For many families, there comes a time to make the thrilling journey to Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Often, the right of passage for children takes place during the holiday season.
However, for Powell River’s Payton Anderson-Kelly, her family’s upcoming trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is anything but a holiday vacation.
The 10-year-old will be auditioning for Disney on December 18-23, which, according to Payton, is far more exciting than anything Mickey Mouse has to offer.
In July, Payton was one of 2,000 youth who attended an open audition in Vancouver. Out of all of those six- to 18-year-olds, 10 were chose to move on to auditions in Orlando; Payton was one of them.
“After my second audition they called people out and said that I made it,” said Payton. “We had to sign contracts and stuff. It was exciting to sign it; I was almost crying.”
Payton is the daughter of Paige Anderson, artistic director and choreographer for Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy.
“It’s a bit surreal, we weren’t expecting her to make it,” said Paige. “Not saying that I don’t believe in my daughter, it’s just, what are the odds of her doing it?”
Never underestimate the confidence of a 10-year-old, said Paige, because from the beginning Payton told her she was going to make it.
Payton has been dreaming of make it in show business since she started in musical theatre at the age of six. A dancer, singer and actor, she said she is a “triple threat,” which is a telltale sign she already knows the entertainment industry term for someone who is multitalented.
Payton said she has the confidence and thinks she’ll do really well “because I think I’m a good actress and that is what I was born to be.”
Competition will be tough at Disney World. Payton will be up against other triple-threat youth from around the world, all there to see their dreams come true.
According to Paige, everyone in Powell River has been supportive, including Payton’s teachers and family.
“Megan Skidmore is her singing coach, Carma Sacree is her acting coach and I do the dancing and choreography for her,” said Paige. “We all work as a team.”
Payton said her classmates at Assumption Catholic School all think it is “awesome” that their friend has this chance, and so do her older brother and sister. She said one of her favourite artists is pop superstar and actor Ariana Grande, who celebrated her 21st birthday at Disney World.
“I want to do a TV series, like the teen sitcoms Sam & Cat and iCarly,” said Payton.
Before the auditions, mother and daughter will enjoy a few days at Disney World as best they can, given the pre-audition nervousness the young performer will face.
Whatever happens in front of Disney producers, Paige said the family will provide support. As for Payton, she will not be discouraged.
“I’ll just try again. It is a great opportunity that I got this far,” she said.
When you wish upon a star, anything can happen.
