Disney Channel searching for stars in Alamo City

More than 1,500 kids show off acting, singing, dancing skills

SAN ANTONIO – More than 1,500 kids are showing off their acting, singing and dancing skills this weekend in hopes of becoming the next big star.

The Disney Channel is hosting their annual nationwide search in San Antonio on Saturday and Sunday.

"Every year, we like to go to a different region of the country and reach out to talent that we might not otherwise have the opportunity to see," said Judy Taylor, senior vice president of casting and talent relations for the Disney Channel. "Maybe they are not represented by talent agents. So, we pick a region of the county and this year, It's Texas and we are very happy to be in San Antonio."

Stephanie Bjork, 11, said she loves watching the shows on the Disney Channel and she's hoping to star in one of them, which is why she and her mother traveled all the way from Florida for Saturday's open call auditions.

"I'm not nervous," said Bjork. "I'm just hoping I get the part."

Casting directors said they are looking for new and fresh talent, ages 10 to 17 years old, with acting, singing and/or dancing skills to cast in some of their upcoming movies.

"Chances are if they really take it to heart and are having fun, that will really come across," said Taylor. "We're looking for engaging personalities, good comedy skills and a natural acting ability."

San antonio native Troy Franco, 12, said he loves acting and he's hoping that will come across in his audition.

"It's fun," said Franco. "You just get to entertain people and make people happy and that's pretty much all I want to do."

Franco's mother, Ilya Franco, said she brought her son to Disney's open call auditions because she thought it would be a great experience.

"I'm hoping that he gains self confidence and self esteem," said Ilya Franco. "If he just happens to end up on the Disney Channel, that would be a great opportunity and help him earn a little money for college."

On Saturday, the auditions were scheduled for kids with last names beginning with A through M.

On Sunday, the casting call is open for kids with last names beginning with N through Z. Sunday's auditions will be at the Rivercenter Marriott in San Antonio from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For a list of recent stories Stephanie Serna has done, click here.


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.