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BREAKING INTO SHOW BUSINESS “I want to become an actor-
but what I really
want to be the next rich Disney channel star”
This is a common somewhat disturbing line that I often
hear in my practice and in social events.
Over the years, I have been fortunate and blessed to have had my own
15 minutes of fame. I served as a co-host for the popular radio show “Loveline” with Drew Pinsky, I was
interviewed on multiple television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Good Morning Wisconsin and segments for
MTV, BET and Entertainment Tonight. For the past three years I have had the honor to write the monthly column “Ask
Dr. Ron” for Family Circle Magazine. I have enjoyed treating many actors in the past twenty years as a psychiatrist
based in Beverly Hills. The media exposure that I have experienced has taught me two main things. First, yes show
biz can be a blast and emotionally rewarding, BUT secondly, there are many pitfalls along the way. Today I would like
to share with you some of my thoughts and suggestions regarding whether or not you should encourage and support your child’s
dream of become an actor.
The lure of an easy, lucrative life style is difficult to resist for both young
and old, especially during our current hard economic times. Today’s popular culture provides the false impression
that fame and money can be achieved easily and can alleviate all economic and emotional ills. Anyone can be on a reality
show or become the latest media attraction such as an octoplet-mom in order to gain instant notoriety, wealth and love.
The problem is that the yellow brick road to stardom is booby-trapped with the exploitation of both parents and kids.
Money is often the primary motivator for all involved.
Thirty years ago, Marlon Brando provided Lawrence Grobel
an interview and shared his shrewd grasp of how the world of “celebrity” operates. He told Grobel: “I
was very slow in realizing that money was the principle motivation…We’re money-bound people and everything we
do has to do with money, more or less. I am a commodity sitting here. You’re making money, your publisher's making money,
and I suppose, in some way, I'm making money.”
Many people believe that acting is simply exhibiting a natural,
instinctive skill that you hold inside of you. They fail to realize that acting is a profession that requires these traits
to be stimulated and sharpened with the proper training. There are hundreds of thousands of actors, several thousands are
working on a daily basis. BUT, only a few exceptional people have been able to exhibit their “natural talents”
to the point of becoming a STAR.
Now I am not attempting to discourage you in any way from helping your child pursue
an acting career, I just want to make sure that you have more facts to help you make an informative decision.
Here
are my thoughts regarding the positive and negative aspects of becoming a child actor:
TOP TEN REASON FOR KIDS TO BECOME ACTORS
1. A great way to learn responsibility
in an early age.
2. A unique way to learn to read and memorize.
3. An opportunity to learn to connect with and release emotions appropriately.
4. An occasion to earn money for college funds.
5.
With proper emotional support, the profession affords kids the chance to develop self esteem and learn to handle power struggles.
6. A great way to learn to interact with others in a professional manner.
7. Affords young people the opportunity to meet unique interesting people and be exposed to
exceptional role models.
8. An opportunity to develop a healthy physical and
nutritional responsibility to stay in shape for roles.
9. An excellent way
to learn how to handle disappointments at an early age.
10. Learning to be
visionary and to set goals and plans to achieve your wishes, desires and passions. As
a parent your responsibility is to be on guard for the Top Ten typical problems that plague young performers.
TOP TEN PROBLEMS TO WATCH OUT FOR
1. Lack of emotional
support
2. Child abuse on the set
3.
Early sexual behavior
4. Use of drugs
5. Falling behind in school work, lack of education
6. Lack of “normal”
socializing and isolation from peer support.
7. Being set up for the big fall
by being treated “special”
8. Suffering from depression and anxiety
9. Eating disorders
10. Appearing as a
child but being treated as an adult
Remember, this is called “show business” for a very
good reason. Gather as much information as possible to avoid being a victim of a scam and to address your particular
concerns and apprehensions as to how to best crisis proof your child.
Be a responsible parent. Get
as much information as you can. There are hundreds of books and videos about how to break into the industry, often created
by people who are not in the industry. But now there is a landmark project available for parents of child and teen actors.
Stan Livingston, who played Chip on “My Three Sons” has spent three years researching and interviewing many professionals
regarding all aspects of the industry. The Actor’s Journey For Kids presents the personal stories and guidance
from over 100 highly experienced industry pros including directors, producers, talent managers, casting directors and many
highly recognizable stars. This comprehensive video program assists parents in navigating the treacherous waters of
“Hollywood”. This information that you can trust. Visit The Actor’s Journey For Kids Website
at:
THE ACTOR'S JOURNEY PROJECT
If you had an inkling to try acting yourself, you are in luck. Stan has also developed a program for the adult
actor that you can preview at the same website.
For another excellent source for an “insider look”
at the business, visit my good friend Paul Petersen’s web site for a Minor Consideration. Paul played the young
Jeff Stone on the “Donna Reed Show” for many years. Paul has an amazing ability to convey thoughts and warnings
in a flare and style that is uniquely his own. Visit his site at:
A MINOR CONSIDERATION
I wish you the best of luck and every success as you use this information to help you decide whether or not to aggressively
pursue your child’s acting career.
Dr. Ron
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