It’s a theory that people tend to be involved in the performing arts world more so when they are younger and have nudging parents behind them edging them to do well in something that is such a booming industry for children.
Does this gentle nudge crush confidence or plant the seeds for what could be a promising career?
“Many actors' careers are short-lived, and this is also true of child actors. Peter Ostrum , for example, is now a successful large-animal veterinarian after a starring role in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”.[1]
On the other hand Daniel Radcliff who played Harry Potter thinks that British Child Stars are more grounded than American Child actors because of the way they are treated. Because the people around me that I love are great, normal and down to earth, they never let me get above myself. The difference between England and America is that in America if you start acting from a youngage you're treated as a star first and then a child second. And inEngland you're treated very much as a child first and an actor second,which I think is the way it should be. And that is why I think there isa difference between kids who act in England and act in America.” [2]
A prime example of a child star being worked and auditioned too much by his parents is the late Michael Jackson. He claims not to not have had a childhood, was this the reason for his “weird” behavior as an adult? Kay pierre expresses his views in the American magazine People. Michael Jackson’s story about his childhood is a perfect example of why children dont grow up healthy if you dont aloow then to be a kid. Michael Jackson mentioned on the News that hes like Peter Pan.He believes that he's a kid that never grows up and he never wamyed to leave his childhood because hes not done with it yet.[3]
That is an extreme case of what damage can be done if childhood is not allowed, which potentially can damage the next generation of entertainers.
Some people also criticize the parents of child actors for allowing their children to work, believing that more “normal” activities should be the staple during the childhood years. Others observe that competition is present in all areas of a child’s life from sports to orchestra and believe that the work ethic instilled, or the talent developed accrues to the child’s benefit. [4] Stemming from this what other options are there? We get adults to play children like the current West End production Blood Brothers, this may look pleasing to the eye on stage with its comical feel but will it work for television? “I'm not convince that an adult can satisfactorily replace a good child performance. Whatever the strengths of the grownup, the physical vulnerability of a child on a stage full of adult bodies is impossible to recreate, and can be hugely powerful” [5]
‘We live in an age now where 25 millions people do not tune in to watch the generation game (Hence it is not aired anymore) but where reality television is watched by millions every Saturday night. On channel 4, 7 out of 10 most viewed programmes of the decade where reality television’ [6] In 2008 the BBC launched “I’d Do Anything” an open talent search across the country on the prowl for children, searching for the next Oliver Twist. Is this the next step for parents who have dreams for their child performers? Is reality television also the quickest and easiest step into the business not only now for adults but children too? Are we giving parents a new angle to exploit their children?
These open audition shows are pulling in millions of audience members and with these shows being shown on prime time television, children make up a large chunk of viewers. We now accept as a society that it is ok to laugh at those making “fools” of themselves at these auditions for our viewer entertainment. Imagine you are an11 year old who likes to sing but not sure if you are good enough for a West End production, your parents tell you to go for it. But the chance of being shown on television as “rubbish” is maybe a risk to great.
The world of performing arts can only develop and benefit from fresh raw talent, and in majority of cases it Is children. As long as children are not exploited and are free to make their own decisions alongside the help of their guardians and parents. Children should be able to explore performing arts if they so wish to. It some ways it can be seen as a hobby just like Karate or playing an instrument which can then later on develop into a career
[1] Effects. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_actor. [Accessed 3rd January 2010]
[2] I’m Not Obsessed. May 15th 2009
http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2009/05/15/Daniel Radcliff says its better to be a British child actor. [Accessed 3rd January 2010]
[3] People Magazine. Written by Pierre Kay
http://socyberty.com/people/michael-jackson-and-a-painful-childhood/
[4] Wikipedia. Competitive pressure http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_actor [Accessed 3rd January 2010]
[5] Think Children should be played by Adult actors? Must be kidding. Tuesday 17th March 2009. posted by Peter Kirwan.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2009/mar/17/children-adult-actors [Accessed 3rd January 2010)
[6] BBC news, 2009. Entertainment review of the decade.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8424597.stm [Accessed: 3rd of January 2010]
this is really interesting to read Steph. I love the way you have structured it because it simple and makes it a easy read. Great that your using Michael Jackson as he is a fine example of what can happen when under the lime light from such an early age. what's your personal views on auditioning and what would you do if your child wanted to persue acting?
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