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SCHOOL NEWS
February 2005
You’re Hired
If you saw the season premiere of “The Apprentice” on January 20th, then you got to see Lisa Maile graduate, Angie McKnight (formerly Angie Harper), in action for the “Street Smarts” team. Angie grew up in Central Florida and is a
Angie began her career by studying acting at The Lisa Maile School, and soon landed a national commercial for Howard Johnson’s and a role on Universal’s hit show, “The New Leave it to Beaver.” Several years ago, Angie moved to Los Angeles to continue her career. Following her relocation to Los Angeles, Angie began performing stand-up comedy at the LA Improv and Comedy Store.
Angie is responsible for opening the first Curves for Women health club in Los Angeles, and currently owns two locations. Her most impressive business achievement has been to turn a $40,000 investment into $1.5 million market value within three years.
Angie’s impressive credentials caught the eye of Donald Trump, who selected her to be on “The Apprentice.” Be sure to watch Angie on “The Apprentice,” which can be seen Thursday nights at 9pm on NBC. Good luck, Angie!
Lisa Maile graduate, Dean Napolitano, has also been hearing “you’re hired” these days. Dean moved to Los Angeles five years ago, and has been busy ever since! He frequently performs stand-up comedy at Bonkerz, and is a regular at the world famous Improv. Dean recently opened for Joan Rivers at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, and then opened for her again this past month.
Comedy’s not the only thing that’s been keeping Dean busy. He has completed five pilots, done two commercials for Chevy and one commercial for Ford. He was also cast as the villain in the PAX movie-of-the-week, “Ghost Dog,” which starred Jack Wagner (The Bold and the Beautiful, Melrose Place) and Shannen Doherty (Beverly Hills: 90210, Charmed).
Dean also told us that he filmed an independent film last year with fellow Lisa Maile graduate, Brendon Kleyla (who recently made his directorial debut with “The Road to Canyon Lake”). Dean was here in Orlando to ring in the New Year, performing stand-up at the Universal Studios comedy club! Keep up the great work, Dean!
In The News
Keep an eye open on for Lisa Maile graduate, Shawnda Thomas, in her new television commercial for Southwest Airlines. Shawnda is no stranger to the world of TV commercials. You might remember her from her recent commercial for Sears, where she informed her costar—a little too late–that the refrigerator was broken and the milk was bad.
Congratulations to 17-year-old Kaleigh Gleeson! On January 15th, the Lisa Maile graduate won the coveted title of “World’s Universal Beauty” in Houston, TX. For winning the competition, Kaleigh received a $2,000 college scholarship. Way to go, Kaleigh!
Ayanah Vegas has been very busy since she won the WKMG Channel 6 “Super Singer” show that aired last fall. The Lisa Maile graduate recently performed at the Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Candle Light Walk. Next month she’ll be competing in a talent competition on UPN called “Undiscovered Live.” The winner will receive a contract and a trip to the Caribbean! The show will feature all original music, so Ayanah will also be showcasing her song writing skills. Good luck, Ayanah!
Lisa Maile graduate, Sarah Meahl, knows that you never know where your next job will come from! After seeing Sarah perform in a dance recital, a producer contacted her and cast her in a video that was shown during the opening of the 2004 Siemens Medical Corporation convention. Sarah was one of three “motivated” people chosen to be showcased. The producer who cast her has already shared plans to use her in an upcoming project. Sarah has also been busy lately working on projects for the Disney Cruise Lines and Disney Vacation Club. In addition to all this, Sarah, along with fellow Acting grad Stephanie Rae, just wrapped a music video for The Spill Canvas’ dramatic song called, “The Tide.” Sarah explains that this job was one of her favorites because she learned so much from performing in such a dramatic role. Sarah portrays the teenage, angst-filled older sister in an unraveling family. We’re looking forward to the video release coming soon! Congratulations, Sarah!
Did you know The Lisa Maile Schools helps support several of the Miss Florida preliminary pageants? The school has donated over $25,000 in tuition to the pageant. We would like to wish all our students and graduates a successful competition! So far The
Words of Wisdom
from Debbie Wisner
Don’t be discouraged when you face adversity in life. Keep in mind that Dr. Seuss’s first book was rejected by 23 publishers, the Coca-Cola company only sold four hundred Cokes in its first year of business, and Henry Ford went bankrupt twice before hitting it big in the Auto Industry. Some of the most rewarding things in life take plenty of patience, perseverance and determination!
