Acting in the movies, television, and Broadway is the dream of so many tweens and teens. But everyone knows achieving that dream can be a long and arduous journey. For every young person who makes it, nearly a hundred are struggling. Parents want to be encouraging but also realistic.
I had a chance to interview Lynn Stallings, Executive Director of the Atlanta Workshop Players, a 501c nonprofit that runs a Summer Performing Arts Camp - the VIP Movie Camp. They are seeing parents from all over the world send their children to the summer camp with the hope of being discovered. Today, the AWP Summer Performing Arts Camp is considered the destination stop for anyone hoping for an acting career. Leading filmmakers train attendees for careers in front of and behind the camera. Students make a movie and take part in actual auditions for casting directors and talent agents.
What benefits do acting and theatre have for kids? Performing arts training Builds Confidence, communication skills, social skills, leadership, teamwork and exercises their amazing imaginations. These skills help in ANY career they choose. Besides, it’s a fun!
How can families make decisions about the best fit for their kids' dramatic interests and abilities? Determine their interest level. Are the kids playing ‘make believe’? Are they writing and making their own movies? Are they quoting movies and creating characters? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of that…….THEN, find their ‘people’. Find a group of creatives that are supportive, positive, joyful and highly skilled to train and guide the next generation of performers. You only get one childhood, so it must be protected at all costs! The creative environment should be a balance between learning and fun. This is our philosophy at The Atlanta Workshop Players. Professional level training that is FUN!
How can parents and caregivers encourage their kids while still being realistic about the chances of success in the acting world? Start with defining “success”. If ‘success’ means becoming a superstar and making millions per project, then there will probably be disappointment. It is true that very few people hit that super-star level. The average is 45 auditions before you book 1 role in the professional arena. BUT, if success is being able to support yourself doing something you love to do…..then it IS quite possible to make a living as a performer. Persistence is critical. Understanding marketing and the business side of show business can pave the way for success. Of course, performers need to be talented and actively motivated to find that success. Obviously, some people DO find that high level of success. Many Atlanta Workshop Players’ students are series regulars and recurring characters on television shows, major roles in movies and on Broadway.
If kids or young adults really want to pursue acting, how can families best support them? Provide training and performing outlets. Learn the business side of show business. Help them prepare to secure an agent. (put together promotional materials: Headshot, resumes, demo reels) But most importantly……support their creativity and effort. Avoid pressuring them with expectations of booking a role. Parents are the most important people in a child’s life and disappointing them is a child’s nightmare. So help your child see the audition for what it is: An opportunity to perform for the day…..an investment in their career. They probably won’t book the part, but they can certainly ‘book the room’. They are not auditioning for one particular role….they are actually auditioning for every role that casting director casts. Casting directors remember people and call them in for future projects. So go in and have fun! FACT: We often see 100 people for one role. Many talented people will not get cast. Be profoundly prepared, keep at it and you’ll book eventually. If you love it….don’t give up!
What is the Atlanta Workshop Players (AWP) Summer Camp about?
AWP’s Performing Arts camps are called THE SUMMER OF “WOW”! This truly is The Creative Adventure of a Lifetime! - Students age 7-18 develop performing skills and find inspiration with Master Teachers who have successful careers in TV/Film & on Broadway! Kids/Teens train with the pros, make movies, sing, dance, act, perform, network, have a blast and make lifelong friends. AWP teaches performing arts with social responsibility. The motto is CHANGING THE WORLD ONE AUDIENCE AT A TIME……....and they really do.
VIP Movie Camp where EVERY student gets screen time, production experience, IMDB Credits and walks the red carpet! See shows, Audition for the pros & trains in a variety of performing arts….July 10-23rd, 2022
Performing Arts Intensive, where actors will sing, dance, act, perform and Audition for agent’s panel! July 18-23rd.
Performing Arts Adventure Camp where students take classes, see shows, perform and have a blast! July 18-23rd.
How does it help kids who want to be in acting but still be realistic? AWP’s camps provide pro-level training in a wide variety of performing art forms. There are networking and audition opportunities. The movies they make go to film festivals all over the world. Camp events include Q & As with celebrities, agents, casting directors and industry pros who share real-life experiences with the students…..laying the groundwork for realistic expectations and providing tools and the mindset to help motivated students find success.
What sets the AWP Summer Camp apart? Its heart! AWP is where everyone is welcome, everyone has value and
it’s ‘cool’ to be kind! AWP provides scholarships and socially-responsible programs. It trains performing artists and filmmakers, offers opportunities and launches careers, but more importantly, it nurtures human beings and enhances communities. AWP empowers students to realize they can and do have an impact on their world. AWP teaches life-skills thru the arts and gives children a VOICE.
AtlantaWorkshopPlayers.com/camp
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