Archive for 'Audition Tips'
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Disney Producer & Creator of THE DRAY WAY, IRENE “The Dray” DREAYER (Part 2)
Posted on 26. Jan, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
The Dray's Clients, Milly and Becky Rosso.
Finally! Here is the long-awaited second half of our exclusive interview with seasoned television and film producer Irene “The Dray” Dreayer. A brief reminder of her many credentials follows:
- Has produced 600 half hours of Primetime TV.
- Is currently producing the new original movie “Hunky Santa” for ABC Family.
- Formed her own personal management company in Los Angeles, representing writers and actors.
- Discovered twins Tia and Tamara Mowry and transformed them into the breakout stars of the series “Sister, Sister,” which she Executive Produced for the WB Network.
- Discovered Tia and Tamara’s younger brother Tahj, who went on to star in “Smart Guy,” a series for the WB Network.
- Served as Executive Producer on “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” on the Disney Channel for 3 seasons, and then “The Suite Life on Deck.”
- Discovered and Manages Milly and Becky Rosso, ( “The Suite Life,” “Legally Blondes”)
In addition these accomplishments, the Dray is now providing one-on-one mentoring to aspiring child actors via her new program, “The Dray Way,” a unique and revolutionary program unlike anything previously available to aspiring young talent. Hollywood Mom Blog readers are exclusively offered the lowest prices on The Dray Way sessions. Make a note of discount code HMDW-135Skype, and be certain to use it when you sign up, to receive another $20 discount off the all ready reasonable rates.
HMB: Should some children wait to pursue acting as adults? Or do you feel that a person is innately an actor or not an actor regardless of age/ development?
The Dray: You may have this natural-born ability, but like any other activity, you must develop the talent. Somebody can have a natural musical ear to play the piano, but it will take many years of practice to become a great pianist. As for acting, you begin with having the acting “bug” whether you are young or old. With commitment along with honing your skills (ie: acting, vocal and dance classes), your child, regardless of age, can take this dream and make it a reality. Acting may come easier to some kids but at the end of the day, one must ultimately put in the hard work and dedication to go from an actor to a great actor.
HMB: You’ve said that often you will evaluate talent and determine whether that child is “ready” to pursue a professional career. In your memory are there actors who unsuccessfully pursued professional careers as children but later “made it” in their late teens or early adulthood?
The Dray: In my experience, I cannot recall that happening…but I would have to research it.
HMB: Justin Timberlake, Alyssa Milano, Christina Ricci, Leonardo DiCaprio, Drew Barrymore, Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johanson, Neil Patrick Harris and Jody Foster were all successful as child performers and as adults. In your professional opinion what qualities/traits must a child performer have in order to transition effectively from “child actor” to “working actor” in their adult years?
The Dray: Many of these actors who survived the transition from a child actor to an adult actor never stopped “learning and practicing” the art of performing. Even the biggest stars are always working on their craft to become better actors. Just because you don’t have a job or are not working on a TV show, commercial, play or motion picture, does not mean you should cease continuous development, whether it be acting, singing or dancing. In addition, actors who trust their instincts and get solid advise about what roles to take have the longevity. Actors must be very selective about the jobs that come their way. The actors you mentioned would turn down a role in order to wait for the “great” role by having the courage to use the magical word “no.” I personally feel that it is so much better to do a small role in a great movie or TV show than to agree to a leading role in a mediocre film.
HMB: Will you tell us what your feelings are on the “open call castings” that have become so popular for feature films recently? Do you think casting from the general public via video submission is a genuine attempt to discover new talent, a marketing gimmick or perhaps a little of both?
The Dray: When looking for fresh talent I say…You never know. That golden child who lives down the street from you, who has no access to an agent or talent manager, could be the next academy award-winning actor. Many times casting agents/producers have exhausted their acting pool and venture out to the general public in hopes of finding what they are looking for. For example, the young girl Emma Watson who starred in all the Harry Potter movies, was plucked right out of her classroom in London…she had the right look! This was the result of an “open casting call” at her school in London. The tremendous success of American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and YouTube kid phenomenons are basically open casting calls! This only validates the process. Like I said, you never know!
HMB: In your own words, please tell the HMB readership what “The Dray Way” is and what it entails?
