Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Update #2

Ok, finally got THE call. Out of only 2 demos (mine being one of them) sent over, Tokyo chose the other girl. Sigh. Well, I'm actually not too disappointed. The guy called me Tuesday night late and broke it to me, but then was very complimentary. So much in fact, that he acted very sorry that they didn't choose me, and wanted to know if I was ok with his sending my demo to Disney World in Orlando, b/c he felt that I might be a good fit there. He told me I had a "perfect Disney princess voice" and he would really like to see me work for Disney. Um yeah, I think I'd be ok with that!!! I was actually rather relieved--he also told me that normally they give singers 5 months to prepare, like getting work visa and passport, and the only reason that there was a 6-week time crunch is that the original girl had dropped out. He said that it would have been very hard to get all the arrangements for me and my family to get over there in such a short amount of time. I know that with God all things are possible, but apparently this is not what He has in mind right now. And I am totally ok with that. My dad summed it up nicely: "Good. I can drive to Orlando. "

So, I am not holding my breath per se, but will just keep on living life and wait and see if they call. Oh yeah, and Billy Blanks and I will be getting together every day, believe me!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Update

Ok, here's the scoop so far. I don't know if I got the job yet, but I did make it into to the top 3!!!


Here's what happened:

I got into town Wednesday afternoon and met up with Alison, who kindly let me and mom stay at her house. (thanks Alison!) We had a good time catching up and then we were so tired we went to bed at 9:30 (11:30 cst), but I set the alarm for 7:30 in hopes that I would get 10 hours of sleep. I actually slept pretty well and got up about 7. My appointment was at 11, so we allowed ourselves a couple of hours to get there. It's only 35 miles away, but with California traffic, we wanted to be prepared. I was bummed b/c mom didn't bring the gps, and I am nervous about driving in CA. But Alison helped me google it, and we got there w/o too much mishap--I only took east instead of west once, haha. Mom was great help too--she helped navigate, and she didn't laugh when I did all the silly vocalises/warmups in the car on the way there. Thanks for being there for me, mom!


We were still so prepared that we got there an hour early. So I had to sit and and be nervous in the car until I couldn't stand it any longer, and went in at 10:25. They were already accepting folks at the sign-in sheet and I was second. I waited for about 20 minutes and then they called me back. I sang my song for them (30 seconds anyway) and then they gave me another song to learn. I was nervous, but the song was actually easy, and very pretty. It took me about 20 min to get it, and they were patient. Then they recorded me, which I didn't realize they were going to do, but it made since b/c they needed to send a demo to Tokyo. They gave me another song to learn, and sent me out with a cd to learn it, while they went on with more auditions. That song was really pretty too, and I came back and recorded it as well. Then the head guy asked me a series of questions; I guess this was kind of the "interview" part. He wanted to know if I had a passport, did I want to go to Japan to perform (um, yeah), and did I have any tatoos? Hahaha, that one kind of threw me, but they were looking for unmarked bodies, and I was happy to oblige. Then he asked me to speak into the camera and tell a little about myself and why I wanted the job. All in all it was easy. The people were so nice, the pianist was good, and the longer I was there, the more I enjoyed myself and quit being nervous. The head guy gave me a little info about the job, and I was able to ask some of my own questions, like, can I bring my family (yes, but we would have to find a different place to live), can I get passes for my children for the park (yes), etc. They would also help me get a work visa.

Then I asked him, "well, I kind of need to know if you think this will be a go, as I'd like to let my husband know so he can start making arrangements." He told me that they will send the top 2 or 3 demos to Japan by fedex, then those folks will decide who they want. Then he told me, "you are definitely in the top 3--your demo is going over; then it's up to Tokyo Disney to decide who they want." Whooooooooh! Yippeeeee!! But how nerve-wracking!!!! Anyway, they thought they could have an answer for me that day, but of course it would take longer. So they told me I'd know something by next Tues or Wed; and that they'd call and let me know either way.

It looks like a great show--I went to Crissy's last night, and we googled it til we found a recording of the show!!! I am so excited b/c its the real thing. And of course it has the 2 songs that they had me record. You can check out the show here. I have to warn you though, the show lasts about 20 minutes, so make sure you've got time to watch it. Also, the first number is only instrumental, and the vocalist comes on later.

I'm ok either way: if I don't get the job, I still had a great time in CA, visiting with friends and jamming with the folks at Disney--and I get to stay home. If I do get the job, it will be a fun, hassling, educational experience. As soon as they call, I'll let you know.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Cali, here I come

Ok, booked my flight and I'm gonna do it! I am nervous but excited. I will leave next Wednesday, audition on Thursday, and fly back on Friday. I think it is a win-win situation. If they like me and offer me the job--great! I get to go to Japan for 8 months with my family. If they don't offer me the job, I get to stay home and NOT leave comfort zone--which is also great! we'll see...

Oh, forgot to mention in all the excitement that I got a role in "Into the Woods". I got Jack's Mother. It is a great character role and will be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, if I get the job at Disney, I will have to leave the show, bummer. So, life will be um, exciting, either way...

Check out the audition info here.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Out of the blue...

Ok, just got an email from Disney, CA; requesting me to come and audition for Tokyo Disney--they need a Celtic vocalist. Agh! how cool is that? I think I might do it (audition that is..)
who knows? I might just get it.
Here are the details: Thursday, 1/17 in North Hollywood. They even offered me an appointment and greeted me by name in the email! I can't believe they kept my info for so long--I auditioned for "Aladdin" in June 05! They had told me "thanks for coming; you're not quite right for Aladdin, but we'll keep your info." Well, I guess they did...

It would be an 8 month run from March to Nov if I got the job. But I could sing "celtic woman" all day long. and homeschool my children in a foreign land. How cool would that be?!

I'll let you know if I decide to go...