My daughter had 4 calls for Jane Banks. They really liked her. The last time they called and wanted her to come in again I kept explaining that she was 4'10" and their height limit was exactly that. We know one girl who played the role for a short time they let go because she grew a couple of inches.

I agree with kipmil's posts.

And at the risk of sounding, but not intending to be rude, I must say that there seems to be more almost crazed, over-analyzing on these boards than anyplace else. If your daughter/son gets called for something, great. If not, move on and stop worrying about what anybody else is doing. Just let it go and realize that casting directors almost always know which kids (and adults) they want. As far as Mary Poppins, you can probably bet your life that kids called in were picked specifically by Disney/casting, regardless of manager or agent input. Managers and agents can and do submit kids of course, but in the end it all comes down to what casting wants, not what the mom or dad or grandmother wants. Also, if they like somebody, they will make it work no matter how old, how young, how small, how tall. Oh and they are actually not seeing a "bunch" of kids.

Actually what you said does sound rude. What is this board for if not venting, analyzing, even over-analyzing while we all try to make our way in a world that our sons and daughters love to be a part of. We as parents are just trying to figure it all out as best we can. This is not about what "mom, dad or grandmother wants" in any way. Of course we all want our child to get the part. Not to sound rude on my end either, but if you don't like the discussions, then why participate?

I don't always believe that "they will make it work." I know for a fact they loved the girl they let go in Mary Poppins. She was amazing, but grew quite a bit in a short time.

No, they are not seeing a "bunch" of kids or it would be an open call.

I knew it would be taken that way, but that is not how it was meant. There is a point where certain over-analyzing (including making comments that stretch the truth or lying outright, digging obnoxiously for TMI, making untrue statements about casting, etc.) eventually hurts the kids that parents supposedly love. Nobody knows for the most part who is reading and keeping up with these boards, including agents, managers, casting directors, and others. I said they are not seeing a "bunch" of kids because somebody said they were and that will definately put other people on edge wondering why their kids did not get called. The "make it work" comment was referring to initial casting. Obviously if a child grows out of a role, it is time to move on to hopefully bigger, better things. Anybody involved somehow in this business knows that very sadly it IS at times about what the parent/guardian wants.

I have friends whose children were seen yesterday and today both boys and girls ages 8-13. Others are going in next week. It looks like they must be casting or so it appears. Often the current cast doesn't even know if their contracts will be renewed when new casting gets underway. Has anyone heard of any callbacks yet from these auditions? Good luck to everyone being seen this is a terrific show!

The contracts of two of the girls are not up until June. Not sure about the third.

My daughter will audition next week (flying in from AZ), and we were told that callbacks would be next Sat (03/08/2008). We do not go to NY too often for auditions (wwe do not hear about them and it's too expensive), we did Grey Gardens (1st ever in NY) which was funa and a great experience as she had only done community theatre before that, and she made it to the finals of the Annie auditions last summer (could not do the recent ones as she was doing "Fiddler" in AZ). Are the Jane auditions anything like the Annie auditions or more like the Grey Gardens (I suspect more like Grey Gardens as Annie seems to be a very different type of audition)? Any "pearls of wisdom" are appreciated! (BTW, my husband used the BBS all through the Annie auditions last summer and loves the people here; you are all so supportive of one another and he just found that to be so helpful). Thanks

The MP audition will not be like an Annie audition. Plus, next Saturday is a callback, so it will be a limited number of kids. My daughter too has gotten as far as yours at Annie auditions and MP too, but now she's a bit too tall. Good luck!

More like Grey Gardens, good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by kipmil:
Well, I'm no expert, but I can tell you what I think they are looking for, based on some of the choices I've seen them make, and based on conversations I've had with CDs, agents and managers. I would say that Disney theatrical talent development looks for kids who are small for their age, with cute, almost pixie-like features, out-going and imp-ish personalities both in person and on stage, and they have to be great (disney-style) singers and actors. They look for a very specific total "Disney" package. It's not to say that they don't cast other kids. This is my perception of what Disney theatrical talent development keeps an eye out for.

I totally agree with your post kipmil as I have had first hand experience!

You can't be over 58" for Jane or 56" for Michael.

what do you guys means as far as "pixie like' and i had no idea they were having callbacks for this so soon as i was told something else(of course) did anyone get calls for the callbacks yet?

Anyone have a clue as to the schedule for callbacks? My DD auditioned on March 3 at the request of TRC (probably via casting agent at Stagedoor last summer). She said she had a great audition but not sure she meets the height requirements. Anyway, this was a first time Broadway audition for her (from SF) and she had a great time! I'm not much of a theater mom (with a full time job and 3 kids) but this board seems quite supportive and knowledgeable -- and sometimes really frank! I have enjoyed following it.

I know one person who received a call today for this Saturday's callback.

My agent told me today we are a no-go for Jane banks. said my daughter is too young/too small...weird because I know some smaller (not younger) who went in. Daughter is 53". Wondering if I should open my mouth.I don't like to do that but don't like to miss a theater audition opportunity. They are few & far between.