Finally, we get some feedback from Megan Avery, SERA00's producer. Of course, after learning the finalized lineups for the 00s, we already have a good idea what Miss Avery is thinking. But now we will get first hand thoughts from her! Check out this interview.
-Where do you think the talent has mostly come from so far?
"Definitely the first generations, they are a hardworking bunch who are the foundation of SERA00, I'd say. We're lucky to have girls like them. Also, the third generations, and the fourth generations had a lot of talent. Not to say that the other generations weren't as good, it's just those that stand out in my mind at first thought."
-How invovled are you with SERA00 and the promotion desicions?
"Pretty close, I would say. Other than financial matters, because I leave those to the math people-"
-You're not involved in financial matters?
"No, not really. I supply the creativity and ideas, and they tell me whether it's doable and what the profit would be. So in the end I have general ideas, but nothing specific."
-I see.
"But on everything else, I pretty much have final say. Although I do work closely with SERA00 Management, I have the power to individually veto or implement something within the group. Ah, things like casting for songs, how to split screen time, which members participate in what events, we often discuss during meetings and I have much influence in those desicions. So, I guess you can say that if there's a girl we want to promote, we'll get her up there alright. We have many resources to tap on."
-What are your general thoughts about this year's talents?
"Good, I think. It should rival the third or fourth generation. Originally, we were going to accept thirty new 00 ranks, as we had a lot of good talent, but the numbers didn't work out, so what you see is the best of the best this year."
-Who should we watch out for in the sixth generation?
"Obviously, Samantha Willis, the centre we picked. Another strong contender is Macey Fent, who's a really confident girl, and that's a really good quality to see in an idol. Ah...Eclair Holland is going to be another type of special to watch out for. And lastly, keep your eyes peeled on the two Japanese girls. Like it or not, they're probably going to rip through the ranks until they can stand at Sakiko's side." (Mihashi "Sassan" Sakiko)
-Yes, that's another topic we wanted to bring up. How exactly is the centre and lineups decided on?
"Impression. And idol power. Star power. Definitely."
-Impressions? As in first impressions?
"Something of the sort. I watch every audition. No member has joined this group before passing my inspection. And there are just some girls who pop out, you know? Who make you say, she's a special one. She's going to rise through the ranks really quickly. But then there are also the ones where you have to look a little closer to see where their idol power may be. Those are the ones who leave you the impression, I can't pick it out. She doesn't seem so impressive. Her dancing and singing aren't even on par with some of the others. Why am I drawn to her? And those are the ones with untapped potential. So we look for both. Those who are special, and those who have the ability to become something beyond your imagination."
-Are the centres a mix of these types, then?
"Yes, I would imagine so. By pushing them forwards, we can see what they're really capable of. They have this chance to prove themselves."
-I'm sure the girls would like to know to too, but why did you pick the centres that you did for the 00s?
"Ah, let's start with some of the more obvious. Macey is so determined and ambitious, she'll be the next generation's Luna. Yumi is very energetic. I think she and Tomiko have the advantage of knowing the strings already, so they performed like seasoned professionals. They might have picked up a thing or two from Sakiko, but they carry themselves well. I don't mean to offend any of the girls, but in all honesty, Briar Rose is a gamble. It's up to her whether she will step up to the challenge. All we can do is support her from behind. And the question of Samantha is the most curious, yes? Many are comparing her to Sakiko. I know they say we're being too harsh pushing a background girl to the front. But we see the potential, and if it was her choice to join SERA00, we're going to do whatever we can to rip it out of her. So if you're not ready for the hard work and commitment, don't even think of auditioning. Of course, none of them quite have the ability to measure up to the seniors yet, alrhough it's a possibility that we could see another Harley Breeze, who so effectively, on her own will, climbed to the top in a short amount of time."
-Do they have a say in their promotion?
*laughs* "Honestly? Not really. Everything is predetermined. The seniors know how it works, and they'll make sure the new members do to. Most of the management's desicions are finalized. But it's turned out well in the past. Take a look at Sassan. She was a shy one, but we broke her out of her shell with a vicious push as centre of the entire group, and she's accomplishing things she only dreamed of years ago. Who's another one? Angel. Believe it or not, she was almost like Sassan, quiet and reserved, not seeming to fit in. But now, she's our most valuable asset. She's their leader, their support, and I dare say SERA00 wouldn't be here without someone who plays her role as beautifully as she does. Others, Luna, Fracken, they were ambitious from the start, brimming with idol and star power, and all we did was harness that energy and give them a place to shine. You really have to credit the girls for their hard work."
That's all for today! We hoped you enjoyed this backstage insight! Okay everyone who has exams out there, good luck! You can do it!
Please support SERA00!
