Lisa and David talk with studio teacher KRISTIN MINKLER, whose work includes “Abbott Elementary” and so many more of your favorite shows, about both the education and child welfare aspects of her job, and how young performers and their parents can best collaborate with the studio teacher. Topics covered include work hours, work permits and what to do when confronted with particular issues that can arise for minor actors and their parents.

This week’s Mailbag question: “Is it better to have my child take acting lessons or participate in a program where my child will play a role in a full production?”

KRISTIN MINKLER

Kristin Minkler began her teaching career in 1999 after graduating from Pepperdine University. She immediately began teaching English at Granada Hills High School where she was blessed to be mentored by some of the most amazing teachers. Growing up in Southern California, Kristin attended a small private school where many of her friends were working actors. She always knew about studio teaching and decided to get her green card to work during the summers instead of teaching summer school. She fell in love with the job and decided to work full time in the studios. In 2005 she took a little time off when she had her identical twin boys who worked in the industry when they were little. It was at this time Kristin experienced what it was like as a parent which greatly shaped how she approached her job as a studio teacher.

Kristin spent over 10 years as the lead teacher working on Nickelodeon shows including “School of Rock”, “Instant Mom”, “Wendell and Vinnie”, “How to Rock”, and “All That". She moved to network with “Life in Pieces” and streaming with Netflix’s “Mr. Iglesias”. Her current show “Abbott Elementary” is the most difficult but most rewarding show she has ever worked on and hopes it runs forever.

https://thestudioteachers.com/

THE YOUNG ACTOR WORKSPACE was born out of a single request — a mom who was looking for help with an audition for her son. At the time, the young actor was doing a play with Lisa Picotte and David Kaufman. They were both happy to share their personal insight and advice on how to approach the particularly difficult audition material. He booked the job. Word of mouth ensued and a studio was born. In the past 20 years, Lisa and David have worked with hundreds of young actors, both in weekly classes and private coaching. Some of the young actors who have studied and coached with them have gone on to tremendous success — Millie Bobby Brown, Taylor Lautner, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Grace Kaufman, Tanner Buchanan, Haley Ramm, Brenna D’Amico, Bobby Soto, just to name a few. While these young actors’ success is a point of pride for Lisa and David, they are just as proud of the many other young actors who are also working regularly, or simply gaining the skills to go out into the world feeling confident in their ability to speak in front of and honestly engage with others in whatever paths they eventually choose. While the studio continues to thrive, Lisa is now a sought-after set coach for young actors. She has worked for ABC, CBS, Showtime, Apple TV Plus and Disney among others.

Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com