How to get your Child Actor to – Act Natural

Act Natural – two of the most difficult words for child actors even adult actors to follow. Without getting all philosophical, when someone tells you to not think about something, that’s exactly what you think about. As soon as someone tells you to act natural, it becomes one of the most difficult things to do.

Go ahead. Try it. ACT NATURAL.

It reminds me of one of my children’s favorite episodes of “SpongeBob Squarepants.” SpongeBob is about to cheat on his boating exam. As the teacher drives up, Patrick tells SpongeBob to “act natural.” SpongeBob drops on all fours, moos and starts nibbling grass. It’s a funny scenario, but surprisingly accurate.

You’re child finally has an audition for a part as a “regular” kid and suddenly, you’re child has no idea how to act natural. Your child has 90 seconds to BE the kid – just a kid, trying to act like a kid, while saying memorized lines and taking directions from someone. It is about as far from “natural” as it gets for most children.

This is why it is so important for actors, especially child actors, to take acting class. In class, actors have a chance to observe their reactions, to interact with others, to take direction, and to experiment with techniques all designed to appear natural when they “act natural.”

With practice, your child will be able to act natural whether its in class, at an audition or at a paid acting job.