The Dray: THE DRAY WAY is divided into two parts. The Dray and The Way. “THE DRAY” is the moment I meet parents and their kids, getting to know them, their history and most importantly assessing where the family as a whole stands in regard to going on this journey. Is it the child’s dream or the parents? Are they aware of what’s in store and where to begin? Also, helping parents make some key decisions in regard to their child’s career, no matter what stage they are in, beginning, intermediate or just about to get the dream job.
Once all of these questions have been answered we get to THE WAY. Now this is where the critical work begins because I am able to coach the child as well as “train the parents”. Wishing and hoping for their child to be come a star is fine but parents must see what lies ahead for them – the overall picture. During THE WAY, I’m able to move into in depth coaching with a child in every aspect of preparation ranging from how to effectively audition to understanding the mental preparation it takes to get the job.
HMB: How will these one-on-one skype sessions benefit aspiring young actors?
The Dray: The bottom line is…I tell the truth to the child and the parents. Many times kids and their parents think they’re ready to compete for roles. I cannot tell you how many times I have said “not yet.”
It is astonishing how biased some parents can be thinking their child is ready to seriously audition. I’m able to explain to parents with total honesty and support how “not ready” their child really is and then I guide them to the right training and strategy that needs to be done.
HMB: When you evaluate child actors via your program, are you able to glean what type of actor that child “should” be as in commercial vs. theatrical, comedy vs. drama, television vs. film. Etc. and if so, will you share that information with the child in their session with you?
The Dray: Yes, this is exactly what I do. I guide kids to pursue a direction I think they will have the most success. After 30 years of producing tween and teen TV shows and discovering top talent, I feel confident in accessing what direction a child should be heading. It’s an instinct and talent I have had for many years.
My one-on-one Skype sessions are as different as the kids themselves. A month ago, I had a Skype session with an eleven-year old boy and his mom. He read a scene for me, sang a song and danced during our session. He was quite good but I felt something was missing. He had an agent, was going out on auditions, but hadn’t been able to land a job. Both he and his mom were very frustrated. He was mostly auditioning for comedic type TV roles. But I sensed something behind that happy face, beautiful smile and ambition that was very serious. After more dialogue and getting to know him, I asked him if he ever went on auditions for dramatic parts. I saw a dramatic actor. I sensed there was something more to this picture… an intensity behind those brown eyes. His mother disclosed that this happy go lucky kid’s father is a paraplegic and that he helps his father a lot. And there it was, the deep layer behind the forever-reaching smile, and the jokes…the serious layer he could tap into. At that moment, the young boy and his Mom saw what was right in front of them all along. A young dramatic actor. At the moment of realization, the young boy lit up with a huge smile! It was almost as if I gave him permission to go there. It was an amazing session and an incredible breakthrough for this talented kid!
HMB: What will be covered during the sessions?
The Dray: Parents (and kids) can expect to get answers to basic questions about the business, and guidance on what to do with their talented child. It can be first steps, or helping a young career that is at a standstill.
I access a child’s ability, talent, skill-set & desire before getting down to the real work of developing their craft. I talk with the child & evaluate where they are today to help the parents identify the next steps in their development, training & career path. I also coach kids for specific auditions. I read “sides” and rehearse with the child so they feel confident and totally prepared when they walk into that audition.
Multiple Skype sessions allow me more time to work with a child to help build self-esteem working specifically on image, presentation & developing better acting skills. I work with parents to manage their own expectations, giving them the tools they need to support their child. I coach kids and their parents on how to handle the high-pressure meetings, casting calls & auditions with confidence. In addition, I help parents navigate the “business of the business,” agents, managers as well as work permits and Unions.
HMB: What should a child have prepared prior to their one-on-one session with you?
The Dray: It’s helpful to have a scene or monologue prepared which does not have to be memorized. If they sing, then select a song of their choice. Parents and kids should familiarize themselves with the blogs I have written and the FAQ’s from the Dray Way site so they can be prepared to ask questions from their end.
HMB: What tangible information will students depart with upon concluding their work with you?
The Dray: Parents and their kids will always get the truth from me. They will know where and how to begin this journey. What to do and what not to do. I tell them honestly if they are ready or not…and how to take the next step no matter what stage in the process the child may be.
HMB: Do you recommend “Dray Way” refresher courses and if so, after what period of time should this be done?
