Lindsey Shaw is a 20-year-old actress originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. Like many aspiring actresses, she followed her dreams and moved to Hollywood with her mom in seventh grade. It turned out to be a great move, but changing schools turned out to be a not-so-great experience at first.
Lindsey had a lot to share with us for our book, “7 Secrets of Celebrity Success,” including her problems with kids in her California school.
Lindsey broke into TV show-biz six years ago with her first role as Moze in Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.” Last year, she landed the role of Kat Stratford in the ABC Family series, “10 Things I Hate About You.” In fact, the show’s new season airs March 29.
Dealing with Peers
When Lindsey moved and switched schools, she experienced what a lot of new students do— other kids made fun of her. In Lindsey’s case, the kids would mock her for being an actress. Eventually she did find friends who were supportive, but soon afterward she had to be homeschooled.
Dealing with Peers
When Lindsey moved and switched schools, she experienced what a lot of new students do— other kids made fun of her. In Lindsey’s case, the kids would mock her for being an actress. Eventually she did find friends who were supportive, but soon afterward she had to be homeschooled.
Lindsey’s experience with a new school isn’t uncommon among actors.
In the book, many young celebrities share their school experiences, including Alyson Stoner. She talks about when she returned to school after acting in “Cheaper by the Dozen” and how kids scrutinized everything she did and spread untrue rumors about her.
Lindsey eventually learned to ignore the other kids and their comments about her acting or her hometown.
“Keep things in perspective and always embrace where you came from,” she says.
When the “Ned’s” pilot took off, Lindsey began to be homeschooled on set. There she studied with other actors who could better relate to her, but she still gave up the quintessential high school experiences for her career. This is something we also talk about in the book.
Dealing with Press
Many young actors and singers in the spotlight learn how to handle media interviews and conduct themselves professionally both on and off set (or in and out of the studio). Public image is important, especially for young entertainers; many of whom serve as role models for young fans.
Dealing with Press
Many young actors and singers in the spotlight learn how to handle media interviews and conduct themselves professionally both on and off set (or in and out of the studio). Public image is important, especially for young entertainers; many of whom serve as role models for young fans.
Lindsey and others gave us tips to include in the book about how young celebs deal with interview questions. We also plan to talk to a publicist and find out what they tell their young clients to say during interviews.
Press interviews are not the time to let your guard down and your true feelings necessarily stand out. Lindsey advises keeping answers short and simple.
“Answer a question as succinctly as you can and always be positive,” Lindsey says. “I don’t want to say don’t give a real opinion, but if your real opinion is biased, sugar coat it, basically.”
Lindsey’s co-star on “Ned’s,” Devon Werkheiser, gave a similar point of view. He says celebs must always appear happy, no matter what personal trouble they’re going through at the time.
Fans don’t like to see their favorite characters with a sad or burdened demeanor. Keeping a happy face all the time can be tough, but celebs in the public eye can’t disappoint or turn off their fans.
Dealing with peers and media are just two of the points we’ll address in “7 Secrets.” Combined with topics like giving back through good causes, dealing with the tabloids and handling pressure, “7 Secrets” will include lots of tips and experiences from celebrities to give readers a look into the kind of work that goes into being young and in the spotlight.
