Little Tikes Cook n Grow

If you didn't catch it last holiday season, Madison's Little Tikes Cook n Grow Kitchen commercial is running again! We caught wind of it on Saturday, November 9, 2013.

New Audition

My favorite (sarcasm) kind of text from agent: "Madison may or may not have an audition tomorrow at 3. We don't know where it is. And we don't have details what it's for. Can you make it?" Gah! Yes?! (This is my translation of the text).

Definitely not the agent's fault. She did get the audition, and we got there early to read the script. We show up and all the girls are in pajamas, but nowhere in the breakdowns did it call for jammies. Madison learns the lines easily, but then gives me attitude about running them. She gets called in, and apparently nails the lines. Okay...but everyone else in pajamas....no callback. No surprise.

New Headshots

Photos by Mindy Tanimoto Photography. Much thanks to Mindy and her camera!

Guitar Recital 2013

Sunday was a huge, huge day for Madison...let me hit rewind first...Madison's new year's resolution for 2013 was to learn how to play the guitar. She's had a toy one for a few years, and well, that was the extent. Our music school starts guitar lessons at age 8...Madison is 5. After stalking Miss Stephanie for about a month, she took Mads in as a student. We got her a Yamaha Jr. acoustic guitar, and started lessons. First she got the stomach bug, then the flu, then a month before recital, she broke her arm. It's been rough! But you know what, she overcame adversity, and proved herself! This was her first time, performing in front of more than us, with a microphone. She did so well! And we are so proud. She is not a protégé, she's not a musical genius, but she is determined and committed to learning!

Audition...Declined

Today was a huge day in Madison's life. She completed her first year of elementary school, and moved from pre-K to kindergarten. We had a wonderful celebration with the entire class and our families. Even our former preschool teachers came to celebrate with us. Daddy decided a sneeze ago to take his big girl camping overnight, at an actual campsite, locally. They've been backyard camping since she finished her first year of preschool, but this is the real thing, for 24 hours.

Low and behold a last minute audition comes in. Ah! And it was the one we were hoping for last week, an audition with her grandpa! However, I let Madison make the decision whether to do audition or go camping. She wanted to do the audition, but that would mean that camping would be a wash, due to the call time. Daddy was cool with not going camping, but the final call was Madison. In the end she chose to go camping with Dad. It was her decision. It was the right decision! Have fun under the stars darling girl.

Dancing Fool!

Madison was been in dance classes since she was 20 months old. We saw fairly early on that our girls have music and the arts running through them. We have never stopped dancing, nor do they want to. Madison has also been with the same ballet teacher since toddlerhood, Miss Nicole Cohen. Nicole sees Mads potential, or at least humors us. This year, the recital dance for ballet was "Stand By Me." As a dance mom, I get to watch from backstage, because I volunteer to help. Watching from the wings has it pros and cons, for one I get to experience it with Miss Nicole. But I don't get to see those gorgeous smiling faces. The audience did "aw" quite a bit and lots of clapping. My husband did say that Madison smiled the whole time, and did not look at the other girls or the teachers once. Yay! What made this a more trying recital, was that Madison was in 2 dances, which is a bit for a 5 year old. But she powered through ballet, then a costume change, and back on stage.

Miss Priscilla Perez is Madison's Hip-Hop Jr. instructor. We started hip-hop last summer to try it out with Miss Tara Babajtis. She loved it and so we stuck with it. There have been real ups and downs in the class for Madison. Her biggest issue is sweating. LOL! However, come recital time, she dawned her "Thriller" costume and stepped out onto that stage, and her fierce. Can a 5 year old be fierce? She nailed that combo. She was unbelievable with her two dances. We had not re-enrolled in Hip-Hop Jr., but as of this morning, she is on the roster for Miss Priscilla once again. And my favorite line from Madison, "Momma, I know what sweating is about. It's about working hard. I want to work hard."

