Tag Archives: Nickelodeon
GIVING BACK: Teen Stars Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress & Ariana Grande Launch St. Jude’s MATH-A-THON Sweepstakes
Posted on 24. Jan, 2012 by Hollywood Mom.
When you take 3 Nickelodeon teen stars from 2 different hit television shows, add 1 fun educational program (with an exciting new sweepstakes) and multiply by the fact that you’re helping kids with cancer, it’s bound to be an equation for success.
“iCarly”stars Jennette McCurdy and Nathan Kress and “Victorious” star Ariana Grande are teaming up to help kids across the country get excited about developing their math skills through the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program, America’s largest education-based fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The young stars also are helping launch a new sweepstakes that will give two lucky students the opportunity to visit the set for a taping of a Nickelodeon show.
Last year, McCurdy, Kress and Grande visited St. Jude with the entire casts of both shows to provide a special sneak peak of their Nickelodeon shows and throw a party for St. Jude patients and their family members. Now, the trio is helping engage teachers, students and parents in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program while at the same time raising awareness for St. Jude’s lifesaving mission of finding cures for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases.
“I’ve had the opportunity to visit St. Jude on several occasions and each time I go back I meet the most amazing kids,” said McCurdy. “Even though they’re dealing with these terrible diseases, they have the biggest smiles on their faces when they see us.”
The winner of the sweepstakes will be determined by drawing two winning schools from 2011-2012 St. Jude Math-A-Thon program participants, who will then each select a student (one student per school) to win a trip to Los Angeles in 2012 to visit the set for a taping of a Nickelodeon show.
“The St. Jude Math-A-Thon program is a fun way for kids and teachers to work on their math skills,” said Kress. “Not only will they be helping other kids battling cancer at St. Jude but through the sweepstakes this year they might get the chance to come out for a taping of a Nickelodeon show!”
“I wanted to support the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program because it’s something that has always been important to my family,” said Grande. “Kids are going to have a great time participating in the program and helping raise money for other kids battling cancer at St. Jude.”
For more than 30 years the St. Jude Math-A-Thon program has been America’s largest education-based fundraiser and has raised $417 million for St. Jude. The program includes a math curriculum supplement for grades K-8 that students complete after obtaining sponsorships from family and friends. Schools from all 50 states have participated in St. Jude Math-A-Thon with more than 6,800 schools involved in the program last year alone.
“The St. Jude Math-A-Thon program is a great opportunity for kids to help other kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases at St. Jude,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “Jennette, Nathan and Ariana are talented young stars who are incredibly dedicated to our mission and will really help us get students and teachers across the country excited for their next math lesson.”
To learn more about the program and sweepstakes, or to get your school involved, please visit www.mathathon.org.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
Since opening 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org or following us on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.
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The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead Program at Nickelodeon Studios’ Pic@NIC: A Day of Fun in the Sun for Our Child Actors!
Posted on 03. May, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Damoni Burkhardt & Phil Lewis
Written by HMB correspondent Danielle Burkhardt mother of rising star Damoni Burkhardt
My daughter (child actor Damoni Burkhardt) and I attended the pic@Nick event on Sunday, May 1, 2011 hosted by The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead Program at Nickelodeon Studios. Looking Ahead is a program of The Actors Fund which is dedicated to helping professional young performers between the ages of 9-18 and their families manage the unique challenges associated with working in the entertainment industry.
It was a great event, with perfect weather. Everyone was so nice and everything was free, something you don’t find often in this business! There was unlimited cotton candy , candy, snacks and drinks; sandwiches and chips were provides by Corner Bakery and drinks by Coca Cola. Cartoon Sketch artists drew cartoons of each child, while others opted for the temporary tattoo table, rock wall, sumo wresting pit and carnival games. It was a day for kids to be kids and that is so very important for our young performers.
Child Actors enjoying the Pic@NIC!
Former “Wonder Years” Child Star and now television director Fred Savage (Former Young Performer and Advisory Chair of Looking Ahead) was the event moderator. There was a celebrity panel that included Sara Gilbert (Darlene from “Roseanne”), Patrick Labyorteaux (JAG), Phill Lewis (Mr.Moseby on “Suite Life On Deck”) and Jaleel White (Steve Urkel on “Family Matters”). They all had great advice for the young performers and their parents on the well known ups and downs of acting. The panel spoke about the “luck of the game,” and to not ignore the signs along the way that might take your career in a different direction. The panel also advised that kids get involved in other activities and develop other skills outside of their acting endeavors.
