casting problems

[littlediva]

Hi all!! I need some advice! My DD has been with the agent for nearly 3 years. Last year she had a small featured role in the movie World War Z. Apart from this we have been recalled a few times and been penciled in, but no other joy. She is reguarly called for auditions, more than any one else from her drama class who is with the same agent. The problem is my youngest son has Leukaemia and it is becoming increasingly difficult to get her to London. My mum did take her when he was first diagnosed, but she has since moved away. I gave up work when he was diagnosed, so obviously money is tighter, and then the childcare issues are a problem. I do not like taking him with us for obvious reasons and dont trust anyone with him anymore!!!
I dont want to restrict her opportunities, as she has suffered enough since his diagnosis, but dont see how I can keep this going. If she was getting more parts maybe it would be easier to keep going. Her agent is aware of the situation, I have had to say no to 2 castings as he has been in hospital. I know I will feel really bad and may end up regreting it if I have to pull her out of it all. I dread the call coming now! Please help!!!

[bruno2]

Sounds like a real battle for you at the moment and hopefully you ds will be loads better soon. I think your priority is with your ds and if your dd doesnt understand at the moment I am sure she will in the future. Also there will be opportunities for dd as she is still young. So dont give yourself such a hard time. I hope everything just works out for you and your family.

[pg]

I am so sorry to hear about your son's illness, this must cause so much stress and worry for the whole family.

I would think it would be best to ask around for local opportunities for your daughter - see whether there are any amateur societies or clubs she can get involved with. She will probably have many more performance opportunities this way and you will almost certainly find that there will be support on offer from families of other participants to ferry her to and from rehearsals etc if you let them or the organisers know what your circumstances are.

If she loves performing, then it won't really matter to her whether the opportunities are with amateur groups or professional organisations, and I think there will be far more understanding and flexibility amongst local societies who don't have the same pressures of time and money.

Lots of children never do any professional work at all but still spend every spare moment performing or rehearsing or going to clubs/classes.

The agent may be relatively understanding, but they have a business to run, so you may find it much less stressful to ask them to take your daughter off the books for a while - I think this is what I would do in your situation.

Wishing all your family all the best.

[riverdancefan]

really sorry to hear of the dreadful time your family has been through,
I completely understand how you want to keep things as normal as you can and let your DD carry on with what she loves..you must feel so torn.
I do agree with other posters, that maybe local things, productions and experiences may be the way forward until things settle down for you, lots of fun and enjoyment to be had..whilst she gains experience and enjoys herself.
You cannot be in two places at once no matter how hard it is ..
you sound like a fantastic Mum who just wants to do the best for both children.
Take the stress out of your life re - the castings and lack of jobs, just for a while, immerse her in something else more local, where you might be able to call in a few favours with lifts etc, and don't be too hard on yourself ..

[littlediva]

Thanks everyone! After a lot of thinking, I have asked our agent to put her on hold for a moment. She has agreed to allow us 3 months off, then I need to contact her to decide whether we put her back on her books. It is such a relief, we now have breathing space! I will hopefully get her back on then, we dont want to miss out on too much, but who knows alot can happen in 3 months!!!
Glad I made the decision, feel alot happier now! Thanks for all your advice!! xxxxxxxxx

[bruno2]

You sound so much happier, a much more positive attitude. I think you have done the right thing and well done to your dd too. Hope the future is a bright one. Good luck x

[beanie-bean]

All the best for you and your family littlediva. Hope all goes well xxx

[sapphire]

Sounds like a good plan and will certainly give you some breathing space. Will be thinking of you all and hoping things go well x

[riverdancefan]

sounds like a good plan, youngsters can always catch up on opportunities
and it will give you some breathing space, we all try to do the best for them , when you have more than one child - it can be tricky eh? - especially poorly one

xx







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