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Jenny took Katie to New York over the weekend for the start of filming for her Sesame Street gig. Katie got to meet the other cast members and the puppeteers behind the characters that make Sesame street what it is, and she recorded the vocal tracks for one of the songs she'll be singing on the video. Of course it was a huge thrill for her to meet the folks who make the magic happen, and she can't wait to go back again for the next session. I haven't heard the vocal recording yet, but I'm sure it's amazing. I've been listening to her practice it at home for the last several weeks, and she brings me to tears every time.
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But Jenny sure picked the wrong weekend to be in New York. I was going to go, but I needed to stay here to help sort out the unbloggable stuff I mentioned above, so Jenny went instead. Laura was at a sleepover party at her friend's house on Saturday night. Now, before I continue, let me remind you that Laura is 12 years old. And she's a girl. I'll let you ponder those two facts for a minute and figure out what that means, rather than just blurt it out here. Since the majority of my readers were 12-year old girls once, I'm sure most of you can figure it out...
...Okay, all caught up? Yeah, that. So Laura calls me from her friend's house at around midnight:
Laura: Uh...Dad? I need to talk to Mom.
Me: Mom isn't here, she's in New York, remember? What's wrong, is everything okay?
Laura: Ummmm...yeah...well...you know that...uhhhh...thing Mom said was going to happen for the first time "any day now..."?
Me: Uh oh.
This is the kind of thing a girl really needs her mom for. There's absolutely nothing Dad can say that will help in that situation. Trust me on this. Fortunately, Jenny did a great job of preparing her for it, so she knew what to do. She just didn't have the requisite...uh...supplies.
Anyway, all is well now. Jenny's home, so I can go back to pretending I don't know anything about that stuff, and planning my escape route for those times when both girls are on the same schedule...
And practicing my overprotective Dad stare for every time a boy looks in their general direction.
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Katie has a huge audition coming up in mid-November. She doesn't want me to give out any details about this one yet, because she doesn't want anyone to be disappointed if she doesn't get the part. Even the extended family doesn't know what this is about yet, and we're keeping them all in the dark until we know if it's going to lead anywhere. All I can say for now is that the audition is on the West coast, and it's for a big BIG part in a big BIG production. So wish her luck, even though you don't know what it's for yet. Sorry for being so vague.
I just noticed this whole post is full of vague references with no details about anything. Sorry about that.
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So just to add one more bit of vagueness, I had a long conversation with Katie's agent last night. I'm going to write more about this in an upcoming post, but just to give you an idea of what we talked about: I'm concerned that she's pushing Katie too hard. I know that her job is to get Katie in front of as many directors as possible, and she makes money when Katie makes money, so she has plenty of incentive for pushing her...but Katie is still just a girl. She loves performing, and this is what she wants to do with her life, but right now she needs to have time to be a kid too. My philosophy has always been that the Big Stage will still be there for Katie when she's grown up, so just have some fun now and get some experience on small stages here and there and enjoy what's left of her childhood; on the other hand, her agent feels that Katie's time is NOW, because her talent at her age is what makes her unique and separates her from all the other performers out there. 25-year olds who can sing and act and dance are a dime a dozen, but 12-year olds with this kind of talent are rare and unique, and she believes Katie needs to be discovered NOW, while she has the advantage of being one in a billion. And I can see her point. But is it worth giving up a childhood she so needs and deserves, just to chase after that dream? I'm torn between holding her back so she can enjoy the childhood she'll only have once, and letting her shine so she can see how far she can go.
Anyway, more on that in an upcoming post, when I'll let you inside my head while I sort through it all and figure out what's best.
That's all for now.
10 comments:
Oh MAN, I feel for Laura. There is NO WAY I would have ever told my dad anything about that. What timing.
I can understand your hesitance in the agent pushing Katie. But I suppose that Katie could tell you herself if she wants that rush now. I would worry too about that fast paced lifestyle, too many bad stories of childhood stars make the gossip headlines daily. But I think with your and Jenny's guidance, Katie won't get lost in the "too much money, too much fame" lifestyle.
Good luck with the school thing, I'll keep you all in my prayers.
I can't wait until the Sesame Street movie is completed and on store shelves so I can buy a copy! And good luck to Katie on whatever is brewing!
you are incredible.
and Sesame Street? HUGE FAN.
Jeff, you've got a little hot potato on your hands. My kids were (still are) bright and it was enough making sure they got the education they were capable of. Having to guide someone with Katie's talent must be 10 times harder.
Jeff, you're a terrific dad. Your kids are as lucky to have you as you are to have them.
I am so glad Jenny did a good job on that thing that happens for the first time. My Mom did not, and I was frantic 11 year old who thought I have been suffering from some terrible disease.
Good luck to dear Katie. Sending you and your family good wishes and prayers.
Worrying is the most important part. That's when our subconscious is working behind the scenes. Prepares us to act when necessary. I think it's better to have the ambitious agent rather than the lazy one. You can be the antidote.
I finally made myself listen the the song that you posted a couple weeks back.
Katie's talent is amazing. No wonder the agent is pushing. You just don't hear that kind of beautiful voice.
After hearing that, I cannot imagine that she wouldn't land whatever else may be in the works.
Perfect.
Hi Jeff, sounds like you have a lot going on. I'm sure you will do what's best for Katie, and it sounds like she will let you know if it is too much for her. What great opportunities for her.
Katie's move into "womanhood" made me recall that day for me and the proud comment my father made, after arriving home from work and hearing about it. I can still see him sitting there at the table taking his work boots off, so long ago. He gave me confidence and a sense of pride to becoming a young woman.
Glad to hear everything is going so well :-)
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