Jaleel White spoke about moving on to the next audition after not being chosen for a part that you really wanted. He told a wonderful story about going through the long and arduous process of the audition, the callbacks, the holds and was up for the coveted role of ”Rudy” on the iconic 80′s television series, “The Cosby Show.” He was very excited about the role, which was given to the girl right in front of him! White was devastated. Needless to say, he moved on and later nabbed the role of a lifetime as the character of Steve Urkel in “Family Matters.” When asked by Fred Savage if there was one piece of advice that you could give to the young performers and their families Jaleel said “Watch how you treat people.” Excellent advice we should all abide by and everyone on the celebrity panel agreed wholeheartedly. We are so happy to have attended Pic@NIC and excited about being involved in The Actors Fund‘s Looking Ahead program!
Child Actor Damoni Burkhardt at the Pic@NIC
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NYC: Acting Workshop with NICK Star Alex Wolff of “The Naked Brothers Band!”
Posted on 06. Dec, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Get up close and personal with one of Nickelodeon’s biggest stars! Work with Alex Wolff of Nickelodeon’s, The Naked Brothers Band at the popular “A Class Act NY.” Alex will work with students on television scenes from the his show The Naked Brothers Band, lead a Q & A session and will even sign autographs!
Alex can currently be seen on HBO’s hit show, “In Treatment,” as Gabriel Byrne‘s son Max, and in the upcoming Jonah Hill feature film, “The Sitter,” as Clayton. Students will have the opportunity to learn so much from him as in addition to being an accomplished actor, Alex is also a composer, musician and an accomplished playwright!
When: Saturday, Jan. 22nd
Ages: 7 – 17
Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Ripley-Grier Studios – 520 8th Ave – 16th Fl. – between 36th and 37th Streets
Cost: $185.00
Excluded from our Gold & Silver Packages!
For more information please contact: (212) 479-8480, (917) 553-8593 or email jessica@aclassactny.com. You can also visit the website at www.AClassActNY.com
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From Former Child Star to People’s “Sexiest Man Alive!”
Posted on 19. Nov, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Thought your favorite heart throb began his television career on “Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place?” Well it turns out a young Ryan Reynolds, just named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, was first the star of little known teen-focused Soap Opera, “Fifteen” also known as “Hillside” playing the role of Billy. A predecessor to shows like “90210″ and “Degrassi,” “Fifteen” was a Canadian-American teen drama that aired on YTV in Canada and Nickelodeon in the United States from 1991 to 1993. The series was Nickelodeon’s first and only teenage soap opera to date. Reynolds has been the most successful of his former cast mates in the acting world.
Beloved for his self-deprecating sense of humor, body of steel and sweet smile, Ryan is an obvious choice for the “Sexiest Man Alive” moniker, although I was expecting Bradley Cooper to nab this years title. Ryan is married to Scarlett Johansson, also a former child actor (The Horse Whisperer, Home Alone 3).
Fun Facts: Ryan tells People Magazine that the first time someone “recognized” him he was actually 15 and working on Fifteen. First conceived as “Fifteen” for The Disney Channel, the 13-episode pilot series of Fifteen was produced and tested in the US. After Disney decided not to proceed with the project, Nickelodeon and Canadian partners joined in producing the series which was known in its first and second seasons as Hillside in Canada, and throughout the 65 episode run as Fifteen in the U.S. The teen show was subsequently syndicated around the world.
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Child Actor Ciara Bravo Almost Quit the Biz Before Landing “BIG TIME RUSH!”
Posted on 28. Oct, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
The Hollywood Reporter recently covered the business of professional child actors and according to the magazine, in 2009 young actress Ciara Bravo, 12, nearly gave up pursuing her professional acting career after spending 2 frustrating summers auditioning in L.A. with mother Tammy, with absolutely no success. While Ciara had come close to booking a regular role on CBS’ “Gary Unmarried,” and several other projects, nothing solid ever came through for the young talent.
