Expert: Phil Nemy - 2/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 4 year old niece who is so outgoing, funny and is always performing for people wherever we go. She loves music, singing, dancing and acting constantly. I feel she has a natural born talent and extremely advanced for her age. Her mother and I are looking up for performing art school for her age group but can not find any. Do you have any suggestions as where to go or if we should just sign her up for auditions? She a natural...

ANSWER: Norma,

Thanks for writing. In what city and state do you live? This will better help me determine how best to help you.

Phil

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My apologies! We are located in Jersey City, NJ. I looked up a few places but I see nothing for her age group.

Answer
Norma.

Thanks for getting back to me. You might wish to start by contacting the New Jersey Film Commission for some suggestions and guidance on where she can begin to study. At age 4, I'm not sure you'll have many choices for a performing arts school, but there may be some acting classes, dance classes, singing classes, etc. that you can sign up for individually. Here's the link to the New Jersey Film Commission (http://www.njfilm.org).

Since you're fairly close to NYC, you might also want to pick up a copy of BACKSTAGE, the bi-weekly newspaper for performers. It lists a lot of classes and teachers in the NYC area as well as auditions she may be right for. Buy a subscription and stay on top of what's available for her.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil