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Felicia Thompson

2/14/2020

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Felicia Thompson - Dubai
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Charlotte Thompson
Photography by Salamon Photo
Issue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Felicia Thompson is a young, greatly talented and successful actor, singer and model. From the age of 6 years old, she knew she wanted to be an actor when she saw a magical production of ‘Lion King’. She has had lead roles in films, stage productions, been a radio dj, performed live on international TV and modeled for high fashion international brands. Feedback from industry professionals, auditions and friends is always that she is a great team player and leader that includes all cast and takes all her assignments with a reliable and professional act. Her dream is to have a profession life as an actor in the future.
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Photography by Salamon Photo
​What about the production of the 'Lion King' made you want to be an actress? 
The Lion king has always been one of my favorite childhood movies, and when I watched it as a musical, I felt more inspired than ever before and it made me want to get on stage and be part of my own fantasy world. Whenever I watch people perform, I feel welcome and at home. I am very hard working and competitive, performing helps me every day to stay motivated, I stay motivated by improving on different aspects of musical theatre. This keeps me busy and I love seeing how far I can push myself.
 
What are the workshops you have attended like?
I love attending workshops and master classes, and one of my favorites by far is the Broadway workshop I attended In New York. We worked on a song from Wicked with Actors who were in the musical and they taught us the choreography. This helped me massively because I got to see professionals in the industry work up close. Another type of workshop I think has helped me massively in my career was when I got to do a private master class with Paul Spicer from Arts Ed London. He was part of the Mamma Mia main cast on the West End and did a worldwide tour. He helped me sing notes I didn’t even know I could hit, and the entire class was a big burst of energy, laughter and he was a top-notch world-class performer in action, that inspires me greatly. I am also proud to have been apart a lovely Dance Workshop with the world well renowned Aaron Renfree. It was a technical advanced number, high voltage and coordination for the selected dance team. We also got to perform this choreography in Dubai Opera - an amazing experience and I am ready to do it all again in February.
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Photography by Lilly K. Photography
​What was it like performing at Carnegie Hall & why were you performing there? 
Performing in Carnegie hall was indescribable, everything you saw, everywhere you looked was like it was straight out of a movie. I was in Carnegie hall to perform at a Christmas concert that was conducted by Erik Whitacre, it took months to prepare and our choir performed next to the best rated choirs in America. The opportunity to get a special invitation to perform with Erik Whitacre made this a Dream come true.
 
What is your favorite performance you have been a part of?
My favorite role is from the School of Rock musical where I played Patty Di Marco. She is a sassy, challenging and powerful character, and this is the first time I have played an adult role. Being able to develop the confidence together with my director, acting coaches and co actors gave me a big rush. And the audience loved it! I spent a lot of time researching the role, Sarah Silverman played Patty in the movie with Jack Black. She was my role model for taking on a rather daring career move.  The feedbacks and reviews have been so positive, and that is very encouraging. And - I was jumping through the roof when my International commercial for Yas Island played on The Ellen Show in the Christmas Giveaway with Jennifer Aniston, two role models and heroes of mine. I am also very proud of my Sports commercials for Nike, Puma and Calvin Klein. It requires sports skills on a professional level, I am a professional swimmer, that qualified me for the hard work and enduring schedules for the professional shoots. A new area for mes is my newly signed Influencer agreements with Monnalisa, Derhy, Nununuworld, Marlo Kids and - latest House of Juniors. Representing these amazing brands and designers makes me so happy and proud. Last - I am thrilled and humbled by being named Most Beautiful Child Model of 2019 by two American magazines. Working with international celebrity photographers have surely built my portfolio to a high standard and catapulted my career internationally. I am so proud and feel so grateful for this great honor.
 
What does being a Premiereprogram ambassador entail? 
To be a Premiereprogram ambassador means to be a good role model and to inspire new talent in an international mix of actors, singers and models meeting and performing before industry professionals. I have met and worked with celebrities like Raven Symone, Peyton List, Miranda May and Josie Totah, Lauren Taylor and Hayden Byerly. I also got signed to my international management agency through Premiereprogram. Meeting other successful talents at my age is so great, learning their paths and successes really inspires me.
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Photography by Lilly K. Photography
​What is the biggest lesson acting and performing has taught you?
Acting and performing has taught me so many useful life skills like memorization skills, public speaking experience, a solid work ethic, being confident and have a great level of adaptability.
 