“We knew there was something there, but no one was biting,” says her mother, Tammy Bravo. “So we went back home to Kentucky and said, ‘It’s time to throw in the towel and be a regular kid.’”
Ciara’s manager, Frederick Levy of Management 101, asked her to videotape an audition for the role of younger sister Katie on the Nickelodeon series “Big Time Rush.” BTR Producer Scott Fellows liked her tape and had her do a second read with him via Skype. Ciara then left on a two-day field trip to Amish Country in Ohio. Of course Levy called Tammy Bravo the next morning and said Ciara was requested to read again.
“I said, ‘Are you kidding me? She’s 250 miles away,’ ” Tammy recalls. “He said, ‘You have to go get her.’ So I jumped in the car with my Flip video camera, drove to Amish Country, and filmed her in an Amish grocery store with flour and cornmeal bags in the background.”
Tammy sent the video to Nickelodeon and Ciara booked the job. Within 48 hours the pair was on a plane to Los Angeles to begin shooting season one of “Big Time Rush.”
Source: THR
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HMB Exclusive Interview: Challen Cates (BIG TIME RUSH) Proves TV’s Newest Boy Band Momager ROCKS!
Posted on 28. Aug, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Photo by Jennings Paige
I’ve known Challen Cates for almost two decades now but until our interview last week the most I could tell you about her is that she is from Virginia, is a talented actress and as you can see in these amazing accompanying photographs taken by Jennings Paige – She Never Ages. Just like the character Mrs. Knight she plays on Nickelodeon’s break out hit “Big Time Rush,” I’ve learned there is much more to Challen than meets the eye. Television Star? Yes. But she also proudly plays the real roles of wife, mother and advocate for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Oh, and she’s really funny too.
HMB: Looking at your body of work, I’d said your acting background is varied, some prime time TV guest spots, independent film roles, even producing. What attracted you to the role of Mrs. Knight?
CC: I was actually watching a competing show and I said to my husband, ” I’d like to play the mom on a show like this,” et voila that’s exactly what happened. Be careful what you wish for, right?! I love comedy and I really love working on a broad comedy. Mrs. Knight is such a cool and trusting mom and she’s a single mom. I have an incredible amount of respect for single mothers so it is an honor to play one.
HMB: Did you have any hesitations about becoming a series regular or was it more like a dream come true?
CC: This really is a perfect job for me at this point in my life. It’s great that I am working on a show that shoots 15 minutes from my house and a show that my kids like to watch! However, I am an actor and as much as I love playing Mrs. Knight there are also other roles that I want to experience. I love playing against type. Anything that involves totally losing myself in a character that is a departure from me.
HMB: What process did you go through to get the role on “Big Time Rush?”
CC: Besides the obvious sexual favors? Just kidding. Oddly enough, it happened through normal channels. I didn’t know anyone involved with the project. No nepotism. I just auditioned and got the part. As an actor, you go on so many auditions. Sometimes you walk out of the room feeling great and sometimes not so great. This time is just felt right. I was completely at ease with the character, even though we have different backgrounds and lifestyles. I think Mrs Knight and I approach life in much the same way–with a healthy sense of humor to get you through the day.
Challen Cates with Husband Aaron MacPherson, son Colton and daughter Jasper. Photo by by Jennings Paige
HMB: Every actress has to ask herself when the right time is to go from ingenue to more mature roles. Is this the first time you’ve played a mom?
CC: Ha! Moving from ingenue to mature roles wasn’t something that I decided, it was sort of decided for me. But really, aren’t mature role more interesting and multi-faceted!
I’ve been playing a mom for a long time. I’m just better at it now because I have real experience to draw from. And honestly, I think that having children has made me a better person and a much better actor.
HMB: When the show debuted, it was a huge ratings score for Nickelodeon garnering more than 6 million viewers, making it the top premiere in Nick’s history. How rewarding was that for you and the other cast members? Did it put any unexpected pressure on you to continue that kind of ratings success?
CC: We are all very excited that the show came out of the gate with such a bang. The ratings continue to perform incredibly well and we are all very proud of the show. And of course there is pressure to keep the fans in our new season. The creator of the show is Scott Fellows and I think he is sort of the John Hughes of television. He just speaks kid. I guess it helps that he is a father of 4. He really understands kids, their language, their humor. As long as he can continue to tap into that wavelength I think the show will continue to be a success.