The Audition
We went to the audition, you and I
You got the part and I wonder why
You’re my friend and I like you a lot
But what do you have that I haven’t got
I’ve a good voice that’s close to perfection
And a face, not Barrymore, but in that direction
When I look in the mirror I like what I see
So I don’t understand why they didn’t pick me
I’m a good actor, they’ve said that before
My comedy style makes ‘em roll on the floor
There isn’t a play or a part I won’t try
Alternately making you laugh or cry
Handsome and well groomed, every hair in place
Directors have been known to commend my grace
So with all this talent and great ability
I’ll never understand why they didn’t pick me
- Al Hubbs,
School Acting Instructor
Summer Camps!
Image & Confidence Development
(11-16yrs/13 sessions)
**This program is Lifetime Enrollment, allowing students to
repeat any or all classes for free!
All sessions 9:30am-12:30pm
June 6th – June 24th
Weeks 1 & 2: Monday – Thursday
Week 3: Monday – Friday
July 11th – July 27th
Weeks 1 & 2: Monday – Friday
Week 3: Monday – Wednesday
Teen Acting TV & Commercial
(11-16yrs/12 sessions)
**Teen Acting camp includes a 4-hour parent seminar on
Breaking Into the Industry that covers SAG agents, headshots,
resumes, cover letters and jobs!
All sessions 1:30pm-4:30pm
June 6th – June 23rd
Weeks 1-3: Monday – Thursday
July 11th – July 26th
Weeks 1 & 2: Monday – Friday
Week 3: Monday & Tuesday
Children’s Modeling
(6-10yrs)
**Children’s Modeling camp includes a 4-hour parent
seminar on Breaking Into the Industry that covers SAG agents, headshots, resumes, cover letters and jobs!
June 6th - June 17th
Monday-Friday 10am-12pm or 1-3pm
(Sessions held at the Mall at Millenia)
June 20th - June 30th
Monday-Thursday 10am-12pm
(Sessions held at the Lisa Maile School)
Children’s TV & Commercial Acting
(7-10yrs/8 sessions)
**Children’s Acting camp includes a 4-hour parent seminar on
Breaking Into the Industry that covers SAG agents, headshots,
resumes, cover letters and jobs!
All sessions 9:30am-11:30am
June 20th – June 30th
Monday – Thursday
Call the school for more information.
Points of Interest
from Debby!
If you are interested in doing work as an extra, please send me your headshot and resume along with your email address! Frequently, we get calls asking for actors and models to be extras in different projects. It’s GREAT resume material!
Did you know in the Advanced Children’s Acting class for 7 to 11 year olds, all students come out with a demo tape showcasing various acting techniques and all students perform a commercial on the set of the WB? Call Debby Tapia for details!
Check out our summer camp dates! In the Children’s Modeling camp, students get to perform in our Back to School Fashion Shows at The Mall at Millenia or the
Professional Modeling Instructor (and Lisa Maile graduate), Nancy Foster, has been modeling and acting in Central Florida for over 20 years. She’s done everything from print ads and runway fashion shows, to commercials for Disney. Now she’s bringing her expertise into our classroom, helping our students prepare for the industry by sharing what she’s learned. She is currently a consultant and associate at the Nova Cosmetic Center, which specializes in skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, facials, microdermabrasion - and much more!
The Mall at Millenia began the year in style at the very first “First Friday” event of 2005. The fashions were modeled by several beautiful students and graduates from The Lisa Maile School. Great job, girls!
