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What does it truly take to succeed as a child actor in Hollywood today? Veteran talent manager Shanelle Gray pulls back the curtain on an industry often shrouded in mystery and misconception.

Shanelle's journey from child Broadway performer in Les Misérables to founder of both Complete Management Group and Shanelle Gray Studios gives her unparalleled insight into the entertainment world. Having experienced the challenges firsthand—including her mother's transformation into what she calls "an incredible stage mom"—Shanelle brings a refreshingly honest perspective to guiding young talent and their families.

"It's a 10-year plan for adults and a 5-year plan for kids," she reveals, shattering the myth of overnight success that lures many into the business unprepared. Throughout our conversation, Shanelle emphasizes that authentic talent and proper training are non-negotiable in today's competitive landscape where opportunities are significantly scarcer than when she was performing.

The distinction between agents and managers emerges as a crucial insight for industry newcomers. "An agent is done at 6 o'clock," Shanelle explains. "A manager is 24/7." This fundamental difference shapes how actors should build their professional teams and set expectations. Her innovative approach of training mothers of successful child actors to become junior managers themselves creates both sustainability in the industry and ensures guidance from those with real-world experience.

Perhaps most valuable are Shanelle's candid assessments of common pitfalls—from the exaggerated "kid acting" style that casting directors avoid to the resistance some parents have toward establishing social media presences for their children. "Social media is your opportunity and your job to promote yourself," she advises, noting how essential these platforms have become in the modern casting process.

Whether you're a parent considering this path for your child, an aspiring actor seeking to understand the business side of your craft, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of Hollywood, this episode provides the unvarnished truth from someone who's lived it from every angle and isn't afraid to tell it like it is.

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Ever received an audition that asks for a singing sample? Mastering the art of singing in character is crucial for actors, and it all starts with one fundamental principle: act first, sing second.

Host Genevieve Goings, drawing from her experience as the singing train conductor from Disney Junior's Choo Choo Soul and working across countless major productions, guides listeners through maintaining authentic character energy throughout their entire performance. When portraying Princess Anna, her personality shouldn't vanish the moment you break into song! Learn practical techniques to create that seamless transition between spoken lines and singing that casting directors definitely want to hear.
Genevieve explores essential vocal warm-ups like lip trills and character-specific exercises that prepare your voice while keeping you in character. She demonstrates how to practice singing with different emotions – from happy to sad, grumpy to silly – and even challenges listeners to sing as a tiny mouse or villainous character. These seemingly ridiculous exercises are precisely what breaks through self-consciousness and unlocks your full character potential.
Song selection matters tremendously for auditions, so Genevieve discusses choosing pieces that complement your character's personality and emotional journey. Whether you're playing someone quirky like Anna or need versatile options like Bruno Mars' "Count On Me," she provides guidance on matching songs to characters. Plus, download her curated list of 20 audition song ideas with instrumentals and lyrics at GenevieveGoings.com/songs to jumpstart your practice. Ready to transform your singing auditions and bring your characters fully to life? Listen now and discover how to make casting directors forget they're hearing an audition and instead believe they're experiencing a character in their natural world.
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Send us a shout out message so we can mention you in the podcast!

Recording professional-quality auditions while traveling seems daunting, but Disney star Genevieve Goings proves it's entirely possible with minimal equipment. As the beloved train conductor from Choo Choo Soul, Genevieve draws from over 20 years of Disney experience to guide young performers and their families through the art of mobile auditions.

The spotlight shines on practical solutions that transform hotel rooms, cars, and other temporary spaces into workable recording environments. Pillows become sound dampeners, phone microphones reveal surprising quality, and simple distance techniques (like the "hang loose" hand position) dramatically improve audio clarity. Genevieve shares the inspiring story of her client who booked a major HBO Max role using nothing but her phone for the audition—proving that performance ultimately outweighs technical perfection.

Beyond equipment tips, this episode offers crucial psychological perspective for families navigating the entertainment industry. The reminder that "agents work for you, not the other way around" helps rebalance power dynamics that often intimidate newcomers, while Genevieve's own journey from a failed video game audition to Disney stardom illustrates how unexpected connections can transform careers. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, these mobile audition techniques ensure you'll never miss an opportunity, regardless of location.

Download Genevieve's free VO script pack at genevievegoings.com/VOscript and start practicing these techniques today—because your next big break might arrive while you're away from home!

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Join the Successful Young Creatives community! Follow Genevieve Goings for daily tips and inspiration:

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Join the Successful Young Creatives community! Follow Genevieve Goings for daily tips and inspiration:

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JOIN the EMAIL CLUB for Industry tips and insights!

Send us a shout out message so we can mention you in the podcast!

Unlock the secrets of professional voice acting with Disney Junior star Genevieve Goings as she launches "Successful Young Creatives" – your ultimate guide to navigating the entertainment industry. Drawing from her extensive career as the beloved singing train conductor from Choo Choo Soul and her Grammy-winning work across Disney and major brands, Genevieve offers transformative insights for young performers and their families.

Voice acting isn't about creating silly voices or technical tricks – it's about authentic character development and emotional truth. Discover why understanding "who you are and what's happening" forms the foundation of every successful audition. Learn how to slate your name with confidence, convey genuine emotions, and create the vocal variety Genevieve calls "the roller coaster." These techniques distinguish amateur readings from professional performances that captivate casting directors.

The most critical question every young performer must honestly answer: "Does this sound like a kid reading from paper, or like a scene from a movie?" Genevieve shares a brilliant technique of creating improvised lead-in lines that make scripted dialogue sound naturally conversational. Listen to real winning auditions from her coaching clients Sofia Clifton and Jahzara Collins who landed major roles using these exact methods.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate existing skills, this episode provides actionable techniques that professional casting directors notice --and for parents navigating their kids acting careers, this can be a safe and fun space to learn. Subscribe for upcoming episodes featuring scripts, exercises, and deeper dives into voice acting techniques.

Download your free kids voice acting script at GenevieveGoings.com/VO-script and begin your journey toward booking professional voice acting jobs today!

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Join the Successful Young Creatives community! Follow Genevieve Goings for daily tips and inspiration:

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Support the show

Join the Successful Young Creatives community! Follow Genevieve Goings for daily tips and inspiration:

Instagram

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JOIN the EMAIL CLUB for Industry tips and insights!