Kendall Schmidt and Ciaro Bravo
HMB: What is the biggest challenge of playing mom to Kendall Schmidt and Ciara Bravo?
CC: Um well it is probably that Kendall is so cute and funny it’s hard not to break down and laugh in the middle of a scene. And that Ciara is so darn cute I just want to scoop her up and squeeze her! She is also so sweet and innocent that I feel a natural maternal instinct to protect her. My own kids are only 2 and 5 so I am learning a lot about teenagers!
HMB: Your character is hilarious. I read a description online that Katie (Ciaro Bravo) is “always shown to have more tricks up her sleeve than her mother, who is portrayed as being very naive with regard to Hollywood machinations.” What’s your take on your character? Do you think she’s really that naive?
CC: Scott and I discussed this and we agreed that Katie gets her antics from her mother but Mrs. Knight just can’t see that. I mean seriously, this is the mother who attacked another mother at an audition, dressed up in a chef’s uniform to get an autograph for her daughter, knocked the maintenance man out with a frying pan, and pretended to be a hotel manager so that her kids could stay in Los Angeles. I love it and I can’t wait to do more shenanigans. Mrs. Knight does come from a more innocent place and perhaps she wants to hang on to some of that naivety because she wants her kids to be happy, and like every mother, hopes that they won’t grow up too fast.
HMB: Admittedly, this is me being an armchair writer/director but I would love to see Mrs. Knight have a larger role and more of a good cop/bad cop relationship with Gustavo Rocque (Stephen Kramer Glickman) who plays the boys manager, sort of reminiscent of the relationship Mrs. Partridge (Shirley Jones) had with Reuben Kincaid (Dave Madden) in “The Partridge Family.” It would be a kick to see more of Katie and Gustavo play off each other too. Any chance of this happening?
CC: Will you please call the show and pitch your ideas?! It would be great to go toe to toe with Gustavo. I don’t think he has a clue how fierce a mother can be when protecting her cubs. Right?! Katie is great with him and of course it’s hilarious because she is such a little peanut. I think that in the future there will definitely be more interaction between family and business. Watch out Mr. Rocque. And Griffin too!
HMB: Speaking of Shirley Jones, how does it feel to tackle the iconic role of “Mom of the Band?” How would you like to see your character develop?
CC: I love it! I just wish I could sing like Shirley Jones. I would like to see Mrs. Knight take a bigger interest in Kendall’s (and the guys) future as a musician and singer and in Katie’s future as an entrepreneur. I would also like to see Mrs. Knight be more involved in Kendall’s personal relationships as well. Heck, I’d like to see Mrs. Knight have a first name!
Photo by Jennings Paige
HMB: I love the fact that your family and the other boys are all transplants and end up living in a hip version of the Oakwood Apartments. Have you or any of the cast members ever stayed in the Oakwoods during your own acting careers?
CC: I almost moved into the Oakwood when I first moved to LA but at the last minute I stumbled onto a beautiful apartment on Crescent Heights in West Hollywood. The drawback was I shared the apartment and bathroom with two testonterone laden young guys. And apparently it’s come full circle!
HMB: How has life changed for you since Big Time Rush? Do kids recognize you wherever you go?
CC: Yeah I get recognized when I’m with my kids on the playground and at Colton’s preschool. Some of his friends are huge fans of the show which totally ups my cool factor. It’s hilarious. I love kids who are fans of the show. I especially love it when they know more about the show than I do. They can recite my dialogue, sing the songs, and correct me on the minute details of the show.
HMB: And an obvious questions, are the boys swarmed with fans?
CC: Oh gosh, yes they are all swarmed with fans and are getting an enormous amount of attention which all seems to be evenly distributed. Kids (and adults) love to tell me who their favorite guy is and I have to say it is very even. It was obviously great casting because there is a btr boy for everyone. The guys are all amazing and they are handling fame beautifully. They are all very close with their real parents which I think really helps keep them grounded.
HMB: You’re a mother and wife in real life also. How do you balance that with your shooting schedule?