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Showing posts with label 6th generation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 6th generation. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Upcoming Posts & More Sixth Generation 00 Ranks
Hey everyone! This is Evie, of course, who else would it be? Anyways, I'm just gonna keep you all interested with some of the posts coming up:
-SERA00 Extreme Pastimes Special: Media Member Edition
-release of the movie, SERA, starring Luna Remington, Mihashi Sakiko, Fallon Mackenzie, and Annelise Gillian
-RYK Riiyukan Musicfest
-release of flynow's debut single, Untold
Ms. Tallan says that anyone reading my blog will probably be able to get to know the media members even more, but not the others. She says there are some less popular members that I haven't mentioned even once. She says that I should be more diverse when searching for subjects of blog posts. So I thought I'll start with the 00 ranks and work up. Blogging about their training and exposure to the idol fandom world should be interesting, right?
Speaking of 00 ranks, 6 more 00 ranks from the sixth generation debuted today. Miss Avery has confirmed that this is the last batch of girls who passed the sixth generation auditions. Here are their names:
Braelyn Rowe
Brae
00 rank
Aspen Wilkenson
Aspen
00 rank
Briar Ross
Briar Rose
00 rank
Samantha Willis
Sammi
00 rank
Eclair Holland
Echo
00 rank
Hamasaki Tomiko
Tomiko
00 rank
Indeed, indeed, does the name Tomiko Hamasaki ring a bell? Yeah, Mihashi Sakiko, Aida Kotoka, and Tsukino Yumi's childhood friend. Sassan was PLENTY surprised. Tomiko is in the later round, because even though she participated in and passed two auditions with separate judges, already proving her ability, she was hesitant to join. She wasn't wrong about that; her induction into the girl group raised many questions about fairness and how it was possible that all of Sassan's friends were able to join SERA00 seemingly effortlessly. Here is the management's reply.
"When we sifted through the applications, running backround checks on everyone, it was inevitable for us to learn that Mihashi, Aida, Tsukino, and Hamasaki shared close bonds. Upon this discovery, we reverted to the modified audition process that was first introduced during the Third Generation auditions, and also implemented during the Fourth Generation auditions. [Alura] Land participated in the Third Generation auditions, and [Harley] Breeze participated in the Fourth Generation auditions, both of which had ties to SERA00's leader, Annelise Gillian. This method required that the judging panel go into the auditions blind; the girls were not introduced to them before their audition, nor had they seen pictures either. In effect, when the judges passed Aida, Tsukino, Hamasaki, Land, and Breeze, they did not know about their connections to existing SERA00 members."
And there you go. Please support SERA00 and the Sixth Generation additions!
-SERA00 Extreme Pastimes Special: Media Member Edition
-release of the movie, SERA, starring Luna Remington, Mihashi Sakiko, Fallon Mackenzie, and Annelise Gillian
-RYK Riiyukan Musicfest
-release of flynow's debut single, Untold
Ms. Tallan says that anyone reading my blog will probably be able to get to know the media members even more, but not the others. She says there are some less popular members that I haven't mentioned even once. She says that I should be more diverse when searching for subjects of blog posts. So I thought I'll start with the 00 ranks and work up. Blogging about their training and exposure to the idol fandom world should be interesting, right?
Speaking of 00 ranks, 6 more 00 ranks from the sixth generation debuted today. Miss Avery has confirmed that this is the last batch of girls who passed the sixth generation auditions. Here are their names:
Braelyn Rowe
Brae
00 rank
Aspen Wilkenson
Aspen
00 rank
Briar Ross
Briar Rose
00 rank
Samantha Willis
Sammi
00 rank
Eclair Holland
Echo
00 rank
Hamasaki Tomiko
Tomiko
00 rank
Indeed, indeed, does the name Tomiko Hamasaki ring a bell? Yeah, Mihashi Sakiko, Aida Kotoka, and Tsukino Yumi's childhood friend. Sassan was PLENTY surprised. Tomiko is in the later round, because even though she participated in and passed two auditions with separate judges, already proving her ability, she was hesitant to join. She wasn't wrong about that; her induction into the girl group raised many questions about fairness and how it was possible that all of Sassan's friends were able to join SERA00 seemingly effortlessly. Here is the management's reply.
"When we sifted through the applications, running backround checks on everyone, it was inevitable for us to learn that Mihashi, Aida, Tsukino, and Hamasaki shared close bonds. Upon this discovery, we reverted to the modified audition process that was first introduced during the Third Generation auditions, and also implemented during the Fourth Generation auditions. [Alura] Land participated in the Third Generation auditions, and [Harley] Breeze participated in the Fourth Generation auditions, both of which had ties to SERA00's leader, Annelise Gillian. This method required that the judging panel go into the auditions blind; the girls were not introduced to them before their audition, nor had they seen pictures either. In effect, when the judges passed Aida, Tsukino, Hamasaki, Land, and Breeze, they did not know about their connections to existing SERA00 members."
