by Charla Cochran
I used to say NO, they are only 4 or 5 years old. But then, I noticed the same 10-20 kids booking all the commercials in that age category. I talked to some session and casting directors who said,“Some kids know what to do and some do not. Kids who are confident book jobs!”
Now my answer is a resounding YES!!! On camera commercial classes will help develop confidence in your child, through the information they will learn in class.. They will learn how to talk to the camera, stand on their mark, and know where to look, which may seem like small things, but can make a big difference in an audition or a callback. Just learning the rules of the audition game will give them the confidence they need to relax and be more comfortable when they walk into that room without you. Knowing what to expect is important for young kids.
A good, basic, fun but informative class is all that a 4-6 year old needs to give them a competitive edge. Those who are more shy may need to take it more than once to get them more comfortable. Overall, it is a small time and fi- nancial commitment that can bring a huge return on your investment. Even if they don’t become Dakota Fanning, they will have learned some valuable skills; how to listen tp instruction, play well with others, have confidence
and communicate more effectively. Who cannot use that in life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charla Cochran is a working actress and acting coach
that has been teaching young children and teenagers
for over 20 years, most recently at award-winning Keep
It Real Acting in LA. She received her BFA in Theater
Education from the University of Utah in 1995, where she
served as Artistic Director for a touring program promot-
ing child abuse prevention. Charla relocated to the West
Coast after directing her own youth theater company
in Birmingham, AL, for 10 years. Now back in Salt Lake
City, Charla is starting her own on-camera workshops and
private coaching through vari- ous studios. She has a special
gift for working with very young children and has nurtured and
encouraged many young actors to find their creative voice.
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