Now on ITunes

My new single Alive is now available on Itunes. They grouped it with another artist named Sean Hardin but hey it's still there. Check it out Sean Hardin ALIVE on Itunes. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/alive/id344802204?i=344802222

Making Music

So I finished my song Alive (check it out on www.seanhardin.net). I'm officially copyrighted with both Alive and Together As One so my name is in Washington D.C. I submitted Alive to iTunes so hopefully soon will be available. Together As One went to All Star Planet for CD they are going to work on but as I've performed it I've gotten good feedback. Currently working on another song which I hope to get recorded during Christmas Break. Today I sang at CASA Home tour, 40 minutes of Christmas songs. It was good practice for me as I'm scheduled to sing December 28 at Six Flags in Dallas 3 sets of Christmas songs. Not much going on with acting right now so glad I can work on my music.

New Videos on Youtube

If you want to see what I've been up to lately go to www.youtube.com/seanghardi and check out my videos from Laff Stop, All Star Planet, and Fort Bend Theatre Gala. Back to the recording studio tomorrow to finish work on my new song "Alive" and start work on another new song.

Laff Stop

Thanks to Don Learned, owner of the Laff Stop, for providing a great place for our Singing Showcase Sunday night. I made my debut playing guitar and singing Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Greenday. Then I sang my original, Together as One, and told how it came about. It went over pretty well. Thanks to Tom & Colleen McKinney & their assistant Judy for their hard work in getting the showcase organized and ready. Thanks to my family and friends Jared & Julia for coming out to listen.

Not Much Happening

Not much happening lately. Did not hear back after movie callback and it's been a month so guess going bald for this part was not meant to be. Doing a gala for Fort Bend Theatre November 13 so some rehearsals for that. Singing at a showcase at Laff Stop November 8 so practicing for that. All Star Planet wanted another original song for a charity so wrote and recorded one and sent to them. It's called Together As One, talks about how helping others helps us become who we should be. Then this week went to West Side Recording and recorded another song I wrote, Alive. I need to go back and finish a few things but I'm hoping others will like it. So far my friends I've played it for have liked it. Since the acting is going slower right now trying to work on my original music. Stay tuned for updates.

Luncheon Performance & Movie Audition

It's been a crazy week. Had so much school work to catch up from missing school last week. I performed Thursday to full luncheon crowd for Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors at Vargos in Houston. I sang 2 songs from the first musical I did, Oliver. Rushed from singing to airport to take a plane to Dallas for movie audition and then back to Houston. Friday morning woke up sick but went to school so could take tests and finish science lab and then came home and crashed. Friday night found out have callback for movie audition so mom drives me to Dallas Saturday evening for audition on Sunday. After audition hurry back home to Houston for 13 cast party at Dave & Busters. Just finished studying for a test tomorrow and getting all the homework I did in the car ready to turn in tomorrow.

Want to say thank you this week to the great crowd at the Fort Bend Friends & Neighbors lunch and to Matt Lemmler for accompanying me on the piano. Also, want to thank my agent for getting me the audition in Dallas and to my mom, sister, her friend and my brother for the Dallas trips this weekend.

Summary of 13/Met the Writers

13 was AMAZING!!!!! Made such great friends with the cast. Played to 5 sold out crowds. Got to meet Jason Robert Brown and Robert Horn and hear what they thought of the show and how they came up with the show to start with. The cast got together at 59 Diner after the last show. Had a good time but hated to leave. I'm going to miss seeing everyone daily and performing in this show.

Sugar Land teens on stage
By VALERIE SWEETEN CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT
Sept. 9, 2009, 7:58AM
1 2
SEAN HARDIN

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HAYLEY BEIERMEISTER
• Age: 17

• Community Connection: Sugar Land area resident

• High School: home schooled

• Fun fact: Plays drums, paints

• Quick Quote: “Acting lets me be with other people who are just like me. We can be ourselves around each other”.

SEAN HARDIN
• Age: 13

• Community Connection: Sugar Land area resident

• High School: Logos Prep at 13213 Southwest Freeway

• Fun fact: Plays the piano and guitar, skateboards

• Quick Quote: “Playing Archie has been a fun but challenging role. I spoke to people who work for Muscular Dystrophy Association. They shared videos which help me prepare for my part.”

WANT TO GO?
• What: ”13,” presented by The Academy at TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre

• When: 10 a.m. today and Friday; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

• Where: Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. in Houston

• Tickets: Start at $22

• Information: Visit www.tuts.com or call 713-558-8887
Area teens will take the stage in 13, a production by The Academy at Theatre Under the Stars' Humphrey School of Musical Theatre.

