Auditions uncover talented youngsters
Former area resident, now a talent agent, works with children
BY NICOLE M. ANLLO Staff Writer
The results of a local talent search have enabled three children to launch their acting careers. With recent successes, the youngsters' paths into the world of show business seems promising.

Pamela Roth

A former Manalapan resident who now works in the talent industry discovered each child. Pamela Roth, an agent with Don Buchwald and Associates, New York, came home for a casting call last July.

Roth hosted open auditions at a hotel in Freehold Township and about 200 people between the ages of 4 and 20 came out for the event. She said she was surprised by the significant size of the turnout.

"We were looking for the 'X-factor,' " Roth said. "It sounds a bit like 'American Idol,' but we know a star when we see one. I was looking for a personable, happy, well-rounded, smart child who could feel comfortable in front of three strangers."

From the many performers Roth saw, she identified the "X-factor" in three children with whom she is now working: Gregory Ippolito, 12, of Freehold Township, Sophie Belkin, 5, of Branchburg, and Holden Silverberg, 5, of Marlboro.

Gregory Ippolito

Gregory, who is a seventh-grader at the Barkalow Middle School, impressed Roth.

"His personality, sense of humor and natural instincts are absolutely mindblowing. When he came in for his callback to my office, I had him read from a movie script and just couldn't help smiling. He just has a natural-born gift," she said.

Gregory recently played a role on an episode of "30 Rock," an NBC-TV comedy staring Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan.

According to Roth, "Tina Fey is a big fan of his."

Gregory said the appearance on "30 Rock" was his favorite job so far because his role involved "walking around with a bunch of babes in bikinis."

Gregory has also done a radio spot for Tyson Chicken and booked a national network campaign for Capri Sun. His voice will be used as the announcer in the advertisements.

Gregory's father, Joe, said he is extremely impressed and proud of his son. When Gregory entered the Barkalow Middle School, he joined teacher Richard Barlaam's drama club.

Holden Silverberg

"We were so proud of him just getting up in front of people on stage. That's such an important skill to have in life," said Joe.

Last July he learned about Roth's auditions and told his son to give it a try. Soon many opportunities followed. Joe admits that you have to be prepared to get significantly more no's when you audition, but said he is glad that his son never gets discouraged.

Gregory said it is a big commitment, but added, "I'm doing what I've always wanted to do. I'm going to stick with it for a while."

Sophie is the granddaughter of Freehold Township residents Larry and Shelly Belkin.

Talking about Sophie, Roth recalled, "The moment I saw her I knew she had the look for a big commercial kid. Her bright eyes and darling smile are contagious, and everyone who meets her is charmed by her personality. She is able, at 5 years old, to sit in a room and talk about her school, her day, and all with a smile."

Sophie is currently working on a Nickelodeon pilot called "Storyforia." She was one of a few children chosen to be a "townsfolk" in the show that is still in contention to go on to air. One of her recent auditions was for a pilot Showtime series starring Edie Falco.

Sophie Belkin

Sophie's mother, Elyse, is careful about not pushing her daughter. She said, "I always ask her if she wants to go to an audition. I check to make sure she's having fun. She really does like it."

Sophie manages to balance the auditions that Roth sets up with her schoolwork and continues to excel in both areas, according to her mother.

Holden also booked a spot on the pilot for "Storyforia." On his first audition, this young Marlboro resident received a callback for a network cereal commercial.

"I was pleasantly surprised," said Roth. "It usually takes weeks, months, for kids to even start getting callbacks."

Although Holden is just getting his feet wet in the business he already loves it, according to his mother, Amy. She said Holden never gets nervous about his auditions.

"He's a character, a real ham," Silverberg said.

Silverberg said she was a little apprehensive at first about putting her son in show business. Although she was a child actor herself, she realizes the pressures the business can put on children.

But she said Holden has a great attitude. When his mother informed him that he did not get a particular part, he consoled her by saying, "Don't worry, Mommy, there will be other interviews!"

Silverberg thanked Roth for being a reputable agent and channeling her excitement into great work.

Roth said she has a lot of faith in the three youngsters.

"My hopes for Greg, Sophie and Holden are that they continue to have fun every time. I hope they understand how well they are doing in such a short amount of time, and that I am extremely proud of them," she said.