Excerpt from "Show Biz Kids"

CONSULT YOUR AGENT ON APPROPRIATE AUDITION ATTIRE

Usually, when your agent or manager calls they will tell you how to dress your child for the audition. If not be sure to ask. There is nothing worse than fighting the traffic to get to an audition on the other side of town only to discover that everyone else is in dance shoes and togs, and there you are in clothes you can't possibly dance in. I have had that happen on a couple of occasions. We might as well have stayed at home. Something as simple as an outfit can enhance or erode a child's confidence, making him or her feel at a distinct disadvantage against the competition.

GETTING TO THE AUDITION ON TIME

The same concept applies to your child showing up for an audition without enough time to prepare for the dialogue. For example, if your child's competition has had all day or several days to prepare for a scene and you arrive at the audition with only ten minutes to go over the sides, your child will not be equipped to put his or her best foot forward.

It makes good sense to give a child every conceivable edge in terms of appearance and preparation. For that matter, parents are also well advised to go out of their way to do what they can to increase a child's confidence, including allowing outfits that the child feels good about wearing on audition.s Children who feel confident about the way they look and who are adequately prepared possess ease of comfort during the audition. These minor details can enhance a child's ability to focus on the audition material.

In Zoe F. Carter's article, "Baby, It's You," Casting Director, Mali Finn feels that "the saddest thing in the world is to have a child come in with a big, fake, impersonal smile plastered on their face." Finn also feels "embarrassed by children who come on too strong" or who are too stagy. The flip side of that coin is not being able to smile at all, or going through the audition with absolutely no show of emotion on the face. Instilling balance and confidence in all areas of the preparation process will dispel nervousness, allowing the child to relax and be himself. . . . . .

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