And there you go. Please support SERA00 and the Sixth Generation additions!
Friday, April 26, 2013
SERA00 Auditions: Part 2
~the next day~
Let's go see Angel's group audition some girls!
"Hi Mikayla," Angel said.
"Good morning, Angel," she beamed.
"First off, congrats on getting so far!"
"Thanks, I worked really hard for this."
"So, if you couldn't break into the entertaintment industry, where would you steer your career?"
"Well, I think I would probably go into something like teaching, or a therapist. I want to work with people. I want to make people happy and I think working with them is the best way."
"I see...why do you want to be a singer?"
"It's the same reason as before. I want a profession that makes people happy and I think music is just the best thing in the world to do that! To be able to warm people's hearts just by seeing and hearing you, like you, I think is best gift ever."
A couple of girls later, we left Angel's group and went to our photoshoot studio, where they were capturing photos of the auditionees. As idols, the skill of posing for photos anytime must be perfected.
As Team Night was hosting the dance auditions, and Team Angel was hosting the interviews, Fracken and her Team Hope was hosting the auditionee's photoshoots.
The girls were all very excited as they got the chance to wear the members' costumes for the shoot. Fracken was standing on set, with about sixty or so girls huddled around. Fracken was decked out in the spring SERA00 uniform. We have four uniforms for each season, which we wear on TV and to interviews and then special uniforms for each song. Fracken is a Fab 4 member, so hers is slightly more dressy, and she has a couple of variations of the uniform, as the Fab 4 tend to be on TV more.
"Most of the time, you'll be instructed by the photographer on what poses to strike. In that case, the best you can do is listen closely and try to act natural. Remember, the photographer is a pro. What you think might not look good, might look good in his eyes," Fracken was saying. "So there's no harm in going along with it, as you have final say on which photographs can be published.
"Now, in the case the photographer just tells you to give them some poses, or they don't specify anything, or it's a quickie or a few spontaneous shots that they want, we give them the 'Idol Poses'."
Fracken demonstrated. "As you get used to it, it'll really be more of an instinctive thing."
She looked at the photographer present, who dutifully said his line, "Let's have some poses, Miss Fracken!" Fracken launched into a set of poses, moving very quickly. She would hold different versions of each pose, and each one for about a half-second. It was pretty awesome to see on of the Fab 4 doing an idol pose set; it came so natural to her. Although I can do that too by now, just saying...
"Would anyone like to try?"
No hands. Everyone who ever had confidence in their posing, has just been decimated by Fracken.
Elyse, an A rank in Team Hope, addressed the open-mouthed auditionees with a laugh. "Don't be too discouraged, girls! Fracken is a legit professional supermodel and fashion designer and all that!"
It's true, modeling is not just Fracken's "SERA00 Pastime"...although it would be cool to look into doing one on her, what do you guys think?
"Anyways, we're going to make it easy for you girls," Fracken smiled. "We're going to teach you the basic poses. So first, we have the classic V-shape with your index and middle finger. We always have the one girl who does it with the back of their hand facing towards the camera. Nooooo. Never. Palm out, kay?
"Next we have the finger. Just your index finger pointing out. The third basic pose is the hand, palm flat. And the last is the fist. Which should be obvious."
Fracken demonstrated as she spoke. V, finger, flat hand, fist.
"So then, put a couple of variations to each. For the V, you can do it with your right hand, your left, or both. Bring it close to your body, or far. Easiest variations are to move your head and body. Tilt left, right, bend down, turn around and look at the camera over your shoulder.
"For the finger, if you've seen our photo books, you should actually be familiar with all this. Finger on your cheek. Smile. Don't smile. Tilt your head the other way. Finger on your chin. Smile. Don't smile." Fracken was doing the poses as she narrated. I saw many of the auditionees start to nod their understanding and even try out the poses as Fracken introduced them. This was basically the Fracken before, but in slow motion.
"The palm can be placed on your chest, or cup them as if you're giving the viewer something. Put it above your head for the big-finish pose. Spread apart the fingers and place it right next to your face. Left hand. Right hand. Tilt. Turn. And the fist is basically the you-can-do-it pose. Right? Both or one fist pumped in front of you. Or above your head. Got it?"
Fracken stepped out of the photography area that had the backgrounds and invited the girls to try. "Hild each pose for only about half a second before moving on. Don't worry about the photographer, he will be able to shoot more than one photo per pose."
The first girl was very stiff. She stood straight like a stick and her movements were quite robotic, unlike Fracken's smooth transitions.
The next girl contrasted with the previous girl's performance greatly. "My name is Macey Fent," she bowed, as many of the members often did. Macey was quite comfortable in the spotlight. She effortlessly struck the basic poses, even adding in a couple of "shout" poses and winks and common poses in members' photobooks.