The Dray: Yes I do and it’s based on what level the child is at when I first meet them on Skype. If they need more work, if additional questions have come up, if they want me to see how much they’ve grown or are preparing for a big audition then they should Skype with me sooner than later.
HMB: Is there any written information, ie books, workbooks, worksheets, etc. available to your “Dray Way” students?
The Dray: We just launched a series of 6 video Webinars on The Dray Way site (http://thedrayway.com) And, an ebook is in the works…coming soon!
HMB: After meeting with and evaluating a child that you feel perhaps has little or no talent and/or needs to seriously work on their craft, will you share that with them or their parents as well?
The Dray: Absolutely! I will always tell the child and the parents the truth without destroying the dream. I believe that pursuing the performing arts when you are young fosters self-esteem and confidence throughout one’s life. Giving a book report, talking in front of the class or in a boardroom or a meeting. So few children become stars, but acting and performing are invaluable skills one has for a lifetime.
HMB: What is the best piece of advice you can give aspiring young actors?
The Dray: Work hard, train, and be prepared. Don’t rush the process. When it comes to meeting casting directors, agents and show producers, its easy to easy to get in the door but much harder to get back in the door if you’re not ready. Again, be prepared! First impressions are everything.
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EXCLUSIVE: Disney Executive Producer IRENE “The Dray” DREAYER Reveals Top 5 Mistakes Child Actors Make!
Posted on 20. Dec, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
"Suite Life" Executive Producer Irene "The Dray" Dreayer with "Suite Life" Star Debby Ryan
Hollywood Mom Blog is giving the invaluable gift of top notch“inside information” for our Hollywood Moms and Dads this holiday season!
Our friend, Irene “The Dray” Dreayer, Executive Producer of “The Suite Life on Deck” is revealing the Top 5 Mistakes she sees aspiring child actors make. Later this week, we will be sharing the Dray’s newest project, “The Dray Way” mentoring program for aspiring child and teen actors, in addition to an exclusive two-part interview with The Dray herself.
The Dray’s the Top 5 Child Actor No No’s:
1. The career some kids aspire to is not their dream…they are making someone else happy, i.e. the parents!
2. It’s great to aspire to have a career like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Raven-Symoné or Dylan and Cole Sprouse, but you have to carve out your own path and not mimic your idol’s career. Be your own type of performer. The key is to be true to yourself and be proud of who you are.
3. Being unprepared in auditions. Meaning, not understanding the character you are reading for, not listening in character and not taking direction. For example, when asked to do the scene a different way, some young actors don’t have the ability yet to do that. As a result, the actor unfortunately ends up doing the reading exactly the same way.
4. Don’t arrive at an audition sick…stay home!! Cough-Cough…a No-No!
5. If a young actor does have success and they’re not prepared for [success] and don’t understand what comes with being famous. For example dealing with Paparazzi, constant interruptions in any normal activity, too much exposure on Twitter, Facebook, etc. I say, keep your personal information to yourself and off these sites.
Catch up with HMB later this week for the first half of an incredible two-part interview with one of the biggest talents in town, Irene Dreayer. And Happy Holidays!
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MidWestern Child Actors Can Send Virtual Auditions to Hollywood FREE Thru 11/14!
Posted on 09. Nov, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Breakdown Services, is hosting “Breakthru with Breakdown,” a unique event offering child actors from ages 6 to 18 in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Wisconsin to send in their virtual scenes for free. The reads will then be sent to every agent and manager in Hollywood for review.
Actors or their parents should go to www.actorsaccess.com, select the project Breakthru with Breakdown, choose one role, either dramatic or comedic in their age range, and send in the filmed audition to breakthru@breakdownservices.com. Breakdown Services will then send the scenes to various L.A. agents and managers using its Eco-Cast Audition System to choose the best of the best. The agents and managers will look through all of the virtual auditions and send a list back of which actors they are interested in. Breakdown Services will then send the actors a list of the companies interested in them and the contact information.
The company released a Breakdown on Monday, November 1 through their Actors Access site (www.actorsaccess.com) inviting actors to send in their videos. All videos should be in standard video format (mov, mp4, wmv, m4v, mpg, mod, flv). From there Breakdown will virtually send the readings to the agents and managers through their new product, Eco-Cast, a virtual pre-read system. All auditions must be received by November 14, 2010.