Who inspires you in the acting/ performing industry?
My inspiration from the industry is Emma Watson, Millie Bobby Brown and Reese Witherspoon. They have taken on many roles in addition to acting and performing. I think it is so important to use your voice to fight for what you believe in, whether you are young or old, famous or just a great Voice in your local community.
 
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My best advice to everyone who wants to be in the Performing Arts industry is never give up and always try harder. Practice is key to being successful. Every day I work on aspects on Musical Theatre, and I always have a lot of ongoing projects. It is important to go on as many auditions as possible, and to do commercials, shows, films and choir to develop your skills. 
 
 Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years, I want to study Performing Arts, History and Psychology at University in the USA or England. I want to have a solid academic education to ensure my future career and possibilities.
 
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Photography by Ophelia Fotografie
What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I like to do Magic Card tricks, that is the most unexpected activity I do for my family and friends. 
 
How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I could never do my very busy schedule without the support of my parents. My Mommy organizes everything for my career, and we have good help from my agents as well to keep up with audition schedules that often can be set on short notice.
 
3 Things on your bucket list
Go Skydiving - Go Snorkeling in the Caribbean and maybe... travel out to Space one day
 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring? 
I am humble and I am a great team leader. I am happy to do tasks without receiving anything in return. I am well professionally trained, and I make sure everyone around me is happy. Always remember you are stronger and braver than you believe, and you also have to learn to handle rejection and still be a good team player. I always develop new goals for myself, and many friends in the industry have said that they find that very inspirational and want to follow me on my path. The competitive side of performing is easier to handle if you train hard to be professional and always improve on your abilities and skills. 
 

Felicia will be featured in Issue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 30
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Azurra Bukhari

2/9/2020

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Azurra Bukhari - Ontario
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Natasha Bukhari
Photography by Aleksandra Salamon
Issue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Azurra is a young model, actress & aspiring singer from Toronto, Canada currently living in Dubai! She has starred in season 1 of the series “Go Iguanas” and has done commercials for
Warner Bros, Glad, Yas Waterworld, IMG, Nutella, Jelly Belly, Goody Pasta, STV, including fashion
shoots for makeup artists and photographers in London, Toronto and Dubai! She is also known for
singing covers on @tiktok! 
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Photography by Aleksandra Salamon
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​What is it like living in Dubai?
It’s such an enriching experience living in Dubai. There are approximately 10 million people of which
approximately 8 million are expats. What this means, is that daily we are exposed to so many different nationalities and cultures, including that of local Emiratis who are native to the country. The weather is also fantastic, except for summer where it can get extremely hot, but that’s a great time of year to travel back to North America! Having said that, there are also tons of indoor activities, such as skiing, ice skating, trampoline parks, skate parks, indoor amusement parks, to keep us busy!
 
Tell us about your experiences with acting. 
I have always enjoyed acting, and some might say I am very dramatic at times, lol. I acted in season 1
of Go Iguanas, an online tv show, and in a variety of commercials and social media shoots. Some of
these include Glad, Nutella, Warner Brothers, Jelly Belly, Goody Pasta, Fly Dubai, Mall of the
Emirates, IMG Amusement Park and Yas Waterpark. Shoot days are intense, with early morning
starts for hair, makeup, lines, and redoing scenes until just right, but when you see the finished
products its always worth it!
 
What has been your favorite commercial to be in and why?
I absolutely loved shooting the Goody pasta commercial. It was so creative and magical. It was
centered around a family eating pasta at the dinner table whose love for the pasta sent them into a
dreamland. In my scene, I was transported to a luxurious magical fairy land, wearing a gown of tulle
and shimmer. The set was out of this world, with over 200 mini trees and plants to make it look like I
was genuinely in a lush green forest. I felt like a princess, and it helped that I loved the pasta!
 