"Thank you, Macey," said Fracken. "Do you have any previous experience?" Apparently Fracken was thinking the same thing as the other members.
Macey nodded, and then shook her head, and then decided to explain. "My mom is a makeup artist for models so I often go see these things. And then the odd photographer who invites me onto the set."
I left after that, thinking that we needed to get a move on before this post doubles in size ^_^"
Lastly, the job of Team Aurora is the singing part! But actually, that's just a cover. The auditionees who passed through are already pretty good. So we don't need to be teaching them vocals just yet. So why are we having singing lessons? What Team Aurora is teaching is not how to sing...but how to keep the image of an idol as you sing. Can you dance and sing beautifully? Of course. It might be tiring, but yes. The question here is, can you dance...sing...smile...charm the audience...and look as if you belong on stage?
Well, I won't give away all our secrets or idols will be popping up everywhere! ;)
Just kidding.
Here, Team Aurora is NOT cute to these auditionees today. As I enter the practice room, I can hear Maya's sugary voice yelling, "One, two, one, two," as she leads the group of auditionees in vigorous jumping jacks.
We see Team Aurora quite happily do jumping jacks...but alas...the auditionees seem to be...TIRED?
Nooooo way....
Okay I'll stop there, but basically that's the idea. The girls who get through won't go onstage for a good half-year at least. They'll be trained and buffed up to our physical standards (minimum 7 on the beep test mwahaha) and then they'll be trained in the art of performance, which is what we do best! ;)
And so with that, the stages of the auditions were complete. Please wish the girls good luck and look forwards to the results!
Please support SERA00 and if you didn't make it try again but still support SERA00 :D
Let's go see Angel's group audition some girls!
"Hi Mikayla," Angel said.
"Good morning, Angel," she beamed.
"First off, congrats on getting so far!"
"Thanks, I worked really hard for this."
"So, if you couldn't break into the entertaintment industry, where would you steer your career?"
"Well, I think I would probably go into something like teaching, or a therapist. I want to work with people. I want to make people happy and I think working with them is the best way."
"I see...why do you want to be a singer?"
"It's the same reason as before. I want a profession that makes people happy and I think music is just the best thing in the world to do that! To be able to warm people's hearts just by seeing and hearing you, like you, I think is best gift ever."
A couple of girls later, we left Angel's group and went to our photoshoot studio, where they were capturing photos of the auditionees. As idols, the skill of posing for photos anytime must be perfected.
As Team Night was hosting the dance auditions, and Team Angel was hosting the interviews, Fracken and her Team Hope was hosting the auditionee's photoshoots.
The girls were all very excited as they got the chance to wear the members' costumes for the shoot. Fracken was standing on set, with about sixty or so girls huddled around. Fracken was decked out in the spring SERA00 uniform. We have four uniforms for each season, which we wear on TV and to interviews and then special uniforms for each song. Fracken is a Fab 4 member, so hers is slightly more dressy, and she has a couple of variations of the uniform, as the Fab 4 tend to be on TV more.
"Most of the time, you'll be instructed by the photographer on what poses to strike. In that case, the best you can do is listen closely and try to act natural. Remember, the photographer is a pro. What you think might not look good, might look good in his eyes," Fracken was saying. "So there's no harm in going along with it, as you have final say on which photographs can be published.
"Now, in the case the photographer just tells you to give them some poses, or they don't specify anything, or it's a quickie or a few spontaneous shots that they want, we give them the 'Idol Poses'."
Fracken demonstrated. "As you get used to it, it'll really be more of an instinctive thing."
She looked at the photographer present, who dutifully said his line, "Let's have some poses, Miss Fracken!" Fracken launched into a set of poses, moving very quickly. She would hold different versions of each pose, and each one for about a half-second. It was pretty awesome to see on of the Fab 4 doing an idol pose set; it came so natural to her. Although I can do that too by now, just saying...
"Would anyone like to try?"
No hands. Everyone who ever had confidence in their posing, has just been decimated by Fracken.
Elyse, an A rank in Team Hope, addressed the open-mouthed auditionees with a laugh. "Don't be too discouraged, girls! Fracken is a legit professional supermodel and fashion designer and all that!"
It's true, modeling is not just Fracken's "SERA00 Pastime"...although it would be cool to look into doing one on her, what do you guys think?
"Anyways, we're going to make it easy for you girls," Fracken smiled. "We're going to teach you the basic poses. So first, we have the classic V-shape with your index and middle finger. We always have the one girl who does it with the back of their hand facing towards the camera. Nooooo. Never. Palm out, kay?
"Next we have the finger. Just your index finger pointing out. The third basic pose is the hand, palm flat. And the last is the fist. Which should be obvious."
