Call-backs

We got busy vacationing and I just realized there might be people wondering what happened.

On Sunday morning we delivered her comp cards and acting head shot/resume to all 65 industry professionals at the event.  She got many, many comments on how good her pictures were.  (Kudos to Heather Morrow of Hocus Focus Photography and Melissa Evans, who did Caitlin's hair and make-up in the photos.) Caitlin also had several people inquire where she was from.  Kansas was, of course, the wrong answer.  :)  She was stopped by the scout for Visage models who inquired of her height.  We were told if she grows another 3 inches, to call.  Um ... THAT's not happening.

At any rate, after the open call we picked up her call-back letter and she was invited back by one "mother agency".  They handle models, commercial acting and promotions.  We had a brief interview with them and gathered information.  They are based in Florida but have about 15 offices around the nation.  When we get home we are to send information.  We'll just see where that goes.

This was a really great experience.  It was kind of like a summer camp mixed in with a vacation for the family.  Win win.

Yesterday afternoon/evening we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom.  The Everest Expedition ride was great, as was the Lion King show.  Today we went over to the Atlantic side, to swim and play on Cocoa Beach.  Tomorrow we got visit Hogwarts and are VERY, VERY excited.

More pictures to follow.

More competition

Today Caitlin performed her comedic monologue and her soap opera screen test.  She also walked the runway again during the beachwear event.

This evening we walked the red carpet, had our photo taken there with Mark Hapka (Days of our Lives, an episode of Ghost Whisperer and three episodes of Hannah Montana (he was Hannah's obnoxious fake boyfriend in some episodes EVEN I have seen).  Then there was the award ceremony.  Here there were a variety of performances, comedy, singing and dancing--by "Saltare"--the jump-roping crew from Season 5 of "America's Best Dance Crew".  Ten awards were given, including $52,500 in cash and a recording demo package for the best vocalist (which Caitlin did NOT participate in).

Again, this was a really fun day.

The little girl became Caitlin's "special" friend after she spotted the Snicker's bar!

The girl with Caitlin in the formal wear--the girl that is not Mackenzie--is a friend that Caitlin made here.

Tomorrow is feedback day.  And then we'll head off to see Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Cait's first runway walk

Hopefully, I can manage to imbed this video.  If I'm successful, be very, very impressed.

And yeah, I cut off her head.  Cut me some slack.  I was dealing with pushy parents and video taping off a TV screen.

Is this day over yet?

I'm tired.  Cait has to be exhausted ...but seems to be tooling right along.

Let's see, since I last wrote, she has done, a beauty product commercial, a Nike commercial, modeled jeans and performed her one-liner.  We also had an awesome dinner at Todd English's BlueZoo...but I bet you don't care about our epicurean adventures.  You want pictures, right?  Yeah, yeah...I know. Not too many words (right RaeRae?)  She's at the dance party now.

Here you go...more pictures.
Here's the key...
*White-t and jeans = denim modeling
*Blue-t and white skirt = one-liners
*White top/black skirt = all talent overview
*Purple top/jeans = commercials
*Oh, and with the friend, she was on break in the wardrobe room

The competition

So far we have had the Talent Overview and done the trendy/high fashion runway events.  She did great on both.

The Overview consisted of every kid in the competition walking the runway in a black outfit, a white outfit or a black and white outfit.  The oldest kids went first.  And they went alphabetically so...guess what?  Caitlin was the very first person on the stage.  That initially made her very nervous.  But I think it was perfect.

Then we had a quick-change into high-fashion.  This time was first in her age group but her group went last.  Unfortunately I am a camera idiot and got no pictures of this event.  (Yes.  I.D.I.O.T.)  I do have pictures in the outfit and that will just have to do.

More pictures later.

For Nana

Ask, and you shall receive.

At least sometimes.  :)

This day at "The" is done

Here's how our girl looks today.

Here is a shot looking at the Swan as we walk over from the Dolphin.

Today and a little recap

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)

Our wild schedule...

Friday is undoubtedly our craziest day here.  Here is her schedule:

9-11 All Talent overview...which means every. single. kid. here. walks the runway wearing white, black or white and black.

11:30 Runway...this is where she wears her "high fashion" look

1:30 Beauty commercial...this is her first screen test...for deodorant.  Nice.  Teen Spirit, anyone?

2:30 TV commercial...this is her second screen test...for Nike.  Rockin' that Caitlin 'tude.

4:00 Jeans...this is where she models jeans.

7:00 One-liners...this is a comedy event.  She just got these scripts Wednesday morning, so we're picking one out and working on them.

8:30  Dance party.  Disney Radio, anyone?  *smirk*

Saturday she does a comedy monologue screen test at 9 a.m.  Then she model's beachwear at 11:30.  At 3 she does her dramatic scene screen test.

At 6:00 p.m. she will walk the red carpet and at 8:30 the awards ceremony begins.

Peoples..

Hey peoples...leave comments.  Caitlin would love to hear from you!!!!!

Travel and the beginning of day one

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…

...tired, as we arrived last night.

Leaving the room this morning…

..a kiss for daddy…

And before her first class today…

More later!

Staging the Expedition

It's like moving a division of the army!  This is just for her.  That's what 12 wardrobe changes plus all the regular stuff she needs for an eight day vacation will do for you.  My back hurts just thinking about it!

The reason for the adventure...

There may be some people reading here who don't know what is happening.  Here is a brief version of the story:

Caitlin has a dream.  It's something she has dreamed of for years.

This summer, on her own, she took her first step toward that dream and attended an open call audition for a talent scout and independent casting director.

This resulted in an invitation to Orlando where she will be involved in a series of modeling and acting auditions for scouts, directors, agents, etc.

It is one step toward her dream...the rest of us are just along for a somewhat reluctant ride.  Eh, that's not the right word...it's not reluctance, it's apprehension.  It's the mom in me.

But we are looking to this for fun...and a great vacation...and wonderful girl-time together.  Anything else is just whipped cream and cherry on top.

Background

As you know, Caitlin and Leslie are headed off to Orlando...with Mackenzie to join us after a few days...for a big adventure.

Lots of people are asking us to let them know how it's going...so here is how we will do it.  We will do our very best to keep you updated with news and pictures before, during and after the trip.

Now I must go pack, make more lists, launder and otherwise generally obsess.

~L