"Everything Has Changed"

Madison really wanted the role! She did her best! Jack is the little boy, who happened to befriend Madison (as seen in the photos), and I'm not sure who the little girl is, but she was perfect for the part on mini-Taylor! I remember seeing her at the audition.

Here is Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran's new video "Everything Has Changed."

Read: Backstage.Kids

Backstage.Kids

Read: by Tara Low

Interview with von Grey: Sister Quartet from Atlanta by Tara Low

Read: by Risa Bramon García

21 Things That Make Casting Directors Happy in the Audition Room by Risa Bramon García

Read: by Mara Wilson

7 Reasons Child Stars Go Crazy (An Insider's Perspective) by Mara Wilson

"On Avail"

I did get an appointment with an orthopedist yesterday! At 2:30 we left for a 3:30 appointment in Torrance, in order to get in sooner, to leave for Santa Monica for the callback which was at 5:20 (which is in reference to the "funnest" audition ever).

The doctor saw us quickly, and we were out in plenty of time to make it to the call back. However, we did leave with a fabulous hot pink fiberglass, water-proof cast. SMH! I did question whether we should go to the callback, because it is not a removable cast, nor will it be coming off in time for filming. It doesn't come off until June 18. That would be after ballet recital and hip-hop recital, but in time for guitar recital. Ugh.



Thank goodness Madison was in good spirits, because Momma had the worst nervous stomach all day. We got to the callback with plenty of time to spare, and even found free parking! We headed in hand-in-hand, with the iPad in tow. Checked in for the callback and realized there was six castings going on, so a lot of kids. We took a seat and played some games, read the commercial description, and hung out.

Madison got called up with two older girls, who were to play her sisters. I got a few looks, a few eye-rolls, the kind that says, "Your kid is messing up my kid's callback." Casting asked if the cast is removable, and I confidently said, "Nope, not at all. She just got it on an hour ago." The girls went in, and from my understanding colored and had another food fight. Mads gave me a thumbs up and said it was fun. She also told me that she wanted to fill the girls heart jars, and with a little encouragement, went up to both girls and said, "I'm Madison and I thought you were amazing." Hello?! Seriously?! My kid?! Wow! Proud Momma moment.

Within the hour our agent texted me that Madison is "on avail." She confirmed that we can work the dates given, which we can. Apparently, they really needed a "real" kid, because to be put in the avail category with a cast on, is sort of a big deal. I wasn't expecting anything other then "Thanks for showing up." Super proud of my monkey, for powering through what has been a tough experience.

Callbacks...the inconvenient truth.

Friday was not what I call a great day. I missed Madison's Spring Sing to start the day. Daddy had to work late too. I made it in time to pull her and her sister out of our babysitter's car at dance, so that our sitter could go to her other job at Ruby's in Redondo Beach.

As I was dropping off Madison's guitar at the front desk she came up to me to get a band-aid because she had reopened a scab on her elbow. Yay! Once I was done clean up all that, I headed to her dance class. And there on the floor I found Mads on the floor curled up in pain s reaming crying. Mind you I have little sympathy for my injured kids because I tell them not to run unless (A) they are in p.e. and in sneakers or (B) zombies are chasing them. I gathered as much information as I could to only figure out that there was a lot of pain zinging through Madison's body; enough pain to make her nausea.

I got Mads an ice pack and had her sit in class. When she came out to say she's still in pain, I knew it was time for urgent care. My kid usually gets hurt, shakes it off and keeps going. We are do-ers not try-ers, and definitely not quitters. Thank goodness that urgent care was (A) around the corner, (B) open, and (C) there was no line. After x-rays were taken, we came to find out that Madison has a greenstick fracture. However, we still must see an orthopedist after the Memorial Day holiday.