Fracken demonstrated as she spoke. V, finger, flat hand, fist.
"So then, put a couple of variations to each. For the V, you can do it with your right hand, your left, or both. Bring it close to your body, or far. Easiest variations are to move your head and body. Tilt left, right, bend down, turn around and look at the camera over your shoulder.
"For the finger, if you've seen our photo books, you should actually be familiar with all this. Finger on your cheek. Smile. Don't smile. Tilt your head the other way. Finger on your chin. Smile. Don't smile." Fracken was doing the poses as she narrated. I saw many of the auditionees start to nod their understanding and even try out the poses as Fracken introduced them. This was basically the Fracken before, but in slow motion.
"The palm can be placed on your chest, or cup them as if you're giving the viewer something. Put it above your head for the big-finish pose. Spread apart the fingers and place it right next to your face. Left hand. Right hand. Tilt. Turn. And the fist is basically the you-can-do-it pose. Right? Both or one fist pumped in front of you. Or above your head. Got it?"
Fracken stepped out of the photography area that had the backgrounds and invited the girls to try. "Hild each pose for only about half a second before moving on. Don't worry about the photographer, he will be able to shoot more than one photo per pose."
The first girl was very stiff. She stood straight like a stick and her movements were quite robotic, unlike Fracken's smooth transitions.
The next girl contrasted with the previous girl's performance greatly. "My name is Macey Fent," she bowed, as many of the members often did. Macey was quite comfortable in the spotlight. She effortlessly struck the basic poses, even adding in a couple of "shout" poses and winks and common poses in members' photobooks.
"Thank you, Macey," said Fracken. "Do you have any previous experience?" Apparently Fracken was thinking the same thing as the other members.
Macey nodded, and then shook her head, and then decided to explain. "My mom is a makeup artist for models so I often go see these things. And then the odd photographer who invites me onto the set."
I left after that, thinking that we needed to get a move on before this post doubles in size ^_^"
Lastly, the job of Team Aurora is the singing part! But actually, that's just a cover. The auditionees who passed through are already pretty good. So we don't need to be teaching them vocals just yet. So why are we having singing lessons? What Team Aurora is teaching is not how to sing...but how to keep the image of an idol as you sing. Can you dance and sing beautifully? Of course. It might be tiring, but yes. The question here is, can you dance...sing...smile...charm the audience...and look as if you belong on stage?
Well, I won't give away all our secrets or idols will be popping up everywhere! ;)
Just kidding.
Here, Team Aurora is NOT cute to these auditionees today. As I enter the practice room, I can hear Maya's sugary voice yelling, "One, two, one, two," as she leads the group of auditionees in vigorous jumping jacks.
We see Team Aurora quite happily do jumping jacks...but alas...the auditionees seem to be...TIRED?
Nooooo way....
Okay I'll stop there, but basically that's the idea. The girls who get through won't go onstage for a good half-year at least. They'll be trained and buffed up to our physical standards (minimum 7 on the beep test mwahaha) and then they'll be trained in the art of performance, which is what we do best! ;)
And so with that, the stages of the auditions were complete. Please wish the girls good luck and look forwards to the results!
Please support SERA00 and if you didn't make it try again but still support SERA00 :D
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
SERA00 Auditions: Part 1
Welcome welcome welcome SERA00 fans, to the awesome 2013 recruitee auditions! Here is my report on audition week!
This year over 50,000 girls applied to become SERA00's sixth generation. This year, only 8 applicants will make it through to become a 00 rank in this famous girl group! Out of the 50,000 online applications, sent in with self pictures and samples of their singing, the applicants have been narrowed down to 1000 girls.
Competition increases every year. Take 2013's 1:50 chance of passing to 2007's 1:10 chance.
Now begins the first round of live auditions. There will be 5 groups of SERA00 management and each will audition 200 girls over two days! Each applicant has three minutes to sing a song of their choice. These auditions will cut 50% of the applicants.
The remaining 500 participate in a mass dance audition. Only half will remain.
The fourth and final round of scrupulous auditions, judging panel including SERA00 members themselves, will consist of singing and dancing sessions, interviews and photoshoots. All these elements of idols will be used to judge the girls; only 8 will pass.
Let the auditions begin! Rome and I were wandering around the complex. There were no lessons as all our teachers were in the auditions, although the daily concerts were still operating. We were told that we could sit in on auditions. The auditions took place in five of our studios, leaving the stage open for members to practice, as usual.
We settled on Studio Aurora, which had the least SERA00 girls. The auditionees looked wide-eyed at us as we came in. They looked so nervous at the prospect of auditioning. The panel of five SERA00 staff sat at a table in front of a mic. I knew they were waiting for the Fab 4 to complete their rounds before beginning.
