The Importance of Auditioning

On Sunday, I'll publish a new Clinic column on the website (www.PerformersParent.com) about one of the hardest things for young performers -- auditioning. For those kids who really want to be in a show, the audition is the "make or break" place, but do they really know what to do and how to do it to be successful? I'm very pleased with this column -- and I think you will be too, when you finally get to see it -- because it's got lots of great info, from someone who knows all about the subject -- Ben Stoner, the Crystal Lake South director.

Auditioning has been a big deal in the Conrad household. Greg has auditioned mostly for musicals, and I've tried to help him where I can listening to him sing, offering suggestions for "acting it out." And Andy tried out for shows last year, getting in to Our Town but not the other two shows of the year. He heard from a reliable source that he hadn't prepared enough for the audition, and he's been working to correct that over the summer for the fall play. We're keeping our fingers crossed for him! He had so much fun being in Our Town, and made a lot of friends, and it would be great if he could continue to be involved. But he's got to do his part -- it's like the lottery joke -- "God, please make me a lottery winner!" And God finally replied, "Well, you have to buy a ticket first!"

I only remember one of my own auditions -- I was trying out for the part of a nun in my high school's production of Little Moon of Alban. It was memorable only because I had a hip-to-ankle cast on my left leg at the time! So much for kneeling. (I did actually get the part...)

So remember to check the website Sunday evening (and if it's not up yet, check Monday!). The information you'll learn could help your child get a part they want in an upcoming audition.

Job? What job?

As of today, I have two days left of working at the job I've held for a year and a half. I've been working for a realtor part-time -- very part-time -- and I've really been feeling that I need to put more time into Performer's Parent if I want it to succeed (and I do!). It's been interesting training my replacement -- he's a young guy, married with a baby -- but he's a musician! He plays guitar in a Christian rock band, and I hope to have some of the group's music featured here, as soon as they finish the CD they're working on.

This is of course very exciting -- but very scary, too, because my husband's been out of work since mid-May. My realtor job doesn't make much money, but it's something. To date, Performer's Parent hasn't brought in Dollar 1! I know you're all surprised at that, right? But I'm hoping to get my first advertiser tomorrow, when I go talk to the owner of a great local music store who has expressed interest in the site. I recently used a very nice Groupon and bought some marketing things -- magnetic car signs and such. Honk if you see me driving around!

Updates on the performers around me -- Greg's still playing with the Erich Kraemer Group, and they have their next gig on July 28 at Offsides in Woodstock -- if you're local, come on out! He's looking at starting piano lessons with Performer's Parent friend Mike Potts. And he is getting his own band together, with a bassist and drummer all lined up.

Andy's getting ready for junior year, and is somewhat excited about choir -- I hope that will ramp up to VERY excited, especially as they get closer to the Disney trip that the band and choir will take in the spring.

Alberto's home from Illinois State University for the summer, playing in the pit band for St. Anne's Wizard of Oz, his second year in the pit for this great group.

Dave is trying to figure out where to take his talents -- he's entering his senior year of high school in Kenosha, and his mom says he wants to do something in performance. He's got a little bit of time to figure it out. Older sister Heidi returns to Millikin for her junior year, with a theatre minor pushing her forward.

Amanda's enjoying Millikin -- she's a vocal performance major -- and looking forward to her junior year. Last year at the McHenry County Fair Talent Show, she and Greg performed an outstanding version of The Civil Wars' Barton Hollow -- I'll try to find an MP3 clip of that and post it. They took second place -- should have been first! (By the way, I have the info and registration sheet for this year's County Fair Talent Contest -- cash prizes! -- if you want the info for your performer, drop me a note and I'll send it on -- the contest is for ages 14-21.)

What's your performer doing this summer? Let me know -- drop me a line -- send me a picture! Encourage your friends to check out The Performer's Parent. If we make it to 50 members, there may be a surprise in store!

A little wine with your music?

Greg's been busking lately (and every time Kevin hears me say that, he asks, "what is busking?" That's playing out on the streets -- the mean streets of Crystal Lake, baby). Sometimes he makes enough money to make it worthwhile; sometimes he thinks he's singing to himself. This week, while he only made $2 in tips, he got a bigger reward -- an offer of a regular gig!

The owner (manager?) of the downtown CL wine bar came out, asked him to come and play in the wine bar for a while, paid him $40 to do so, then asked if he'd play every Thursday night! He's getting a regular fee and the promise of tips -- well worth the time he spent playing on the corner. If you're not busy on a Thursday, come on down -- just north of the Olympic on Williams Street.

Besides that... gee, not much going on! I'm hoping to get a couple of guest posts soon from some fellow bloggers, and why have you all not written to me and offered your experiences as the parents of performers? Here -- maybe you need some inspiration:

- What was moment you felt yourself tear up over your child's performing?
- If your child is planning on doing this for a career, what's your biggest fear for them?
- Who do you think has had the biggest impact your child's performing, and why? And it can't be you. Even if it is.

Tell me, tell me! Or show me, show me! Send your pix, your MP3 files, I love it all.