While the cast/splint was being put on a (410) text came in. Oh great. Serious?! What timing. I knew that the callbacks for the food fight audition were coming up, but not really anticipating a callback. We never anticipate callbacks because realistically, you can't if you do, you will be let down. And this is all for fun, for experience and making friends. So as a proper Momager, I left a panicked message for our agency and then consulted with a few Momager friends. They encouraged taking the callback. I confirmed the callback and now we sit, on a Monday night.

Tomorrow, Madison will go to school. Tomorrow, I will attempt to get her an appointment with an orthopedist. Tomorrow, we will go to the callback. Tomorrow, will be like any other day, except with a little pink cast on Madison's left arm.

Update on She Wants It: Casting has yet to update anything. Whether cast or not. We still know nothing.

She Wants It! Day 3

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The one thing I have learned is to leave a day unchanged for my kids. So Madison was off to school, but without warning. She knew that she would have to eat lunch swiftly and to lay down for quiet time. Once we picked her back up from school, it was Morgan's turn for ballet, so we headed out. Everyone tried to stay calm and collected. Once we got home, lunch went without a hitch, and everyone went to bed. Turns out that Madison slept on the floor of my room on my winter comforter...I had to wake her up to get ready.

She wore a very special outfit, and we did everything the same as on Monday. Momma is superstitious. Same boots for Mads. Same tee shirt for me. Took her guitar for luck, listened to the same music....etc.

We got there on time, and found a seat. It got crowded and hot quickly! Director and producer were late.

There some entertaining folks at this callback. I'll just discuss the little girl who we sat down by...and it wasn't her that was entertaining, rather her entourage. With her came stagedad, mom and older sister. Stagedad kept saying that she's focusing and calming her inner self. Stagedad was also wearing a top hat, a tuxedo jacket and jeans. Mom's legs couldn't stop shaking. Older sister kept coming over to fix said little girls hair, shirt, face, smile, jeans, hands...Stagedad kept taking phone calls. When not on the phone he was trying to make out with mom. This little girl looked MISERABLE. Absolutely, undeniably did not want to be there. Hey stage parent, if this is your dream, you go audition. Don't make your kid do it.

First round, the kids went in individually. Some were let go immediately, others were being asked to stay. The poor girl that I just mentioned was in and out in under a minute, and was let go. Madison went in after the cutest little boy (he was let go). I've never seen my kid with such a bounce in her step. She went in and was in for a significant time. From what I go out of her afterwards they asked her questions like whether she knows how to decorate cookies, dance and if she's ever danced ballroom. LMAO! She came out. We were asked to stay.

Kids started to dwindle. Kids started to get ants in their pants. But Madison always manages to make lots of friends. We ended up with a small "crew" of kids playing and taking pictures with iPads and giggling together. The final group of kids that stayed were 4 girls and 3 boys. And so they started to pair them off. Madison and her new friend Mia ended up sharing a little boy. When they got called in the duos had to slow dance and then draw tattoos on each other. We stayed until the bitter end. Mads told me that they showed them how to dance and they giggled the whole time.

All in all, we met wonderful kids with normal parents. Had a wonderful experience with casting. And went beyond the initial goal of just getting the audition on Monday. I say that is a pretty successful week. I am proud of Madison. She was shown poise and maturity. I think that this week really hit her, and she understands what auditioning is and how it effects you. Last night, she told us she wants to be a singer on stage when she grows up. Anything is possible kiddo!

She Wants It! Day 2

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Longest day ever! Because we had no clue what the next steps were, if any, our day went on. This was 5 five of an epic migraine for me, so my husband met me at Madison's ballet class to relieve me. I headed home to lay down. It already had been a spectacular day, because a "grab bag" of stuff I won from Motionwear arrived, full of dance goodies for the girls. Leotards, shorts, etc.

I was laying in bed when a text came in, that made my hands sweat...



Seriously? I mean seriously?!

I went out and congratulated Madison on the callback. She jumped up from the dinner table in excitement. We wanted the audition. We got it. Didn't expect a callback. We got it. Oh my!

