Bonnie will be on our panel of agents scouting during Perform 4 Good at Young Talent Expo, and she will be attending the full day to chat to young performers. At last year’s expo she signed Pixie, who has since filmed the new adaption of Wicked and is making her West End debut in Stranger Things!
We caught up with Bonnie to find out what she’s on the hunt for at this year’s Young Talent Expo.
What do you look for in new talent when scouting at Young Talent Expo?
Personally, what excites me is raw, natural talent; often where the child (and their parent(s)) are completely unaware of how good they are. An actor that has great charisma in general conversation and not just someone who can ‘perform’.
What preparation do you recommend young performers do before Perform 4 Good?
I actually think it’s really important not to over prepare, specifically in regards to over rehearsing a performance in one particular way. Be open to notes and direction if forthcoming. The ability to take direction is key. Know your lines, but perhaps practise a few variations.
What is your favourite thing about finding new talent?
Being excited for them and what could possibly be around the corner. Watching them grow and improve as they learn and get more confident.
Do you have any advice from parents who have ambitious children, but they are slightly apprehensive?
It’s so daunting, it really is. I completely empathise with parents; it’s a minefield knowing what to look for, what to avoid, what’s right, what’s wrong…This was my sole purpose in creating Industry Parent. To help navigate this world which is so alien to many.
Are you looking for any particular skills, or looks at this year’s Young Talent Expo?
Nothing in particular that I can name; I get asked this all the time, but it’s more a feeling you get from a sense of somebody more than anything else. I love events like this where you can see people in person and chat, often the first thing you see on an agency application is a photo, which can make things so tricky.
To apply for Perform 4 Good please see all information here: https://www.youngtalentexpo.com/performance-opportunities/