Hayley Beiermeister and Sean Hardin, both of Sugar Land, will be in the comedy about coming of age, teen traumas and high school survival.

Roy Hamlin, associate artistic director of TUTS and director of 13, said “We are so honored Music Theatre International and composer Jason Robert Brown have chosen TUTS to premiere the licensed version of this brand-new teen sensation. It speaks to the quality of our local Houston students,” said Hamlin.

Beiermeister has been acting since the age of 7 when she appeared in The Little Princess in Fort Bend Theatre at 2815 North Main St. in Stafford.

She began taking her performing seriously after that one show.

“I was always an outgoing kid. I wanted to express myself. I did community theatres in Stafford and began taking acting and voice lessons,” said Beiermeister.

At 12, she was selected for the All-State Choir at Turning Point Academy in Sugar Land.

Beiermeister expanded her theatrical experience and joined Broadway Bound Dance and Theatre Arts Studio at 10103 Hammerly Blvd.

She recently appeared as Erzulie in Once On This Island and as Roxie in Chicago with Broadway Bound.

Beiermeister is excited about her ensemble role in 13,The Musical.

“I'm really confident this is where I'm supposed to be. This is what I was meant to do,” said Beiermeister, who plans on majoring in musical theater after graduating from her home-school courses.

“I'm really confident this is where I'm supposed to be. This is what I was meant to do,” said Beiermeister, who plans on majoring in musical theater after graduating from her home-school courses.

Hardin said his first acting experience was at the age of 10 when he appeared as Oliver in Oliver! at Fort Bend Theatre.

“It was so much fun to portray someone else's personality. Singing was fun as well,” said Hardin.

Acting agreed with Hardin, 13.

Through 2007 and 2008, Hardin appeared at The Alley Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Farnsworth Invention and with the Houston Symphony in Green Eggs and Ham.

In 2009, Hardin appeared with Houston Grand Opera in A Midsummer's Night Dream.

He said that musical theater allows him to utilize his skills in acting, dancing and singing.

“This is why I love musical theater. I found that over the years, I've gotten to be good at all these three things,” said Hardin.

Hardin will portray Archie, a boy with Muscular Dystrophy, in 13.

He thinks the audience will find commonality in all the characters.

It's a fun show with a lot of comedy. I hope to make my character real. It's been very exciting,” Hardin said.

13 Opens School Matinee Tomorrow & then Friday

I’ve been in 12 theatre productions and have to say 13 is one of my favorites. The music is great and the show is awesome. I’ve had a lot of fun with this cast. We’ve hung out together at Dave & Busters and other places. Some of us even sang the national anthem at the Dynamo Game. This makes the scenes where we are friends on the show seem more real because we’ve gotten to know each other. I’m the only actual 13 year old in the show but the cast has been great. I can relate to some of the things in the show like Evan planning his party. I had to decide where I should have my big 13th birthday party. I ended up having a laser tag party. It was a big decision where I should have it so I understand why the party place is such a big deal to Evan.

My character in 13 is Archie. He is living with a disabling disease but has such a great sense of humor about it. He laughs at himself to make others feel more comfortable. I don’t have to live with anything as serious as that but being a guy who likes to sing, dance and act can be tough at times because kids will make fun of you and want to know what sport you do or when you’re going to take a break to focus on something like athletics or just hanging out. I won a comedic monologue contest a year ago doing a spin on a bully wanting me to teach him to dance since the school dance was coming up so like Archie I’ve learned to laugh with others about it. That’s a great thing about being in an all teen cast where all of us have tons of the same interests. I know no one will make fun of me for singing or dancing.

I think the parents who see the show will get some insight in to how much pressure there is to fit in at school, make the grade, get a date, etc. For the teens who see the show I hope they’ll see in the end it doesn’t matter how many friends you have but the quality of the friendships you have. My biggest hope is that those who see the show will be nicer to those who seem a little different. I just got to spend some time in California with a girl who had muscular dystrophy like Archie in the show has. Even though she has struggles with upper body movements, she was just like me – likes to sing, swim, laugh and hates homework. It made me appreciate no matter what we look like on the outside, it’s how we act and who we are that counts.

Channel 2 News Story

Special Needs Group Helps Actor
Actor, 13, Plays Boy With Muscular Dystrophy

POSTED: Monday, September 7, 2009
UPDATED: 2:42 pm CDT September 7, 2009

HOUSTON -- Every summer, Theatre Under The Stars reaches out to The River For Performing and Visual Arts to help budding artists with special needs find new ways to express themselves.

FIND IT: The Musical 13 From Tuts


This summer, it's was The River's chance to help give a Tuts actor a leg up on his new role.

