My dd really wants to attend the upcoming Annie audition, however, although she does have a pretty singing voice it is an untrained voice. My concern is that most of the kids there will be kids who have resumes and will be much better singers. My dd is aware that she may not be ready for a part, but would like to experience a real audition. My dh thinks we should take her, but I am not sure. We know the industry is filled with disappointments, but I dont want her to leave there feeling that she wasnt good enough. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Here's my 2 cents: if she wants to go, let her go. Just make sure she has no expectations. They will be a lot of girls there and a long wait. Some will have long resumes and lots of training, others will not. She has to get used to disappointment if she wants to pursue this business. There's a lot more diappointment than success. You need to celebrate even the small successes, like getting an audition and doing your best at it. For my DD, I try to make it all about the process and learning from it, and less about the end result. You can also make it clear to your DD that most times not getting cast has nothing to do with not being "good enough." It's more about a certain look or fitting into a particular puzzle that the cd has in his or her mind for the cast.

Good luck, and make it a fun day if you do decide to go.

"My dd really wants to attend the upcoming Annie audition, however, although she does have a pretty singing voice it is an untrained voice"

Just curious I keep seeing it "dd" what does that stand for?

You know what Cool I agree with Drama- Let her go but explain to her what's at hand. Never short change yourself they may see potential in her, and decide to get hire her a vocal coach if they chose her. Anything is possible, I always tell friends you don't decided if your not good enough. Just go and leave it in the deciding factors hand. Hey we all have to start some where. Keep us posted on the outcome. !!!

Dramamama & California, Thanks so much for your responses. You both helped me to realize that if it is something my dd (dear daughter) wants to do, I should support her. I will let you know the outcome!!

You should go! My daughter went 3 years ago, never had voice lessons. It was the year 585 girls auditioned and it was cut down to 200 after the singing. With no voice lessons, my daughter got a callback! She was part of those 200 girls. The dancing was way over her head, so she was cut right after that. The whole experience was nothing but positive. She had girls in her group that took her under their wing..she was 6 then. She still keeps in touch with many of the girls and I met many wonderful parents who we still stay in touch. We haven't gone to an Annie audition since, because right now it would not work for our family.But she talks about the auditions, is so excited when someone she knows gets booked for any shows and has memories to last a lifetime!

You're a great mom for supporting your dd. Make each audition an adventure. Praise her or do something special like going for ice cream or someplace fun. Always reward her for just trying, even if it's just praise that you reward her with. (You'd be amazed at how many parents get angry with their kids at auditions and leave in a huff with the kid crying) So unnecessary and so very sad!

Just a note: the original Annie, Andrea McArdle, begged her mom to take her for her first Annie audition, the mom not knowing her daughter could sing as well as she did. The rest is history.

We also know other kids with no resume credits or training of any kind whose first audition led them straight to a B-way show. You just never know until you try. And, the good news is, sometimes the shows don't want perfect singing voices. Sometimes they are actually looking for the young, natural, sweet and innocent, untrained voices.

Your welcome Cool ! MIB your so right with the parents getting mad with their kids. I see it all the time you would think the parents wanted the job. lol !! I don't like those type of parents. There was a show on VH1 a few month ago with the guy from the partrigde family. Danny Bonaduce was the host of the show, and some of those parents were off the wall when came time to dealing with their kids. That would be enough to turn me off if I were still a young kid again. So like MIB stated praise her for good or not so good auditions. Just keep reassuring her that she did her best, and you'll see how she'll bring it home for you. Keep us posted !

DD=darling daughter

Great story abuot Andrea McArdle--I wanted to be either her of Kristy McNichol!

these are great posts/threads, I haven't been submitting my dd because she hasn't had voice lessons yet. Her acting coach thought she had a lovely voice but more importantly the courage to sing on the spot. I thought she should wait 'til she had training but now I'll submit her anyway. Thanks!

if she hasn't had voice lessons yet, then an annie audition is a great place to start! they are often looking for 'characters' over amazing voice. go for it. she won't forget the experience.

thanks for the encouragement!

I also agree that these are lovely posts. My ds is going to try out for an off-broadway production to see if he likes it, Ive been so nervouse about the whole ordeal because he has noe Musical theatre experience and only a short experience with his vocal coach but you have to start somewhere, everyone does something for the first time right? Please keep us posted Coolmom it will be neat to hear how she does at the audition and I also think she will have a great time!

Thanks Fanmom! Good luck to your son as well! I will update all of you on how it goes. My dd is VERY excited, but is going to the audition with little expectations. For her, even making it through 1 cut will be a thrilling experience! (and for me too!!!)