What was it like starring in a tv show? 
It was an amazing experience and I made friendships that will last a lifetime. It helped me develop my confidence and get a sense of how much is entailed in shooting a series. When we watch tv, it looks so simple but the amount of people involved in each scene is phenomenal. I would say the
experience made me realize that when you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter how exhausting it is, because it doesn’t feel like work!
 
What are some singing techniques you use?
I try to practice warmups at least 3 times a week, practice my breathing, core muscles and drink lots
of water. I also do my Trinity exams annually to give me a goal of what to work towards. This year I
am doing grade 5.
 
What kind of songs do you cover when you post them on tik tok?
To be honest, I post songs that I’m currently listening to, really like, or just in the mood for on that day! Lately, people have been requesting songs so I’m also trying to work on that.
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Photography by Lilly K Photography
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​What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I am currently participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze programme. This requires me to
complete four sections comprised of a volunteering section, physical section, skills section and an
expedition section, which for me is the most challenging. Within our group of 6, we need to plan, train and complete an unaccompanied expedition. There are 20 conditions that we need to meet that include, planning an appropriate menu of cooked food, having no access to a mobile phone, being properly equipped with our utensils, tents and sleeping supplies for a minimum of 2 days and 1 night with minimal adult intervention. We have just completed the practice expedition with the final one in a few weeks and while I survived, there were a lot of things we will do differently next time. I’ll let you know how I get on!
 
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Believe in yourself, and even when people tell you it’s cringey or try to dissuade you from pursuing
your dreams, if it brings you happiness don’t give up. People spend a lifetime searching for
contentment so if you’ve found it, you’re ahead of the game. But also, be kind to people, whether on
set, at school, in every aspect of your life, because this quality people will remember.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I will continue to act and sing and try to grow my following whilst focusing on school. I hope to
complete my IB diploma and then explore universities where I can pursue my dream!
 
What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love to play netball, spend time with my sister, and travel. Last year, I went to Nepal with my school, where we did a bit of community service. It was an inspiring and humbling experience that I’ll never forget.
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Photography by Lilly K Photography

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I took ballet for 9 years and gymnastics for 8 so I can walk enpointe and do the splits!
 
How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I have an app to help me get organized, as well as help from my parents, my grandmother, and
teachers at my school who are very supportive. It comes with a lot of backing from loved ones, who I am always grateful to.
 
3 Things on your bucket list
 To speak another language fluently
 To travel to an exotic location with my best friends when we turn 18
 To sing in front of a big audience at an arena or festival
 
Who do you find inspiring?
I find my parents inspiring because despite differences in career, they are both hardworking and
successful individuals who spend a lot of time with my sister and me. They instill solid values and keep communication open, while doing things for us with a smile. They are also supportive towards me pursuing my dreams!
 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
It’s hard to think of myself as someone who inspires others, but my hope would be that I inspire them to believe in themselves, to follow their dreams and to be grateful for every opportunity that comes their way.
 
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
This is truly an honour to be recognized by your magazine. Thank you. If people wish, they can follow
me on @azurraofficial on Instagram, tiktok, and at www.youtube.com/azurrabukhari

Azurra will be featured in Issue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 30
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Clara Soler

12/12/2019

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Clara Soler - Pennsylvania
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Amanda Soler
​Images by Inspiring Teens
Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Clara Soler is inspiring because she has overcome -and continues to overcome - health challenges. She was born with a significantly small and limited airway (and is creatively constructed internally in some other boring ways). Most people with her condition have trouble walking and talking. Clara not only walks and talks, she sings and dances. When she is exhausted, she keeps going. Every day she challenges herself and sets goals to be involved in chorus and theater. These activities require her to actively work hard on breath control and sustained movement. She pushes through obstacles without complaining and without making excuses. Clara is extremely creative, crocheting every day. Additionally, she sings and dances and acts. She is very strong – and unusually flexible. Her strength is not only physical, it extends to her emotional and mental construction.  She has to visit Children's Hospital to have bronchoscopies and airway visits. She handles those procedures and visits with humor, grace and a positive outlook. When she doesn’t have to experience a procedure with anesthesia, she excitedly looks forward to eating at her favorite restaurant, the CHOP cafeteria.
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​Tell me about the breathing challenges you have continued to overcome in your life.
I have long stem tracheal stenosis with complete tracheal rings and Malaysia. This means that my trachea is very thin, collapsible and surrounded by complete rings. I get tired when I run extensively or dance a lot. Sometimes, I just don’t feel well and have trouble explaining how that feels. Humidity is usually what causes my breathing problems, but the cold can cause challenges for me too. My challenges are pretty much year-round. 
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What obstacles have you faced through your health challenges? How have you been able to accomplish your goals despite them?
I have difficulty breathing, but I really enjoy acting, singing, and dancing. I just persist and try my best even if that means having to catch my breath for the next few minutes. I know that if I want to accomplish my goals, I have to accept any/ all discomfort. Certain things cause me more problems than others. For example, ballet and tap have very different effects on my breathing. Ballet is a bit more calming in the sense that you are not always moving in some sort of walking or running movement. Tap is a lot faster (usually) and creates a few more problems for me. 
  