She Wants It! Day 1

Monday, May 13, 2013 Regular run of the mill day for the kids. Morgan hung at home with me, while Madison was at school until 11. Picked her up and took her to her swim lesson. Her coach wasn't there, so she busted her butt impressing the sub. Morgan was playing on my phone the entire time, so I wasn't checking emails. Chatted with another mom afterwards while Mads showered. All in all, a normal Monday morning.

When I got the girls in the car, I confiscated my phone. Before heading out of the lot I checked my email. That's what I do. I always do it. Checked work, personal and saw that a casting call had come in on Madison's email. I read the Subject...So-and-So/So-and-So audition. No way! "Please look at new ages and submit ASAP this auditions today from 3-5:30 p.m. ASAP if talent is chosen, they will head to Houston next Tuesday for 1 day to film a scene with So-and-So and So-and-So returning Wednesday." I emailed our agents to see if this would be a self-submit, or if they got it too; they were already on it, and had submitted Madison.

I told Madison that she MIGHT have an audition in the afternoon, but it probably won't happen, as she was on the young side. Basically, "Hey kid, awesome opportunity, but don't get your hopes up. Momma tried." I had to warn her of a possible audition, because she still naps. Yes, my 5 year old naps. For like 2 hours at a time.

One o'clock came and went. Two o'clock came and went. Three o'clock came and went. My husband came walking in at 4 p.m..."Hey, your phone has 6 text messages..."



"Madison! You got the audition!" Let's go!" So I changed her from shorts and tee shirt, into something more acceptable and headed out in rush hour to make the trek towards downtown LA! We rocked out in the car and made it in a timely fashion. After spending $7.50 :-O on parking, we headed up to the suite. There were lots of little girls and boys waiting to be seen. It wasn't long before Madison got paired with a little boy and they went in together. This is what I learned after from Mads. "Mommy, we had to play together, and then we pretended to watch a sunset." Sounds good. And that was that.

I promised Madison that I would do all that I can to get her the audition. It's not about the money. It's the experience. It's to be able to work with someone that she loves. I kept my promise. And she walked out beaming. Today, I did my job as a parent and as a manager.

CA Assembly Bill 344 (2013-14)

Please be advised of a new assembly bill that has been introduced in California, to raise children's entertainment work permits to $50 a year.

Click CA AB 344 for the actual verbiage!

Food Fight!

Friday while at work I got a 1(410) text. In other words, an alert that there is a new audition for one of the girls. Never know which one it'll be for, until it pops up in their email. It was for Madison for laundry detergent. Great, maybe they'll teach her how to get stains out of her clothes. The description called for Daughter 4-6, Caucasian. Real with character to very character. They must be good with dialogue and able to learn 1 or 2 lines of copy. I have learned that Mads can learn lines. She has a steel trap memory. Audition on Saturday afternoon. What?! Okay.

Apparently, the tiny casting office was doing multiple castings at once. So you had Asian couples, young men in suits and girls. Lots of little girls. A lot! Or so it seemed, because of how small the space is. For every 4 "big girls" (age 9-11), there was only 1 "younger" girl (age 4-6). Madison got paired with two "olders" to play her sisters, and they went in as the second group. When she came out she told me that "this was the funnest audition" ever for her. I asked what they did in the audition. "Mommy, we had a food fight with cookie dough!" What?! "Mommy, it was pretend cookie dough. And I got to start the fight."

Callbacks are not until the end of May. Time to stop thinking about it....

Guitar Hero

Madison has taken 18 guitar lessons to date. Her favorite artist is Taylor Swift, followed closely by Pink! Her teacher Stephanie Pickard has been amazingly patient with our 5 year old! Pretty sure she's either an angel or a saint. Regardless, they are great together! They are currently writing a song together.

You want a Blonde? Are you sure?

