SCHOOL NEWS
July2005
Everybody Loves Vincent!
Vincent Martella began his acting career in our Children’s Acting classes when he was only five years old. Lately he has been making quite a name for himself in the industry! Vincent recently appeared in Pamela Anderson’s hit TV show, “Stacked,” and will be seen in a supporting role in the feature film, “Deuce Bigalow, European Gigolo,” set to open next month. Vincent’s other credits include work for Nickelodeon, Disney’s new pilot “Can You Dig It,” and the upcoming feature film, “Bad News Bears,” starring Billy Bob Thornton. Vincent had even more exciting news for us when he told us he’d been cast in a starring role on Chris Rock’s new UPN series, “Everybody Hates Chris.” Chris Rock is the producer and narrator of the show, which is based on the Rock’s childhood in 1980’s Brooklyn. Vincent will be playing Chris’s boyhood friend, Greg. Be sure to check out “Everybody Hates Chris” on UPN’s new primetime lineup this fall! Congratulations, Vincent! We can’t wait to see what successes await you in the future! Good luck!
Introducing…
Jenn Wood!
Jenn has experience in many different areas of the entertainment industry. She is a graduate of Boston College (cum laude/Honors Program) with a minor in theater. Jenn not only has extensive knowledge in production, but she has also lots of experience being the talent! She has done theater performances for Theatre Downtown and the Zora Neale Hurston Festival, most recently performing Oedipus the King at The Central Florida Performing Arts. She has also done several commercials for clients including Volkswagen, Rooms To Go, Citgo and 7-11. Her television experience includes work for Nickelodeon, Disney and MGM Studios. In addition to this, she recently did some print work for Disney for the UK.
Jenn’s also no stranger to teaching! Some of her previous experience includes teaching acting techniques for theatre, film, television and commercials.
Welcome to the school, Jenn!
Words of Wisdom from
School President, Debbie Wisner
There is no such thing as great talent without great will-power.
-- Honore de Balzac (1799-1850), French Novelist
All the talent in the world can’t help you if you lack the will-power to put it to use. Be persistent in all that you do, even through the difficult times. Oftentimes sheer will-power can accomplish more than talent alone.
IMPROVISATION
8 Weeks
Class begins August 2nd!
Instructor: Al Hubbs
Don’t expect to be given the usual eight-week outline highlighting the subjects presented in each week. This is a class in improvisation and for the duration of the classes that is what you will be doing: improvising.
Be prepared for anything.
You will be working on the following:
One Minute Speeches
Character Conflicts
One and two person improvisation that use:
Contrasting objectives
Obstacles
Physical positions
Pantomime
Dialogue lines
Props
Guessing games
Creating emotional characters
Improvisational monologues
Creating an using emotional and umbrella arcs
And more
Debby’s Points of Interest
- Check out our back to school fashion shows on Saturday July 23rd at Seminole Towne Center 2pm and Saturday July 30th at the Mall at Millenia 1pm and 4pm.
- Be sure to take a look at our new line of Lisa Maile School merchandise!
- Need a make up artist for when you shoot your headshots? Call our School Cosmetologist, Lisa Armstrong, at 407-894-9989.
- Interested in our advanced programs? Call the school and ask for Loretta Rispoli, or email Loretta at lorettar@lisamaile.com to get the new dates!
Hollywood Update from Art
School co-founder Art D'Alessandro's had a busy year living in Hollywood and being involved in just about every aspect of the production of the indie thriller, “Zzyzx.” Art not only wrote the screenplay, he also co-produced the film, helped cast it, acted as SAG liaison, built sets, was script supervisor, doubled for the lead in pickup shots in the Mojave Desert, worked closely with the editor and sound designer, and arranged the film's first screening in Beverly Hills in late May. “I loved every minute of it and want to do it again ASAP,” says Art, who drove back to Florida the first week of June, though readily admitting, “It's tough being bi-coastal, living alone in a 400 square foot apartment, when I have a beautiful home and wife back here. Lisa's been amazingly supportive. I'd have pulled all my hair out by now without her.”