Breakdown Services (www.breakdownexpress.com) was established in 1971, creating the process that is used around the world to cast feature films, television shows, commercials, theater and other projects that require actors. Since its inception it has developed many other services for the industry, including the Virtual Channel Network (www.virtualchannelnetwork.com) that uses the power of the Internet to transmit original content developed specifically for members of the entertainment community. Actors use Breakdowns’ Showfax service to obtain audition material at (www.showfax.com) as well as Actors Access (www.actorsaccess.com) that allows for actors to update their pictures, resume and demo reels to submit for specific roles posted at the request of casting directors, and CastingAbout (www.castingabout.com), an up-to-date source for real-time casting and production information in Los Angeles and New York. Other Breakdown Services companies include www.talentproplus.com and www.gobetween.com.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Breakdown Services operates through a global network of services in the U.S., England and Australia. More information is available on the company’s web site located atwww.breakdownexpress.com.
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Counselors Corner: Handling Audition Anxiety and Rejection
Posted on 10. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Dear Jody and Cindy,
How can I teach my child to survive auditions, especially when he she doesn’t get the part?
You get the call. Your agent says “She’s perfect for it,” or “He is exactly what they are looking for.” You and your child both begin to fantasize that this is the call you’ve been waiting for. This is the BIG BREAK! As your daughter or son prepares for their audition, their worries also begin. You may hear things such as:
- “I wonder who else will be there auditioning,”
- “I wonder what other shows have they’ve been on?”
- “Is someone else at this casting call better for the part?”
- “Will I remember all my lines?”
- “WHAT IF I DON’T GET THE PART?”
Your child can become self conscious and begin to doubt herself as her anxiety increases. As parents we never want to see our children unhappy. When they are sad, we are sad. When they hurt, we also hurt. It is our job as parents to recognize and contain our own personal thoughts and reactions, so that we don’t project our issues and fears on to our children. It’s important to validate your childs’ courage by reassuring him or her that they are brave by taking risks and stretching beyond their comfort level.
Help your son or daughter understand that they may not get chosen and not because they didn’t perform well, but because they didn’t fit the part for which they were auditioning. Assure them that it is not personal and that they may have to go on many auditions before they get “that part.”
Keep in mind, if your son or daughter doesn’t get the part, now isn’t the time for “constructive criticism.” Instead, try the following;
- Acknowledge their feelings
- Support the process: offer classes to enhance their skills and self-confidence
- Stay real: don’t give them false hope and teach them that it takes perseverance to achieve their goals.
- Understanding that disappointments pass and things will get better and more opportunities will come their way
- · Resilience: teach kids the importance of bouncing back quickly
Most importantly, encourage them to stay on their path. Remember that you are enough and that the love you give and the belief you have in your kid is what it takes. Now go and take her out to the movies. Enjoy!
Hollywood Mom Blog Contributors Jody Frank and Cindy Busto are Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and the directors of West Coast Counseling Center. To contact the center, please call 310-475-0223 ext.2#/3#, or visit their web site at www. wcccla.com
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From the Momager Trenches Texas: Keep it to yourselves people…
Posted on 09. Apr, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Have you ever taken your talented, fabulous child to an audition and heard this in the waiting room: “My Johnny just booked a major role for a feature film – the director said that he is the most talented child actor he has seen in ages,” or “Oh we’re not too worried about this job; we know the casting director personally.”
Who are these people and why must they shout their stories to other parents sitting across the audition waiting room? If this is you and I seriously doubt that it is, please just…STOP IT!
We don’t care what your darling actor has booked, which roles they have played, what their residuals are or whether the Casting Director is your child’s godparent! Okay maybe I care a little about that. But if you are trying to psych me out, don’t bother. It is not working!
As I said before, I’m sure none of you reading this has ever been that parent because we are all up on our “parents of child actors” etiquette and know that such behavior is unacceptable. Right? I thought so.
Now we have to put our heads together and come up with a tactful way of getting the message across to the offending parent(s) during those uncomfortable moments while we are sitting together in the waiting room. Ideas anyone?
Here are a few things I’ve tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to shut that parent up:
- while spouting off their child’s impressive resume, I look over, shake my head at them and then glance back down into my book, blackberry or my very interesting, twiddling thumbs.