CC: I am a mom in real life to my son Colton who is 5 and my daughter Jasper who is 2. My schedule on the show varies so we take it one week at a time. Every night Aaron (Challen’s husband) and I discuss our plans for the next day so that we can make sure that everyone is covered. It can get pretty tricky since both of us are actors and Aaron is also an acting coach (www.aaronmcphersonstudio.com). My kids have a wonderful nanny who helps us when Aaron or I can’t be there. Even when I’m not working on the show I am still running around this crazy city going to auditions and working on other projects. Sometimes I take the kids with me to auditions, especially commercial and voice over auditions. We just make it work out and we try our best to make it a fun adventure.
HMB: What do your kids think of their mom starring on Big Time Rush?
CC: Colton and Jasper just think it is completely normal. Colton says things like, “How was work today mom? Are you going to see Kendall today?” They love to come and visit me on set. They love the cast and crew and the awesome sets. They are also big fans of the show and the music. I love that it is actually a show they can watch. Nothing horrible happens to me on Big Time Rush. Thank goodness!
Challen Cates with Husband Aaron, son Colton and daughter Jasper. Photo by by Jennings Paige
HMB: Do you think either of your kids have the acting gene? How would you handle it if they asked to become child actors?
CC: I don’t know. It’s too soon to really know. At this point Colton seems like a director and Jasper is my little comedienne. It is just such a hard profession. It is hard emotionally. The rejection is brutal and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. However, if they decide they want to be actors, we will do everything we can to support their decision and give them the encouragement and help they need.
HMB: What other projects are you involved with or have slated for the near future?
CC: I did a feature called Foosteps which should be coming out soon. I play a mom in that as well but it’s a chilling thriller and definitely not something my kids can watch. I am actively reading scripts because I would love to produce another feature but it really comes down to finding the right material.
Challen also works closely with the charity Darkness 2 Light, the world’s leading non-profit working to prevent child sexual abuse.
CC: I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and so it is a cause that is very close to my heart. One is 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused. We need to increase awareness and educate adults and children in how to prevent childhood sexual abuse.
ABOUT the Darkness to Light Organization
In 2000, Anne Lee, Darkness to Light’s President/CEO, developed and implemented a strategy for a non-profit primary prevention program with the mission of reducing the incidence of child sexual abuse through public awareness and education. With tremendous community support, over $100,000 was raised and an award-winning Darkness to Light media campaign was developed and launched in June of 2001. Darkness to Light’s public awareness campaign seeks to raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse. Their ads are a “call to action” encouraging adults to call or go online for free materials that educate adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Darkness to Light is also actively educating adults through its newest initiative, Stewards of Children, a sexual abuse prevention training program that provides frontline training for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.
Love these Pictures? Photographer Jennings Paige can be reached at jenningspaige@yahoo.com
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Earth Day “Power Down” on NICK: The Big Green Help!
Posted on 20. Apr, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Happy Earth Day! What are you and your child actor doing to help the earth today? To find out what the kids at Nickelodeon are up to, click on the picture below to enlarge and read all about Nick’s event: The Big Green Help!
Steps we can take with our children to help the earth (from the OFFICIAL EARTH DAY 2010 CAMPAIGN Website):
Teach children that planting trees will save our earth.
Educate people to use solar power.
Recycle – try to be as efficient as possible
Shop at the local farmers market, using our own bags and eat as many locally sourced meals as possible for the entire year.
Ride a bike.
Reduce electricity usage in general life.
Skip a shower today 
– Kids will love this one!
Use cloth diapers – raise tiny environmentalists!
Use old paper for rough work to save paper.
Use less disposables.
Hang laundry on a clothes line instead of using the clothes dryer.
For more info, please read and download this pdf. http://earthday.net/files/ed2010summary.pdf
The programming on Nickelodeon for Earth Day:
AT 11:30 a.m. — OLIVIA “Olivia Helps Mother Nature” — After learning about the environment, Olivia is on a mission to recycle, cut down on waste, and conserve energy. But she just can’t get Ian to turn off his light at night. Either she’ll have to find a way for Ian to fall asleep without it, or else find a sustainable alternative.
