These Kids Have Talent: How old were you when you started performing?
Gabriella Pizzolo: I was 7 years old when I was cast in my first community theater production.  It was a student edition of Les Miserables, and I played the part of Young Cosette.  I loved every minute of it, and wanted to keep doing more shows.  
TKHT: Who is your biggest role model in theater? Why?
Gabriella: Everyone that I have worked with on Broadway has inspired me and taught me about theater and myself.  I think it is great to keep an open mind.  I try to ask myself, “What can I learn from this situation or person?”  I worked with an amazing lady named Deborah Abramson, who taught me how to get over feelings of self-doubt.  She told me to just do my best and know that my best is truly good enough. 

TKHT: What is your favorite Broadway show?
Gabriella: My favorite show changes all the time.  I love shows the most for different reasons.  I love Fun Home because it is a show that is a true story, and it is helping people feel safe to be who they want to be.  I also love that it was created by a group of talented women that I know and love. I love Matilda because the music is interesting and smart just like the character, Matilda.  I saw Hamilton recently and loved it like everyone else.  I would love it even more if there was a female president represented...maybe Betsy Struxness? (Matilda, Hamilton)
TKHT: When not performing, how do you like to spend your time?
Gabriella: I love to paint, dance, and write poems, stories, and songs.  

TKHT: What was it like being a Swing in Fun Home? What were the perks and challenges?
Gabriella: I learned a lot from being an understudy for three different roles.  I felt challenged by the task and really grew in ways that I did not expect.  I had a lot of extra time backstage during shows to read, draw, do homework and binge watch “Doogie Howser MD.” Some of the difficult parts about understudying these three roles is that I really wanted to get a chance to get on stage and act, but that didn’t happen very often.  Sometimes it can feel lonely being left out because I was not regularly onstage.  In the end, that didn’t really matter to me very much because I was doing what I loved.
TKHT: How did you feel when you found out that you would be taking over the role of Small  Alison?
Gabriella: When I found out, I felt extremely happy.  I love Alison Bechdel and consider it an honor to help tell her story.  I was proud of myself.

TKHT: Prior to Fun Home, you starred as the title role in Matilda; What was that like?
Gabriella: Matilda was a dream come true for me.  It was the first show that I auditioned for on Broadway, and it took a lot of auditions and callbacks to get the part.  Playing Matilda helped me learn to be brave myself.  The people that I met while doing that show are like family to me. I will always be grateful for that experience!
TKHT: How are Small Alison and Matilda similar? What is your favorite thing about each character?
Gabriella: My favorite thing about Small Alison is that she is a real kid.  She does a lot of the same things with her siblings that I do with my sister.  We make up funny commercials and dance around like maniacs.  I like Matilda because she is determined to change her life for the better.  When she feels strongly about something, she holds her ground. I think these characters are alike because they are both little girls who want to have a happy life. 
TKHT: What is your dream role?
Gabriella: I don’t really have a dream role.  I think each role is challenging.  I would like to originate a role someday.  That would probably be my dream!
TKHT: What advice do you have for kids who would like to be on Broadway one day?
Gabriella: Keep learning and growing as an actor and person.  Get involved in theater where you can and never give up.  Make sure that you are doing it because you love acting, singing and dancing.  In the end, that is truly what will keep you going when things don’t go as expected.  

Can't wait until the matinee to see Gabriella perform? Watch her dazzle thousands singing the National Anthem! 

Olivia Chun from The King and I (The Royal Twin/Understudy Princess Yingayaowalak): "Pretend that the people in the audience are just in their underwear and pajamas!"

Milly Shapiro from Matilda on Broadway (Original Matilda): "For me to get rid of the jitters, I try to distract myself. Usually I read so I’m not as nervous and I’m ready for when I go in." 

Issie Swickle from the National Tour of Annie (Annie): "I breathe and relax and then tell myself that I'm going to do well no matter what."

