SCHOOL NEWS

January 2005

 

Making Waves

 

Acting grad Chase Stafford is making waves by keepin’ it “reel,” hosting the locally filmed, nationally syndicated television show, “Get Reel.”  The entertainment program, geared for kids, reviews music, TV shows, movies, theme parks and cool trends.  To host the show, Chase travels to different locations around town like Hard Rock, Hard Rock Vault, Fun Spot.  In addition to hosting “Get Reel,” Chase has been very busy lately!  He’s recently done a SAG commercial for Busch Gardens, a commercial for Dick’s Sporting Goods, print work for a national magazine called American Plastics, and has shot two pilots, “All About the Benjamin’s” and “The Edge.”  Chase has also been involved in theater work, acting in Julius Caesar and preparing to direct his first play called Private Lives.  Speaking of theater, Chase’s sister, acting grad Sadie Stafford, just appeared in Children of Eden and Jesus Christ Superstar!  Chase is an 18-year-old Senior at Trinity Prep and plans to attend Northwestern University, majoring in Theater and Communications.  Some people might not enjoy keeping up with such a busy schedule, but Chase says he loves balancing school, soccer, theater, filming his show, and making time for his girlfriend.  He also wants everyone to know that what began as just a hobby has given him the chance to make great money doing something he enjoys.  Way to go, Chase!

 

Another graduate making waves is Mickey Buckingham. This multi-talented graduate has spent eight years working in the industry.  In addition to acting, Mickey sings in a band called Tune 24 and plays steel drums in another band called Pan-A-Manics.  Mickey’s mom, Louisa, phoned us with the good news that Mickey has his entire four years of college education paid for!  Mickey recently completed a commercial for Cheetos, a commercial and print work for RCI, a SAG commercial for Tropical Grill, and he has a billboard for the Town of Viera that will be visible from 192!  His biggest news, however, is that he has a pilot coming out for a show called Deziner Kids – a show very similar to Trading Spaces, but for kids!  Mickey and another Acting and Advanced Acting grad, Bruce Timmons, worked on the 30-minute show “Building a Fantasy Room for Kids in Just 3 to 5 Days!”  Mickey is the host of the show, and Bruce, a real professional in the construction field, is the builder. The show will be pitched to several stations including Oxygen and Lifetime.  Bruce told us, “This shows how possible it is in Central Florida to create and make opportunities for local actors in the industry.”  If the show is picked up, they plan to keep it local and shoot here in Florida!  Keep up the great work, Mickey!

 

In The News

 

Acting grad Spencer Locke’s mom gave us the update that Spencer’s “Without a Trace” episode will be re-airing this Thursday night at 10pm on CBS!  You can also see Spencer in the new feature film, Spanglish, starring Adam Sandler and Tea Leoni.  Spencer plays one of the students at a “study group” sleepover.  Keep up the great work!

 

Children’s grad Tiana LaBianco has been very busy lately!  Tiana recently booked a commercial for Oak Hills that included print brochures, billboards, and even mouse pads!  In addition to this, Tiana was featured on WESH News Channel 2’s Share Your Christmas segment. Tiana has also had numerous singing engagements, including performing at the Gaylord Palms in their Ice Show Christmas Special, and in The Skye’s the Limit Performing Arts Studio’s “Fall Showcase” (in which she performed a duet with fellow Lisa Maile grad, Jon-Austin Singer).  Way to go!

 

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Chana!  This Lisa Maile grad was the Florida Spokesmodel National Finalist at the American Miss Pre-Teen National Pageant in Anaheim, CA.  She received  a crown, banner and trophy for becoming a National Ambassador for the National American Miss, and received additional trophies for the Spirit of America Award, Scrap-booking, Advertising, and Hollywood Trivia.  She also received pins for Spokesmodel, Casual Wear Modeling, Photogenic, and Actress.  Way to go, Kaitlyn!

 

Brittany McDaniel supported our local UCF Knights in December by performing not only during the women’s basketball team’s halftime show, but also as an emergency replacement to do the National Anthem – she was only given three minutes notice!  Later, Brittany performed the anthem for UCF’s men’s basketball team (partially seen on Channel 13 News).  Brittany sang two solos during the pre-game show for the Orlando Magic/NY Knicks game, and then danced during half-time as an Allstar Junior Magic Dancer (shown in part on the Sunshine Network Pre-Game Show with Paul Kennedy).  Brittany did such a great job, she’ll be going back to sing the National Anthem for both the UCF Women’s Basketball team and the Orlando Magic in January!  To add icing to the cake, Brittany won the Florida state title again for the Junior Female Vocalist of the Year for the Florida Country Music Association.  Yeah!