AT 1:30 p.m. — WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! “Save the Wuzzly/All Bottled Up” — In “Save the Wuzzly,” Wubbzy and Daizy must help a family of Wuzzly bears save their bambooboo tree home, from developers cutting down Wuzzleburg Forest to make a new playground. In “All Bottled Up,” Wubbzy has to teach the denizens of Wuzzleburg to reuse and recycle, after he introduces them to a great new drink – Hapgood’s Fizz-eee Wizz-eee Juice — and they start discarding the bottles making a big messy bottle problem.
AT 8 p.m. — ICARLY “iGo Green” — In honor of National Green Week, Mr. Henning, an environmentally conscious science teacher, assigns Carly, Sam and Freddie the task of creating an original earth-friendly project that benefits the environment. And Carly learns a lesson about how easy it is to go green by doing simple things like watering after dark or recycling.
AT 8:30 p.m. — TRUE JACKSON, VP “True Intrigue” — Max returns from his trip to Africa with a top-secret environmentally-friendly fabric he discovered and is going to announce to the world that is if True, Max and Amanda can fend off the corporate spy trying to steal the fabric.
Nickelodeon has partnered with 12 national organizations on local Earth Day events and activities in the U.S. to provide kids with opportunities to be involved in real-world environmental activity. Organizations can be featured as part of a Nickelodeon on-air scroll on Earth Day. More than 500 events are already scheduled to take place. The Big Green Help is a multiplatform campaign that provides information and tools to help explain climate change to kids through on-air messaging, grassroots activity, and online gaming. More than 2 million kids have already pledged to participate in The Big Green Help.
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Updates on Nickelodeon Nationwide Open Call Castings
Posted on 06. Feb, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
MIAMI OPEN CASTING CALL DETAILS:
DATE: Saturday – February 27, 2010
CHECK-IN TIME: 9:00am to 12:00pm
LOCATION: DoubleTree Miami Mart Airport Hotel
ADDRESS: 711 NW 72nd Ave / Miami, FL 33126
SEEKING: Talent 12 to 18 years / Boys & Girls – All Ethnicities (No previous experience necessary)
** No talent under 12 or over 18 will be seen – no exceptions **
NOTES:
* All talent under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult – no exceptions.
* We will make best efforts to see all talent that has checked-in by 12:00pm.
* Audition wait time may be several hours.
Information from Nick Casting on Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When is the Austin Open Call? A: It’s been postponed temporarily. More info soon.
Q: What should I bring to the open call?
A: 1 photo (snapshot ok). Please include all of your contact information on the back of your picture. *This photo will not be returned.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress casual.
Q: What if I am over 18 but can play 12 to 18 years?
A: We are not seeing anyone over 18 years.
Q: What if I am under 12 but can play 12 to 18 years?
A: We are not seeing anyone under 12 years.
Q: If I am under 18 and don’t have an adult to bring me can I still come?
A: Sorry, you MUST be accompanied by an adult – no exceptions.
Q: What audition material should I prepare for this casting call?
A: We will give you audition materials (a brief comedy scene) at the open call.
Q: What is Nickelodeon looking for?
A: Funny, confident talent – all types & ethnicities!
Q: If there are a lot of people, will I still get to audition if I’m at the back of the line?
A: Check-in will be between 9:00am-12:00pm. We will make best efforts to see all talent that has been checked in. Audition wait time may be several hours. In the event that the turnout for the event exceeds the amount of people we are able to see in one day, you may be notified by an official Nickelodeon crew member that you will need to return the next day to be seen. If this occurs you will be given a wristband and official paperwork confirming that you were on line by noon on Saturday and have been requested to return.
Q: What show is this for?
A: This is a general casting call for Nickelodeon – we are seeking new faces for future projects.
Q: What happens next?
A: If you are right for one of our upcoming projects we will contact you.
Q: Who will be in the audition room?
A: A casting representative from Nickelodeon Casting.
Q: Does it cost money to audition?
A: No, this is a free event to audition for Nickelodeon.
Q: Will there be parking?
A: Yes there is parking. Space may be limited. There is a flat fee for all day parking.
Q: Should I bring a CD or DVD of work I have done or recorded?
A: No, just a picture and contact information.
Q: Does this audition guarantee me work on Nickelodeon?
A: No.
Q: Do I need to pre-register to audition?
A: No, you do not need to pre-register. Check-in is upon arrival.
Q: Will I need to fill out any forms to audition?
