Renowned New York Talent Scout Peter Sklar knows a thing or two about helping aspiring child stars achieve success. His list of protégés includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Mischa Barton, to name a few, along with many current and former Broadway, TV, and film actors, singers and dancers.

 

Reality shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance have springboarded some of the most talented kids in the nation into super stardom. But with so much available talent, what really sets one kid apart from another?

 

According to Sklar, an arts career is about two things: self-image and health. He argues that these qualities outweigh looks, training, connections, and even talent.

 

In “Getting Started in the Arts” a free lecture for aspiring teen dancers, singers and actors, and their parents on Tuesday, October 21st 6:30 PM at Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Sklar will explain why his views are in synch with the needs of top New York and Hollywood agents and casting directors.

 

“The people who sit behind the table are trying to decide two things: do they like you, and do they believe you,” Sklar tells young audiences. “If you don’t feel good mentally and physically, you won’t open up and show us who you really are. When that happens- no matter how good you are, how pretty, or who you know- we’ve already lost interest.”

 

Alluding to a dramatic rise in self-destructive behavior, such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and eating disorders among so-called “happy” teens, Sklar marvels at how often these activities secretly co-exist with good grades, good behavior, and virtually every other outward sign of stability.

 

“The kids I interview are the smartest and most talented- the highest achievers in the nation,” proclaims Sklar. “And they’re too often the most unhappy, unhealthy, and least employable.”

 

Sklar boasts an Ivy League pedigree, (Masters Degree in Education from Harvard University), formal training in concert piano, (Juilliard School of Music), and four decades of professional experience. He’s been the subject of multiple feature-length articles in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News, Kansas City Star and numerous others, was interviewed on E! True Hollywood Story, appeared as a guest expert on Donahue, and has had his work presented on the Bravo Channel, Good Morning America, and every major national television network.

 

He’s currently developing an original musical based on his experiences entitled “The Kid Who Played the Palace”, to be directed by William Martin, (Broadway’s “The Lieutenant”, recipient of five Tony Award nominations).

 

“Getting Started in the Arts” is open to teenagers, young adults, older children, and parents. There is no charge for admission, but reservations are strictly required. Nobody under age seven (7) will be admitted with or without a parent, and nobody under age eighteen (18) will be admitted without their own mother or father. (Please note carefully that attending with a substitute temporary guardian, such as a friend’s parent, will not be permissible.)

 

WHEN: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21st 6:30 PM

WHERE: Robert C. Byrd High School 1 Eagle Way, Clarksburg, West Virginia

RESERVATIONS: morgan@petersklar.org (Please include name and total number of persons)

MORE INFORMATION: www.petersklaronline.com www.gettingstartedinthearts.com