Daughter's Audition

**suki** · 05-05-2009, 05:40 PM

So, my daughter (dance major) has an opportunity to audition for a short-term contract with Disney (the 2009 Holiday Show). I'm really excited for her and have been calling today to schedule her headshot session and researching how to write the resume. This is her first professional audition. She's mostly going for the audition experience, but of course, we all hope she gets the gig.

Funny thing is, she's told a few of her dance peers about the audition and they've all said their parents wouldn't let them or would be very upset if they took the gig. I really don't get this. Worst case scenario, she's delayed one semester while she gets some real world experience. Best case scenario, the school works with her since it's only 1/2 a semester and she gets independent study and isn't behind at all. Either way, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal school-wise and is a great opportunity for her to see if she's interested in that type of dance before she graduates.

Also, as I see it... she's 18 (will be 19 by then), it's her life and if she wants to go for it, then I'll support her decision. She's the one who has to live with her choices, not me. All I can do at this point is advise and support, not control.

What do you think?

**AmyBoz** · 05-05-2009, 05:47 PM

I think this is a very exciting opportunity! I'd be curious to see the contract, however, because I know Disney has some pretty tight clauses and regulations to their contracts. They own you for the time you work for them and sometimes people find them difficult to work for. I'd encourage her to read that contract VERY carefully before signing her life away.

That being said, I think it would be so exciting, and such a fabulous experience for her!

**suki** · 05-05-2009, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the advice. I will share that with her.

I do like that it's a very short commitment... mid-October through Jan. 2

**Debbie-cat** · 05-05-2009, 06:09 PM

What a fabulous opportunity for her! I think it is great! Tell her congratulations and good luck!

**pinetree** · 05-05-2009, 06:18 PM

I think she should go for it. This will be a great experince for her, really what has she got to lose? Hope she gets it, tell her Good Luck and dont forget to check out that contract!

**Rebookie** · 05-05-2009, 06:44 PM

Well I hope she does well and she gets it!!!

**suki** · 05-05-2009, 09:15 PM

Honestly, I'm more excited about her having the opportunity to learn about the audition process and what it takes at this point. She's only just finished her first year at college, but will be a junior starting her fall semester and the timing is great for her to start working on headshots, resumes and auditions. Whether she gets the gig or not this is a great opportunity for her. The audition is being held close enough that the expense will be minimal. Other such auditions will likely involve travel to the audition city that may prohibit too many "go and see" auditions.

Since the gig is during the holidays and it seems she'll be committed the entire time... mom has a little mixed feelings, but I also know she has time in January before classes to hang with me... so they are only tiny little mixed feelings.

**jennordhavn** · 05-06-2009, 12:35 AM

I think it's great. Hope she gets it!

**IntlMom** · 05-06-2009, 12:46 AM

Wow! What a great opportunity....hope she gets it!!

**PrairieRose** · 05-06-2009, 01:18 AM

I know from having a family member involved in theater that for any young person who is truly determined to 'make it' that there are a lot of sacrifices to be made. If the possible gains outweigh the sacrifices and everyone in the family can live with both then I see no problem going for it. Good luck to her, I hope it works out for you all.

**LynnLC** · 05-06-2009, 12:57 PM

Break a leg!

As a dance teacher, I suggest you double and triple check contract if she gets it. I have had students go thru similar situations. Disney does have STRICT guidelines which also includes what you do after shows.

**ShellyB** · 05-06-2009, 01:55 PM

After doing all the due digilence in checking the contract; I say GO FOR IT. She has a chance to tell her grandchildren I did a show for Disney -or- I stayed in school and didn't take a semester off to do a Disney show.
It will look good on her resume if she does it also.

We try to make our kid's dreams come true - why would you not support this?

I know a girl who left school to become a NYC Rockette for a year. What a chance of a lifetime. She loved it. She now is married and has children and owns her own dance studio and is still living her dream.

I wish her the best of luck.

**LastDragonfly** · 05-06-2009, 03:03 PM

That is incredible! I'm happy for her. Maybe she can take an online class possibly, but even if she cant working is a good thing. When I was going to college with the dinosaurs, but the best advice my advisor ever gave me was, take a semester off, substitute teach everyday for spec. ed (my major) and make sure you really wanna do it) What's one semester?....

I hope she lets you look at the contract and if you have ANY questions you will seek for direct answers....

I'm excited for you both...can you believe what she'll tell you? She will be so excited to tell you everything..

Maybe you could show up at Christmas and surprise her.

Best wishes!

**Determined** · 05-07-2009, 02:44 AM

Good luck to her! Sounds like an amazing opportunity.

**suki** · 05-07-2009, 02:45 AM

She's dual majoring in dance and pre-law. She's a very practical girl so I've no doubt she'll seek advice on the contract. She has good resources available to her and I'm certain she'll utilize them. Plus, her school really emphasizes such things. She's had to enter into contracts for every performance she's done in college.

I was just really surprised that the other girls think their parents wouldn't support such a venture at all. And, from what I've seen, they're probably right. A lot of the girls' parents are still controlling them and calling the shots in their lives. I just feel at this point it's my job to step back and guide not to say yes or no to her decisions.