Emerson Steele from Violet on Broadway (Young Vi): "I have quite a few things I do to get rid of “audition jitters”. One thing I do is take really big, deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth. When I breathe in, I tell myself that I am breathing in “blue skies, rainbows, and happiness”. Then when I breathe out, I tell myself that I am breathing out “thunderclouds and lightning”.  I learned this years ago from an American Girl Doll movie and find that as goofy as it is, it REALLY works! I also always pray before an audition and thank the Lord for the opportunity to get to do what I love. Another thing I do when I get nervous, is drink LOADS of water and go over my audition material. Drinking water calms me down a ton, but the only problem is, by the time they call me into the room for my audition, I find myself doing a tiny bit of a “potty dance”. So the moral of the story is, it’s a good idea to most definitely drink plenty of water, but make sure you don’t drink TOO much. HEHE."

Tyrah Skye Odoms from The Lion King (Young Nala) and Annie on Broadway (Kate): "I always make sure to be well-prepared for every audition and right before I walk into the room, I take a deep breath and remember that it’s just for fun! I always tell myself three things...Be loud, smile, and have fun!" 

Abigail Shapiro from How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Cindy Lou Who) and Liberty (Lady Liberty): "I breathe and go through everything in my head to make sure I know it."

Olivia: "Things to bring to auditions are, book, pencil, headshot, resume, water bottle, snack, and some herbal or honey-lemon candies."
Milly: "You should bring a book with all of your songs contained in it and your headshot and resume."

Issie: "Your music book prepared with the music that you were going to be singing. Properly taped or down together so that you can easily get it out of your music books to hand to the pianist. Your headshot resume. Possibly a change of clothes or a different outfit if you feel like your outfit is not appropriate for that audition."

Sophie: "You should bring a binder with your songs, your headshot, energy and a smile. Make sure the pianist plays the right music."

Tyrah: "For a musical theatre audition you should bring your song book and your headshot stapled to your resume (back to back). If it is a dance audition, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring the right dance shoes (jazz, ballet, etc.)."

Abigail: "You should bring your headshot and resume and book of songs you can sing or the song you’re going to sing for the audition."

Madi Rae: "When you are going to a musical theatre audition you should always have a binder with the sheet music for the song you are going to sing, a headshot and resume, clothes and shoes you can dance in, and water! (Lots of water!!!)"

Olivia: "Dress comfortable, but try dress neat and pretty.  Avoid sparkling or neon color.  No make up."

Milly: "Something that you feel nice and confident in, but still moveable."
Issie: "If it's a dance audition I normally wear a plain leotard tights and yoga pants over it so that I am comfortable and look professional.  If it is a singing audition wear something very simple and want to color so they notice you and not your outfit."
Sophie: "You should bring a headband so you will not play with your hair, because if you play with your hair then you may not get the job."

Tyrah: "I always try to wear something that makes me feel confident. A go-to outfit would be jeans, sneakers, and a solid color t shirt/polo or a tank top and cardigan. I love to try new styles with my hair depending on the audition too! For most auditions, you can also try to dress a little like the character you are auditioning for...but not too much! For example, if the part you are auditioning for is more of a tomboy role, I would stay away from wearing a poofy dress! Also, almost all auditions for kids want you to look your age, so I never wear makeup or dress too “grown up!”'

Abigail: "It’s always best to wear clothes you’re comfortable in."

Madi Rae: "Always wear clothes you can move in when going to an audition because you never know if you will have to dance. You don't have to wear anything fancy but a nice put together clean outfit always looks nice. Just make sure you are wearing something you feel comfortable in so when you go in the audition room you feel confident!"

Olivia: "Stay within your voice range!"

Milly: "You should pick a song similar to the music for what you’re auditioning for so they can see how your voice sounds for that particular genre."

Issie: "Whatever you feel is right for you and that you like singing."
Sophie: "Oooh I love this question! So, see what song you really know well, and that's the one you should pick -- or if you have a great song that always gets you callbacks and roles, then use that."
Emerson: "If you are not told what to sing for an audition, I suggest researching the show you are auditioning for and sing a song in the style of that show. This will help the creative team see that you can most likely sing what’s in the show!"