- go into a huge coughing fit while staring them directly in the eye.
- get up and move to another area in the waiting room. Of course, I can still hear the conversation but I try to look as disgusted as possible with hopes that they get my drift.
Don’t get me wrong, once the kids are out of the waiting area and into the audition room having polite, quiet conversation of almost any nature is completely fine. But if you feel the need to share your child’s resume line by line then take it outside because honestly the rest of us just don’t care!
I’m going to ask each and of you for a favor. If by chance we are sitting together in an audition waiting room and I start going on about “my awesome kid,” please help me and everyone else out and tell me to put a sock in it!
Cari Surch is the momager of young actress www.KennedySurch.com You can follow her adventures on twitter http://www.twitter.com/cariscalling
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Elizabeth Bauman’s Monologue Workshop for Children & Teens
Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
A few years ago, my daughter Jordan took Saturday classes at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles. Her acting coach was a beautiful young woman named Elizabeth Bauman, who wrote and directed the film “Life Lessons” with the class (Jordan’s first IMDB Credit!) which was later made an official selection at both the Los Angeles Children’s Film Festival and the San Francico Children’s Film Festival. Her films showed with distinction at The Kids Space Museum in Pasadena, where Jordan and her cast mates spoke on the panel, as well at The Wondercon Theatre in San Francisco. We reconnected recently when Jordan required private coaching for an important monologue reading and I’d just learned about Elizabeth’s Monologue Workshops for children and teens.
Stepping into Elizabeth’s Zen-like studio is a mental cleanse of modern space, sparse furnishings, and polished concrete floors. Like her studio, Ms. Bauman exudes a sense of welcome, safety and calm. During Jordan’s coaching sessions, I took a seat next to a bowl filled with fragrant clementines and a vase overflowing with white Lilies.
Again: Welcome, Safety, Calm.
Not being an actor myself, I can’t analyze her teaching process in that way; however, I did observe with the eyes of a watchful mother and there is no audience tougher than that, I assure you. As with training an athlete, Elizabeth initially eases the student with relaxation exercises and breathing techniques, then she allows her student to warm up with their material before delving headfirst into the meat of their performance; “finding your truth” is how Liz eloquently states it. All of her language and comments to the child are positive and reassuring, even when making a change or correction to their performance. “There is no wrong way,” she says frequently through the session. It’s these touches of teacher and therapist that set Elizabeth apart. I simply can’t recommend her highly enough.
Elizabeth Bauman & Jordan Bobbitt at the Los Angeles Children's Film Festival
For the past 10 years, Elizabeth Bauman has taught at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute both in New York and Los Angeles, and at Scott Sedita’s Acting Studios. With a BFA Degree from New York University’s Tisch School of The Arts, a Masters Degree in Educational Theatre from NYU and a Masters Degree in Drama Therapy from The Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, Elizabeth comes to teaching with a wealth of experience and is uniquely qualified to care for and shape young actors. Not surprisingly, Elizabeth has privately coached and taught thousands of children, in addition to working with and counseling children & teens in group homes and rehabilitation centers. In her private practice she also has extensive experience working with the developmentally disabled and those on the autistic spectrum.
In addition to Film Maker and Teacher, Elizabeth also holds the title of Author. Her book Private Stories Monologues for Young Actors ages 8-16 is sold at Samuel French Bookstores, Borders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Now your child has the opportunity to study with Elizabeth in a small group setting. There are a few spaces left for her next workshop, so contact her on 323-385-5237 if you would like to attend. The workshops will be held on an ongoing basis.
The Monologue Workshop – $100
Students will watch and discuss film clips of excellent, truthful, connected performances of child and teen actors: Jackie Coogan in Chaplin’s “The Tramp” (1st child film actor), Diane Lane in “A Little Romance,” Ricky Schreoder in “The Champ,” Bud Cort in “Harold and Maude,” Dakota Fanning in “I am Sam,” among others.