On top of learning new songs and fancy footwork with the rest of the cast for Theatre Under The Stars' new musical 13, Shawn Hardin had to learn to do it with Muscular Dystrophy.

"My hands are always sore at the end of every rehearsal," he said. "I have learned it is not as easy as it looks."

Hardin, 13, does not have the disease, but Archie, the character he plays does.

"I had always thought it was just regular walking but it is opposite of that," he said. "I learned they walk on their toes because they don't have enough strength to move their Achilles."

For some extra help learning to be Archie, Hardin turned The River For Performing and Visual Arts.

"We were thrilled to be able to work with him and give him some idea of what it is like to walk in those shoes outside of a stage," said Sandy Wicoff, The River director.

Wicoff said it is usually Tuts lending her group a hand, helping teach children with disabilities and chronic illness how to do anything from making music to dance.

So, The River was more than happy to return the favor.

"These professionals come in and teach the kids the art that they love and it shows and the kids really shine," Susan Hurst said.

Shawn and Susan Hurst talked about what she saw watching her sister struggle with cerebral palsy.

"It is good to give a different perspective, maybe a more personal perspective," Susan Hurst said.

Hardin said that for the role of Archie, it was all about keeping it real.

"Which is why I have done so much research to make sure it doesn't look fake," Hardin said.

For more on the musical 13, which will be held Sept. 10 through Sept. 12 at Zilkha Hall, visit www.tuts.com.

Copyright 2009 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

KPRC Channel 2 News Interview

Today, I along with some people from The River Performing and Visual Arts Center and TUTS had an interview with Channel 2 News to air on Monday, September 7, either on the 5:00 or 6:00 News. We talked about how the people at The River helped me in researching my character in 13 and we talked about the difficulty in walking on crutches and using the wheelchair. I'm hoping it turns out well since the newspeople take all the interviews and blend together for the 1 minute 20 second spot. Everyone was nice today which made it easier to do the interview.

Interviews About Playing a Character with MD and Meeting an MD Survivor

In the musical 13 I'm playing a boy who has MD. I've been doing some research about MD to make my character more realistic. I even met a finalist at The All Star Planet gala who sang for MD because she was recently diagnosed with it. She's living with a disability and has such a great attitude. She sang I Will Survive. I've gotten to do two interviews this week (one with the Houston Chronicle and the other with Houston Family Magazine) to promote 13 and talk about playing a character with MD. I've been excited to share with them Sybil's story. Sybil is the real star and my prayers are with her as she leaves the glamor of LA to have surgery because of her MD. Sybil I'm giving you a standing ovation and asking anyone reading to consider donating to the Jerry Lewis Telethon Labor Day Weekend.

All Star Planet Winner - Performed in LA

This week I had the most awesome experience. I got to go to LA as one of the 10 All Star Planet contest finalists/winners. Each of us had chosen a charity to sing for and rewrote lyrics to support our charity. I sang for Compassion International but all the songs and causes were great. We rehearsed a lot for the gala and then performed. Got to meet some stars and have our pictures made with them. Had lunch with the rep from Compassion International and on behalf of All Star Planet presented him with a certificate after my performance. We also went to Entourage Recording Studio and recorded the All Star Planet theme song. I had a lot of fun with the other 9 winners and learned about their charities. Check out www.allstarplanet.com . I appreciate getting this great opportunity to perform and tell others about Compassion International. Compassion is one of my friends on myspace. Hope you'll consider sponsoring a child. You can change a life.

Dynamo Anthem with Cast of 13

Sang the National Anthem tonight with 3 other 13 cast members at the Dynamo Game. Thanks again to Dynamo staff who treat you so professionally. My other cast members are awesome also! It was a lot of fun. If you haven't been to a game, you should check it out.

Back to School

I go to a great school - Logos Preparartory Academy - where I only go to class on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Today was first day of classes. I still have work to do at home on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also on the weekends but this gives me some freedom like tomorrow to go to an acting lesson or Thursday to go to a voice lesson when most kids are in school and just get my work done around my schedule. Since school was starting and I've been busy working too my parents have been good about building in time for fun. I already wrote about going to Splash Town last Monday. Tuesday took a friend to audition and headshots and then dinner with me and then had another friend sleepover and play video games. We hung out Wednesday until I had to go to photo shoot. Thursday played some Laser tag with friends before rehearsal. Friday went with friends to Brenahm, TX before rehearsal to Bluebell factory for tour and then lunch. Sunday bowling with friends and tonight after a school assembly Dave & Busters with some of the cast of 13. It's a busy life but also a lot of fun.

