Firm back to search out talent

Don Buchwald and Associates, a full-service talent agency in Manhattan that specializes in television, film, commercials and voiceovers, will hold its second annual open casting call for children on Oct. 4 at the Marriott Lincroft Red Bank, 245 Half Mile Road, Red Bank. Several of last year's casting call picks are currently appearing in major commercials.

The Youth Casting Call, arranged by Pamela Roth, youth agent, formerly of Manalapan, will be open to actors, singers and dancers between the ages of 3 and 20 who want to break into show business.

"I am really looking forward to it because last year I got upwards of 200 kids auditioning," Roth said. "Of those, three were chosen for professional representation. My two young clients from the area (5- and 6-year-olds), Sophie Belkin (of Branchburg) and Holden Silverberg (of Marlboro) are doing very well and still developing but have already booked a pilot.

"My older client, Gregory Ippolito (of Freehold Township), has been booking up a storm. He's currently the announcer on a national Capri Sun campaign, he is in a national Verizon Wireless spot, and he is in the newest Microsoft spot with Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates titled "New Family." He's been working nonstop since signing (with the agency) last July from the casting call," she said.

Roth said the children will audition for her when they arrive at the casting call, either through commercial copy that is provided or a song or dance number. The audition takes about five minutes per child.

"It is my job to know who can succeed in our business and who has the chops to do so," she said. "I am very interested in all types of kids, no matter what they look like. I don't believe in the stereotypical commercial kid-next-door. If the process is going any further I will be in touch with them within the week for a callback and meeting in my Manhattan office."

If chosen to continue to the next step, children will be asked to come to Manhattan for a callback at the Don Buchwald offices, and parents must be aware of the commitment to take their children back and forth from New York City to audition, which can be almost daily.

There is no charge to attend the Oct. 4 casting call. Advance registration by email is mandatory. An audition time and further details will be supplied upon registration. Contact kidscasting@gmail.com. Telephone calls will not be accepted. Those without appointments will be turned away at the door.