Every year, the Fab 4 and a couple of other girls went around to boost the auditionee's spirits with this cheesy little rap. The story went, Angel had made it up on the spot on the morning of Luraland's audition to calm her nerves. (Angel took no part in judging that audition to prevent bias).
Right on cue, Angel, Sassan, Luna, Fracken, Maya, River, and Rosie burst into the studio, surprising the auditionees with their shout, "We are the Angelites!" They marched into formation and started a dance routine. "Now ain't the time to worry 'bout your nails, now ain't the time to worry 'bout anything! Now ain't the time to let those butterflies hatch, now ain't the time to be anything but - confident! Whooooo!"
Instantly, the atmosphere was a lot lighter and many of the girls burst into laughter. The judging panel took advantage of the fact and called up the first girl. "Number 1."
A girl holding a number one card timidly approached the mic. "My name is Lisa Yaw, and I'll be singing 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift." She sang really softly, even with the mic on. This was a common trait among the rest of the girls who auditioned as well; they were all afraid to sing. And that was the main problem, wasn't it? To be in SERA00 meant you needed to sing as your job.
Two days later, the judges had decided which 500 to keep and which 500 to cut. We all gathered in the Grand Hall, the only room in the complex large enough to house the 1000 auditionees and SERA00 staff. The Grand Hall was usually used for rehearsal, and was especially useful for practicing stage formations before a big concert, as the SERA00 stage is tiny.
Maya, River, Cherry, and I were giving the wonderful task of sending 500 girls home crying. -___- Great. We appeared on the makeshift stage singing "Look up, look up, look up, I said look up, look up, look uh-uh-up..."
"Goooood morning everyone!" River shouted. "Good work these past two days. Unfortunately, we'll have to admit only half of you to the next round or the judges will be overrun," she joked, trying to keep the apprehensive atmosphere light. It wasn't working. River passed the mic to Cherry.
"We are going to split you into four groups," the B rank said, "Each of us will head a group. If we call your name, go to that group."
Each of the four of us held a list of names, and we took turns reading them. The girls were split of into four groups slowly.
"You all did great," Maya said in her sweet voice. "Just because you didn't make it in this time doesn't mean you don't have talent. It just means we aren't ready for you this time so don't lose confidence! You can always try again next year!"
River took over the mic for the breaking of the bad news. "My group, please stand." 250 girls rose from the mass of sitting girls. River wasted no time in making the girls wait. She gave them the news straight out. "Good try, but unfortunately you girls didn't make it." Many of the girls clutched each other in tears as they made their way out of the Hall to retrieve their belongings.
"My group," I said with my perfect poker face. "You're next." The other girls looked apprehensive as well. If my group was out, they were all in. "Girls, you are now...one step closer to 00 rank." They broke out in loud cheers and congratulated one another.
"And now," River said, "Either Maya or Cherry's group will have to leave." 750 faces stares back solemnly, some more anxious than others. "The group that is advancing is...Maya's group." Cheers were mixed with groans as another 250 girls left the hall.
"We have one thing left to tell you," Cherry said, "The judges were more impressed with the girls in Maya's group than in Evie's group. We're not talking about skills in singing. We're talking about something that is a foundation for SERA00. It may be that Maya's girls just did it without knowing, or that they noticed this fact. But whatever it is, find out soon. It'll make a big difference in your final audition."
"Congratulations everyone who made it," Maya smiled. "But you're not done yet! You have one hour before the mass dance audition, right here in this room!"
Rome and I were gonna go out, but Sassan had other ideas. "Auroras! We haven't practiced today yet! Let's go!" We're performing the song "It's Like This" from our 5th Stage at the Haven Hall Concert and Sassan's been really nit-picky lately. I think it's cuz Luna jokingly said that we were cuter than our skills. But we're supposed to be the cute team. "One and two and three...four and five and six ready one and two and three and it's like this la la la la la la it's like this..." Sassan signaled to stop the music. "Girls, can we change the choreography..." With a nod from the staff, the center of SERA00 forged on. "Can we do the elbow jab on 'like' instead of 'it's'? Music!" We got into position and tried out the altered move. "Fan out to the sides more, remember that Haven Hall Stage will be bigger.
At the mass dance audition, our choreographer was heading the audition. Eight members of Team Night were dancing at the front of the room, to a routine that I recognized but was not released with a song. The applicants were trying to copy the SERA00 girls. Team Night was often coined as the strong team, while Aurora was the cute team, Angel was the early team with the members in SERA00 the longest, and Hope was the future team, with many younger members.
Around three times into the routine, many of the applicants had gotten a hang of it. Now began the real test. The dance teachers strolled through the 500 girls and began tapping girls on the head and shoulder. I was just standing off to the side, given permission to watch in order to blog for you guys, so (the teacher) asked me to keep track of the number of girls she tapped. "Three hundred," I yelled at the mark.