 

Great news from our Children’s Acting and Advanced Acting instructor (and an Acting grad, himself), Justin Smith!  In addition to being the WB Guy, he recently completed a shoot for Rooms To Go and he was selected as a stunt double in an infomercial for MHR Medical Hair Restoration Hair Band.

 

 

Former Miss America (and Lisa Maile grad!), Tara Holland (now Tara Christensen– shown left), is still keeping busy!  In early December she spoke on “Literacy in America” at the West Palm Beach Public Library.  For many years, Tara has been an advocate for literacy for people of all ages and backgrounds.  During her year as Miss America in 1997, Tara helped motivate people and raise funds for literacy.  Great work, Tara!

 

 

The Maio family has certainly been busy this holiday season!  In early December, Johnny, Brenna and Alyssa all performed in the Tampa Children’s Theatre presentation of “Charlotte’s Web.”   In mid-December, all three were in a commercial for Wannado City in Ft. Lauderdale.  Following an audition in Miami, Johnny Maio was booked for a Capt. Findus Fish Sticks commercial.  The commercial was to be shot over a three day period aboard the schooner “America” in Key West.  Johnny played the lead boy on the Courage team.  The weather was so cold and rainy that the shoot took ten days!  Johnny had to steer the schooner, then jump off the deck into 65 degree ocean water, wearing only a swimsuit!  His mother, Linda, said, “He did everything he was supposed to do, but ended up with strep throat.”  She said he’s fine now and had quite an adventure!

 

 

Orlando Magic choreographer (and Lisa Maile grad!), Jeanine Klem-Thomas, spent time overseas last month with the rest of the Magic Dancers.  They performed an hour long show with singing and tap-dancing for our troops stationed in the Middle East as a part of the Armed Forces Entertainment program.  Their tour took them through Bosnia and Kosovo. 

 

 

Congrats to Children’s Acting graduates Anna Brewer, Evan Nave and Alexander Miranda for booking a Disney Brochure!

 

 

Don’t forget to watch grad Erica Rivera on the Disney Channel’s hit show, “That’s So Raven” starring Raven-Symone!   Erica was cast in the recurring role of “Bianca.”  Her first episode, called “Getting’ Out of Dodge” will air on March 11th.  Congratulations, Erica!! 

 

We received a very special note from Image and Acting graduate, Jennifer Woodward (now Jennifer Mincey). She feels her Image and Acting classes at our school have helped her in many areas of her life!  She is a professional, respected member of the Coast Guard, who continues to strive for perfection. Jennifer told us, “The Image Development class I took 13 years ago is still helping me today, as I remember all of the make up tips and most importantly the interviewing tips. Thank you!”  Thank you, Jennifer, for being a part of our school!  We love to hear success stories!

 

                                               

Advanced Acting grad, David Shane, has been very busy lately!  When he came by the school for an audition with casting director John Peros, David let us know that he booked an infomercial for The Ultimate Ladder, a commercial for Brighthouse, and several Full Sail Production films.  He’s also hoping to book a Nationwide Financial commercial– keep us posted!

 

 

The cool weather didn’t stop the Lisa Maile graduates from strutting their stuff at the Mall at Millenia’s First Friday Event on December 3rd! All of the models had complimentary makeovers done by MAC Cosmetics.

 

December 3, 2004 “First Friday” Models

Laura Brown - Talbot’s

Grisel Fuller - Cache

Lori Klapperick - St. John

Sarah Pope - Rampage

Shannon Bonsmann - Brighton

Norma Taylor - Lillie Rubin

Kaitlyn Chana - Arden

Kathryn Heisler - Anthropologie

Pamela Ibanez - Oilily

Summer Plesko - Kid Oilily

Carly Thurman - Petite Sophisticate

Stephanie Ford - Casual Corner

Amanda Strickland - Alviero Martini

Zak Gronert – Sisley

 

 

 

Lisa Maile School presents…

An acting workshop intensive WITH

LESLIE WINDRAM

 

“Leslie excels in providing focus, organization, and creativity to life. She is invaluable.”

- Jack Bender: Director/Executive Producer (“LOST”, Alias, The Sopranos)

 

 

January 19, 20, 21 ~ 2005

 

 

Intensive workshop for young actors focuses on the basics in the craft of acting and on personal creativity and skills. Students are encouraged to challenge personal comfort zones and address acting issues. Work will include speech, movement, audition techniques and scene study. Commercial and Theatrical aspects of the business will be addressed. Learn how to live truthfully in imaginary circumstances, exercise your imagination and strengthen your creative instrument. You are invited to take part in the adventure.

