Perhaps inspired by the exploits of Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron and others over the past year, Disney now requires all its up-and-coming young stars to attend Talent 101, which is designed to prepare them for the pressures (and temptations?) of celebrity life. The faculty includes security experts, psychologists and media consultants who’ll help young performers handle everything from pushy journalists to rabid fans.
The actual curriculum hasn’t been made public, but I suspect lessons might include “Things Better Left Unsaid,” “Recognizing an Immodest Photo Shoot” and “Dances to Avoid at Awards Shows.” (Miley got a crash course in those subjects from the school of hard knocks.) Let’s face it, being in show business is a challenge. Preserving a wholesome, Disney image in a world resembling Pleasure Island is even harder. These kids need all the help they can get.
Some people might argue that this isn’t about the kids at all. Rather, it’s simply the Disney Machine’s self-serving attempt to avoid public relations headaches and protect its sizable investment in pop icons likely to have their faces plastered on half the products at your local Walmart. That’s the cynical take, but it could be accurate.
I’m in no position to judge anyone’s motives. All I can say is that, as a father of two preteens, I kinda like the idea of coaching young celebs to stay safe, grounded and out of the tabloids. I mean, is it so awful to remind them that they have a responsibility to the people giving them the platform to live out their dreams? To Disney? To corporate partners? To parents? To young fans?
I also hope that Talent 101 includes a unit on “How to Cope If I Don’t Become the Next Selena Gomez.” That would speak volumes about Disney’s genuine, long-term concern for its stable of young talent.
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