3 Things You Didn't Know About Studio Teachers
Today, our founder, Matt McGee dives into three things you didn’t know about studio teachers. After you, your child’s studio teacher will be the most important person who will help keep your child safe and ensure their success on set. "But isn’t the studio teacher just a school teacher who shows up to set to help my child with their school?" Far from it.
They Don’t Provide Curriculum
When your child is still at the level of booking co-stars and guest stars, they probably aren’t working more than a few days at a time. In this case, it never makes sense for the studio teachers to provide curriculum. Instead, you should come prepared to set with a laptop, a notebook and whatever assignments you’ve been working on. The best way to ensure that your child’s education is being taken care of is to set your studio teacher up for success. Show up prepared and ready to work!
You Can Request Your Teacher (sometimes)
Worked with a studio teacher your kid loved? Or maybe one they didn’t love so much? You don’t have to leave it to chance - you can request that a studio hire a specific teacher. Now, if you’re 1 of 15 minors on a job, it may not be feasible, but even if you’re working as a co-star, production wants to make sure you’re happy. Let them know you loved working with a certain teacher and you’d love to work with them again. A good teacher means less headaches for a producer and they’ll usually try to accommodate your request. Once you get up to the higher levels of series regular and recurring roles, ask your agent about negotiating teacher selection into your contract!
Your Teacher is Your Advocate
Your teacher isn’t just there to keep your education on track. They are also your welfare advocate. It is their job to make sure you're comfortable, happy, and making sure you’re not being taken advantage of. Communicate with them. If something or someone is making you uncomfortable or if something is stressing you out - tell them! Don’t be shy. Working on a film set can be a lot for a minor and its important to take care of your mental health and teachers are there to support exactly that! MPA teachers are even trained with youth mental health first.
But whoever your teacher is, remember, they aren’t just there to educate, they are there to advocate.
From MPA Founder,
Matt McGee
