The Academy of Cinema and Television Announces Event with Madison Pettis

In just a few days, on March 30, 2008, the Academy of Cinema and Television will host an event at their Phoenix, Arizona, campus where eligible students and their parents will meet nine year old Madison Pettis and her mother Michelle.  Madison Pettis is a series regular on Cory in the House, co-starred with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in The Game Plan, and will be starring with Will Smith on his next film. Here is where parents can ask the hard questions and get answers directly from the mother of a child star.  

At the Academy of Cinema and Television the staff and instructors all know that every adorable child is not necessarily star material.  It's rare that a child really wants to go into a strange room full of strangers asking strange questions -- which is exactly what happens at most theatrical auditions. "Don't do it unless the kid really wants to do it," says Mario Lopez, who has been a successful actor since his tween years.

Jack White, Director at the academy's Phoenix campus, offers this advice to parents on a regular basis: "Parents, never push your kid into show business or to audition. If your child starts crying and is adamant about not going to an audition or classes, don't make him or her.  Get involved because your child is passionate about performing!"

Attitude is also important, child actors spend a great deal of time waiting:  waiting to audition, waiting their turn to review wardrobe, waiting for lights to be set, and so on.  If a child is often out of control and throwing things or being disrespectful to everyone, they most likely won't make it past the casting director.  It doesn't matter how talented a child is, if they don't have the right attitude, they won't make it because no one wants a little monster on set. This satement also goes for the parents.

This special school event is where parents and students can obtain insight into the industry from a young actress who began her career at age 5 and is now one of Hollywood’s most sought after juvenile stars.  At this event, Michelle Pettis, Madison's mom will also share from a parent's perspective and her own philosophy of not putting pressure on Madison to perform.  Parents and students will be able to ask questions and receive tips from this very talented child actor and her mother.

The Academy of Cinema and Television (A.C.T.) is a private institution with cutting edge training centers that have revolutionized performance education in on-camera acting, modeling, singing and dancing.  A.C.T. is constantly evolving to meet new technologies, new formats, and new approaches to on-camera training. The selection process at all their school locations is by invitation only. The academy concentrates on preparing a select group of talented young people to enter the entertainment industry. Class size is kept small to optimize the learning environment.  To learn more about the Academy of Cinema and Television call the Academy Director, Jack White, at 602-261-5800 extension 114.