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SCHOOL NEWS

April 2006

Diving into Success!

Just a short time ago, Arielle Kebbel left her hometown of Winter Park to pursue an acting career on the west coast. Since then, the twenty-one year old actress has landed several major roles both on TV and in film. Her first big break came when she was cast in the reoccurring role of “Lindsay” on the WB hit show, Gilmore Girls.

Following Gilmore Girls, Arielle landed roles in both Soul Plane (starring Tom Arnold and Snoop Dogg) and Be Cool (starring John Travolta). Arielle’s most recent big screen credit is playing “Cecilia” in the feature film, Aquamarine, which was released on March 3^rd. Arielle also has several upcoming projects, including The Grudge II, Outlaw Trail and John Tucker Must Die (starring R&B vocalist, Ashanti), so keep your eyes open for her in theaters! Congratulations on all your great successes, Arielle!

Words of Wisdom from

School President, Debbie Wisner

Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.

In The News

We’ve heard even more great news from grad, Spencer Locke! Not only does she have a lead role in the feature film, Monster House, but she’s also booked a guest starring role in a new pilot for TBS called Boy’s Life. Spencer shot the pilot last week and had a wonderful time! One of the leads for Boy’s Life is Daryl Sabara, who starred in the movie Spy Kids. While shooting the pilot, Spencer also got to work with Evan Ellingson again. Evan played Spencer’s brother in the 2005 Camryn Manheim WB pilot. Good luck, Spencer! Keep us posted!

Last month, Stacey McGillis (who also works our front desk!) participated in O-Media Communication Association’s “036 Video Race,” sponsored by Universal Studios, Disney MGM Studios and The Enzian. Contestants have 36 hours to create a 3 to 6 minute short film. They are given a genre for their film, and a prop and a line of dialogue that they must use. Stacey acted in the amateur category in Mary Antonozzi’s, The Drop. The film won nine of the twelve awards in its category, including “Best Acting” and “Best of Show.” Stacey can also be seen as a featured extra in the feature film, Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector. Congratulations, Stacey!

Maile School grad, Johnny Maio, just finished principal speaking roles in the films, Play Dead and The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Johnny also plays “Young Malikai” in Mr. Malikai Battles the Aeroplane, which can be seen at the Florida International Film Festival. Johnny’s mother told us that these films bring Johnny’s film total to twelve since his graduation from our Children’s Acting program. Way to go, Johnny!

Ashlee Morris has been keeping busy lately! Not only has she been doing a lot of printwork and B-rolls for Disney World, she’s hosting a two hour Earth Day on PBS. Don’t forget to tune into PBS on April 27^th to watch! The special will focus on how everyone can do their part to save the earth. Great job, Ashlee!

Congratulations to Sarah Meahl for winning First Runner Up, Miss Starpower and Miss Photogenic. She was also selected as a Power Pak performer for dance. Sarah has also been singing and acting each month, playing the role of “Cammie” in the children’s show, Kidstuff, produced by Orlando Journey. Keep up the great work, Sarah!

Children’s Acting grad, Tucker Albrizzi, just landed his first film role in the independent film, Trolley Terror. The film, by Young Grass Productions, films in April. Tucker also booked a commercial for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee and a Central Florida Fair commercial. You can also see Tucker in the role of the “Party Pig” in the production The Party Pig at Venue Theatre this April. Keep up the great work, Tucker!

Congratulations to Acting student, Taylor Elliot, for winning the bronze medal in Ice Dancing at the US Figure Skating Jr. National Championship! Taylor and her brother, Elliot, are known in the Ice Skating circle as “Team Elliot.” You may have seen their segment on the pre-Olympic show for WNBC with guest host, Wendy Chioji. The Elliots have competed in Switzerland, Belgium, and Denmark and throughout the United States. We are all hoping to see them at the next Winter Olympics in 2010! Taylor is not only an accomplished athlete, but she’s a talented vocalist! She sang at the opening ceremonies for the “Orlando Asthma Walk.” Taylor also volunteers for numerous charities and community services. She’s looking forward to expanding her talents in the acting realm, and our Acting instructors say they have no doubt she’ll achieve that goal, as well! Congratulations, Taylor! Keep it up!

March 3^rd First Friday

Adele Morris, Megan LaTare, Brittany Oliver, Brooke Goodman, Dina Paul, Nicole Lucas, Kristina Dove, Liz Wright, Francine Asunsion and Julianna DeMoss

There are not many provisions in the 45,444 pages of the United States Internal Revenue Code which were designed to assist and benefit Performing Artists--but there is one, which is called Qualifying Performing Artist (QPA).

It can be of terrific assistance to performing artists. Sadly, though, the qualifications are so restrictive that few can qualify.

WHO QUALIFIES AS A QUALIFYING PERFORMING ARTIST &
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

First, let's see how it works; then we'll list qualifications.

