K-pop auditions spread their reach

With the world-wide fame of Korean pop music, local auditions to find new singers are becoming bigger, serving as a golden ticket for producers and musician aspirants alike.

Audition programs became big in Korea following the achievement of "Superstar K: Season 1," which was aired on cable channel M.net beginning July 2009.

The program's success led main broadcasters MBC and SBS to start their own programs Star Audition and Survival Audition K-pop Star, correspondingly, quickly changing the pattern of talent recruitment for entertainment agencies.

Instead of searching for young talent on the streets and via informal auditions, they began to hold open auditions by joining hands with broadcasters or overseas firms.

While holding auditions is in fact not an easy matter? Considering the money and the amount of time necessary? Agencies are gladly making the effort, recognizing them as the best means of finding competitive new talent.

It's also a good way for producers and agencies to promote their names internationally, considering the impact they can have on international fans," said Kim Myung-jin, head of promotions for Enex Telecom, an organizer of an international audition program slated for next year.

Girls land roles in million dollar hit

HUNDREDS of young hopefuls auditioned for roles in a Christmas production of ‘Annie’ - and two of them, Brighouse performers Olivia Midgley and Jody Townend, are now taking a bow and enjoying the clapping on the professional stage.

The girls have landed roles as orphans in the musical ‘Annie’, starring Duncan Preston as billionaire Daddy Warbucks, at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, and love every minute of it.

Thirteen-year-old Olivia, of Rastrick, is a student at Stage 84 School of Performing Arts in Bradford, and 11-year-old Jody, of Huddersfield, performs with Exit 25 drama school in Brighouse.

They have joined 32 other youthful girls from all over West Yorkshire who are playing Miss Hannigan’s orphans - in two teams - until mid-January.

It’s a great chance for them to be part of one of West Yorkshire’s top Christmas shows - and one which is already packing them in at the 750-seat Quarry Theatre. But if the girls have any nerves, they surely don’t let them show.

Olivia, who was in ‘Annie’ with Su Pollard in Bradford last year, is already a veteran of the show. “I’m truly enjoying it. There’s a special atmosphere doing a show at Christmas and we all get on really well,” said Olivia, a pupil at All Saints RC High School, Bradley.

We started rehearsing in October and it’s been great fun although I’ve already broken the bed, sewing machine and a tray! My families have already been to see the show.