My daughter Agatha has always liked to perform. She sang Silent Night in front of crowds of 800+ at Age 3 and has not looked back. For a year or so now she has been asking to be a star in movies. We were hesitant at first, thinking she didn't know what she was really asking for and that we couldn't make it happen anyway. But, out of the blue a talent scout approached us in the mall. We had meetings. She took classes so we could see her commitment. She thrived. She performed more locally in live stuff, but still wanted to go to Hollywood. I didn't want to do the thing where we send out head shots and pursue it so strongly on our end at this age so we just waited. We decided to home school for other reasons (like having a family day since Adam works full days on Saturday AND Sunday), but because of that decision we have the flexibility we need. We were chatting with a home school friend at the pumpkin patch and she had a manager who was great for kids. I said casually that I would like to get in contact with her because Aggie wanted to pursue that. She emailed me and we sent the head shot in and wa-la! we had a meeting in Hollywood. We got signed with a manager after the first meeting, but still needed an agent. We went down and met with a coach in the Hollywood Hills in a fancy house under the Hollywood sign. It was surreal. The manager linked us up with a big name agency to start, cause why not? I'll leave the name off since I'm not sure claiming that on the Internet is a good idea, but let's just say reputable! Oh my gracious, big! And they want my Agatha. It was her first big audition and I was half preparing her for the disappointments that are inevitable...but, she got it! I am sure there are bumps ahead and we are keeping it real for her. But, wow! Today is a celebrate day! I am proud of her for having a dream and being willing to work to get it. She has already given up things to make trips to Hollywood and knows what it takes. She wants it. And here it is for her. I pray for her everyday that the right roles will come along to allow her to shine and still stay true to her good nature and beliefs. I pray she will be strong and beautiful and not caught up in it all. I pray people don't judge her or us too harshly because she is a pastor's kid. I pray for her. But, Aggie is amazing. Anyone who knows her, knows that. I know she can do anything. I pray provision and protection. Pray with me, please.
Update: After one week of auditions she got a callback and a commercial. It was a personal injury lawyer out of Baltimore and not a high paying job, but more than enough. It was very fun and professionally done. We were shuttled from various locations for shoots, had wardrobe and full make-up and hair in a trailer, ate yummy fish and chicken prepared for us, met with a on set tutor, ate too much craft services and shot in a set hospital. She had lines and had to act "sad". She did beautifully, focused, didn't wiggle, didn't overact and had a great time. There was a huge, professional crew and they all clapped and cheered when she wrapped. It was a great first experience. Adam and I really want to instill in her that acting in an artform and she is an artist. We don't want her to do this to be famous and end up some annoying mainstream pop star, but to become an artist. Even if she doesn't choose this artform long term, at least to walk away undertanding the beauty and strength of conveying emotions through acting. I think she tasted this with this first heavier piece...and she is gorgeous on film. The producer could not get over how great she looked and I was taken aback. She is cute in real life, but the camera makes her breathtaking. I am proud-she did well.
