Experiences That Shape You - Part 1
An Interesting Journey
I have experienced a lot in my life, and I think some big aspects of who I am can be attributed to some of those experiences. I personally like to look inward to figure out what I am thinking and why I am thinking it. To try to figure out who I am. It has become something I ritualistically do to try to work through my OCD. So reminiscing on past experiences can be powerful to understanding and being thankful for the opportunities one has had.
Barbizon, Modeling School
Around the year 2001, I was 7, I started receiving letters from a school, Barbizon, stating that I looked like Jonathan Lipnicki and they wanted to basically teach me how to model. Not sure how looking like a star means become a model, but hey, whatever. Here, I learned how to walk like a model and do little commercial skits. Which was my first tiptoeing into acting.
Fast forward to 2002, I went to IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) convention in NewYork, NewYork, where I received a child actor of the year award from Barbizon. Being there I caught the attention of TJ Stein of Stein Entertainment Group. (Extremely weak website) He represented Sara Paxton and wanted to represent me if I ever went to LA as my manager. At this point I had like 3 or 4 agents in Chicago. (Basically just a place that looks for and books auditions for you. Through TJ Stein I met with an agency out in LA called Coast to Coast and they were also showing interest. (We eventually dumped TJ Stein because he made me cry. Who makes a kid cry?)
During my time at IMTA, I was also offered a contract to be the double for Jonathan Lipnicki. In the end, my parents did not want me to follow in the footsteps of someone else's career. Following this, we attempted going out to LA during what they call Pilot season to audition for Movies and TV. After spending quite a bit of time in California with my Grandma and my mom, I had to quit after many close calls and a single commercial.
I am the blonde.
While it was National, it only ever played once during the superbowl. You can only get residuals if it plays again.
How it Molded Me
Being part of Barbizon really taught me a lot about being aware of other people such as how to listen and communicate. Where to look on someone’s face when they are talking to you but to make sure not to stare. How to walk. It seems they taught me how to control a room.
These teachings followed by countless hours of acting lessons, improv classes and auditions really drove home how to interact with other people. I feel the ability to listen and understand others, inherently taught me how to understand other people while driving me to understand what they do and why they act the way that they do. I believe it has led me to be more empathetic over my life.
I have also always been drawn to older people rather than individuals my own age. I feel this could be due to my constant exposure to a slightly adult world. Being an actor takes a lot of dedication and time. As well as a plethora of people skills.
Future me
Sometime when I am at my parents, I will find some old headshots and post them all!
-BiasNarrative
Do you understand your keys?
That's an awesome commercial! So cool 😎 thanks for sharing your story😊😊
I struggle with OCD myself. Some days are more challenging than others... lol Very Powerful Post...
It is definitely an everyday struggle. Some days are harder than others and my biggest issue is trying to know what is an actual issue and what I shouldn't freak out over. Very confusing haha.