WHAT’S NEXT? Parents sometimes ask, after one workshop, "What's next? Is my child ready for an agent? Is he/she ready to audition?" Probably not. After one workshop, very rarely is anyone ready for the professional world. Would you let your child perform on the high beam after one gymnastics class? Definitely not. It can take years to become an actor or at least months to be ready to compete.
Children do have an advantage, though... "The Fear Factor". As adults, we have had so many "don'ts" thrown at us all of our lives that we are afraid to take a chance. Children haven't had as much time to process "don't". As a rule, they are more able to accept being open and fearless. We, as actors, cannot be afraid to become the character and take on his/her desires, goals, emotions and therefore... make it believable, real. It must be second nature to do all of this in an audition to be cast.
Agents and casting directors are recommending on-camera study more and more. The experience of being in front of the camera gives confidence so we can walk into that audition and take control of our performance, concentrate, relax and have a great time. Because isn't that what it's all about? Why act if we don't love it? If we know our craft, we can enjoy an audition, the callback and land that big job. Remember... there's always room at the top.