Yesterday Kayleigh and I, along with my Momma, went to the Hyatt in Dallas to audition Kayleigh for commercials or modeling.
We did not have ANY expectations, as we went to have fun, and to see what they would say, or how far she could really go. We were aware that the audition may not have been a "scam", but they would probably try to sell us something. We heard about Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ (AMTC) through 94.9 KLTY. They advertised AMTC auditions, which you had to register online in order to get into the audition.
When we arrived at the hotel, registration was set up and they took a picture of Kayleigh I had blown up, and they raved about her looks, eyes, and personality. AMTC has a pleasant staff that was ready to answer any questions and make you feel at ease.
When we first got to the audition, we were given a speech by Carey Lewis Arban, and were shown videos of success stories of AMTC graduates. Recent graduates were also present to tell us about how fabulous their time at AMTC was, while not everyone received a callback, some did, while one was able to get on "Brothers and Sisters". So, I decided to audition my voice. Yes, I can sing. :) Overall the speech was persuasive and seemed genuine. Why wouldn't it be genuine? Isn't this a company that strives and thrives on Biblical principles? After all their motto is "Pursue the Dream God Provides". Hmmm...well this is where we realize, this isn't an agency, it is a modeling/acting/talent SCHOOL. And the cost.......$3,995.
So, we decided to go ahead and audition. Why not? We drove all the way out here. Maybe "God is opening doors" as Ms. Carey Arban seems to truly believe. We also got to cut in line because of Kayleigh's age. She auditions by reading a script, which she only practiced three times and of course she aced it. You all know her facial expressions. Due to the inability to bring cameras or videos in the audition, I will post a replica of what she did. She also had to walk on a small stage and she walked it for sure!! The coach who auditioned her exclaimed that she was precious. It made my week!! I will video her doing the same walk at a later blog.
It was then my turn for auditioning my voice. I wait in line, even though I could have cut because of Kayleigh, because I really wanted to talk to other people auditioning, staff members, and current AMTC graduates. Out of the three graduates I talked to, no one got a callback.
And one girl was thinking of spending more money to go again. And with tears in her eyes she was almost trying to convince herself that it would be a good thing. She admits she had an amazing time, which I am sure it was, however you could tell she was wrestling with her dream due to finances. She did, however, get a scholarship to New York, but she can't go just yet. So, the teacher in me, goes into education mode, in which I softly, yes softly, remind her that she might want to go to school while she is waiting for her callbacks.
Some of the staff members mistakenly thought I was auditioning for modeling or acting, which I just smiled and said thank you. One staff member said she had to go through the AMTC school and convention, which remember, cost $3,995, to even be able to WORK for the company. She says she has been asked to model. She has been on a TV show, however she did not get paid for it. She confidently states that Kayleigh will definitely get a callback from AMTC to be enrolled int the school, and I should talk to Ms. Carey Arban about payment arrangements.
So I audition and tell Ms. Carey Arban about my job as a teacher, my love for my daughter, and I eventually sing, "When I look at you" by Miley Cyrus. Yes, by Miley. It is a song that reminds me of Kayleigh and we sing it together, so there! She tells me to walk because she wants to see my posture. She asks me to read a script. Whooopsie. I hadn't memorized one so I read it as if I were reading it to my class. She says I have good bone structure and she can tell I take care of myself, so I am the full package. I was a bit overwhelmed as I just wanted to see if I could get through an audition. Now, keep in mind, if you know me, I am assertive in wanting to KNOW the truth and in TELLING the truth. She tells me I had a STRONG audition! Well that's great but what does that mean?
Well for Kayleigh and I both, we were given a brochure of what would be included in the "AMTC Package" and IF and only IF we were given a callback the next day, we would then REGISTER with a $500 deposit EACH to save a spot for the AMTC convention and training. I politely tell Ms. Carey Arban that I will not have the money by tomorrow and really don't want to waste any one's time. Period. And the other woman in the room reminds me things will happen in God's timing and then gently sends us on our way...
So last night, I wrestled with this dilemma. As I really believe God opens doors and opportunities, I also believe we have to be practical about it. I researched AMTC and they have an A+ report through BBB, however, how can they not? They don't promise you anything. If you make it to an agency and get signed, it is a "God incident", and if you don't, it is not in HIS timing. How can you really argue with that?
Now on a personal note. I really do believe God wants me to sing and He has told me so. I believe He as a plan for my life right now that I cannot even fathom. I also believe each and every one of us possess talents that God wants us to use, not only to glorify Him, but also to reach others through our talents. And unfortunately I have been ignoring that part of my life out of fear or, distractions.
Lately, I have been scuffling with faith and sometimes it hasn't been very pretty when I am in physical or mental anguish, and I am ashamed to mention the anger I have had towards God for EVERYTHING coming down on me at once. Lately, I have needed more signs then normal as I am immature in my faith sometimes and need more proof. And though I don't deserve it AT ALL, he shows me through people, articles, Scripture, daily devotional emails, or my Beth Moore Jesus Log.
DON'T LOSE ME HERE. This is an example of my proof. So last night, I talked with someone in the modeling industry and she gave me great advice. Momma gave me an article with the theme, "Having faith during trials and tribulations is more influential then having faith when all is going well. It is easy to talk about faith when all is well but it is perseverance when all is conflicted." My daily Jesus Log, day 12, asks the following questions, "When was the last time you received an answer from the Lord that seemed this FAR above your ability to understand it? What do you do with answers from His Word that either seem not to make sense or seem impossible to emulate? Then my prayer log reminds me to "not be allured by the light of any other false attraction"....My Christian Women daily email this morning was about Gideon needing proof from God in battle and the main point was, "God picks people to lead who can't see why they were picked at the start." And finally, Church today was about building our character by reinventing our legacy by seeking God, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with godly people.
So, ummmm, do you think God is trying to tell me something? Do you think He could really be talking to me? I would think so. No. I know so.