What do you love most about theater and dance, and what has been your favorite memory of performing so far?
I love that performing gives me an outlet to be whomever I want to be. In theatre there is a final outcome where you’ll be able to see results, which motivates me to do my best and give it my all. I enjoyed the overall experience of being in Aladdin Jr because so many of my friends were in it. I met many new people through that production too. I still have a lot of the friends I made during that show and see them regularly. Theatre also provides a chance to meet people who aren’t in my grade or school, giving me more chances at creating long lasting friendships. 
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Can you elaborate on what your life has been like growing up multicultural?
My father is Hispanic, and he speaks Spanish, makes Spanish food and we have often traveled to Puerto Rico. It has always been a lively part of my heritage. I’ve become more aware that some people have a prejudice toward people of Hispanic origin. Because of this, I believe that I have gained more compassion and empathy toward victims of prejudice. 
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This is from when Clara volunteered to help save Oscar Hammerstein’s home and make it a theater center.

​As an inspiration to many, how have you been able to reach out to others through your passions and all that you are in?
I enjoy helping my sisters prepare for auditions and help my friends practice for their involvement in theater and dance. Right now I am in conversations with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about how I can volunteer my time to help children with health challenges. I’ve spent so much time there and know that most people want someone to talk to. When you’re at a hospital for an extensive amount of time it can get boring and scary. I’d want to be an example of someone who wasn’t given much of a chance but has been able to live a happy life. 


Clara will be featured in Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
Click here for more information on issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Amajae Hardy Jones

5/24/2019

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Amajae Hardy Jones - Pennsylvania
Interview by Caroline Alegado
Nomination by Diana Wolfe
Main Photography by Troy Alexander
Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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​Nomination: Amajae Hardy-Jones is a 17 years old actress in the Philadelphia area that is making waves in our local entertainment industry. Amajae is actively involved in many productions currently such as “Cinderella: The Bride of Christ” and was casted as the lead in a traveling stage play called
“Not Without My Hijab” that follows the journey of Aneesa, a teenage Muslim girl struggling with many of the societal issues teenagers face: bullying, self-acceptance, and self-confidence. 
Amajae oversees monthly meetings and organizes various community outreach projects, such as her annual Jeans for Teens drive. This annual jean
drive is organized to satisfy the most common request of teens who reside in homeless shelters, “a pair of jeans”. Last year with the help of her community, Amajae collected and donated over 300 pairs of jeans. 
Amajae loves to travel. In Belize, Amajae visited the local elementary school making friends with the native school children. She has also been to parts of Europe and believes that education through travel is imperative.
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​How did you get started in theater?
I started theater when I was 14 years old. I began with church productions and community plays within the Philadelphia area. I also began a summer theater program at the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts named Show Stoppers.

What is your favorite production you’ve been in and why?
My favorite production that I’ve been a part of is the stage play, “Not Without My Hijab”. This play has been one of my favorites because I was able to learn from and experience a culture and religion different from my own. While adapting to a Muslim character, I was able to reflect on my own religion and educate myself of the similarities and differences between the two. Overall, the “Not Without My Hijab” staged production does an excellent job in educating the audience on the importance of the Muslim Religion.