(the teacher) stopped the music. "Those who are standing, go off to the right side. Those who received a tap on the shoulder, to the left side. Those who were tapped on the head, remain in the middle." The girls all went to their positions. (the teacher) addressed the girls in the middle. "I'm sorry, you didn't make it." Then she told the girls at the right side, "Congrats, you girls made it!" After the cheers subsided, she called the shoulder-tapped girls back on the floor and auditioned them again. Fifty were admitted to the advancing group, fifty were sent home.
~the next day~
(coming in the next installment, SERA00 Auditions: Part 2)
Good luck to all those auditioning. Please support SERA00!
This year over 50,000 girls applied to become SERA00's sixth generation. This year, only 8 applicants will make it through to become a 00 rank in this famous girl group! Out of the 50,000 online applications, sent in with self pictures and samples of their singing, the applicants have been narrowed down to 1000 girls.
Competition increases every year. Take 2013's 1:50 chance of passing to 2007's 1:10 chance.
Now begins the first round of live auditions. There will be 5 groups of SERA00 management and each will audition 200 girls over two days! Each applicant has three minutes to sing a song of their choice. These auditions will cut 50% of the applicants.
The remaining 500 participate in a mass dance audition. Only half will remain.
The fourth and final round of scrupulous auditions, judging panel including SERA00 members themselves, will consist of singing and dancing sessions, interviews and photoshoots. All these elements of idols will be used to judge the girls; only 8 will pass.
Let the auditions begin! Rome and I were wandering around the complex. There were no lessons as all our teachers were in the auditions, although the daily concerts were still operating. We were told that we could sit in on auditions. The auditions took place in five of our studios, leaving the stage open for members to practice, as usual.
We settled on Studio Aurora, which had the least SERA00 girls. The auditionees looked wide-eyed at us as we came in. They looked so nervous at the prospect of auditioning. The panel of five SERA00 staff sat at a table in front of a mic. I knew they were waiting for the Fab 4 to complete their rounds before beginning.
Every year, the Fab 4 and a couple of other girls went around to boost the auditionee's spirits with this cheesy little rap. The story went, Angel had made it up on the spot on the morning of Luraland's audition to calm her nerves. (Angel took no part in judging that audition to prevent bias).
Right on cue, Angel, Sassan, Luna, Fracken, Maya, River, and Rosie burst into the studio, surprising the auditionees with their shout, "We are the Angelites!" They marched into formation and started a dance routine. "Now ain't the time to worry 'bout your nails, now ain't the time to worry 'bout anything! Now ain't the time to let those butterflies hatch, now ain't the time to be anything but - confident! Whooooo!"
Instantly, the atmosphere was a lot lighter and many of the girls burst into laughter. The judging panel took advantage of the fact and called up the first girl. "Number 1."
A girl holding a number one card timidly approached the mic. "My name is Lisa Yaw, and I'll be singing 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift." She sang really softly, even with the mic on. This was a common trait among the rest of the girls who auditioned as well; they were all afraid to sing. And that was the main problem, wasn't it? To be in SERA00 meant you needed to sing as your job.
Two days later, the judges had decided which 500 to keep and which 500 to cut. We all gathered in the Grand Hall, the only room in the complex large enough to house the 1000 auditionees and SERA00 staff. The Grand Hall was usually used for rehearsal, and was especially useful for practicing stage formations before a big concert, as the SERA00 stage is tiny.
Maya, River, Cherry, and I were giving the wonderful task of sending 500 girls home crying. -___- Great. We appeared on the makeshift stage singing "Look up, look up, look up, I said look up, look up, look uh-uh-up..."
"Goooood morning everyone!" River shouted. "Good work these past two days. Unfortunately, we'll have to admit only half of you to the next round or the judges will be overrun," she joked, trying to keep the apprehensive atmosphere light. It wasn't working. River passed the mic to Cherry.
"We are going to split you into four groups," the B rank said, "Each of us will head a group. If we call your name, go to that group."
Each of the four of us held a list of names, and we took turns reading them. The girls were split of into four groups slowly.
"You all did great," Maya said in her sweet voice. "Just because you didn't make it in this time doesn't mean you don't have talent. It just means we aren't ready for you this time so don't lose confidence! You can always try again next year!"
River took over the mic for the breaking of the bad news. "My group, please stand." 250 girls rose from the mass of sitting girls. River wasted no time in making the girls wait. She gave them the news straight out. "Good try, but unfortunately you girls didn't make it." Many of the girls clutched each other in tears as they made their way out of the Hall to retrieve their belongings.
"My group," I said with my perfect poker face. "You're next." The other girls looked apprehensive as well. If my group was out, they were all in. "Girls, you are now...one step closer to 00 rank." They broke out in loud cheers and congratulated one another.
