did a year of ballet when he was little because he was so agile and loved to dance at home . He's been playing keyboard for many years which ironically has just gotten him kicked off the school band because he becomes bored with notes and prefers to play by ear.(he learnt Fur elise and recently Mozarts turkish march by ear) I dont' see the problem but in the music world that's apparently a problem.*shrugs* He's happy just doing his own thing. :) Now to the crux of it...........I do not recognise my boy when he acts, he becomes a completely different individual (kind of scary for a mother who's used to an introverted child) I'm a bit concerned about auditions and signing him up to an agency because he's so introverted that it comes across as quite rude and I'm afraid that it will go against him. (Does it go against children who are shy?) But give him a character and tell him what the story is and he's off and running. So how does it work in the theatre world? Is this common in children within the theatre world.? All I can say is that my child "will just die" (< ----- Yes I know, rather dramatic) if I don't allow him the oportunity to do something with his "talent?". I'd like to ask direct questions but unfortunetly I don't even know what questions to be asking. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you meg.

Although you don't seem to know what question to ask, I'd like to request that you do ask one. I know you have a child who would like to act, but that you're concerned about how to go about doing it. So if I may clarify: You are worried about signing with an agent. Then don't. He's ten, just put him in some extra-curricular drama activities, make sure he does some through school, and get him involved in local amateur groups (there are plenty in VIC). He doesn't have to be doing pro work just because he likes performance, especially at such a young age. If he loves dance and music, see if he wants to do any classes. Most actors are shy, until they get up on stage. It's no big deal, particularly as he's young. If, say at the age of 18, he wants to get into performance full time, then worry about agents and the like. He needs to build up experience from which to learn first. Finally, read this, the FAQ on finding work, which is pretty much aimed at young new artists: http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/na/looking_for_work_2 Without a more specific question, there's not much else to say. Round head foam puppet pattern at Puppets in Melbourne

I would definately agree with "puppets in melbourne" If you don't feel comfortable signing your son up to an agent, then don't. And absolutely look into performing arts schools that run classes on weekends and weeknights. This is often a good way to get a child out of his/her shell, because he/she will be surrounded by children who also enjoy performing. I personally am often perceived as quite shy, but when on stage, I come to life. Also when I teach, or talk about performing arts in any way, I really come to life because I am passionate about it. For a child especially, performing can be an outlet for their imagination which may be held back in some ways by regular every day life. It is lovely that your son feels so free when he is performing to express his creativity! I am a teacher of acting,voice and speech, and if you would like to introduce your son to private classes in speech and drama, I would be more than happy to meet with him. However, you may prefer to get him involved in group classes, which are readily available in Melbourne if you look in the Yellow Pages. Feel free to contact me with any questions aimee.blesing@gmail.com, I would be more than happy to help. I hope that has been helpful in some way! Kind regards, Aimee Blesing

Hi I agree with the above comments, but I can understand, my son who is 12 in March, is the same, off stage a bit shy, but get him on the stage, and bingo, off he goes into the character he is supposed to be. My boy has been performing since 7. We took him to a dancing school, where he did classes in classical, theatrical, and tap, which he just loves tap the best. Also we take part in the local theatre productions, which has helped in to no end, as you know kids, they dont do what parents tell them, they need to hear from others, esp in the business. He started out doing chorus work ( still will do chorus) in king and I, state fair, and wizard of oz, seussical, and was lucky to gain a lead role in Music Man and just recently a hugh lead role in Mother Goose, All these were with the local theatre clubs. great exp. Dont touch agency till 18, let them still be a child, we have managed to combine both and it works, too much of anything is not good I would def look at going out of school to do shows, and audition for lead roles, as if the only place he gets leads is in school, he may not be able to handle any rejection on the outside, ( and believe me you do get it) But this does not mean they are not good, directors look for certain people to fill roles and that suit the story line. SO get in touch with local theatrical clubs, either ring them or look thru your local paper for auditions. hang but most of all, please make sure, that it is your son that wants to do, it and not just you. Have been around many many kids in this situation, only there because parents want it, and then the child, does not learn or put heart and soul in to it good luck with , it my boy loves it he has been performing for 5 yrs now, so we know he loves it, has esp a boy, if he didnt he wouldve quit. dont worry if he is a bit shy, as long as he is not when it matters, my son is a bit shy to, and to be honest, i have found, big heads, dont go down well anyway good luck

Right gotcha, thanks for your comments guys . So no agency. Voice training and classes, local theatre productions. Thank you aimee for the offer I'm thinking about private sessions to begin with, and thankyou Na for the link, most helpful. Alias yes it is, he, that's wants all this to go forward. I learnt my lesson years ago watching 'ballet' mothers not to push a child into anything. Some of the behaviours of parents was quite disgusting. Now I just have to find classes and so forth where we live. Again thankyou I now at least have something to go on .:)