 

Leslie Windram moved to New York after being “discovered” in Central Florida by Ron Howard during the filming of his movie “Parenthood.”  Once in New York, Leslie worked as an assistant to Tony Award winner Martin Charnin.  Leslie’s TV acting credits include: “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Judging Amy” and “General Hospital.”  She has appeared in a number of theater productions in Los Angeles, including the 20^th Anniversary Production of “Vanities,” which received an LA Weekly “pick of the week.”  Leslie not only starred in the show, but also the produced it.  Leslie’s film credits include: “Deserter, Nice Guy, Happy Birthday, Billy Gale” (Sundance Film Festival) & “Love, Life and Laundry” (Nashville Film Festival). Leslie has also done numerous National commercials, including: Pontiac “Pass It Along”, Sears, Coors Light, Science Diet, RC Cola, Rack Room Shoes, Amoco Oil, Outback Steakhouse and many more.

 

Leslie has taught acting for kids at ESI Kidz in Los Angeles for four years. You can see many of her students every day appearing in television, commercial and film. She currently handles development of new projects for Jack Bender while he serves as Executive Producer/Director on the new ABC show “LOST”.

 

Leslie will be at the school on January 12^th for a Q & A about her workshop.

Please call or email the school for more information!

 

 

Points of Interest from Debby!

 

Happy 2005!  Be sure to check my column each month for new, exciting points of interest about the school!

·          We offer private coaching in a variety of areas — call now to enquire!

·          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!

·         We offer FREE services in assistance in selecting headshots/comp cards, creating your resume and career advice. Call for an appointment!

 

Makeup Tips

By Lisa Armstrong

Happy New Year!  Here are some makeup tips to keep you looking your best in 2005!

• Always use a brush with your Loose and Pressed powder.  Replace the “puff” that comes with pressed powder and keep a fresh cotton ball in it instead.  The puff can become so easily saturated with oil and bacteria and can irritate the skin and clog the pores.  Using a brush or the fresh cotton ball is much more hygienic.
• Never pump your mascara as this causes the mascara to dry out more quickly.  The shelf life is about 3 months.  Instead, simply pull your wand straight out of the tube and twirl off the excess on the rim of the tube.
• For best results when applying mascara: Always use a lash curler first to extend your lashes, thus opening up and giving a larger up lifted eye.   Then, apply mascara starting at the base of the upper lash and the slightly wiggling your wand back and forth along the lash then up to the lash tip.  
• To make lower lashes look fuller, concentrate more mascara at the base than at the tip.
• Try new mascara color combinations:  black on top, brown on the bottom.  Black-Brown on the top, brown on the bottom.  Experiment with fun shades such as Navy, Plum and Smokey greens.
• Make your own tinted moisturizer by mixing a drop or two of your foundation with your daytime moisturizer.
• To keep your eyebrows properly groomed keep up with tweezing your strays, brush your brows into place with a brow brush or even an old tooth brush, trim extra long brows with brow scissors, and lastly apply brow gel or wax to keep them laying neat and flat.
• If you need to fill in your brows, use a pencil or powder brow color in a shade closest to your brow hairs and the color of your hair.  Always brush the color after so the line will not look harsh and overly lined.
• To keep lipstick off your teeth, try this trick:  Place your index finger in your mouth and gently press lips around your finger, pull your finger out and you’ll see the excess lipstick that was on the inside of your lips now on your finger instead on your pearly whites!
• When applying eyeliner, never close up your upper and lower line, this makes your eyes look smaller.
• Also remember, if you have deep set eyes, your eyeliner must be applied very thin and really close to the lash line.  Too thick and your eyes just look more deep set.
• Another word about eye-lining, on the upper lid stop just short of the last few lashes and try to blend the liner up.  Never down, as it will cast a downward look to your eyes.
• To create perfectly shaped lips when using a lip pencil start at the corner of the upper lip and trace up using a few strokes at a time.  Don’t try to line in one continuous motion, it’s just too hard. 
• To make lips appear fuller trace along the outside of the natural lip line.
• To make lips appear smaller, trace along the inside of the lip line
• To make lips more even and balanced, extend or decrease the natural lip line.

 

The Lisa Maile School now offers a full line of cosmetics! 

Call Lisa Armstrong at 407-894-9989 for more information, or to set up a private consultation.

 

 

Accentuate the Positive

By Pat Clay

            As actors, it's our duty to expand our opportunities in every way possible. Because this is such a competitive business and because we live in a small market, it's up to us to give ourselves all the chances we can.  So please, take a moment and ask your self a few questions.

 

• Do I have trouble making myself understood?
• Have people told me I have an accent?
• Do I have a lazy way of speaking or do I slide my words and drop my endings?
• Do you have a foreign or regional accent?
• Is it getting in the way of your speaking/performance skills?

 

            If you answered yes to any of those, do we have a solution for you! 

