My daughter came home from her first session talking about objectives, not lines. That was the moment I knew this was the right fit.
For parents
For parents of young performers
Coaching from a working actor, with child safety and age-appropriate material built in.
Tingley's Acting Studio coaches young actors aged 7 to 17 in one-to-one sessions with Freya, a working screen actor. The approach is age-appropriate at every stage: play and craft for younger children, honest scene work for teens, with material selected to suit the actor and with a parent or guardian present or in an adjacent room. All coaches working with minors hold a current Working with Children Check or its international equivalent. This page covers what coaching with us looks like, what we do differently from stage school, and how to get started.
What coaching looks like at each age
Ages 7 to 10
Play-based craft work. Games that are actually training. Scripts introduced gradually, never pressured. A session is 45 minutes. A parent is always in the room or in an adjacent room within hearing distance.
Ages 11 to 13
Introduction to audition basics: slates, eyelines, cold reads from age-appropriate material. Self-tape setup with the parent present. Sessions are 60 minutes.
Ages 14 to 17
Full audition work. Accent coaching if wanted. Age-appropriate scene work, with material selected in conversation with the parent. Self-submission platforms discussed. Sessions are 60 to 75 minutes. A parent is in the building at all times; whether in the room or adjacent is up to the actor and parent.
Stage school vs. one-to-one coaching
The two are complementary, not alternatives. Most of our young students do both.
| Stage school | One-to-one coaching | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary value | Ensemble experience, discipline, performance practice. | Specific, individualised craft work. Audition readiness. |
| Teacher background | Drama-teacher qualification is typical. On-set experience varies widely. | Working actor currently in the industry. |
| Group size | 6 to 20 per class. | One. |
| Material | Set by the curriculum. | Chosen for this actor, for this audition, for this career stage. |
| Progress signal | Annual showcase. | A booking, a callback, or a clear craft shift session to session. |
| Best for | Building an ensemble foundation. Age 7 to 13 especially. | Preparing for real auditions. Age 12 and up especially. |
| Costs more per hour | No. | Yes, typically. A parent chooses based on what the child needs, not on price alone. |
How we keep young actors safe
Every parent deserves to know, in specific terms, how a coach keeps a young actor safe. Here is what we do:
- All coaches working with minors hold a current Working with Children Check (AU), Police Vetting (NZ), Vulnerable Sector Check (CA), DBS check (UK), or the local equivalent. Documentation is available to any parent on request.
- A parent or guardian is always in the building during a session, and in the room or an adjacent room depending on the child's age and preference.
- Session material is agreed with the parent before the session. If a scene includes mature themes, we discuss why it is on the table and whether a different scene would serve the learning.
- We do not photograph or video-record a minor without written parent consent, and never for marketing use without a separate consent form.
- Our Child Safe Policy is a working document, not a legal formality. Read it, and tell us if anything is unclear.
How to get started with us
- Book a 15-minute introductory call. You and your child can both be on the call, or just you. Free.
- If coaching looks like a fit, we schedule a first session. Usually within the following week.
- After the first session, we decide together (you, your child, and Freya) whether to continue.
Freya treated my 12-year-old like an actor, not a child doing a hobby. He responded immediately.
Frequently asked questions
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What age do you start coaching from?
Seven. Occasionally a mature six-year-old. Below that, we recommend local drama play groups.
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Do you have a Working with Children Check?
Yes. Current documentation on request. Equivalent checks are held for every jurisdiction where we coach.
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How do I know if my child is ready for professional auditions?
A short conversation with Freya will give you a clearer answer than this FAQ can. The short version is: readiness is usually about your child's interest and patience, not their talent.
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What does a session cost?
Pricing is confirmed on the introductory call. Payment is per session, or lower per-session on an eight or ten session block. We do not publish a price list because the right session length and cadence for a young actor depends on their age, current level, and what they are preparing for.
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Can my child be coached remotely?
Yes, from 10 years old and up in most cases. A parent is on the call.
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Do you handle difficult or emotional scene material with young actors?
Carefully. We discuss the material with you first. We never ambush a child with heavy material. If a scene is outside what your child can hold, we find a different scene.
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What if my child wants to stop?
They stop. Coaching is not a commitment we hold them to. If your child is not enjoying the work, we would rather know early and pause or end.
Book a 15-minute call
Free, for you, with or without your child on the line.