The Superstar

And so it begins....

Disney Channel Auditions 2013

My middle child is funny. Samantha has a multitude of talents including wit and one liners that she inherited from her dad and sheer Ernest Goes to Camp goofiness that she inherited from me.  She is never embarrassed to be herself around her peers and always has to have the last word.  Even if it is "That's what she said." In my house, she is the star. Which is why, when she announced she was auditioning for the Disney Channel, I truly felt that she would, win or lose, totally rock it. 

Two Weeks Before the Audition:

She and her BFF got to have a Big Time Photoshoot for headshots, build impressive resumes, and spend the night at each other's houses, more nights than not, rehearsing monologues, songs, jokes and such to prepare and help each other for auditions.

One Week Before the Audition:

I found an article online regarding the auditions that urges the kids to simply be themselves and act natural. The girls continued to spend the night at each other's houses, more nights than not, but were now rigorously rehearsing "being themselves and acting natural."

Two Days Before the Audition:

Middle Child, embracing the new Be Yourself Act Natural Doctrine just wanted to spend the day at Fiesta Texas.  Plans on wearing torn shorts and t-shirt to audition.

Night Before the Audition:

Frantic trip to the mall. 

Morning of Audition:

With a new outfit, hair full of curls and a smile on her face, I drove Samantha downtown over an hour early to beat the crowd of thousands of little fame seekers accompanied by parents who either looked lost or punished. The kids, however, had an energy about them. It was this amazing glow of excitement that everything they hope for is possible, that they can be anything if they believe hard enough. And that wishing upon a star, without a doubt, really can make their dreams come true.  It was almost a tangible thing, and I walked by each child looking into their little faces trying to soak up some of the magic. It brought back memories of a younger, happier, carefree Rachelle.  It was clear to me that TIME, that thing that makes wrinkles, had stolen my passion and adventure and replaced it with purpose and responsibility. And I'm fine with that.  But I've now decided that when I'm done raising kids I plan to be da illest rapper / pole dancer/djembe player at the nursing home. Promise to visit me in the padded room section at Golden Manor. Please? I'll be the superstar in the sparkly dress.

Hour Before Audition:

So... Samantha was given a script to memorize and we practiced that, along with a few stand up routines she had written to introduce herself with.  She was so entertaining that even the people around us laughed out loud.  We had a BLAST getting ready for her big moment. And then it came, her time to shine, as her numbered group was called over the loud speaker. We held hands and walked, without breathing, tenaciously towards the large wooden doors.  

Show Time!

Parents were herded to the right as children were taken to the left, in groups of ten, to show their stuff!

Samantha was ready to WOW them all with her wit, charm and personality.  She could not have been any more prepared for this moment.  And that moment went something like this...

Disney Talent Scout:  Well hello, Samantha! Tell me something about yourself.  What are your hobbies?

And she froze.  After a long pause and realizing all eyes were on her, she mustered up the only words she could find to break the silence. And they were, simply...

Samantha:  I like fireworks.

...And so it ends 

WE'LL GET YA NEXT YEAR DISNEY!