How Does a Child Actor Get the Proper Education?
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Acting can be a very emotionally and financially rewarding profession, but it can also be a very stressful profession filled with several challenges and obstacles. For a child actor who has not yet fully developed emotionally, physically and intellectually, even more challenges and obstacles can exist. This poses a great risk for a child actor's future, especially when it comes to receiving the proper education.
Understanding the Laws
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A child actor is defined as an actor who is under the age of 18. Laws exist to protect the best interest of child actors, and vary from state to state. These laws generally cover the amount of hours a child actor can work, the kind of environment he can be exposed to, and what stunts, if any, he is permitted to perform. Compulsory education laws state that education is not to be interrupted while the child is at work. Several options exist to ensure that a child actor's education is not compromised and no laws are broken.
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Finding a Tutor or Teacher
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A child actor can remain enrolled in either a public of private school while pursuing an acting career. Many parents will hire a private tutor or teacher for the times when the child actor must be taken out of school and remain on a set or a stage for the majority of a day, making sure that the child does not fall behind. These teachers and tutors work on-site and can be very flexible according to daily needs and work schedules. An example of this kind of resource can be found at the On Location Education website.
Homeschooling as an Option
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Another realistic educational option for child actors is homeschooling. Though still somewhat controversial, homeschooling has become very appealing to the parents of children who demonstrate exceptional talent in any area, including music, science and athletics, as well as acting. While homeschooled, child actors are able to take their schoolwork with them while working, rather than remaining restricted to one location. Parents will have a direct say in how quickly the child is learning and what the lesson plans are. Curriculums are designed specifically for the child actor's individual needs and development, and can possibly result in accelerated and advanced learning. In addition, the flexibility of homeschooling can give child actors who have other interests outside of acting more time to pursue those as well. Programs like as the one found at the Laurel Springs website have provided many child actors with this option.
Combining Different Options
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Homeschool and on-site teachers and tutors appear to be the best options for child actors who spend part of the school year working. Many parents find that a combination of the two is the most effective substitute for a traditional education. With today's constantly evolving technology, online and distance learning courses can also be used as supplements. Now more than ever, child actors can receive the best education possible while still pursuing individual dreams.
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