A: Yes, we will hand out Information Forms to be filled out
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Nickelodeon Open Call for ages 12 to 18 years!
Posted on 21. Jan, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Update: So many of you young actors have replied and asked questions about this post, so here’s an update. The Atlanta casting is at the 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14 Street in Atlanta 9 am to 12 pm. for ages 12-18 tomorrow, January 23, 2010. All children MUST be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Bring a photo. Snapshots are okay.
There are more open calls coming, so if you don’t live near Atlanta, don’t panic. The next Nickelodeon Open Casting Calls will be held in Miami, Florida and in Austin, Texas. No dates are available yet. We’ll post more information as we get it. For any pressing questions, direct them via email to Nickelodeon at opencall@nick.com – good luck to all who audition and tell them the Hollywood Mom Blog sent you!
Yep. You read this correctly. Nickelodeon is holding an open call audition/ casting call for children & teens, ages 12 to 18, in the city of Atlanta, Georgia on January 23, 2010. I can only imagine how many young acting hopefuls are going to show up and what a mad house this promises to be, so go prepared for the audition and for a long, crowded wait. Some tried and true cattle call tips: Arrive well in advance; Bring ample supplies of water and snacks; Bring a change of clothes, coat and umbrella if necessary; Don’t forget your cell phone; bring a good book; a lawn chair and make sure you have enough change for pay street parking for at least several hours, if applicable. Last but not least – Good luck!
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New Nick Show: Big Time Rush
Posted on 29. Nov, 2009 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Meet Carlos Pena, James Maslow, Logan Henderson and Kendall Schmidt — the stars of Nick’s newest show “Big Time Rush!”
In a special preview of Big Time Rush which aired November 28, 16-year-old Kendall, is discovered by washed-up record executive Gustavo Rocque (Stephen Glickman) during a nationwide casting call. The accidental rock star is then forced to choose staying home in Minneapolis with his buddies or pursuing a dream, singing career in Hollywood. Mmmm. Sounds like a hybrid of Jonas Brothers/Naked Brothers Band and “Entourage.” You guessed it – Kendall strikes a deal with the Hollywood image-maker, agreeing to undergo “pop group 101” training in exchange for giving his best friends – Carlos, James, and Logan – the opportunity to be in the band. The four teens travel with Kendall’s mom played by Challen Cates (btw – on a personal note congrats on landing this gig Challen!) and younger sister played by Ciara Bravo, from the Midwest to Los Angeles, where they move into the Palm Woods, a swanky temporary housing development where entertainment companies house their aspiring talent from out of state (think Burbank’s Oakwood Apartments).
The boys immediately learn that life in Hollywood doesn’t revolve around wooing starlets and raving at late-night parties, and that the clock is ticking away their time to prove worthiness to the record label big wigs. Do they have what it takes to make it in the music world? I guess we’ll learn more when ”Big Time Rush” premiere’s in early 2010 on Nickelodeon. My 10 year old daughter Jordan, who did watch the show, gives it the full blown Hollywood Kid approval.
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From the Momager Trenches: Actorfest NY 2009 as experienced by Cari Surch
Posted on 22. Nov, 2009 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
My 12-year-old daughter Kennedy Kathleen Surch is an actress and always has been. From her pre-school performances to more serious make-shift performances in our back yard in her tween years, this girl has always commanded attention.
Recently I came across a casting call I knew Kennedy would love: Nickelodeon was having an open call for 12 to 20-year-olds. The catch was that the call was being held in New York City at an event called Actorfest and we live in Dallas, Texas. Although we have a fairly large film community in Dallas, we all know that if you ever want to be serious about the craft, one day you’ll eventually have to move either east to Manhattan or west to Los Angeles.
I quickly did some research and number crunching. I knew that in order to convince my hubby to give the trip the thumbs up, I’d have to ensure that our time was chalked full of positive learning experiences to better acquaint my daughter with the acting world. The Actorfest website is very informative and promotes all the low cost workshops we could attend, industry professionals we could meet and face-to-face time actors would receive. They provide an extensive list of casting directors and with the purchase of any one of the workshops, one was entitled to attend the “meet and drop” with these top casting directors.
