Another reality comp

[Henoa]

Andrew really needs to get over this reality comps for finding talent.
http://www.wizardofozthemusical.com/about/musical-numbers/

[dramamama611]

Why? If they are finding an audience, what's the big deal? We can thank the same process for putting Laura Osnes on the map.

I'd watch it here -- and I don't watch American Idol, or the Voice. Why not? Because pop music doesn't interest me.

[Henoa]

I am not against reality comps, but hate it when its for theatre and when idol winners think they can act. Laura got Grease because of this but got a career through hard work.

[ggersten]

Samantha Barks did not win I'd Do Anything, but was a high finisher.
But then reality gave us Bailey Hanks (and Emma Zaks)
These shows are just another opportunity to be seen -

[dramamama611]

So what's the difference?..not all winners of AI are going to actually have a long term career -- but those that are really talented do. Who cares if they get their big break from a reality show. It doesn't mean they haven't worked hard, it just means they found a way to be seen.

[Kelly2]

I'm always surprised actors agree to do this purely because the contracts you have to sign to appear on one (or at least those for the Grease and Legally Blonde reality shows) are completely insane. Many Equity actors were approached to appear on these shows and refused when they saw how much control the networks could exert over their lives and careers for years after the show.

I guess if you have no credits and nothing to lose, then it doesn't matter, but it has the potential to close a lot of doors.

[Henoa]

I agree that you can get some talent from this method and understand you need some exposure for a show. But why not get them a cd and put them in tv shows like soaps etc.

[AEA AGMA SM]

"But then reality gave us Bailey Hanks (and Emma Zaks)"

No, Jerry Zaks gave us Emma Zaks.

[broadwaydevil]

Laura got Grease because of this but got a career through hard work.
Fair point but it's pretty unlikely no matter how hard she worked she'd be on Broadway without the show.

[SamIAm2]

I'd say that Laura Osnes got her entree to Broadway via Grease but got a career out of a combination of genuine talent, hard work and a generous personality that attracted people in the industry to want to work with her. Who's to say whether, without the reality show, she would have gotten another break to bring her to B'way or how long it would have taken her to get there. My sense is that things happen for a reason and that Laura, the industry and audiences have all benefited from Laura's reality show win.