"And now," River said, "Either Maya or Cherry's group will have to leave." 750 faces stares back solemnly, some more anxious than others. "The group that is advancing is...Maya's group." Cheers were mixed with groans as another 250 girls left the hall.
"We have one thing left to tell you," Cherry said, "The judges were more impressed with the girls in Maya's group than in Evie's group. We're not talking about skills in singing. We're talking about something that is a foundation for SERA00. It may be that Maya's girls just did it without knowing, or that they noticed this fact. But whatever it is, find out soon. It'll make a big difference in your final audition."
"Congratulations everyone who made it," Maya smiled. "But you're not done yet! You have one hour before the mass dance audition, right here in this room!"
Rome and I were gonna go out, but Sassan had other ideas. "Auroras! We haven't practiced today yet! Let's go!" We're performing the song "It's Like This" from our 5th Stage at the Haven Hall Concert and Sassan's been really nit-picky lately. I think it's cuz Luna jokingly said that we were cuter than our skills. But we're supposed to be the cute team. "One and two and three...four and five and six ready one and two and three and it's like this la la la la la la it's like this..." Sassan signaled to stop the music. "Girls, can we change the choreography..." With a nod from the staff, the center of SERA00 forged on. "Can we do the elbow jab on 'like' instead of 'it's'? Music!" We got into position and tried out the altered move. "Fan out to the sides more, remember that Haven Hall Stage will be bigger.
At the mass dance audition, our choreographer was heading the audition. Eight members of Team Night were dancing at the front of the room, to a routine that I recognized but was not released with a song. The applicants were trying to copy the SERA00 girls. Team Night was often coined as the strong team, while Aurora was the cute team, Angel was the early team with the members in SERA00 the longest, and Hope was the future team, with many younger members.
Around three times into the routine, many of the applicants had gotten a hang of it. Now began the real test. The dance teachers strolled through the 500 girls and began tapping girls on the head and shoulder. I was just standing off to the side, given permission to watch in order to blog for you guys, so (the teacher) asked me to keep track of the number of girls she tapped. "Three hundred," I yelled at the mark.
(the teacher) stopped the music. "Those who are standing, go off to the right side. Those who received a tap on the shoulder, to the left side. Those who were tapped on the head, remain in the middle." The girls all went to their positions. (the teacher) addressed the girls in the middle. "I'm sorry, you didn't make it." Then she told the girls at the right side, "Congrats, you girls made it!" After the cheers subsided, she called the shoulder-tapped girls back on the floor and auditioned them again. Fifty were admitted to the advancing group, fifty were sent home.
~the next day~
(coming in the next installment, SERA00 Auditions: Part 2)
Good luck to all those auditioning. Please support SERA00!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Official SERA00 Announcement: 2013 Recruitment
~EDIT~ if some of you have noticed, our policies have changed. Please see "SERA00 Auditions" for accurate info!
As comes annually with SERA00's spring promotion season, we are now recruiting new members for SERA00! From tomorrow, February 27th, until March 15th, send in your applications and auditions.
If you are a girl between the ages of 12 and 20, and aspire to be a SERA00 member, here's your chance! Record yourself singing the chorus of any SERA00 song (8 lines minimum, 16 lines maximum). Send this in with your application form and two photos of yourself.
Those who pass will advance into the producers' round. In this round you will re-perform the same song live, with choreography. SERA00 staff will narrow it down to 400 girls.
From thereon, a few mass performances of a chosen song will eliminate a further half of the applicants.
The second last round will be judged by senior SERA00 staff, including Miss Avery, and will eliminate another half of the applicants.
The remaining 100 girls will get the chance to audition in front of an actual A rank SERA00 member.
The ultimate decision is made by the senior SERA00 members, who will be the successful applicants' teammates in the future.
Good luck to every girl in passing all five auditions! We will see you on the stage!
As comes annually with SERA00's spring promotion season, we are now recruiting new members for SERA00! From tomorrow, February 27th, until March 15th, send in your applications and auditions.
If you are a girl between the ages of 12 and 20, and aspire to be a SERA00 member, here's your chance! Record yourself singing the chorus of any SERA00 song (8 lines minimum, 16 lines maximum). Send this in with your application form and two photos of yourself.
Those who pass will advance into the producers' round. In this round you will re-perform the same song live, with choreography. SERA00 staff will narrow it down to 400 girls.
From thereon, a few mass performances of a chosen song will eliminate a further half of the applicants.
The second last round will be judged by senior SERA00 staff, including Miss Avery, and will eliminate another half of the applicants.
The remaining 100 girls will get the chance to audition in front of an actual A rank SERA00 member.
The ultimate decision is made by the senior SERA00 members, who will be the successful applicants' teammates in the future.
Good luck to every girl in passing all five auditions! We will see you on the stage!
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