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Image by Andre McNeil with Olympus Studio
​Can you talk about “Jeans for Teens” and what inspired you to start?
The “Jeans for Teens” drive is a nonprofit project that I took on in 2017 in order to benefit unfortunate teens who reside in homeless shelters. It was said that the number one item requested upon arrival is a pair of denim jeans. Through the “Jeans for Teens” project I was able to reach out to a homeless shelter in need and donate over 300 pairs of jeans. I was immediately inspired to take on this project in order to help those to feel a sense of normalcy amongst their peers. I was motivated to educate others of this issue while also encouraging others to take initiate in donating to those in need.

What lessons do you think traveling has taught you that you couldn’t learn in a classroom?
Based off my traveling experience I became educated on the importance of learning from others. The importance of learning new cultures helps us all to become better citizens within the world around us. 

How are you working to make your dreams a reality?
I believe I am working towards making my dreams a reality by pressing on. I believe through goal setting, dedication, consistency and hard work, dreams have no other choice but to turn into reality. 

What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation?
My advice would be to keep pushing despite what others may say or do. Don’t get discouraged or lose sight of your vision. If you can believe it, your almost there. 

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Image by by Tara Hardy
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I would like to continue in my craft of acting, I see myself continuously learning as I master my craft. Of course I see myself on the big screen by then. 

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I’m a true Disney kid at heart. If I’m not working on memorizing a script, I’m probably off somewhere watching a Disney classic movie. 

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun?
Scariest thing I’ve ever done was zip lining through the tree tops of Costa Rica.

Summer or Winter? Cats or Dogs? Vacation or Stay-cation?
Summer, Dogs, Vacation 

Amajae will be featured in Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! 
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
click here to purchase inspiring teens
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Alyssa Mann

4/22/2019

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Alyssa Mann - California
Days of Our Lives "Nurse Shelley"
Interviewed by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Joanna DeGeneres and Alyssa Mann
​Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

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How did you become interested in acting? When did you start?
On a whim freshman year of high school, I auditioned for the school play ‘The Miracle Worker”, got cast, and fell in love. It was game over from then on. 

What has been your favorite production you have been a part of? Why was this your favorite? What was your role? 
They are all my favorite! Each character I am lucky enough to play are different and interesting in their own way. I currently play a character on Days of Our Lives, Nurse Shelley, who is super fun to embody, despite the fact she isn’t always the nicest.

What are some ways you prepare for filming? 
Specificity is always the goal. I work both solo and with my scene partner(s) and director to get super clear on my character’s wants, needs and actions. Then on set I try to breathe, focus and really listen to what my partner is saying. 
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Image by Joanna DeGeneres
​What is one thing most people do not know about acting? 
I think a lot of people think acting is just memorizing lines. Memorizing the lines is the easy part, it’s all the other stuff that is hard. Emotionally connecting with a character means really knowing yourself and being honest and vulnerable. That is scary, and exciting, and very challenging. 

Do you remember any lines you were given that have been your favorite to say? If so, why? 
The first line I ever said on stage was “They said you’re going where the sun is fierce” and that one still holds a special place. 

Have you always lived in LA or did you move there to pursue your acting career? 
I moved to LA 6 years ago when I started getting into more film and TV. Before that I lived in NYC. I went to Tisch at NYU and stayed after I graduated for many years doing theatre. Theatre is amazing training and I believe anyone who wants to be an actor should do theatre for at least a little while. 

What was the hardest part about adapting to the lifestyle of LA? How did you get through it?
Being away from family and friends. I still miss them all the time, but I’m lucky to have an awesome husband and group of friends in LA that keep me grounded, and I try to fly back east at least once a year to visit. 
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​Walk me through a typical day, from when you first wake up, to when you fall asleep.
Each day is pretty different when you are an actor because you could be on a show, auditioning, rehearsing, or just hustling to try to get an audition. No matter what, I get up and one of the first things I do is exercise. It keeps me sane.

What is one thing you found most surprising on set?
The mayhem. Honestly, it’s a miracle anything gets finished. The people who work behind the camera are so amazing and so hard working and brilliant, from the Producers to the PAs. It really does take a village and I am in awe of it always. It’s magic. 