After almost five years in this business, here is what I have learned about casting in Los Angeles. Casting Directors look for brown haired, brown eyed, ambiguous ethnicity kids to play to many demographics. My kids do not fit the mold, at all. My girls are blonde haired, blue eyed. They DO NOT get auditions regularly. They do not work. Between 18 months and three and a half years, it's a rarity. So when we received a new audition notice for Morgan, who is almost 2 1/2, I almost jumped out of my skivvies in excitement.

Morgan and I hustled our booties down to Taylor Casting, which happens to be in a building with a play area. Um, they know what they are doing! Morgan got in front of the camera and looked for the fairy...but when she is in front of the camera she yells "Cheese" and smiles. G-d bless her little heart. She tried to be serious, but it wasn't going to happen. Met Katie Taylor, who is just the loveliest lady, who is wonderful with everyone that comes in.

Loved seeing all the blonde littles getting a chance to be seen! Morgan told me after "Fun, momma!" Happy to hear those words!

Pilot Season : New Territory for Us!

Pilot season is in full swing here in Los Angeles, and I just watched "The Hollywood Complex" documentary. I've never experienced the drama that comes with our activity of auditions. To us it's just like going to dance or swim lessons, just another thing to do after school.

Today we received cMail, which we've never gotten. Apparently, Mads was called in to audition for a 2013-14 NBC pilot. And the character has dialogue. What?! And this audition is a PRE-READ with Casting. So I rushed and got a sitter for Morgan, and then sat down for 15 minutes with Madison to learn her lines. And boy, were they intense...something about killing her mother. What?! Then we headed out and continued to practice.

We got to Linda Lowy Casting which was at a studio. Amazing experience just walking through. A little spark hit Madison. Excitement. We went in, and she read with John Brace. Lovely gentleman. It was a huge experience for us both. I'm proud of my little bug.

Search Engine

Don't know if it's an age thing, but seems to be picking up for Madison on the audition scene. She had another one at House Casting yesterday. She had a couple of lines that she learned the day before. She went in with a "dad," but for the first time ever she showed hesitation and a little trepidation. Very unlike Madison. But we all have been sick with the stomach bug, flu and everything else. She hasn't seen the light of day in weeks it seems like.

When they came out of the audition, the "dad" said she was a different kid and was totally fine. Great. Proud of her.

Totally Behind!

Okay, so Madison didn't get the Polish role. Go figure, a Polish girl doesn't book a Polish role. Such is life.

The holidays came and went, and they were lovely and quiet. The girls made out like bandits and are still recounting Disneyland on Christmas day!!

Madison had an audition on Tuesday for a commercial spot.

The description is as follows: The girl needs to be wide eyed, inquisitive, have a sparkle in her eyes that makes us know that she is going to be the type of person that will always engage in life, go into it with gusto, she will be successful, whether growing up to be a stay at home mom, a business person, or whatever she chooses. She must have a wonderful smile that lest us know she is embarking on this journey feeling secure and safe.

We got to Santa Monica to a "new" casting office. New at least for us. We went in, signed in and Mads went in with another little girl almost immediately. First kid out of the audition was a little ginger girl with crazy hair who was with grandma. That little girl was so rude to her grandma, that I wanted to call her out...but they left. Instead, Momma got to sit and listen to Lily's mother be obnoxious and annoying. Apparently, Lily had food (oranges) in her teeth, so mom gave a play-by-play while looking for dental floss in her purse. Well, she couldn't find it. So she used her fingers to pick stuff out of Lily's teeth. I am now slightly gagging. Next, Lily's mom decides to repeatedly tell her how beautiful she is. Lily kept getting louder and louder, as did mom. Now I'm irritated and doing everything in my power to not say something rude to them.

Finally, Madison comes out of the audition! Thank goodness she saved Momma! I asked the CD if he needs a headshot, and he said "No, she did great!" We walked out with the other little girl, Olivia (I think was her name) and her mom. They are lovely, and the girls were already planning a playdate.

Madison said that she had to run around 2 chairs...I asked if she had fun, and she said yes. Great, that's a successful audition.

Callback Monday!