Directed by former Orlandoan Richard Halpern, “Zzyzx” takes a very dark look at what happens when greed, manipulation and rage mix in the blazing heat of the desert. The film, which stars Kenny Johnson of “The Shield,” “The Life Aquatic’s” Robyn Cohen, and Ryan Fox, is now in the final stages of sound design and music composition and will soon be submitted to select film festivals. Acquisition representatives from Fox Searchlight, Lion's Gate and Focus Features have already expressed interest in getting a first look. “We could hit a grand slam or strike out on three pitches,” Art admits. “The only thing that’s predictable about the film business is that it’s unpredictable. You go with your gut feeling and hope it’s not just indigestion.”
Art also has a project set to film in Iowa this summer with a cast that includes Sean Astin, Sam Elliott, Katharine Ross, Larry Miller, Josie Maran and Tyler Hoechlin. This one’s an All-American baseball picture based on a true story. “If people ever saw these two films back to back, they'd swear I was schizophrenic,” says Art, who's penned thirty screenplays. “No way The Final Season and Zzyzx were written by the same person... but they were.” “The Final Season” will be directed by David Mickey Evans, who also directed "“The Sandlot” and “First Kid,” among others.
If you’d like to check out a trailer for “Zzyzx” go to www.zzmovie.com, but Art cautioned that this film (and trailer) will earn a definite “R” rating. Art warns, “It’s not the type of movie you'll take the kids to see. Some people will find it difficult to watch, but it will definitely evoke a response. Of that, I’m certain.”
In The News
Lindsay Hames (pictured left) has been keeping busy since graduating from Lisa Maile! Lindsay, aka “Coco,” is the lead vocalist in the punk-rock group, The Ettes. The band has been receiving rave reviews for their performances in California. In his article Ettes’s Not Your Typical Girl Group, Stephan Martin writes, “It is a near impossible task to steal the show from the legendary Go Go’s, but the Ettes came as close to doing that as anyone possibly could. The Ettes put on a flawless performance combining a rock and punk sound that kept the audience in a state of energy, as they opened for the Go Go’s Tuesday night at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip…[Coco/Lindsay] clearly showed that she could sing any genre of song she wanted.”
For more information about The Ettes, you can visit their website: www.theettes.com. Way to go, Lindsay!
We received an update from grad Stephanie Blick’s mom just before they left to go overseas for the summer. She told us that Stephanie’s new single, “I’m Good,” is steadily climbing the German airplay charts - it was the highest climber two weeks in a row! Stephanie was featured for “Album of the Month” and “Newcomer of the Month” on two major radio stations. So far she has booked over 20 European summer shows where she will be singing live with her band. She was recently a featured guest on TV shows in Berlin and Dusseldorf, and gave live performances during both appearances. Stephanie’s album can be found in stores throughout Europe, and she’s hoping to release in the U.S. within the next year. Until then you can find her full album on I-tunes (listed as Stephanie D) and on her website: www.stephanie-d.com. Congrats!!
You may remember hearing about Gina Tuttle when she was selected to be the youngest ever “Voice of the Academy Awards.” Since then, Gina has been working as a narrator for the E! Network’s show, “It’s Good to Be.” Listen for her in the upcoming episode, “It’s Good to Be Donald Trump.” Gina also recently completed a student film entitled “Sugar Shack.” Keep up the great work, Gina!
Watch out for Acting Instructor Justin Smith in a new Fear Factor commercial for Universal Studios! Congrats on booking the job, Justin!
Professional Modeling Graduate, Marcia Hunter, called with some exciting news! She has been working on the Michael Mann feature film, “Miami Vice,” starring Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. She was originally scheduled to work for only two days, but Michael Mann personally asked her to stay longer! Way to go, Marcia! Marcia told us that working on the film has been the most awesome experience ever, and she’s the happiest person! “Miami Vice” is set to release in 2006. Congrats!!