What would be your advice to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don't wait for permission to pursue what you want. If you want to act, act. Even if it means getting friends together and reading a play out loud in your living room or shooting something on your iPhone. It still counts, and it's the only way to move forward in this insane career. Also, surround yourself with hardworking, positive people. They will lift you up when it gets hard and you can do the same for them. And BE GRATEFUL. If you are lucky enough to be doing what you love on any level, you have won at the game of life. 

Alyssa will be featured in issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine
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Phoebe Coleman

3/31/2019

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Phoebe Coleman - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Shooting Future Stars
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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The Nomination: Phoebe is 13 years old, an actress, plays the drums and dances. She is also an honor student who reads to kids in her spare time.

What are some of your favorite quotes and why?
Cicely Tyson quote:
• “I want to believe that there is a mountain so high that I will spend my entire life striving to reach the top of it.”
I feel that you are always learning your craft. When you stop learning, you give up.

Denzel Washington quotes:
• “You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s part of it.”
I feel that you have to go through something to get something.
• “Do what you have to do, to do what you want to do.”
I feel that you have to put your best in life to be the best – this goes for acting too.

What is your favorite part about playing the drums?
Before I took drum lessons, I would often hit my thighs, the table in front of me or anything else that I could hit or bang on. My favorite part of playing the drums is accenting or making a stronger sound after maintaining a certain beat or tempo.

When you dance, what are some thoughts that go through your head?
When I dance, I feel free. I feel as though there is no care in the world. I feel like I can fly like an eagle in the wind. I have a destination in mind or I am focused on being free. I am thinking freedom from all cares when I dance.

Tell me about your experience of reading to kids in your spare time.
I love reading to kids in my spare time. I know that I am giving back to the community. I have read at malls, community centers, day care centers and plan to continue doing this. The kids interact with me through my questions to them and their questions to me. They are engaged with the conversation and they are motivated about what I say to them. 

What’s next for you?
In the future, my plans include acting in movies and television shows that have action, motivation, and comedy in them. I also want to motivate the financially disadvantaged and physically challenged youth.


​Phoebe was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine
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Jordan McEachin

3/12/2019

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Jordan McEachin – 19 - Virginia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nominated by Nicole McEachin and Heather Chesky
Photography by Heather Chesky Photography
Issue 19 | Performer

​The Nominations: Something inspiring about Jordan McEachin is her recovery after her HSP( Henoch- Schonlein purpura) diagnoses. During her recovery, she was determined to get back into shape to perform with her dance company. After months of physical therapy, she performed in three shows. Anything is possible with hard work, passion and determination. - Nicole McEachin

Jordan was your average teen who loved performing on stage….Until one day, she got strep. Strep then turned into a serious of more intense and extremely painful symptoms that persisted for weeks and months on end. 

Finally, after seeing a slew of doctors and being poked and prodded for endless tests and exams, Jordan was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, or HSP.

Jordan was immediately hospitalized for over a month to go through treatment. As her body slowly strengthened, she was able to go home.

Determined to not fall behind in school, Jordan continued her studies while homebound and eventually was able to return for the final quarter of her school year.

However, the medication and steroids she was required to take caused extreme swelling and Jordan was unrecognizable, even by her closest friends. In fact, she was often mistaken for a new student.

In spite of the daily struggles she faced, Jordan continued her studies and worked diligently to be healthy enough to dance again. And because of her persistence, she made a full recovery and was back preforming on stage quicker than anyone, including her doctors, thought possible. 

Jordan has come out of this illness even stronger than before and is determined to not let any circumstance stand in the way of her goals.

In fact, Jordan is now is a freshman at AMDA in LA and is happily pursing a degree in musical theatre. 

Perhaps what is most inspiring about Jordan is that she has said that “any obstacle in life can be overcome with persistence.” She is living proof of that truth. - Heather Chesky
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​Tell us about HSP.

HSP is a form of blood vessel inflammation called vasculitis caused by an autoimmune reaction to an everyday illness like the flu or strep.  As a result, blood vessels burst throughout your body, causing purple-hued rashes to appear under the skin’s surface. Not only does HSP cause a rash-like appearance covering your body, but it also causes joint inflammation and a swollen abdomen bringing violent waves of pain usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting.  