Tyrah: "This is a tricky question! It was a lot easier to choose a song when I was younger, but now that I am older I am trying to find songs that challenge me and show my vocal range.  Most importantly though, stick with a song that is age appropriate, fun, and shows your personality! If you love the song, the casting directors will too!"

Abigail: "You should sing a song that suits your voice that shows off your ability but fits the kind of style of the show you’re auditioning for."

Madi Rae: "I usually pick songs that I feel very comfortable with for auditions. I will usually pick a song that I know very well and have been singing for a long time. The most important part about picking an audition song is that it shows off your voice and it is a song you are comfortable singing."

Olivia: "My mother, Manager and Agent find various auditions"

Milly:  "I go through my agent and manager. I say, 'hey where’s the audition at!'"

Sophie: "My manager and agent find great auditions for me. I love them!"
Emerson: "I have been with my agency for a little over a year now, but before I ever had an agent or manager, I would find all my auditions through Backstage, Actors Access and through word of mouth. However, it is also great to submit and try and meet with agencies when trying to break into the business because they can guide you and really find the auditions that are just right for you. "

Emma: "Right now, either my agent or manager arrange all the auditions I go on.  This is the easiest way to go.  Of course, to do this you have to have an agent or manager.  Which is why anyone who is serious about this business should do their homework find out who the best agents and managers are, then submit headshots and resumes to them and follow up with phone calls to see if you can set up an interview with them (your parents would probably have to help with this).
Before I got an agent and manager, my mother would look through ‘Backstage’ magazine, which has audition information in all parts of the country."     

Tyrah: "Most auditions come through my agent, but we do check Backstage and other sites regularly to see what auditions are coming up. Playbill.com is my go-to place for musical theatre auditions!"

Abigail: "I ask my manager and agent."
Madi Rae: "I find auditions from my agent. Agencies are great because they know what parts you are right for and they will never fail in making sure you are seen by people!"

Olivia: "I was so excited but little nervous at the same time.  Casting directors were so nice, and made me feel great. Bring a stuffed animal or lucky charm that will cheer you up. This was 4th Broadway auditions I had.  Prior to the King and I, I almost booked " How The Grinch Stole Christmas" as Cindy Louhoo.  I attended the Annie National Tour audition, and had many callbacks, and the Matilda audition."

Milly: "For Matilda I sang "Girl I Mean to Be" from The Secret Garden, and it was 9 auditions. It very exhilarating because it was awesome getting to know that you have a small chance of getting a part and that you’re doing your best to show your skills."
Issie: "I had to auditions for Annie. One audition one weekend and then the call back the next weekend.  They had us sing tomorrow. So I didn't bring a song that I needed to prepare for."
Sophie: "Once was my first Broadway audition so I was so excited ! I sang my audition song, and they talked to me and asked me to dance, which was great because I love dancing. It was so fun. Then I got a callback which was so much fun again! And then I got it!"

Tyrah: "My experience with Annie on Broadway was pretty crazy! At six years old, my local theatre director told my Mom about the open call in NYC. It was my first musical theatre audition in the city and we never expected anything to come of it! When I finally got inside, I went into a room by myself and sang my song for one of the casting directors. When I came out, one of the casting directors walked me to my Mom and gave me a red ticket, which meant I had an immediate callback! Next, I had to go upstairs to another room to sing for some more casting directors and producers.  I was very nervous, but had a lot of fun! I did not hear for about 6 months after that. Finally, I got a call they wanted to see me again, and about 10 callbacks later, I got the part of orphan Kate at just seven years old! The whole audition process took over a year, but it was incredible and I will never forget how happy I was when my Mom told me I got the part on Broadway!"

Abigail: "Liberty, I auditioned for the kid role of Giovanni that could be played by a girl, I had to fake an Italian accent, which I did not succeed at. It sounded like a mix between Russian and Italian. And then they asked if I wanted to come in for Liberty but it was an adult role. They said they would change the role if I got it. When I got the callback, it was with a bunch of adults. They seemed a little angry they were auditioning with somebody my age. I didn’t let that bother me. I sang a song from Liberty that they asked me to sing and I only had a day between auditions to prepare."