Twitter

I'm officially on twitter so sign up to follow me at www.twitter.com/SeanHardin101

Contest Update/Busy Week

Thanks for all who voted in Disney Contest. I appreciate your time and support. I wasn't the winner but at least in top 10. The All Star Planet finalists will be announced August 26 so stay tuned for news on that contest. Had movie audition yesterday, new headshots taken, a publicity photo shoot today for Fort Bend Friends and Family luncheon performance on September 17, 13 rehearsal tonight, and singing at Williams Trace Baptist church this Sunday in a trio. Last of summer this week and had a great time at Splashtown Monday with church youth group. School starts Monday so hope you've enjoyed your summer like I have.

Recording Studio, 13 Rehearsals

Tonight my voice is tired. I went to West Side Recording Studio today and recorded a cover song to get something more up to date on my web pages. If you have time check out my web site www.seanhardin.net or my space www.myspace.com/theofficialseanhardin to hear my cover of Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park. After recording the song went straight to 13 rehearsals for a sing through. Lots of singing. We got our scripts today so now to get busy learning lines.

4 Days Left Disney Contest

If you're reading this I still have 4 days to get votes for the Disney mega pipes singing contest I'm in.

13 Rehearsals

One of the best things about theatre is the people you get to meet. I'm having an awesome time this week getting to know the cast. There is so much that goes into a musical. So far this week we're practicing singing, jump roping, and tongue twisters. Since I've gotten so tall went to Academy and got me a longer jump rope and also bought a digital voice recorder as some of the music is different than the Broadway CD. Now I just need to find time to practice as I'm also working on some music to update my web sites and today I went clothes shopping for an upcoming trip to California.

Vacation Is Over

Tonight my month vacation officially ended when I started rehearsals for the musical 13 at TUTS. I've had a great month though. Got to go to Cayman Islands with my family to enjoy the awesome beach, turtle farm, submarine ride and shopping. Got a cool new watch that doesn't even need a battery. Went to Alabama for a week to visit family. Went to Arkansas for several days to visit more family. Plus had a great 4th of July at home with out-of-town relatives and neighbors.

Singing Forest Lake Baptist Church

Wanted to say thanks for the great reception I got at Forest Lake Baptis church Sunday when I sang. Big thanks to my Alabama family members for coming out to hear me sing.

Need Your Vote Disney Contest

Found out today I made it to top 10 in Disney u rock contest mega pipes category. Judges picked to determine the top 10 but now I need your vote. Please go to http://urock.disney.go.com/vote?contestId=h1a and vote for me. Can vote up to 10 times a day for 17 days. Thanks for voting.

Crosspoint Church

Today I sang at a Senior Adult Bible School at Crosspoint Church. I want to say thanks for the warm welcome I received there. It makes it so easy to perform when you look out at the crowd and see so many smiling faces.

Mission Days

I'm in between shows right now so took the time this week to do some mission work with my church and have some fun. Monday we took a group to the Boys & Girls Ranch and painted a new fence they had. It was hot! Tuesday spent some time at a Food Pantry/Resale Shop cleaning up and then cleaned a church at Beasley. Today spent the afternoon swimming after all the hard work. It felt good to help others this week and last as I helped with Vacation Bible School last week.

13 Cast Announced

I'm going to play Archie in the Musical 13 at TUTS HSMT in Houston. Yesterday the email blast went out and today I've been getting "congratulations". Here's the release and it is also in http://www.playbill.com/news/article/print/130571.html

ANNOUNCED!

The Apprentice Conservatory Training at Theatre Under The Stars (ACT @ TUTS) announces the all teen cast of 13, a new musical comedy about coming of age, teen traumas and high school survival.

This presentation by The Academy at Theatre Under The Stars’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) hits the Zilkha Hall stage at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts downtown, September 10 – 12, 2009. There will be 7:30 p.m. evening performances on September 11 and 12, and a 1:30 p.m. matinee performance on the afternoon of September 12, 2009.

Evan Goldman is living the dream – he’s popular, has the ‘perfect’ family and lives in the greatest city in the world – New York. That is until his parents get divorced and he’s forced to move to a small town in Indiana. Uprooted from his old life, he has to make new friends and somehow navigate the social minefield of high school to become part of the ‘in-crowd’. With wit and searing honesty, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages.

