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L.A. Apartment Complex Caters To Child Actors Chasing Dreams
"Everybody Hates Chris" co-star Vincent Martella, center, and "Heroes" actor Randall Bentley join in a game of volleyball at the Oakwood Toluca Hills apartment complex, which has built a niche as a residence for child actors.
(Photos By Kevork Djansezian -- Associated Press)
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"I've been very fortunate in the short time I've been out here to be able to accomplish so many different things," she said, adding that acting has been a dream "ever since I was a little girl."
But it's a dream not many will achieve, says Paul Petersen, founder of the child-actor advocacy group A Minor Consideration and himself a child star of the 1950s and '60s.
"A fairly small percentage will even get a theatrical agent," said Petersen, who was precocious son Jeff Stone on TV's long-running "The Donna Reed Show."
"The common thread of those who succeed is a level of talent that is extraordinary."
But, he added with a rueful chuckle, that doesn't mean any of them will stop coming to Hollywood and, in turn, to Oakwood, which has capitalized on its niche and helps the children meet legitimate casting directors and get valuable advice on issues such as finding honest agents.
"When they recognized the true nature of their client base, kids coming out for a chance at the gold ring, they stepped up to the plate," Peterson said of the complex's managers.
So at the end of the day, after grueling, often disappointing auditions; $100-an-hour acting lessons; and expensive photo shoots, young actors can live like stars, enjoying volleyball, tennis, swimming, parties and other activities.
And if they want, they can gaze at the walls of Oakwood's offices for inspiration, where head shots of former residents including Hilary Duff and Jennifer Love Hewitt hang.
Mitchel Musso of "Hannah Montana," Frankie Muniz, Kirsten Dunst and, going back a few years, actor-director Fred Savage, whose breakout hit was the late 1980s and early 1990s show "The Wonder Years," also stayed there.
But there are plenty more who don't score hits.
As he prepared to pack up and return to Florida, Michael Coates expressed disappointment that though his 15-year-old daughter, Amber Rose, had landed several auditions, she didn't come away with a part.
"Still, she's gotten a taste of just how difficult this business may be to break into, and that's good," Coates said, adding that they may be back next year.
So may Courtney Green, who also failed to land a part, although at age 6 she's got some time.
Meantime, Courtney, who bears a striking resemblance to a young Shirley Temple, has already learned the industry lingo.
"I went on auditions, but I didn't book anything," she said.