Madi Rae: "The audition process for Annie was very long. I auditioned in 2011 and then I went to the final callbacks in New York in 2012. At my first audition I just sang, but at the final callbacks we had to sing, dance, and do scenes. It was fun because we got to get a feel for all the different parts of the show. For that audition I sang "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" from The Little Mermaid. I really love that song because I think it shows my personality a lot."

Olivia: "That I get to sing and dance, which I love to do."
Issie: "Getting to work with the different casting directors show directors and musicians."
Milly: "My favorite part is being really nervous and excited at the same time."

Sophie:  "I get excited about all my auditions because I would love to get another Broadway show! Broadway shows are so much fun! You get to sing and dance for so many people so many times a week for so long!"

Emma: "Finally getting into the audition and showing the casting people what I can do.   I know no matter what happens at any particular audition, as long as I did my best, I’ve made some (hopefully) strong, positive impressions with the different people in the room.  Which could be of benefit should I see them again in future auditions."

Tyrah: "I like reading over the audition sides and learning new songs. Each time I get the chance to discover a different character and be someone new! Plus, its always fun to go into the city (NYC) and see a show or visit with friends after an audition!" 

Abigail: "I like meeting the creative team and believe it or not, I like being nervous before an audition because it’s thrilling. Auditioning gives me a chance to explore my skills and see what kinds of characters I could play and it also gives me a chance to meet other people in the industry."

Madi Rae: "My favorite part about auditioning is that I get to perform. Even if I don't get the job I still got to perform in front of people and each audition is a new learning experience that I can save for next time."

Olivia:  "Be prepared and be confident.  Don't be shy and just be yourself. Keep on practicing and never give up your dream."  

Milly: "Try your best and have fun!"

Sophie: "Work hard, and be happy and love what you are doing! Sing well, be excited, smile and know you're special! 
Issie: "Keep working hard if they say no the first time keep trying. Don't give up because it's not because you're good enough it just because you're not right for that role. Keep trying."
Emerson: "Work hard. Very hard. And no matter what, always be yourself. Being you is enough. Don’t try to conform to what others want you to be, or what you “think” you should be in order to succeed in this business."

Tyrah: "Always remember to have fun preparing and auditioning because it is a huge part of the “business”. Rejection can be hard because you don’t always get the job.  When you do though, the hard work is totally worth it!  If I had to say one thing it would be: take a chance! You never know if you can do it, unless you try!"

Abigail: "Believe in yourself and never give up. You’re not always going to get something on your very first audition. Everything is meant to be and the show you’ll be in will come around eventually!"

Madi Rae: "For people wanting to get into the acting business I would say not to worry about getting the job. If you go into the audition room and you get to do what you love to do then you are a winner! You won't always get the job but if you keep working hard and enjoy doing what you are doing then the right part will come along for you! So just keep reaching for the stars because you know you can do it! I know you can do it too! :)"

"Get The Look" with Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition's, Kalani Hilliker, and Purple Pixies! Kalani is rocking the adorable "Double Time Top", a brand new design from the Purple Pixies dancewear line. The "Double Time Top" ranges in sizes from Child size 5/6 to Junior size 4/6 and comes in a variety of colors. Order your adorable top today!



Exclusive for our readers: Get 15% off the Double Time Top using promo code, "Kalani" Offer ends on December 3rd, Valid in USA only.

Introducing TWEAR! Adorable outfits designed by dancers for dancers! These bright and beautiful outfits are great for conventions, auditions, or just your everyday dance class. Models Tate McRae and Taryn Miller are rocking the Over The Shoulder Retro Set, the Tri It Set the White and Gold Capri Harem Pant, and many other gorgeous designs! Head over to the TWEAR website today and order your favorites!



EXCLUSIVE TO OUR READERS: Free shipping on orders over $100 by using the code "TKHT" at checkout! (USA and Canada only. This promotion is valid until October 24, 2013.)

