How does anyone get a break?
Thu, 15 Mar 2001, 10:42 amWalter Plinge9 posts in thread
How does anyone get a break?
Thu, 15 Mar 2001, 10:42 amI have a 14 year old daughter who is a great actress, has a fine singing voice, dances and loves theatre so much its her chosen career! The problem; there seems to be nothing in the way of amateur theatre for her to get any experience. All audition lisitings ask for older people or if they are looking for younsters it usually say over 16 years. Any ideas or help would be appreciated. Thanks.
RE: How does anyone get a break?
Thu, 15 Mar 2001, 11:38 pmWalter Plinge
Hi Rhoda & Grant,
Nothing is impossible - I still find it a total mystery that people let ME on stage. Age is a factor, but is not an absolute. I've worked with fourteen year olds (shut up, Dean) who hold themselves, and look, years older. Unfortunately, there are directors who may, when told, "I'm only 14," simply reply, "That's too young," without even considering if your daughter may pass for a 16, 18 or 20 year old.
But then again, if she looks right for a part, a canny director may cast your daughter regardless of her age. It's a matter of keeping on trying.
Every year, the ITA hosts the WA State Drama Festival - DramaFest. For the past three years, there has been a Junior Section in DramaFest, for people 18 years and younger to act and direct. Theatre groups from all over the state have been known to enter, and as such, are often looking for young actors in the lead-up to the Festival.
DramaFest is held in September of every year. People usually start auditions around July. Keep an eye on this page for audition notices from groups around June/July. Or else try contacting some groups and ask to be kept upto date with their productions. Off the top of my head, groups that have entered the Youth Festival have been Melville Theatre, Roleystone Theatre, Blak Yak Theatre, Mandurah Little Theatre, Scarp Theatre, Darlington Theatre Players, Garrick Theatre and Harbour Theatre. If you're interested, I'll put you on Blak Yak's mailing list, which will keep you upto date with our upcoming productions.
Jarrod Buttery
President
Blak Yak Theatre
Nothing is impossible - I still find it a total mystery that people let ME on stage. Age is a factor, but is not an absolute. I've worked with fourteen year olds (shut up, Dean) who hold themselves, and look, years older. Unfortunately, there are directors who may, when told, "I'm only 14," simply reply, "That's too young," without even considering if your daughter may pass for a 16, 18 or 20 year old.
But then again, if she looks right for a part, a canny director may cast your daughter regardless of her age. It's a matter of keeping on trying.
Every year, the ITA hosts the WA State Drama Festival - DramaFest. For the past three years, there has been a Junior Section in DramaFest, for people 18 years and younger to act and direct. Theatre groups from all over the state have been known to enter, and as such, are often looking for young actors in the lead-up to the Festival.
DramaFest is held in September of every year. People usually start auditions around July. Keep an eye on this page for audition notices from groups around June/July. Or else try contacting some groups and ask to be kept upto date with their productions. Off the top of my head, groups that have entered the Youth Festival have been Melville Theatre, Roleystone Theatre, Blak Yak Theatre, Mandurah Little Theatre, Scarp Theatre, Darlington Theatre Players, Garrick Theatre and Harbour Theatre. If you're interested, I'll put you on Blak Yak's mailing list, which will keep you upto date with our upcoming productions.
Jarrod Buttery
President
Blak Yak Theatre