The IRS allows every taxpayer a Standard Deduction--an amount of income which can be deducted from total income without any strings attached. You need no receipts, no records, no reasons why with the Standard Deduction, which for tax year 2005, is $5,000.00 for most single taxpayers.

And every taxpayer must make a choice: is it better to take the Standard Deduction, or to itemize? If you itemize, your deductions must exceed $5,000 to do you any good (but most actors easily exceed the Standard Deduction).

The great thing about being a QPA is--you get to do both! Yes, you can both itemize your expenses and take the standard deduction. As a result, QPA's have extremely minimal taxes to pay, if any.

Now let's look at the restrictions, which are very limiting.

(1) You must have an Adjusted Gross Income of $16,000 or less. Adjusted Gross Income is total income less allowable adjustments, but before deductions. It includes wages and salaries, interest and dividend income, unemployment, net income or loss from a Schedule C (independent contractor.) and other income as well. It is reduced by allowable Moving Expenses, student loan deduction, payment of alimony, and a few other items. If you are married and filing jointly, joint income must be below $16,000 to qualify. So the income restrictions eliminate most actors--but certainly not all.

(2) You must have at least two entertainment-related jobs which each pay $200.00 or more.

(3) Your expenses in performing arts must exceed 10% of income in that field (this one is never a problem).

If you meet these qualifications, you report your deductible expenses on Form 2106, and the total of the deductions then goes on Line 24 of the 1040.

The net result is you get to take those expenses AND your Standard Deduction of $5,000--and you'll very likely be sitting pretty taxwise.

The income provisions of QPA have never been updated--if they were indexed for inflation, this could help many other actors, singers, dancers, etc.

But if you qualify as a QPA--it will be a help to you!

Debby’s Points of Interest

• The next advanced acting class for Children and Teens is January 21^st. All students in this program will create a demo tape showcasing their monologue and scene study skills. They will also perform live in front of a Screen Actors Guild agent! All student must bring a headshot and resume!
• If you’re interested in booking a private lesson with Kevin O’Neill or Al Hubbs, call Loretta Rispoli at the school, or email her at: lorettar@lisamaile.com
• Tim Tew is offering a special on headshots for Maile graduates. Photos are shot here at our school! Call the front desk for more details.
• Are you on our mailing list? If not, be sure to give us your email address so we can add you!
• If you missed a class, please call the school to schedule a makeup date!

In Print, Live Connection, Moving Pictures

Tony Senzamici- (TV) Accident check.com; Ch.9 commercial

Morgan Craven- (PRINT) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon; Swim Mart; Woman to Woman Magazine (TV) Disney’s Expedition Everest commercial

Katie Roof- (TV) Washington Nationals Major League Baseball commercial.

Jean Wilkes- (PRINT) Central Fl Bride (TV) Encore Dental,; Aquarina Country Club

Evan Nave- (FILM) UCF short film Daddy

Brittany McDaniel- (LIVE) Received a standing ovation at her debut performance in Palm Beach and was “scouted” by the CEO of a large entertainment company!

Jim McDonnald– was elected to the FMPTA board! (TV) 3 commercials for Williams Furniture; commercial for Encore Dental (FILM) short film, Knuckles (Voiceover) Ripley’s BION mini golf course in Niagara Falls

Jonathan Proto- (TV) WESH Ch.2 Weather Plus Kids; Orlando Science Center

John Dahl- TV- (TV) Scout commercial

Linda Taylor- (PRINT) LPL Financial; Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest

John John Richardson- (FILM)- Full sail films, Risk Hustle Crew & Gunman

Stephen Bailey- (TV) SAG extra in Disney Commercial

Carol Bailey- (TV) SAG extra in Disney commercial

Bruce Timmons- will be co-hosting a show with fellow grad, Stephanie Mason-Teague for WCEU Ch. 15 in Daytona. Is also the Associate Producer (along with Scott duPont) for the feature film Ticket Trouble that will shoot in Central Florida.

Upcoming Seminars & Class Start Dates

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Thursday, May 11th

Saturday, May 13th

Adult Acting

Thursday, April 20th

Teen Acting

Saturday, April 1st

Advanced Teen Acting

Saturday, May 13th

Children’s Acting

(4-6yrs)

Thursday, April 13th

Children’s Acting

(7-10yrs)

Saturday, April 29th

Advanced

Children’s Acting

(7-10yrs)

Saturday, May 13th

Scene Study

Monday, April 3rd

Improv

Monday, June 19th

Professional Modeling

Wednesday, May 17th

Children’s Modeling

Wednesday, May 17th

Breaking into the Industry

Monday, April 10th

Tuesday, May 23rd

The next session of Breaking into the Industry is:

Monday, April 10^th or Tuesday, May 23^rd

6pm — 10pm

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!

If you are unable to attend the Breaking into the Industry Seminar, don’t worry! This must-see seminar is now available on DVD for only $20! Call or see the front desk to place your order!