Category: Stage Savvy Parents

What is the Best Age for a Child Actor? When it comes to children entering the world of acting, parents often ask, “What is the best age for a child actor?” It’s a valid question, especially when you consider the challenges and opportunities that come with starting early in the entertainment industry. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, certain ages are widely regarded as ideal for entering the world

How can I support my child in pursuing a career in the performing arts?   Supporting Your Child's Performing Arts Ambitions: A Parent's Guide Nurturing a child's passion for the performing arts requires a delicate balance of encouragement, practical support, and informed decision-making. As a parent, your role is pivotal in guiding your young performer through the industry's complexities. 1. Encourage and Nurture Their Passion Attend Performances: Show genuine

Time & Task Management for Teens Earlier today, my daughter came to me and said, "Dad, can I talk to you? I'm really stressed out." When I asked her what was bothering her, she started listing all the things she felt she needed to do. I took her through a process similar to the one below, which immediately relieved her stress and sent her on her way, ready to

The Balancing Act: Nurturing Early Talents Without Narrowing Horizons In the world of child development, the question of when and how to focus on a child's talents is a topic of much debate. While it's crucial to recognise and nurture a child's natural abilities early on, it's equally important not to pigeonhole them into a single path. This is especially true in highly competitive fields like the performing arts,

Practical Ways Of Supporting Your Child's Journey In Competitive Performing Arts Navigating the world of competitive performing arts can be both exhilarating and challenging for young performers and their parents. As a parent, your role is crucial in providing the support and guidance your child needs to thrive. Here are some practical ways to support your child's journey, drawing on insights and strategies that have proven effective. 1. Create a

Stage Savvy Parents: The Role of Parents in Supporting Performance Ambitions   In the dynamic world of performing arts, young talents often face an emotional rollercoaster, with exhilarating highs and challenging lows. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping your child maintain emotional balance throughout this journey. Let's explore how you can effectively support your child's performance ambitions by focusing on emotional stability and trust. Keeping Off

Stage Savvy Parents: Are You Helping or Hurting? 5 Common Mistakes Parents of Young Performers Make (and How to Avoid Them) Raising a young performer is an incredible journey filled with unique challenges and rewards. However, even the most supportive parents can make common mistakes that will, the overwhelming majority of the time, hinder their child's progress. Here's a countdown of the top five mistakes parents of performers make

The Differences Between Elite Training Programs and Local Training As parents of aspiring performers, understanding the nuances between elite training programs and local training can significantly impact your child's journey in the performing arts. While both approaches offer unique benefits, there are distinct differences that have a huge bearing on the development and opportunities available to a young performer. Let’s explore these differences and highlight the advantages of each.

The Power of On-The-Job Training in Performing Arts   West End Kids prides itself on offering a unique, one-of-a-kind training program in the UK and possibly worldwide. Our approach is not about exams and grades; it's about real-world, on-the-job training that prepares young performers for the stage. In this post, we'll explore the numerous benefits of our distinctive method, contrasting it with traditional examination-based systems, and explain why this

The Journey of a Thousand Steps: Long-Term Benefits of Performing Arts Training   At West End Kids, we know that performing arts are more than just dazzling lights and applause; they are a journey of growth, discipline, and self-discovery. We believe that the true value of performing arts training extends far beyond the stage. It's about shaping young individuals into confident, motivated, and driven adults ready to take on

Navigating Auditions and Casting Calls: Preparing Your Child and Handling Rejection Positively   Auditioning is a fundamental part of a performer's journey, filled with excitement and challenges. As the Founder and Musical Supervisor of West End Kids, I’ve witnessed many young talents navigate this path. Here’s my advice for parents and young performers on handling auditions and dealing with rejection in a healthy, professional manner. Embrace Non-Attachment Non-attachment is