 

            Meet Jacqueline "Jackie" Levine.  Our newest addition to the acting school staff, Jackie is a licensed speech pathologist and a certified Compton Pronouncing English as a Second Language instructor.  As a graduate of our basic acting program and current Improv student, Jackie readily acknowledged the need for actors to be "accent free" when necessary in order to open up their options.  After all, how can an actor expect to book a job as a Minnesota farmer with a southern accent, or the girl next door when the accent is strongly Spanish or Russian?

            This program involves a one hour personal analysis of your spoken English.  You will be asked to pronounce words, make short sentences, read a small passage and chat with Jackie.  Based upon this language sample, your trouble sounds will be pinpointed as well as any issues of speech rhythm, speed or intonation. 

            Each hour-long private session after this targets your personal trouble spots, using various practice materials and techniques. Reducing your accent can benefit everyone.  People will understand you more easily.  Your self-confidence, credibility and employability will increase. You will be able to work more efficiently and productively.  You will feel more at home in your environment. Jackie will be starting out this month by giving private sessions.  All who are interested please call the office and ask to speak to Debby Tapia.  She will set up an appointment time for you. We are so excited about having Jackie on staff and hope this proves to be a winning area of study for all our students.

 

Hope this New Year is a BOOKING YEAR for all of us!

 

 

 

 

Carol Bailey – Harcourt

Stephen Bailey – Harcourt

Lauren Dorman – Harcourt

Thomas Hodkoski – Royal Pacific Resort & Hotel

Tiana LaBianco – Harcourt

Cameron Magruder – Disney’s Youth Educational Series

Brianna Potter - Harcourt

Raishawn Williams – Harcourt

 

 

Shannon Bonsmann - Brighton

Laura Brown – Talbots

Kaitlyn Chana – Arden B

Stephanie Ford – Casual Corner

Grisel Fuller – Cache

Zak Gronert - Sisley

Kathryn Heisler – Anthropologie

Pamela Ibanez - Oilily

Lori Klapperick – St. John

Alyssa Maio – “Charlotte’s Web”

Brenna Maio – “Charlotte’s Web”

Johnny Maio – “Charlotte’s Web”

Brittney McDaniel – UCF, Orlando Magic, FL Country Music Association

Cameron Magruder – “Inspecting Carol”

Summer Plesko – Kid Oilily

Sarah Pope – Rampage

Amanda Strickland – Alviero Martini

Norma Taylor – Lillie Rubin

Carly Thurman – Petite Sophisticate

 

 

Hope Alley – Dinki Dock Park, Johnson’s Water Sports

Carol Bailey – Vibra Slim

Brooke Bellows – Johnson’s Water Sports

John Dahl – Brims Sunglasses

Rachel Hodkoski – Bruster’s Ice Cream

Thomas Hodkoski – Discovery Channel, Bruster’s Ice Cream

Shannon Houck – Salvatores Restaurant

Hortense Knowles – Wyndham Palms Resort & Country Club

Tiana LaBianco – Oak Hills Hospital, WESH Ch. 2

Cameron Magruder – Brighthouse

Alyssa Maio – Wannado City

Brenna Maio – Wannado City

Johnny Maio – Wannado City, Capt. Findus Fish Sticks

Brittney McDaniel – UCF-Ch. 13, Orlando Magic-Sunshine Network

Christy Sweet – HB Productions Wizetrade

Kimberly Thompson – “Dark Awakening”, “Rory”, American Express, Bruster’s Ice Cream

 

Upcoming Seminars &

Class Start Dates

 

Image

January 13th

January 15th

February 8th

February 19th

 

Adult Acting

January 26th

 

Teen Acting

January 8th

 

Children’s Acting

7 to 10 years

January 8th

 

Children’s Acting

4 to 6 years

January 27th

 

Children’s Modeling

January 19th

 

Professional Modeling

February 16th

 

Advanced Improv

January 13th

 

Advanced Teen Monologue

February 14th

 

Improv

February 15th

 

Advanced Children’s

7 to 10 years

February 12th

 

January Seminar

Casting Director,

John Peros

January 19th

 

Leslie Windram Q & A

January 12th

 

Leslie Windram Workshop

January 19, 20, 21

 

 

January Seminar

JOHN PEROS has been a part of the Central Florida production community since 1989.  John Peros Casting (located on the backlot of Universal Studios), 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:

Wednesday, January 19th at 6:15pm

 

***

LESLIE WINDRAM will be holding a Q & A session for our teen acting graduates, and the parents of our children and teen acting grads, about her upcoming workshop.

 

Leslie Windram will be at the school for her Q & A on:

Wednesday, January 12th at 6:15pm

 

***

Breaking Into the Industry

The next open session with Lisa is Monday, January 31st 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!