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<DIV>Thank you very much for your post! When we first started - I was suckered into the whole "he's the best we've seen, etc." from an "audition" -- I learned a very costly lesson...on a happier note, I have done exactly as you described and we work the state of Ohio to get experience (there are plenty of opportunities out there) now. We have an agent and the resume is building...for now.</DIV>
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<DIV>If you feel compelled - like you just might miss your "shot" - and you must go -- then when they make the pitch for a call back and invite you to go to a showcase, etc. -- you can simply tell them that you are interested but would only be able to attend if they have a "scholarship" program. If they are real -- and truly interested in the up - and - up...you'll get one...otherwise, thank them kindly for their offer and respectfully decline.</DIV>
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<DIV>The expenses I incur to help my young actor's career are gas, food and sometimes hotel stays (but not too often since we stay primarily in state). You CAN do it on a shoestring budget ( I know, we are a single income family) and when he is ready to look at something bigger -- he will have a very nice resume to show for it; which will help in the long run.</DIV>
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<DIV>The main thing I've found: Talent or not; you HAVE to get your experience...and it isn't through a showcase or mall audition.</DIV>
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<DIV>Good luck in pursuing your dreams!!!</DIV>
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<DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>From:</B></I> <A href="mailto:tlsdce@hotmail.com">T.L. Small</A></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>Date:</B></I> 5/21/2009 6:48:43 PM</DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>To:</B></I> <A href="mailto:neohiopal@listserve.com">neohiopal@listserve.com</A></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><I><B>Subject:</B></I> [NEohioPAL] : Re: Auditions for national booking agency</DIV></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV><BR>If the senior booking agent claims to be from Cleveland, then shame on him/her for scamming the artists of Cleveland. Google Talent Network Company scam and see what pops up. Then add Wilhelmina to the mix and even more scams are uncovered.<BR>Parents, you must think about this...are you willing to relocate to New York or LA right now? These scouting things are geared towards the "pie in the sky" hopefuls who are willing to spend whatever is necessary to "buy" their kid a break in the biz.<BR>Please go to Bizparentz.org or look up discussions on this very company on the Backstage message board. <BR>I live in NY and my daughter is in the biz. All it takes is the cost of postage to be seen, and the Cleveland/Pittsburgh area is a fantastic training ground for young actors. Focus on working locally with the wonderful opportunities that are presented. It kills me that these companies take advantage of children in this way. <BR><BR>
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Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. <A href="http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_BR_life_in_synch_052009" target=_new>Check it out.</A>
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