January 7, 2005 “First Friday” Models
Maria Alderman – Petite Sophisticates
Tarah Benzel – Everything But Water
Laura Brown – St. John
Kaitlyn Chana – Brighton Collectibles
Stephanie Ford – Casual Corner
Marlea Gwinn – Oilily
Isabelle Hadley – Kid Oilily
Kathryn Heisler – St. John
Becky Horst - Cache
Alina Pittman – Anthropologie
Katie Roof – Lillie Rubin
Nadine Sluder - Talbots
Tarea Williams - Rampage
Laura Brown – Orlando Magazine
Austin Buholtz – Harcourt
Jane Davis - Disney
Janean Davis – Orlando Sentinel
Shawntell Davis - Disney
Grisel Fuller – Orlando Magazine, Orlando Sentinel
Bradley Hardee – Disney
Chevy Harrington – Harcourt
Cree Ivey – Pinch a Penny
Jenny Lyzinski – Lakewood Ranch
Dynell Ma’aseia – Publix
Julia Rush – Pinch A Penny
Debby Tapia – Orlando Magazine
Jean Wilkes – Orlando Magazine
Maria Alderman – Petite Sophisticate
Tara Benzel – Everything But Water
Laura Brown – St. John
Austin Buholtz – “The Wizard of Oz”
Kaitlyn Chana – Brighton
Stephanie Ford – Casual Corner
Marlea Gwinn – Oilily
Isabelle Hadley – Kid Oilily
Kathryn Heisler – St. John
Becky Horst - Cache
Tiana LaBianco – “Sound of Music”
Brittany McDaniel – Oviedo Lifestyles Mag., UCF Women’s Basketball, Magic/Pistons
Jim McDonald – “Mikado”
Katarina Noel – Disney Christmas Parade
Alina Pittman – Anthropologie
Katie Roof – Lillie Rubin
Nadine Sluder - Talbots
Justin Smith – Home Builders Show
Rob Stuendel – Universal
Tarea William – Rampage
Luis Antonio – WKMG Channel 6
Carol Bailey – Disney
Kathryn Barnes – Samy’s Hair Care
Brooke Bellows – FL Concrete & Prod.
Payton Bragg - MGM
Laura Brown – WKMG Channel 6
Charlene Casara – “Dr. G, Medical Examiner”
Janean Davis – Stein Mart
Grisel Fuller – Stein Mart
Brooke Horn – “Little Men” Maxum Boats
Jordan Horn – “A Second Chance”
Cindy Laberinto – “Dr. G, Medical Examiner”
Nancy Lewis – Bright House
Jenny Lyzinski – “All My Children”
Dynell Ma’aseia - Publix
Jim McDonald – Bruster’s Ice Cream
Linda Mongovern – Samy’s Hair Care
Katarina Noel – Disney
Channing Robinson – WKMG Channel 6
Julia Rush – CVS Pharmacy
Nadine Sluder – Wizetrade, American Express
Justin Smith – “Six out of Seven”
Rob Stuendel – Bass ProShops, WKMG Channel 6, Vigo Holiday, Surplus Supplies, Lazydays RV, Travel Channel
Jim Sweeney – “Night Is Day: Dusk”
Larenz Tolson – Orlando Magic
Jean Wilkes – Osceola Regional
Upcoming Seminars &
Class Start Dates
Image
February 15th
March 5th
Adult Acting
February 24th
Teen Acting
February 26th
Children’s Acting
4 to 6 years
February 3rd
Children’s Acting
7 to 10 years
February 19th
Children’s Modeling
February 2nd
Professional Modeling
March 9th
Advanced Improv
TBA
Advanced Teen Monologue
February 14th
Improv
February 15th
Advanced Children’s
7 to 10 years
February 12th
John Peros: Casting Director
February 7th
Breaking into the Industry
March 10th
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JOHN PEROS CASTING has cast hundreds of commercials, as well as industrials, films, music videos, print campaigns, and episodic television. His clients include Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
John Peros will be at the school on:
Monday, February 7th at 6:45pm
He will be putting talent on video for future castings. Remember to bring your headshot and resume!
Please call 407-628-5989 to reserve a seat!
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HEATHER HEINZ, from Heinz Productions will be at the school for this month’s seminar. Heinz Productions has cast for Bright House, Sony, Microsoft, Wendy’s, Universal Studios and Disney—just to name a few!
Heather will be at the school on: Monday, February 28th at 6:15pm
Remember to bring your headshot and resume!
Please call 407-628-5989 to reserve a seat!
The next open session with Lisa is Thursday, March 10th for all teen or adult acting grads and students and parents of our Children's programs. Reserve your space by emailing frontdesk@lisamaile.com or calling the front desk at 407-628-5989. Be ready for a full 4 hours of info to kick-start your career—bring a pillow!