Nice to know that we're not the only ones...

Na, I'm so pleased you found this article and posted it. It did make interesting reading and you're right about the regulars on this site having heard it all before. What I found interesting, and perhaps concerning, is how many people thought nothing of posting their contact details online for the world to see. Inviting strangers to get in touch. Some posts included a physical description of a child to accompany the contact details. The other thing I noticed was how many people wanted others to contact them and give them info about the Mary Poppins audition. I would have thought that someone keen on being part of a show like this would be making better personal efforts to pursue this information and not honestly believe that there are going to be people 'in the know' reading their post and contacting them with the details. Here's a question for anyone who attends, or who's child attends drama, dance or performance classes. Are there any training establishments who instruct children, and parents, about how to properly get involved in the industry and how it works? What agents do, how auditions are conducted, where to look for legitimate opportunities and how to spot something dodgy or 'too good to be true'? I would love to know. I wonder also if advice like this would indeed be a valuable addition to the curriculum in junior performing schools? Let's be honest, many parents who's kids attend classes like this possibly know very little about the whole acting world, but are keen for their passionate, talented child to get involved and follow their dream. Letting their kids 'stab in the dark' online, or stabbing in the dark themselves on their children's behalf may seem like a good plan for a parent who is not aware of less risky, unprofitable methods. Maybe some enterprising agents, MEAA folk or benevolent professional actors might find a worthy, or profitable, place as a visitor to junior training schools chatting to kids and parents about this very subject. Just a few thoughts....... Tulipa.