By BEN CAMERON
ARE you aged between five and 17 and have an intriguing personality? Maybe have a unique look, a special energy or simply a glimpse of star potential?
Talent criteria cannot be easily defined says MP Talent – who are holding auditions in Berwick and Pakenham in early October – so you’ll never know what you’ve got until you put yourself out there.
“We are really looking for talented children in every shape and form,” MP Talent agent Mia Perry says.
“Ultimately, we are looking for kids that love what they do, have true interest in the performing arts and have supportive parents who are willing to help them along the way.”
The agency, which began just 18 months ago and has already been picked as a finalist in the Casey Cardinia Business Awards, has already churned out several success stories.
Some performers have gone on to appear in TV commercials, speaking parts in TV series, modelling assignments and even working on a Hollywood movie with Ethan Hawke.
“There is no magic number of places available yet, we like to keep an open mind during the audition process and give everyone equal consideration,” Mia says.
“In general, agencies need an even spread of ages, ethnic diversity, looks and gender to cover the best range of work possible.
“Our ‘new talent’ focus is refined each year and places offered out depend heavily on who we are already committed to representing at the time.”
Each candidate has a five-minute acting audition which involves a “chat to camera” scenario where they meet and greet people in the room and are asked simple questions, followed by some script reading or improvisation.
“If children register for the Special Talent section, they have a longer audition time and get to showcase their special talent routine as well, be it song, dance, musical instrument or dramatic monologue,” she says.
She said the key was to enjoy the process: “We are incredibly encouraging and the audition environment is relaxed and fun, there is nothing to be nervous about. Just take the plunge and go for it.”
Auditions will be held on 4 October at Dance Stream Victoria Lot 9 14-17 Hogan Court Pakenham, or 5 October at Karlie Grace Dancers, 96 Enterprise Avenue, Berwick. More info at www.mptalent.com.au