Class includes:
- Assignment of monologue
- Rehearsal of material
- Direction & adjustment of monologue filmed on camera
- Playback watched on a “Big Screen”
- Copy of Elizabeth’s book Monologues for Actors
For additional information please contact her via email at contact@elizabethbaumanactingcoach.com or visit her website at www.elizabethbaumanactingcoach.com
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Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber Rock Pop-Con 101
Posted on 23. Feb, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
On Feb. 20, 2010, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New York, hosted Pop-Con Festival Experience, an all-day music event for tweens & teens with multiple stages, various vendors and games with the amenities of a family-friendly convention environment. Featuring over half-a-dozen musical artists, skateboarders and young pop icons, Pop-Con aims to be the pop event with the stars the kids want to see similar to what Comic-Con has become for fans of all things Comics and Film.
Pop-Con 101 is a 2-hour seminar providing practical advice and insight on how to develop a career in the world of pop music, which featured information from and Q&A panel discussions by several successful record execs, managers, agents, producers and attorneys in the music business (see list below). Pop-Con 101 attendees had the opportunity to submit audition videotapes which are now being reviewed by a panel of record company talent scouts in the weeks following the Pop-Con.
Featured performers on the Pop-Con included pop sensations Justin Bieber (currently boasting two singles on Top 40 radio), Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” Star, Selena Gomez and her band the Scene, and many other special rising young stars.
Pop-Con is more than a concert, with gaming stations, product sampling and vendors, including a “Culture Mall” that will featured big name independent fashion merchandise companies such as Glamour Kills and BeePosh. In addition, and most importantly to HMB’s readership, the event hosted programmed lectures, seminars and other opportunities for young, aspiring artists, actors and actresses looking to get advice from top industry professionals and stars of sport and screen.
Panelist included:
CHRIS KIRKPATRICK OF *NSYNC
Chris Kirkpatrick is credited as the one who put together and started *NSYNC,whose albums*NSYNCand No Strings Attached each sold over 10 million copies earning them the prestigious RIAA Diamond Award for both albums. He along with his four other band members achieved a music industry coup by selling over 56 million records and still hold the records for most records sold in a single day and first week. No Strings Attached sold a staggering 1.1 million albums on the first day of its release and went on to sell a 2.4 million in that first week. Chris has appeared on countless TV shows, magazine covers and won numerous music awards and performed the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
CRAIG BRUCK
Agent, ICM Talent
Craig Bruck is a music agent at International Creative Management (ICM), where he oversees touring and concerts for a wide range of pop, hip hop and rock and roll artists. Craig, an avid rock and roll fan and drummer in the band Tiajuana Caravan, began his career as an agent at Evolution Talent Agency where he played an instrumental role in developing some of the largest touring artists in music history including the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and ‘NSYNC, as well as pop acts such as Hilary Duff, O-Town, LFO, BBMak, Aaron Carter and Lil Romeo at the peak of their careers. In 2004, Craig launched his own talent agency, Bruck Talent, where he helped build the careers of The Jonas Brothers and Teddy Geiger, before joining ICM in 2006. Currently, Craig is based in ICM’s New York office, which boasts a music roster including Beyonce, Chris Brown, Gym Class Heroes, Neil Young and the Strokes, and personally oversees touring for Nick Lachey, Push Play, Parachute, Kat Deluna, Bobby Long, Brendan James, Chase Coy, Crime In Stereo, and Company of Thieves. He is constantly seeking out new talent.
VITA CHAMBERS
Vita, the 15-year-old singer from Barbados, is living proof, in her personal history and in her music, that the future of pop is going to unfold in a world without boundaries and limitations. Inspired, like so many young talents, by her parents’ record collection, Vita, born Vita Chambers in Canada, was raised in Barbados on both her dad’s rock and roll music and her mom’s R&B, and became an avid YouTube watcher, with the result that Andrea Bocelli, Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury, Tina Turner, Imogen Heap, Coldplay, and Pink are as much her musical and vocal heroes as Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. She now laughs off a school choir solo at age 10 that she recalls as a disaster, but it was after singing lead for a band at a school talent show just last year, choosing her friends’ pop-rock favorites like “So What,” “Bleeding Love” and “Hot ‘N’ Cold,” that she resolved to pursue pop music as her profession. With that voice, Vita has now scored a worldwide recording deal with SRP/Universal Motown through Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone, who signed such landmark female acts as En Vogue and Brandy to their first major-label contracts.