The role of Evan Goldman will be played by Aaron Boudreaux, a student at College Park High School, and resident of The Woodlands. 16 year-old Boudreaux’s regional credits include Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Rolf in The Sound Of Music, both produced in the Woodlands. Archie will be played by Sean Hardin, a 13 year-old, student at Logos Preparatory Academy. Hardin has worked with the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony, and at the Alley Theatre. The role of Patrice will be played by Sydney Roberts, who made her main-stage debut in Les Miserables at Theatre Under The Stars and whose other TUTS credits include The Stephen Schwartz Project and Geppetto & Son, among others. Chris Canal, will play Brett. Canal, a senior at Houston's HSPVA, is currently a member of the Cabaret cast and has been seen at TUTS in Disney’s When You Wish and Geppetto & Son. Lucy will be played by Betty Marie Muessig, a HSPVA sophomore, currently a member of the Cabaret cast whose other TUTS credits include Les Miserables, The Stephen Schwartz Project, and Aladdin, Jr among others. The role of Kendra will be played by Stephanie Styles, a senior at Episcopal High School most recently seen as the leading player in Pippin. Nationally, Styles has toured with The Sound of Music and played the Rose in the New York City Opera production of The Little Prince. Styles was also seen as princess Jasmine in the ACT @ TUTS' production of Aladdin, Jr. Canal, Muessig and Roberts are all students at The Academy at HSMT.

Rounding out the cast are Alicia Reece, Ashton Muniz, Austin Jacobs, Bethany Trevino, Billy Cohen, Brooke Humphrey, Charity VanTassel, Christian Warner, Conner Jones, Danielle Norwood, Haley Beiermeister, Jackson Perrin, Jake Muck, Lauren Selig, Luke Hamilton, Malcom Walker, Monica Brown, Monique Groen, Morgan MacInnes, Morgan Starr, Ryan Jacobs, Ryan Kennedy, Ryne Nardecchia, Sam Burkett, Sandy Valles, Sydney Roberts and Whitney Brandt.

Beginning Wednesday, July 1, single tickets for 13 will be available by phone at (713) 558-8887, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, in person at the TUTS Box Office, inside the Hobby Center, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat - Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; or on-line . Discounts are available to groups of 15 or more.

Theatre Under The Stars' sponsors of 13 are the Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, and the Immanuel & Helen B. Olshan Foundation, who graciously provided scholarships for HSMT Students throughout the year.


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Dave Clemmons Master Class

Last night I also attended Dave Clemmons, casting director from New York, Master Class. I learned about college selection, song selection, preparation. I thought it was going to be long to sit for 5 hours but the time went by quickly and I learned a lot. Mr. Clemmons made it interesting and funny.

Got to Meet Aaron Sorkin

Last night I got to meet Aaron Sorkin, writer of The Farnsworth Invention and The West Wing, A Few Good Men, etc. He had a question and answer session where he talked about how he came up with the idea for Farnsworth, how he likes dialogue, and how he got started writing. Then the actors got to meet him backstage. It's been great in this play to work with one of the top directors, David Cromer and now to get to meet Aaron Sorkin.

Writing Music

Writing a song is much harder than it looks. I've been working on 3 and have one almost finished after spending 3 hours this week with a great jazz pianist and song writer, Matt Lemler. I still have a few things left to do but hopefully will get at least one song finished and recorded for my web page before the end of summer. Thanks Matt for all the help.

Farnsworth Opening and No Blonde Hair

The Farnsworth Invention started preview shows this weekend and opens in 2 nights. I did have to get a haircut but no blonde hair, which I was looking forward to. Instead I've got short hair for the summer. Here's a picture of the haircut.

Theatre World

I've been rehearsing for the Farnsworth Invention to have preview opening next weekend. This week got my haircut but did not get it dyed blonde so not sure what is up with that. In the theatre world there is a lot of waiting around, especially for me in this play as I'm really only in the first couple scenes.

Also, this week I found out I've been cast as Archie in the musical 13 at TUTS Humphreys School. It will be the first time done since it closed on Broadway. It is going to be a challenge to learn to perform while using crutches. Rehearsals will begin end of July for the September show.

I'll have about 3 weeks off in July to go on vacation and to visit family. During that time, I'll also sing at a couple of churches. I'm singing with a trio at church tomorrow and had to miss rehearsal tonight because of Farnsworth rehearsal. It's hard to plan anything when you're in show because you never know your call until late the night before but come opening night all the rehearsals are worth it.

