Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Felicia Thompson

2/14/2020

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Felicia Thompson

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

Clara Soler

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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Felicia Thompson

Felicia Thompson - DubaiInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Charlotte ThompsonPhotography by Salamon PhotoIssue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Clara Soler

Clara Soler - PennsylvaniaInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Amanda Soler​Images by Inspiring TeensIssue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

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

Clara Soler - Pennsylvania
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Amanda Soler
Images by Inspiring Teens
Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine