We've been told many times that we should get our kids into the entertainment industry. Our usual response is to say "Thank you" and smile at the thought of seeing them start modeling or being an extra on one of Disney's sitcoms. We will not deny that we believe our children are gorgeous and talented! After all, as parents, we are completely biased! But when I think about our girls standing in front of strangers, and being asked to perform, I envision them grabbing on to my leg, shaking their heads profusely and hoping to disappear behind me. They seem so shy, and the last thing they want is to have a spotlight shining on them.
So, on Father's Day, we were walking around the Irvine Spectrum, heading over to the pet store, when we passed by this lady with her adorable, little white dog. I pointed the dog out to Gaby and urged her to say hello. Too shy, she wouldn't utter a word. The woman stopped and let Gaby have a closer look at her dog. She proceeded to talk to us, and commented on our girls. She gave us her card, and encouraged us to call and set up an appointment to visit her work place, ICT (I C Talent). As usual, we smiled and thanked her for her compliments and went about the rest of the day.
This time, we did more than just giggle at the idea and fantasize about seeing Savannah play a younger version of Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. We talked about it a little more seriously and decided that it wouldn't hurt to go and see what ICT was all about, and see where it would lead. I called and set up an appointment. Wednesday night, pictures of each of the girls in hand, we drove to ICT and sat through a presentation about the school. It was hard to really listen and pay attention with Nina walking back and forth between parents, siblings, and strangers. Savannah and Gaby were both getting restless and hungry for snacks they were eyeballing in the vending machine. When the kids in the audience were called up to participate up front, I tried to urge the older two to join in, but they shook their heads.
I took the girls for a potty break and by the time we came back, the room was almost empty, with a few families gathering their things together and disappearing into three rooms. We waited for our turn. We were there for almost two hours. The kids were okay as long as they got another round of snacks from the vending machine while watching a movie on the big screen.
It was finally our turn. I think we were one of three more families left waiting. We walked into Helen's office. The video camera was on, taping us as we introduced ourselves and settled on to the couch. Nina did not waste her time and moved on to exploring the new room. Savannah, taking on her big sister role, went after Nina making sure she was behaving herself. Gaby sat down on the couch and was fascinated to see herself on the TV, and started to admire her very pink tongue (colored by a handful of strawberry fruit snacks).
Helen interviewed Gaby first. I tried to help refocus Gaby's attention to Helen's questions. She was too interested in seeing herself on TV. It was hilarious what she was doing and saying. She did sing Helen a couple of songs. I had to stop her abruptly when I realized she was about to start singing her "I REALLY LOVE TO FART" song.
The rest of the interview was focused on Savannah. She did well answering Helen's questions and talking to her. She was still taking in the situation and the environment, trying to figure out what she was doing there. She was not quite ready to "come out of her shell". She was soft spoken repeating lines Helen would give her. Last of all, she didn't want to stand in front of the camera.
Gaby and Nina have a 6 month wait, mostly due to age and development and available work in the industry. Helen encouraged to put more of our focus right now on Savannah. She wanted us to come back the next day for a evaluation and final interview. She sent us home with a few lines to go over with Savannah. The main purpose for the evaluation would be to determine if Savannah was coachable, not to see if she could memorize the lines perfectly.
Our heads were dazed with all the information and talk of the possibilities. We went home not quite sure what to make of it all. If ICT could help develop Savannah's skills and bring out her personality and confidence, and she actually gets into the entertainment industry, there are so many benefits she could have in her near and distant future. Our main concerns are that she enjoys her classes and finds fun and enjoyment in her "jobs". We would also like to keep her grounded. Whatever financial gains she makes sets her up for college--and can help her sisters too.
We went back the next evening and watched our little girl shine for Dawn, one of the teachers at ICT. Whatever Dawn asked her to say and do she did. Gone was our shy little girl. We've never seen her warm up so quickly, especially to a stranger. Who knows what her future holds. We can only pray that God continues to be the shaper of our sweet girl, and that He be the director of her path. We signed the papers and she starts her classes at ICT on July 17th. We are excited to see her tackle this chapter in her life with as much drive and enthusiasm, and most of all joy.
Here are the pictures we shared of Gaby and Nina--they all are our shining stars!