If you want to check out The Farnsworth Invention go to www.alleytheatre.org

All Star Planet Update

I made it to All Star Planet Contest semi-finals There are 50 contestants who wrote words to a song to support their cause. The judges will now vote on the top 10 and the top 10 contestants videos will post for viewers to vote. The cause I sang for is Compassion International. We sponsor a child, Marina, and Compassion International is a friend on my page. If you want to hear some creative music and learn more about causes kids care about, please go watch the videos at /http://www.allstarplanet.com/watch.php. (I'm on fourth row.) Also, please consider making a difference. Sponsoring a child will change a life forever

Why I Hate School Projects

This past week and continuing on into this week I've had 2 big school projects. Trying to get projects done with normal homework and life is hard enough but then add in the following: Learning lines and driving to Austin for a movie callback audition, rehearsing for 2 shows downtown, practicing for a piano recital, going to church, and actually just having a little fun. Then we have to add about 15 hours for 1 project and I've worked over 2 hours on the other and a lot more to go. Plus now finals are coming up. I cannot wait for a summer break but then my mom will probably have projects around the house for me to do.

Win Some/ Lose Some

So I auditioned at the opera today and they already sent an email that I did not make it to the final 2. That is the way this business is. I get Farnsworth and then I don't get the opera. I did the jingle recording then had to go back and redo in a higher key. Now waiting on that. I auditioned for a movie in February for a supporting role and then Friday get an email they now want me to read for the lead. I'm now busy preparing for the Tuesday movie audition. It's an up and down business where you are celebrating one minute and dealing with disappointment the next.

Jail House Rock

Today I got to sing Jail House Rock at an ARMA luncheon to adverstise their 50's party to celebrate their 50 years. I wore an old pair of jeans and a white t-shirt and tried to slick my hair but I couldn't get the Elvis hair even with gel and hair spray. I really sang for my lunch today as I got lunch at the luncheon and then had a good time going around to the booths at the convention. Everyone was so nice to me and I even won bar of dark chocolate. Thanks to Judy Sitton and all of those at ARMA.

Back to the Drawing Board

Sunday had to go back to redo the jingle in a higher key. Needed to sound more enthusiastic and that was hard for me in the lower key. This was after I'd been at a theatre audition for several hours. At the theatre audition I learned always bring knee pads to a dance audition. I'm hoping both turn out well and again I learned and I have the bruises to show for it.

Blonde Hair This Summer

Found out I got the part of Young Farnsworth in The Farnsworth Invention at the Alley Theatre in Houston this summer. I'll be sharing the part in this Aaron Sorkin play about the invention of television. I have to die my hair blonde for the part so watch for pictures in June.

New Experiences

This weekend I get a new experience to go in recording studio and sing a jingle. I have the jingle and I've practiced and tomorrow we'll record. Then will all depend on the client and if they like it enough to air it on the radio. Of course, I hope they do, but no matter what, it will be new experience for me.

Also, this weekend I've uploaded a DVD recording of me singing my revised lyrics to a song for the semi-finals in All Star Planet Contest to support Compassion International. I'm hoping it makes it past the judges to get it on the All Star Planet Website for the viewers to see.

Next, I'm working on selection for opera upcoming audition. I'm watching a past DVD performance of the show and listening to the music I downloaded to help select an audition piece. I usually don't spend this much time but this is a big audition, although I may be too tall and too old.

Today another first, I submitted a CD and letter to request to perform on a certain TV show.

I'll keep you posted if any of these efforts pay off.

New Website

Today I published my new website that I made on the mac notebook. Thanks to the guys at the Apple Store for their help. I've still got some work to do but it's a start. http://www.seanhardin.net

First Guitar Attempt

Today was my first attempt to play the guitar and sing together. I downloaded the song to sing at church exactly 9 days ago and taught myself then had my guitar teacher correct any issues I had. My voice teacher and also a friend gave me some pointers. I practiced a lot and then today no mike at set up. I turned the amp and the guitar down to 1 and tried to sing out. Those sitting close I think could hear me but those in the back could not hear at all. Lesson learned always have a mike when playing a guitar with a bass or else your singing will not be heard.

An Auditioning Weekend

Yesterday I went to Austin for a movie audition. It was a long drive (2 1/1 hours each way) for a 3 line audition but you have to start somewhere. The director had me say it a different way which I've come to learn is good because at least they are interested enough to see if you can take direction and improv. Today I had a theatre audition in Houston for a paying part. Again, the director had me say part of my audition a different way which I hope is good news for the reason I just stated. After all these auditions, I went to guitar lesson to practice for tomorrow where I am singing and playing guitar for first time. Wish me luck on all the above. Thanks.

One Voice New Song Posted

Today I posted a new song to my myspace page that I worked on in recording studio yesterday. I took the old Barry Manilow song One Voice and rearranged with help from Tan Troung at WestSide Recording Studio. Hope you like it.