What are some ways you stayed positive during your hospitalization?

To stay positive in the hospital, I focused on keeping myself busy by painting ceiling tiles for future patients to enjoy in their rooms. I was fortunate enough to have many friends from school and dance visit me and send cards of positive encouragement for a speedy recovery.

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​How did your career in dancing, acting and singing begin?

I started dancing at the age of three, after watching Maisy Mouse. I first started in ballet, and quickly added multiple styles of dance to my repertoire, from jazz, modern, contemporary, hiphop, and my favorite style, tap. From then on, I completely fell in love with the performing arts, adding individual voice lessons and acting classes since middle school. 

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​What are some of your favorite shows you have performed in and why?

Some of my favorite shows I have done would be the dance review styled shows I had the opportunity to travel abroad for with my youth performing arts company. I was given the opportunity to travel to both Greece and South Africa to immerse different cultures together through the art of dance and performing. In addition, doing Beauty and the Beast with my high school my senior year was one of my favorite shows to be a part of. Not only is it because I am a huge Disney fan, but also because the music in the show is stunning! Beauty and the Beast is definitely one of my all time favorite Disney movies. Currently, I am in my college's stage reading of 9-5 and can already tell it is going to be one of my favorite shows to be a part of!

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What are your plans for the future?

Currently, I am a freshman at AMDA College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles for a BFA in Musical Theatre. After college, I hope to go into television and film as an actress as well as become a performer on Broadway. 

​

Jordan will be featured in issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Breaking into the Business

12/19/2017

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How to Break into the Business - By Brynn Casey
​for the 2017 Winter Issue of Inspiring Teens Magazine 

​Take some photos
 Whether you want to be an actor/actress or model, taking some simple photos with your phone or camera is the first step!

 Find an agency
 I would not have had all the opportunities without my agency. To do this, submit your photos to acting and modeling agencies and hope for a call or email. Once you are with an agency, they will proceed to send you on auditions. Be aware of what agency you submit photos to- there are scams out there! Steer clear of paying just to be with an agency. Legit agencies do not ask for money just to be represented by them. However, paying for headshots and giving you agency a portion of the money you make from jobs is acceptable.

Tips from a pro:
This process may take a while, but if you really want to pursue this path, it is worth it so stay with it. Do not get discouraged!
You have to stay committed. This is a very competitive business that many people desire to be in. Make sure you are outgoing and stand out!
You have to have a flexible schedule. Last minute is a good way to describe this business. Missing school and traveling are common once you break into this career.
Have fun! There are so many amazing people and opportunities that can come with this journey.
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Extra Extra! How to be one.

12/1/2017

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How to be an extra, by Delila Matara - Issue 11 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​As a teenager, it is very hard to gain the recognition you deserve. I was in the same exact situation as you. My name is Delila Matara, and this is how I got on television.  I started out with a small home movie produced and directed by some family friends. After a couple shots, I fell in love with being on camera.
My mother liked the idea as well, so we began getting more and more involved. Here is a very personal tip from me to you: the internet will be your best friend during this adventure. Always look for open-calls on the internet. But before I send you off, here are a few tips….

1.  Never go to an interview/casting without an adult.
2.  Make sure you have the correct working papers, permits, and worksheets for that particular state/audition.
3.  Do major investigating on where you are going! (If it seems shady, get out of there)
4.  Try to make friends, you never know who you are going to meet.
5.  Always bring different color shirts/pants/shoes.
6.  Check your email for specific outfits & what you need to bring.
7.  Bring along a notebook & pencil, just incase you need to write down information.
8.  Make sure you know who you are meeting with.
9.  Try to find out that agency’s instagram, facebook, and/or twitter.
10 . If you wear makeup, bring along foundation with you.
11.  ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, get enough sleep & something to eat.

​Do not be fooled by the small word, “extra.” Every single extra in a show or movie, makes the difference. Without all these people involved, the scene does not seem realistic.
I hope that these tips were helpful, my best wishes go to you, future actor/actress!


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