Primadonna agency

[TalentlessMum]

DS has been asked to go for an agent audition with Prima Donna at the end of the month. They have asked for two contrasting songs as we have specifically stated that we are looking for classical/opera events but will he be asked to do anything else and how can we prepare a novice in acting and dancing (assuming they ask to see something) in under a month?

Also, what are your thoughts on this agency?

Thanks in advance!

[Hecouldshine]

Congratulations to your ds on getting an audition with them. Glad you have found an agency that seems to offer classical opportunities

My guess is they won't ask for anything prepared drama related or dance related if you have shown on his CV that he doesn't train in those fields. They could always set up a workshop session to see how he gets on with drama/dance skills. The children I have seen in ROH events have had little challenging to do dance/drama wise. Those works with a significant dance requirement have used Junior Associates of the Royal Ballet School, or pupils from White Lodge, the RBS itself.

Hope there is someone on here with more info....

Good Luck to your ds, and keep us posted. My ds and dd have sung and danced in 4 different Ellen Kent operas and ballets between them and loved the experience

[margot]

My dd and ds were both offered representation by Prima Donnas and ds sang a number from Oliver and dd sang Castle on a cloud. No dancing or acting were required !
Hope that helps - she knows if she wants you from the minute you sing the first note !!

[claret]

Up early or late to bed Margot!! . I think the lady at Primadonna also runs a singing school in West London, not sure if this is for classical or musical theatre styles though.

[pg]

Hi Margot

Does Primadonna agency offer representation without being part of the Singing Academy? Is there any cost involved?

It isn't very clear from the website exactly what the representation entails. Obviously it isn't necessary to be represented by an agent to be considered for the West End musicals that are mentioned on the site, so I wondered what else they offer - if you see what I mean.

In my experience, it is not usual for agencies to look for clients by advertising auditions.

see this thread http://www.notapushymum.com/phpbb/viewt ... 12&t=13728

I'd be interested to hear more about the agency!

[bruno2]

I have personally met Mair from Primadonna Agency and she seems very nice, very supportive and without doubt knows her stuff, very professional and I know that she is a well respect singer herself. If we lived nearer would definately want to be on her books as there doesnt seem to be many Agencies around for the very young classical voice.

[pg]

Good to know Bruno!

There can't be much money in it for them though in my experience, many classical opportunities for children don't pay anything!

[moley]

Primadonna get all the West end MT auditions such as Les Mis, SOM, Priscilla etc

However if your child is a serious singer, they also send a lot of children to the Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne etc for more serious singing roles.

They don't do TV/Film work

Mair who owns the agency is very nice, always happy to chat to parents and knows her stuff

[TalentlessMum]

Thanks everyone for the advice on the agency. Who knows what the outcome will be!

Do you know if she invites everyone to come for a signing-up audition?

[igloobabe]

I applied to them for my dd but didn't get in - she said that although my dd was very talented she was the 'wrong age' to get any theatre work. (She's 13 and quite tall)

[Coco]

I know what you mean Igloobabe ! Abacus told me that if only they'd had my dd when she was younger, that with her voice they would have had her in West end shows all the time ! I didn't mention (unusually tactful for me, ) that I did apply when she was younger and they didn't auditon her, as she hadn't been in any west end shows! I think at our dd's stage they are a bit in no mans land, both too old and too young ! On the bright side though, my dh who teaches our dd, says this is for the best, as too many young performers have their voices wrecked irrevocably by over singing in demanding shows before their voices are ready. Remember poor Connie Fisher ? Sounds like they almost flogged her voice to death ! And that would be awful as your dd has a fabulous voice, which will be even better as she gets older !

[pg]

That's really disappointing for you and your dd igloobabe (and having listened to/heard her on youtube, I know she's talented!). However, I have to say it gives me a good impression of the agency, because to take someone on if you don't think there's a lot of chance of the actor getting work (even if you think they are talented) is not the mark of a good agent. Sadly, I think some of the agencies that charge large up-front fees DO take people on even if they think it's unlikely they will get work.

I think your dd is at an awkward age for professional work, she also has quite a mature demeanour I think, from what I can glean from her performances ( so she doesn't seem like a little girl) . I'm sure she will get many opportunities in years to come though!

[TalentlessMum]

Was supposed to be called for an audition to go on the books by the end of May but have heard nothing. Should we get in touch or is it normal for them to take ages?

[pg]

I would call and check if I were you. Best of luck!

[bruno2]

I applied to them for my dd but didn't get in - she said that although my dd was very talented she was the 'wrong age' to get any theatre work. (She's 13 and quite tall)

Thats sounds about right ! This is such a difficult age for them, no longer suited to West End Show as they are over the dreaded 5ft mark. I thought this agency was more for the classical singiner, your dd seems to be getting great performing experience doing festivals and local shows etc., Dont worry her time will come.