Weekend of Auditions & Firsts

It's funny how you can go for awhile and not have any auditions. That's how it's been for me but then suddenly they all come at once. I have an audition this Friday in Austin for a movie and then Saturday at a theatre so I have scripts to learn for both and a new monologue. I have another audition in 2 weeks so I am learning songs and working on my dance for that audition. I'm in an end of class show that my part was changed Saturday so I need to learn new lines for that. I'm also going to sing while playing the guitar this Sunday which is a first for me. I started learning the song Thursday and will play it 10 days later in front of my peers. Right now I have a lot going on in my mind besides schoolwork and I'll be working with my vocal coach, guitar teacher and acting coach this week. Thank goodness no school on Friday.

Acting Seminar

This week I attended L.A. director Tom Logan's acting seminar. Mr. Logan made the 3 day class so fun while getting his point across. I learned a lot about commerical auditions, partner auditions, and scene acting. Thanks Mr. Logan for teaching in a way that is easy to learn and fun too.

My Other Life

Anyone reading this blog might think I only focus on my career but not true. Right now I'm on my school's track team. We had 2 meets this week and am I ever sore. I also love to play basketball and played in a church league this year that won the championship. I'm lucky I got to be a starter because on my school team I had to miss so many practices and games, I did not get to play much, but I still had fun. My sister and I got a new goal for Christmas and I shoot a lot of baskets. I also enjoy playing video games. I have a WII, PSP, Play Station III, and GameBoy DS and an Apple Computer that I also play on. For my 13th birthday I got Rock Band II for the PS3 so have been playing that a lot lately. When we were in New York we went to Nintendo World and I got some games that had not come out yet. Other things I do are skateboard, facebook, text, and listen to my IPOD. I hang out with friends and watch movies with my family. Unfortunately, I do homework too. So I do work hard but I play hard too.

New York City

Just got back from a sprig break trip to New York City. It was awesome! I could definitely live there. Got to see 2 Broadway shows, Billy Elliott & Mary Poppins, which were great! It even snowed the day we were leaving but was 60 on Wednesday. We got to see friends while there and that was fun too.

Community Theatre

Community theatre is a great training experience. You get to learn about costumes, props, sets, and acting. Right now I'm ensemble in Annie Get Your Gun. I wanted to do it to see some friends I had not seen in awhile and make some new friends, plus I had not done a big musical in over a year and they are such fun. They help me work on my acting, singing and dancing. In Annie Get Your Gun I get to do a roundoff, be an Indian, a cowboy, a waiter and part of a quartet. I even get to ballroom dance. I have an Indian costume, cowboy costume and a white tux as the waiter. This community theatre experience is also great because we get to perform in an 1100 seat theatre on a big stage which is awesome.

When the Music Won't Play

Today I sang two numbers at a showcase that my vocal teacher had. There were some invited guests there but mainly parents and friends of other performers. First song no problems. Then it was intermission and in second act my CD would not play for the song I had arranged. My mom even had a back up and it would not play. It had played at the voice teachers Thursday, at home last night while rehearsing and in my dad's car today on the way to perform. I ended up having to sing the song acapella. I pulled it off but it was not the performance I had envisioned. The crowd was very nice to me which I am thankful. Also, my grandparents and uncle were there to see me sing for the first time. The positive is they could really hear my voice since there was no music. Thanks Nana, Pops and Neal for coming all the way from Alabama.

Seeing A Show You Auditioned For

Last night I'm watching Disney Channel and I see the show I auditioned for. I even see the guy performing the same lines I had to say. He was older than me which gives me some comfort but it also really makes you want to get the part when you see the show. It's a weird feeling and hard to describe. He played it much different than I did in my audition. It's so different in an audition as you are on your mark and not moving around plus the person I was reading with was off camera. It's humbling to see someone else performing it though.

Piano Competition

I take piano to help me in the future because most people who sing also can play an instrument. Yesterday was the once a year Gold Cup Competition. I really had to work hard this last week going to piano lesson 3 days in a row because I was not ready. I had to play 2 pieces infront of a judge. They were selected from an approved list. I lucked out and got a 5+ which is the highest you can get thanks to my piano teacher for really pushing me this week. I'm invited to play at an honor recital next weekend but I won't be able to do that because I'll be singing at the showcase. Thanks Ms. Paulina for pushing me!

Advanced to Semi-Finals

Thanks to anyone who viewed this blog and voted for me. I made it to semifinals of All Star Planet contest. I'm singing to support Compassion International. These contests where you have to get votes are hard so thanks again for voting and please watch in the future when I might need more votes.

TV Pilot Audition

Yesterday was a busy day. It was my final MidSummer Night's Dream performance at Houston Grand Opera and cast party but before the performance I went by my agent's office and was filmed for a TV pilot audition. There were 4 questions I had to answer and they wanted you to be talkative and give examples, not just answer the question. A lot of the other kids auditioning were much younger and shorter than me so you never know. I was asked if I'd be willing to cut my hair and I of course responded "yes". The statitics are for every 100 auditions you go on you might get one we we'll see.

