C's Big Adventure: Day 1

Today has been very hectic thus far but should slow down now. We had a planned move of hotels this morning. Since we decided to come last minute, we had trouble getting into the hotel where the event is being held. A silly little thing called the Fourth of July had the hotel all full. But we could move over here today--"here" being the Swan and Dolphin next to Epcot--so that's what we did.

That big turquoise triangle in this picture is the Dolphin. It will be MUCH more convenient for all the wardrobe changes.

We attended an industry panel first thing this morning. She will have working sessions the balance of today. She is in monologue practice now. (So never fear, Kellie, she is getting PLENTY of practice today. *everybody wave at Kellie, she's been Cait's acting coach for the last 3 or 4 weeks*) After monologue, she has commercials, followed by modeling late this afternoon. I can see her eyeing that big white runway and thinking about walking it in heels. She'll find out what it feels like then! She did work the heels in the hotel hallways last night. She's getting it down, if not loving them. But then who does? Well, other than Janie! *waving...HI, Janie!!! We shall call Janie Cait's "stylist"!*

The industry session was very interesting...it was a casting director, some managers and some agents--both modeling and acting--who explained the industry, terminology, and answered questions from the audience. I think Caitlin and I both learned a lot. They offered lots of ideas on how to promote herself in our market--a/k/a KC--and nationally, and how to conduct relationships with managers, agents, directors, etc.

We have tonight off, so we are going to head over to Epcot to get dinner and hit a few rides. Tomorrow is when the "competitions" start. I think we can also count on tomorrow being when the stress REALLY up-ticks. Happy, happy, joy, joy. So far everything has been pretty darn peaceful and easy-going.

Here is a picture of her with Matthew Underwood...those of you in a certain demographic would know him as "Logan" on Zoey 101. Others of you would know of that show as the one Brittney Spears' little sister was on until she got pregnant. *sigh*

A funny story about him. He was a very entertaining speaker and teacher. He's funny and nothing like his obnoxious character on Zoey 101. I sat there thinking, "Wow. He's got a really big vocabulary. Clearly, he's been well-educated." (Education being one of the things I feared suffers in this industry.) At one point he was breaking out the kids into groups for practice. He was doing that by age groups, sending 6-8 year olds into one corner, 9s in another, etc. Then he got to the 16 and 17 year olds and he said, "Why don't all of you just conjugate right here at the end of the stage?" I busted out laughing, which wasn't too obvious because the kids were all up moving around. However, a few parents sitting near me eyed me trying to figure out what was so hilarious. I said something like, "Is he going to work verbs with them?" I got more blank stares. So I shut-up and muttered, "I think he meant congregate." Only one other mother figured out what I was talking about. The rest just marked me as the crazy-lady discussing grammar in the crowd. Oy.

That's all for now.
~L (crazy grammar lady)

We’re here. The schedule today involves three class with “celebrities” … or “working professionals”. The first class was the Jon Etheridge who’s biggest part was in Out of Jimmy’s Head on the Cartoon Network. He talked about breaking into the business–through a talent show something like what we are at–what auditions are like, etc. He worked with some kids on their monologues and then worked with the kids on how to enter a room and introduce themselves to a director or agent. It seems like good training and Caitlin is soaking it all up.

In her second session, she's working improv with Mathew Underwood, who was on Zoey 101.

Our travels here were uneventful. We were exhausted when we got here. Caitlin is certain the Florida humidity is the bane of her existence…it’s pretty hard to keep her curly hair straight in these conditions. J

Here are some pictures…in the KC airport…