But the primary draw was the Nickelodeon casting call. Any chance to be seen by one of Nick’s casting directors is a good thing in my book. We were told to arrive well before the doors opened, in order to guarantee my daughter would receive an audition time. Well, let’s just say that being early is not something we’re known for. When we finally arrived, the line wrapped around the corner. We just about cried, positive she had missed her chance at an audition. Luckily an Actorfest team member was taking names and assigning call times to all of us poor souls standing in line out in the cold. So aside from the almost two hour wait in frigid temperatures on the damp streets of New York, everything went according to plan.
Once registered, my daughter and I entered a grand ballroom filled with rows of tables and booths. Everywhere we looked there was information about head shots and demo reels, about auditions and callbacks, about all new media including: websites, pod casts and DV reels. There were acting instructors selling their classes at special discounts and photographers with great head shot offers. Much to our amazement there were also cosmetic dentists, chiropractors, massage therapists and nutritionists. Who would have thought?
My daughter’s 10 a.m. Nickelodeon audition time came and went while we stood frozen in yet another line. Apparently it didn’t matter what time your audition was; the direction was clear to remain in line and wait! After the first hour passed and we had moved forward all of 2 feet, it was discouraging to say the least. Eventually after another two hours in line my daughter made her way up the back staircase to her audition. Very anti-climatically, she completed her lines within 5 minutes, thanked the casting people and we forged back into the hordes of people. That was it – audition over!
Following the audition, we decided to check out the workshops. There were multiple choices offered ranging from voice over and cold reads, to career management and making demos. We decided on a workshop covering the ins and outs of auditioning, which offered a panel of casting directors, and film/theater directors who detailed the entire process of an audition, pointing out some “do’s and don’ts.” While we definitely gained insight and learned valuable information, I left feeling like maybe we should have picked a different workshop.
Fortunately following the workshop, they immediately set up for the “meet and drop” so we were able to get in line early to see one of the casting directors. After perusing all the different casting directors’ resumes, we chose to see Jennifer Rudolf. This line had about a 45 minute wait but when it was my Kennedy’s turn to be seen, she was able to speak one on one with Ms. Rudolph and her associate for almost 10 minutes. Rudolf critiqued my daughter’s head shot and resume: telling her that what works in Texas doesn’t necessarily work in New York, gave her tips on ways to build her resume and to how to play up or play down her physical characteristics. Let’s just say that a 12 year old who is already 5’8” is not a really good thing in this business. We left the conversation feeling we learned some valuable information, so for once, the wait in line seemed worthwhile.
Although we couldn’t stomach the thought of standing in another line, we decided to jump into one more with the hopes of meeting an agent. The best thing about standing in lines is that you have the opportunity to meet several interesting people. We passed the time away chatting with actors who were making a living at acting and those who had been aspiring actors for quite some time. After an hour passed, we heard that the agent we were waiting for had left and was replaced with a casting director. Then we learned that instead of individual meetings, they were now seeing people in groups of three to five. You could see and hear the frustration when it was announced that there were not going to be any more one on ones. Besides the casting calls, this is what the majority of the people were there for – a tiny bit of face time with those that make decisions in the business. All the great conversations in the world couldn’t make the time in line seem worth it and that point.
We decided to wait it out regardless and when it was my daughter’s group’s turn to go in, they walked up to this man’s table (sadly I don’t even know his name) and handed him their respective resumes and head shots. The casting director very quickly reviewed them, picked one or two things out and then sent them on their way.
We Texans are not easily discouraged, so my daughter and I happily filled the boxes with copies of her head shot and resume and then hit the streets of New York City. There were still many sights to be seen!
The question remains after that whirlwind trip: Would I do it again?” Honestly, I don’t think I would and this is why. If she were an actor living in New York, Actorfest NY would be a must, but for a 12 year old actor from Dallas, Texas, I think the money would have been better spent on acting lessons. All things considered we did have a blast – just don’t tell her father!
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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Casting Call: New Nickelodeon Series wants you!
Posted on 24. Sep, 2009 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Yes, you read correctly. This is an open call casting for a new Nickelodeon Series pertaining to young actors in the Los Angeles and New York areas. No Agents, no managers needed. Just you, your email and some digital pictures. Be sure to submit immediately as this call closes on September 28, 2009. Best of luck to all that submit!
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