Please Vote for Me

I entered a contest to raise awareness for Compassion International. I need to get votes for singing (I sang Fall for You by Secondhand Serenade) and then if I get enough votes this week, I'll move to the next round where I'll have to write lyrics for Compassion International. Plese log onto http://www.allstarplanet.com and register to vote. Then please cast your vote for me under week 5. You can vote once a day.

Preparing for Showcase

I'm singing in a showcase 2/22 and there are suppose to be some people from the music businees attending. I've been researching music to sing and even working to rewrite an old piece to be more current. Today I got my hair styled to look more like a teen and my mom took me shoppping at the mall for some new clothes to wear. I want to wear them tomorrow but shs is going to make me wait. I'm hoping to make my final song selections this Thursday and then finalize my bio for the program.

The Worm at the Opera

Last night was opening night for A Midsummer Night's Dream at Houston Grand Opera. I get to dance with Bottom when he's dressed as the donkey. I'm not sure Shakespeare had this is mind when he wrote the play but I get to do "the worm" or as our Australian director calls it "the caterpillar" across the stage. Like I've written before - the opera is just not what you expect.

A Night Out with the Rockets & the Jazz

This week my school got to play basketball at the Toyota Center. After the afternoon game, my mom, my friend, and I were killing time until the Rockets started. We were going to have dinner at House of Blues when we noticed a bus in front of the Intercontinental Hotel. We went over and got autographs from some of the Utah Jazz players. I got my tennis shoes signed. Their center was really nice. A guy standing there felt sorry for us and got us a couple of blocks of wood to get signed and another guy loaned us a sharpie. Then we had dinner (the chocolate cake for dessert was awesome) at House of Blues and watched the Rockets win. It was good to have a night just to relax.

The Reason It's Called "Heck" Week

There is a reason the technical rehearsal week, usually the time right before show opening, is called "heck" week. It is long, late rehearsal nights. We've been rehearsing until 11:30 most nights this week. With the drive home and then having to get a bath I have been getting to bed between 12:30 and 1:00 and then having school and homework to get done. There are a lot of starts and stops while they work out all the technical details of the show. You end up redoing things over and over. Tech week officially ended today and I'm glad. Now we just have final dress rehearsal before the show opens Friday night.

Got the Mac

I got the Mac and uploaded files from the video camera easily but then got an error when uploading to Youtube so the technical problems continue. I'll have to work on it next week after tech week ends at the opera. I am going to start going for training beginning with garage band so I can start getting some music to some of the lyrics I've written and also work on updating some 80s songs. When I get some training down I think it will be helpful to me and my sister is also liking how easy to use the photo functions. It has a built in mike so I can also start working on some voiceovers which is another part of this business.

Technical Difficulties

I had an extra week out of school this week so I wanted to spend the time to catch up my web pages. Instead I have wasted so much time trying to convert files in the right setup and publish info. I've got info on this site, youtube, myspace, GodTube, linkedin so it's a lot to keep current and in good quality/quantity. Part of the problme is we have an older video camera that is not in synch with Vista on our computer. Other issues I don't understand. I bought software to convert the file of me singing at church as it would not download to any of the sites. I converted it and it plays fine on MySpace and GodTube but sounds bad on here and also on youtube so I deleted it off youtube. Then I have a video I posted to Youtube and myspace that tried to post to GodTube and it won't work on there. My family's thinking of buying a Mac (Apple) to aid in helping us so maybe we won't waste so much time.

GodTube.com

Today I got an account set up on GodTube.com to post some of my Christian music. So far I've only gotten 1 video posted of me singing I Believe in You but it's another baby step to getting my music out there.

Movie Audition

Today I auditioned for a movie. I worked with my acting coach to prepare and memorized my lines. I picked out a cheezy t-shirt to wear to the audition. My agent videoed the audition to submit electronically. Now I just have to put it out of my mind because you never know if you'll hear anything or not. There is more than talent like look, size, how you match with the other actors, etc. so I just have to be happy that I did my best. I also am happy for the opportunity because it is a chance to go before a casting director.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. I saw the new year in with friends at a small party my parents had. We ate, played video games and Family Feud. Also, played guitar and electric drums with one of the guys. Today I rehearsed at opera until 6:30. I submitted myself to Nickledeon game show and they tried to set up an audition but I had conflicts with the dates due to the opera. They said to contact them in February and see if they were having more auditions then. I think 2009 is going to be a great year!