My wife recently started working part time for 3-2-1 Acting Studios in Los Angeles. They're known as one of the top acting schools for children. Many of their students are working in TV and film. While talking with her, I was most surprised to learn that they're not just instructing the students on the basics of acting, they're also teaching them how to be professionals. The lessons may sound basic, but they're great reminders on how we can be better adults.
1. Be a professional, even if you're just pretending
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
Acting classes constantly reinforce how to be professional, since the entertainment industry is not forgiving of slackers, but you'd be surprised how many adults forget the basics. Professionalism will always get you further. To recap: eye contact, firm handshake, smile, be on time, keep your cool, welcome new challenges, be creative, and embrace your role.
2. Always be building relationships
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
Networking is arguably the most important professional skill. This is because people are most comfortable with people they already know. Any successful child actor knows that they have to learn how to network. Relationship building is the planting of work-seeds for future job opportunities. "We introduce students to many people in the field and teach them tools to learn people's names for a quicker connection and how to relate to different personalities," said Ann Worth, marketing director of 3-2-1-Acting Studios. "We also remind our students to keep track of who they've met and worked with."
3. Know your industry
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
Anyone trying to break into an industry or trying to get ahead could benefit from consistent research. Young and aspiring actors keep track of the many aspects of their industry. They know who all the key players are from the agents, managers, and actors to the television roles and commercial opportunities. "I'm amazed at how active our students are," Worth said. "They learn the industry vocabulary, read screenplays, take online and in-person classes, follow actors on social media, watch the classics, and are always practicing."
4. Be tenacious
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
"'Seniority' isn't what it was in our grandparents' day," says child actor's studio owner Mae Ross. "Businesses aren't as faithful to long-term employees as they once were." She give advice that applies to many industries today: "Your credits will get you only so far. Even the most successful actors weather the ebb and flow of work. The difference between people who used to act and working actors is that working actors do not quit acting. They are tenacious. So, be tenacious."
5. Have a creative outlet
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
Acting for children is creative, subjective, and wildly dynamic. Yet, as adults, we forget about the benefits of having our own creative outlet. Having an imaginative hobby will help you to unwind, focus, schedule time for yourself, meet new people, reduce negative thoughts, and help you to put feelings into different words or expressions.
6. Remember to present your best self
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
"When first impressions are discussed with students, they are reminded that it starts the moment they walk into a building, when they are in the lobby, when they enter an audition room, when they introduce themselves and when they leave. We stress the importance of being courteous and confident," Worth said.
7. Market yourself online
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
Actors, more than most, need many ways to market themselves so that their material can be viewed by casting directors and agents. Whatever the reason, everyone can benefit from quality self-promotion. Your blogs, videos, website and varied social media should be clear, easy to navigate, and show you off well to industry professionals. Don't make the mistake and think that only personal connections see your cyber activity. It's great to share with friends and family online, however, your online media presence are like elaborate business cards. Make sure any photos, links, tweets, Facebook updates and any material you upload shows you in your best, professional light.
8. Never stop training
![What Adults Can Take Away From Child Acting Classes]()
Taking classes is natural when you're young, but great actors never stop seeking instruction. Training helps you identify natural talents you might not have noticed otherwise. Think back to when you were a kid in school and you immediately liked science because you happened to good at it. You can keep learning new things you happen to be good at.
Related: What Happened To Your Favorite Child Stars?
1. Be a professional, even if you're just pretending
Acting classes constantly reinforce how to be professional, since the entertainment industry is not forgiving of slackers, but you'd be surprised how many adults forget the basics. Professionalism will always get you further. To recap: eye contact, firm handshake, smile, be on time, keep your cool, welcome new challenges, be creative, and embrace your role.
2. Always be building relationships
Networking is arguably the most important professional skill. This is because people are most comfortable with people they already know. Any successful child actor knows that they have to learn how to network. Relationship building is the planting of work-seeds for future job opportunities. "We introduce students to many people in the field and teach them tools to learn people's names for a quicker connection and how to relate to different personalities," said Ann Worth, marketing director of 3-2-1-Acting Studios. "We also remind our students to keep track of who they've met and worked with."
3. Know your industry
Anyone trying to break into an industry or trying to get ahead could benefit from consistent research. Young and aspiring actors keep track of the many aspects of their industry. They know who all the key players are from the agents, managers, and actors to the television roles and commercial opportunities. "I'm amazed at how active our students are," Worth said. "They learn the industry vocabulary, read screenplays, take online and in-person classes, follow actors on social media, watch the classics, and are always practicing."
4. Be tenacious
"'Seniority' isn't what it was in our grandparents' day," says child actor's studio owner Mae Ross. "Businesses aren't as faithful to long-term employees as they once were." She give advice that applies to many industries today: "Your credits will get you only so far. Even the most successful actors weather the ebb and flow of work. The difference between people who used to act and working actors is that working actors do not quit acting. They are tenacious. So, be tenacious."
5. Have a creative outlet
Acting for children is creative, subjective, and wildly dynamic. Yet, as adults, we forget about the benefits of having our own creative outlet. Having an imaginative hobby will help you to unwind, focus, schedule time for yourself, meet new people, reduce negative thoughts, and help you to put feelings into different words or expressions.
6. Remember to present your best self
"When first impressions are discussed with students, they are reminded that it starts the moment they walk into a building, when they are in the lobby, when they enter an audition room, when they introduce themselves and when they leave. We stress the importance of being courteous and confident," Worth said.
7. Market yourself online
Actors, more than most, need many ways to market themselves so that their material can be viewed by casting directors and agents. Whatever the reason, everyone can benefit from quality self-promotion. Your blogs, videos, website and varied social media should be clear, easy to navigate, and show you off well to industry professionals. Don't make the mistake and think that only personal connections see your cyber activity. It's great to share with friends and family online, however, your online media presence are like elaborate business cards. Make sure any photos, links, tweets, Facebook updates and any material you upload shows you in your best, professional light.
8. Never stop training
Taking classes is natural when you're young, but great actors never stop seeking instruction. Training helps you identify natural talents you might not have noticed otherwise. Think back to when you were a kid in school and you immediately liked science because you happened to good at it. You can keep learning new things you happen to be good at.
Related: What Happened To Your Favorite Child Stars?