As parents, we should never be asked to pay another parent or child care giver for advice on anything. If there are specific professional services another parent or professional may provide to our child such as academic tutoring, website design, or dance lessons, that is another story. It seems to me that the term “expert” is often thrown around loosely in relation to kids in show business. I have three kids in the business who have collectively been in over 50 professional projects over the last ten years, but yet I am in NO WAY an expert in the business. Every project is different; every child is different; every pathway to success be it on Broadway, film, television, or voice overs is different. There is no formula for the Broadway “home run” that one can pay to receive.
With that said, there are true experts in the business who can offer paid expert advice and help for your child in the Broadway world. And, there are DOZENS of parents who have multiple kids in the industry with multiple credits who also offer advice and wisdom to others freely and with an open heart, but this can be done over a cup of coffee, facebook messaging, or a lunch date rather than an expensive seminar. The logistics of navigating a performing child’s needs and even New York City go far beyond what can be taught in a two-hour class with folks who might not even have the true inside scoop or expertise they claim to have. Since most of us have limited resources, and the number one thing to know about showbiz is it is EXPENSIVE TO PURSUE, it is important to consider how to best spend our money.
So, with that stated where is a place that folks new to the Broadway scene and even seasoned families can turn? Here is a small list of legitimate, professional resources for families and kids. It is in no way exhaustive, but it certainly gets you started. And, guess what, this information is FREE.
The best place to start is to read Nancy Carson’s book Raising a Star. For much less than, say $175 for a two hour session, you can get a printed manual and how to guide for your child pursuing Broadway or other forms of the entertainment industry. In fact, you can buy it here at Amazon for less than ten dollars. https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Star-Parents-HelpingTelevision/dp/0312329865 Another great resource from an industry insider is a book by experienced casting director, Jen Rudin entitled Confessions of a Casting Director, again for less than ten dollars on Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Casting-Director-Secrets-Audition/dp/0062292099 An additional “how to” book has been written by a former child Broadway star, Henry Hodges, entitled How To Act Like a Kid. http://www.henryhodges.com/book
These three industry insiders alone offer a wealth of accurate, helpful and honest advice to families in the business. It is a parent’s job to do the research and do the work to help your child. Start by reading, researching and reaching out to friends you know who have kids in the biz. That’s the beginning.
A more direct benefit to your child in the industry is of course training and contact with people who really can help them along. If your child does not have an agent or manager, that is a next step. One group that I have found to help match children with agents and managers is A Class Act NY. This company, run by Jessica Rofe Grosman, offers an abundance of classes and workshops, but one of the most beneficial to the newbie are the agent and manager showcases she offers. These are LEGIT. Excellent agents and managers come and scout for new clients, and dozens of kids have been placed with agencies through this process. http://www.aclassactny.com/ ( One of the on camera classes my children attended offered a parent session at the end, and we learned so much useful information about self-taping that we put to use the next day, and our son booked his first film using that information.)
Some other organizations and people who are also insiders in the business as much as coaches are listed below. These are people who have years of professional experience behind them. They know what it REALLY takes for a child to make it on Broadway. Some of these people do training and some do seminars for parents, teaching us the expectations and responsibilities of the Broadway child. ( On a side note, Broadway is only one small set of stages a child may perform on and information on showbiz in general is probably more beneficial in the long run to most families.) Please follow up and research any group or person on the list. Keep in mind that this list is not all encompassing. It is simply a good start for parents who are seeking some direction.
Acting
Actors Connection https://www.actorsconnection.com/
Actors Technique NY http://actorstechniqueny.com/
Denise Simon http://denisesimoncoaching.com/
Diane Hardin http://www.dianehardinacting.com/
Jodi PrusanCoaches Kids https://www.facebook.com/Jody-Prusan-Coaches-Kids-344104809093327/
The Actors Green Room http://www.theactorsgreenroom.com/
Voice
Bob Marks http://www.bobmarks.com/
Lisa Franklin http://www.lisafranklinonline.com/vocal-studios.html
Casey Erin Clark https://www.facebook.com/caseyvoicestudio/
Trapper Felides https://www.facebook.com/trapper.felides
Musical Theater
Broadway Artists Alliance http://www.broadwayartistsalliance.org/
Broadway Dreams Foundation http://broadwaydreams.org/
The Broadway Workshop http://www.broadwayworkshop.com/
Theater Development Fund https://www.tdf.org/—Education
Random Farms Kids’ Theater http://www.randomfarms.com/
Connecticut Resources
Voice- Billy DiCrosta http://www.billydicrosta.com/
Musical Theater all inclusive studio- Star2Be http://www.star2bperformingarts.com/