Connection Staff
It was one of many lectures that Sklar has given throughout his career to children and teens who are anxious to break into show business.
Sklar was educated at Harvard University and is credited with discovering and or working with many big show-business names, including Sara Jessica Parker, Mischa Barton, Reese Witherspoon and Rick Shroder. His talks are centered on dispelling common myths about the entertainment industry while offering practical advice for tomorrow's stars.
At Cappuccio Sklar talked about self-esteem and how important it is for an aspiring actress to like herself if she wants anyone else to like her.
"The number one thing people overlook in breaking into this business is what happens when people decide to hire you," Sklar said. "They look at talent, looks, experience, and
how well you read a script. But there is nothing more crucial than who you are and how people will react to you."
Sklar continued: "In order to be believable as an actor, you must know who you are. You can't do that if you don't like who you are. They [audience] can see if you're faking it. Being open and genuine is based on being happy."
Nutrition and health were other major topics. Sklar noticed through his experience in the business how many young people live off of caffeine and sugar and don't get enough rest.
"These teens will wear a lot of make-up to cover up the fact that they look tired," he said. "They are often times anemic as well. If you are sick all the time you are considered unreliable. Health is the second biggest thing often overlooked in the performing arts."
Specializing in teenagers, Sklar knows about unnecessary pressures that youths often impose on themselves. "There is not one body type that is more castable than another," he said. "Weight is a symptom of health. If you eat vegetables, healthy carbohydrates, etc., then your body will adjust to what size you are meant to be. People often focus on the obesity problem in this country. But with teens, one in five is grossly underweight. I never discuss weight with anyone, rather health."
Sklar works with about 300 kids a year, out of 2,000 interviewed. The one trait he looks for is personality. The interview is based on who they are as a person. For example, Sklar looks at their maturity and independence, along with whether they appear to be happy.
"Unfortunately, the modern stage mother or father has a tendency to live their own dreams through their child. What makes the business healthy or unhealthy are the parental expectations. The parents are often the least objective party in the process. If children don't want to be there [at and audition], we know," Sklar said.
As a scout, Sklar said, "It's never a surprise that kids have these traits early on. Like Sara Jessica Parker, for instance. She was every bit as funny, clever and spontaneous as she is now at the age of 15, before she ever became a big name. Rick Shroder was always very bright as a kid."
Sklar had some very specific suggestions for interested children and young adults. "Take acting classes in New York as often as possible," he said. "Do as many regional theater productions as you can to build your resume. You don't need an agent right away. Don't spend more than $300 on headshots because the picture is just a reminder for the casting director of which one you were. And attending one of my free lectures will help as well."
Sklar will be lecturing in Pennsylvania until the end of April and will return sometime in the fall. All of his lectures are open to children above six years old with a parent or legal guardian. The lectures are free with a reservation.
If anyone missed Monday night's lecture, Sklar will be in Souderton at the Barn Studio Dance on Saturday, April 29 at 1 p.m. He will also be in Reading at the Dance Center on Sunday, April 30 at 7 p.m.
Contact reporter Antoinette Colon
at 610-367-6041, ext. 255 or
alcolon@berksmontnews.com.
