Pay big for shot at stardom

Salena Novy, 9, auditioned at SkyCity yesterday. Photo / Chris Loufte

Hundreds of starlets had their first taste of fame yesterday, auditioning for a United States company called The Event at Auckland's Sky City.

During the audition, families of the eager 6-18-year-old aspirants learned of the cost of chasing their dream.

Fees outlined in a brochure ranged from US$1950 ($2385) for two showcases and up to US$7900 ($9600) for 10. The money would go to The Event and bought the chance to perform in front of industry professionals at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort in Orlando, Florida.

Yesterday, the youngsters were given scripts selling products from facial wipes to flavoured snacks and performed them to camera. Mothers Lisa Royal and Lauren Christiansen said the auditions went well but the company wasn't what they thought. "We didn't really know we had to pay money," said Christiansen. "It seems a bit like network marketing and they want the money tomorrow."

Theo Smith said he was happy to pay the fees if his son Spencer was selected.

"It is something he has wanted to pursue. The overall cost isn't a barrier for us and we would pay if he is selected," he said.

Company owner Michael Palance said the auditions were not a scam.

He described it as a global scouting company and said he'd been successful in Australia and wanted to bring his business to New Zealand. "People look at something like this and if it costs money it is a scam; in life you get what you pay for."