Meet Linabean Dancewear! Linabean Dancewear was founded in September 2012 by Lina Flugrad, who started sewing dancewear for her two dancing daughters. You may have seen Lina's adorable outfits at company auditions, master classes and conventions!

Their most popular set, the Criss Cross Lace, is known for its adorable pattern and comfort. It comes in a variety of colors that your girl will love!

Exclusive for our readers: Use code word TKHT2013 when purchasing through Linabean's Esty Shop to receive FREE SHIPPING! Offer ends April 15th, 2013.

Introducing the new Purple Pixies Dance Line! Fun, funky, and adorable outfits that every girl has to have!

Sophia is modeling their Color Blocked Star top and bottom as well as the Mesh Sleeve Top and Classic Shorts!

If you would like purchase these outfits or view more of Purple Pixies' adorable dancewear, click the button under the photo!

Exclusive to our readers: Use codeword "TKHT" at the checkout to receive free shipping! (Promotion for USA only, expires February 15th)

The latest adorable outfits in the dance world! Get to know our Kid of The Month September, 8 year old Makenna Miller modeling her favorite outfits from Bodkini Dancewear! You may have seen these awesome outfits at a dance convention, beauty pageant, or featured on the cast of Lifetime's "Dance Moms"! Makenna is rocking the "  Bold Zebra"(Red and Pink) "Bold Snake" (Purple) , "Rainbow Dot Swirl" and "EPIC Dance Repeater" dance sets!

Want to know how to get your own Bodkini outfits? Visit Bodkini's Facebook, Website, and Twitter!

Special thanks to our model Makenna and to Mark of  Bodkini  for choosing these amazing outfits! Plus a HUGE thank you to Makenna's mom for making this happen!

The Rise (...And Rise) of Sophia Lucia
Writen By: Millie Grace of "DancersInterviews"

When most people think of Dance, they think of technique, flexibility, turns, emotion and connection, well at just 9 years old this girl has it all, not to mention she has won numerous 1st place overall and titles at Regional and National competitions all over the US, met the world record for the most pirouette’s ever done at the age of 9, has a combined total of 2.5 million+ views on her YouTube videos, which has led her onto having a huge fan following, and she has been described as “unreal” “talent way beyond her years” and “the best of the best” – Sophia Lucia is changing the dance world, one step at a time!

Sophia started dancing when she was 2 years old, at San Diego Dance Centre in San Diego California, and since then she has been a force to be reckoned with. She is a versatile and dedicated dancer, training 30-40 hours a week in all styles of dance (except for ballroom), but her heart lies in Contemporary dance, it is her passion! She may only be small, but Sophia has performed solo’s choreographed by Mark Meismer, TOKYO, Taura Hall and has had the opportunity to work with and take class from some of America’s most highly regarded choreographers including Sonya Tayeh, Mia Michaels, Stacey Tookey, Travis Wall, Bobby Newberry, Nick Lazzarini, Paula Abdul, Shannon Mather, Tessandra Chavez, Dee and Dennis Caspary and many more! She has also played the role of Shirley Temple for “Fox Legacy” in 2010, and furthermore she has been seen on ‘America’s Got Talent’, Disney’s Hit Show- ‘Shake It Up’, ‘The Ellen Show’ twice as a background dancer for Miranda Cosgrove, and as ‘An Audience Member With A Hidden Talent’ where she showcased her pirouettes and TOSH.O.  She has also been in several commercials, and Sophia describes her most rewarding work has been with the MDA Telethon!

Is there anything this girl can’t do? Be sure to watch Sophia, she is definitely going places...

    Get The Look With Larsen Thompson! Stylish Larsen is rocking her Gray Snap Back and Silver Shifts from HeyDayFootwear.com "They are the best shoes and the Heyday hats are great to dance in cause they don't fall off!", Larsen says on her instagram.

    She is also rocking her adorable  dance pants from Tiney Mineys. You can contact Adriana Bee on Facebook send her a message and tell her Larsen sent you!
    For more of Larsens fashion tips and styles, follow her fashion blog on instagram! @LarsenFashionista!