STEVE GREENBERG
Founder/CEO - S-Curve Records
Steve Greenberg is Founder and CEO of S-Curve Records, based in New York, which he founded in 2000 and re-launched in 2007 after a two- year hiatus. S-Curve has had great success with a wide range of projects, including releases from such artists as Joss Stone, We The Kings and Fountains of Wayne . Steve was a 2005 Grammy nominee in the ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’ category as co-producer of Stone’s “Mind, Body and Soul” album. S-Curve’s very first release, “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men, sold over four million albums worldwide and earned Steve a 2001 Grammy Award in the ‘”Best Dance Recording” category as producer.
SAM HOLLANDER
Rolling Stone’s 2008 Hot List Producer of the Year, he has produced and composed songs in a wide range of genres of popular music. His eleven U.S. Top 40 hits include RIAA Platinum-certified chart-toppers for the likes of Boys Like Girls (“Love Drunk and “The Great Escape”), Metro Station (“Shake It”), and Gym Class Heroes (“Cupid’s Chokehold”). He has also written and produced for GRAMMY-winning artists Carole King, Train, and Arrested Development, as well as recently Platinum-certified pop stars Katy Perry and David Cook. Other notable collaborations include Jonas Brothers, Miranda Cosgrove and Cobra Starship. He is currently producing the much anticipated Nikki Jean project for Columbia Records.
*Next year, will advise you of this event BEFORE it takes place so some of you can actually attend and benefit from this unique opportunity!
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Top 5 Mistakes Child Actors Make on Auditions!
Posted on 18. Feb, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
I was recently asked, ”What are a child actors most frequent audition mistakes?” This list of the Top 5 Mistakes is a solid start thanks to contributions from several professionals in the industry. And Momagers and Popagers I won’t let you get off that easily, I’m also compiling a list of top mistakes Parents of Child Actors make at auditions!
1. Socializing. Actress and Author, K. Callan cautions against the temptation to visit with other actors in the waiting room. ”Don’t talk to people. Don’t chat with your fellow actors even if you haven’t seen them for years. Even more important than not chatting up your fellow actors is not to chat in the audition room.” She stresses that it’s vital to stay focused on the material and the action at hand. ”When I’m distracted by sociability in either the waiting or audition rooms, I inevitably don’t do my best work,” she notes, “Not only that, you can allow yourself to be spooked by your wily competition.” She advises to arrive on time, and to remain calm and centered while waiting to be called in to audition.
2. Freezing up and becoming Robotic. According to Michelle Jones, a professional actress who’s been auditioning and shooting commercials with child actors for the past 2 decades, “When given the chance to spend a few minutes with my actor child before an audition, I do. Being comfortable with each other helps everyone. When it’s our turn, we start with the slate. This is when I know exactly how this audition will go. Some children will suddenly become robots, ‘I am Jeff Jones. I am 9 years old.’ The actual audition will be just as mechanical. Where did the great kid from the waiting room go? The most difficult part about auditioning for commercials is just being yourself.
3. Not being Prepared. Michelle Jones shares with HMB that parents will often spend way too much time and money on pictures and classes, and still not know what to do when it comes to auditioning. ”Being completely set up and prepared for this business will be a great asset when meeting with agents. Make it easy for them to say yes,” Jones states. Her website www.CommercialJones.com was created for new actors, just starting out. Follow her on twitter at @commercials101
4. Snacking and Chewing Gum It’s hard to believe but this really does happen, and not only with kids. Just last night at a call back the woman my daughter was paired with (as a mother/daughter duo) was smacking down on giant gob of florescent green chewing gum. All I could think was that no matter how lovely she was, she was going to blow the audition for both of them if she met the casting directors with that in her mouth. Seconds before I grabbed it from her mouth, she (thankfully) spat the wad into a trash can prior to walking in for the read. On another occasion I watched as a child ate Dorritos – the kind lightly coated with bright orange dust. The orange gunk ended up all over the kids outfit, mouth and hands in a matter of seconds. Not the way you want your child to make a first impression – unless of course it’s actually a commercial audition for Dorritos.
5. Forgetting Manners. Immediately following the read, your child should never ask how he or she did, when to expect a call back, whether they got the job or any other intrusive, inappropriate questions. Phil Breman of About.com says there are only 3 things your child actor should do in an audition:
- Clearly say hello and make eye contact with everyone in the room.
- Perform their scene.
- Say “thank you” and “good bye” and quietly exit the room.
Photo courtesy of Everyday Chaos
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