Morgan Craven is just finishing up with her role in the Pied Piper Players’ production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Morgan has been playing Father Christmas’s Elf, and says she has really been enjoying it! In addition to her theater performances, she shot a Disney on Ice commercial for The Incredibles, and also did a print job for Aqua Leisure. Morgan recently had her very first audition for a SAG commercial. Best of luck, Morgan! Keep us posted!
A Word of Thanks…
We’d like to say a special thank you to Corally Rodriguez, Michele Schiaggo, Joan Kirchgessner, Alexandra Chance, Brooke Warren and Tiffany Felton for helping out as backstage dressers during this year’s Celebrity Stroll at the Ritz Carlton! The benefits from the show go to the Florida Hospital Foundation and the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.
Welcome!
AYANAH VEGAS
our newest front office assistant
Ayanah graduated from our Professional Modeling program, and since then has modeled for several different clients, including: Mall at Millenia, Cache, Rampage, Everything But Water and Max Studio. If her name sounds familiar, you might recognize it from WKMG’s Super Singer competition. Ayanah beat over 800 performers to win! She recently sang at the CH 2 Life styles expo and will perform at our Back to School Fashion Show at the Mall at Millenia on Saturday July 30th at 1pm and 4pm. Ayanah brings her beauty, talent and outgoing personality to the front desk. We’re excited to have her as part of the office staff! Welcome, Ayanah!
Anisha Holloway - Jim Walter Home Advertising Campaign
Carol King - American Family Insurance
Jenny Lyzinsk - Catalyst Advertising
Donna Morehouse - Epcot
Jean Wilkes - Coachman, City of Winter Park
Katie Wilkes – Coachman
Nicole Bach - Fashion Xperience
Jacob Connolly - All Children’s Hospital Telethon
Marcia Hunter - Fashion Xperience
Brittany McDaniels – Gave singing performances at the National Anthem for Page School Ceremonies, the Orlando Magic’s Dancer Finals, the Fashion Square Mall and 230th Birthday Celebration for the US Army
Jim McDonald - Sacino’s Tuxedo
Kimberly Thompson - Fashion Xperience
Joe Baggett - Innovative Home Theatre
Jacob Connolly - DRTV Animation, All Children’s Hospital Telethon
Micah Connolly - Santillana Publishing
Rachel Leps - Bright House
Jenny Lyzinski - Euro Pro
Jim McDonald - Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Donna Morehouse - Sam Seltzer Steakhouse, Martial Arts World
Evan Nave - Friendly’s Restaurant
Ivan Nugent - WDW’s Magic Kingdom
Jennifer Rosario - CTV24
Shannon Shelton - The Entertainment Book, South University
Debby Tapia - Innovative Home Theatre, WB Channel
Katie Wilkes - State Farm Insurance
Upcoming Seminars &
Class Start Dates
Image
Tuesday, August 2nd
Saturday, August 27th
Adult Acting
Thursday, August 4th
Teen Acting
Saturday, August 6th
Scene Study with Kevin O’Neill
Monday, August 1st
Improv with Al Hubbs
Tuesday, August 2nd
Children’s Acting
(4-6yrs)
Tuesday, August 2nd
Children’s Acting
(7-10yrs)
Saturday, August 13th
Advanced
Children’s Acting
(7-10yrs)
Saturday, August 27th
Children’s Modeling
Wednesday, August 17th
Professional Modeling
Tuesday, July 27th
Dave Fazekas
Seminar
Monday, August 29th
Breaking into
the Industry
Monday, August 22nd
We’re happy to announce that Dave Fazekas of the Orlando SAG office will be at the school on August 29th at 6:15pm to discuss the rules of SAG and to answer any questions you may have.
THIS SEMINAR IS OPEN TO TEEN ACTING,
ADULT ACTING and PROFESSIONAL MODELING GRADUATES ONLY!
Space is limited, so be sure to call the school at 407-628-5989 to reserve your seat!
The next session of Breaking into the Industry is Monday, August 22nd. It’s open to all Teen and Adult Acting grads and students, and the parents of students in 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 that will help you kick-start your career!
