Barbizon Midwest Review - Modeling, Acting and Talent guru blogs talent booking news, auditions, contests, and all Model and Talent industry topics for pre teens, teens, & young adults.
We wrote about Barbizon Midwest of Michigan graduate Martyn Hale's film "Coldwater" opening to rave reviews at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival 2013 in Austin, Texas. The film will have its INTERNATIONAL premiere next month in Paris, France and is featured in Variety Magazine, along with Brad Pitt and Halle Berry. Check out the Variety article: Coldwater in Variety Magazine
Martyn Hale on set of "Coldwater"
"Coldwater" follows a teenager, Brad Lunders, who is forcefully abducted from his home in the middle of the night by his mother's consent to a harsh wilderness reform facility. As we learn of the tragic events that led to Brad's arrival, unforeseen circumstances threaten to tear the already eroding reform facility apart, forcing Brad to confront not only his fellow inmates and the personnel in charge, but finally his own sense of what is right and wrong.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF "COLDWATER"
Martyn portrays a shackled inmate and told us, "The best thing about it was meeting new people and making new friends."
Karena Steir has been teaching at Barbizon Midwest for 5 years; mainly in Omaha, NE and Kansas City, MO. She has also taught in Sioux Falls, SD, Des Moines, IA, Cedar Rapids, IA and Minnesota. Karena began teaching 18 years ago (at the age of 18) for Barbizon Midwest of Des Moines and even became "Director of Education" for the location. After graduating college she moved to Los Angeles where she had a great experience modeling, acting, teaching, working as Director of Education for a training facility, and as a personal assistant for a talent manager.
Print Ad featuring Karena Steir
Runway Karena Steir
Although Karena loves modeling and acting, she admits, "Training aspiring models and actors is my passion; as you can tell by my MDLMKR license plate, it's an addiction."
Karena Steir
Karena Steir
Karena's students have gone to work in smaller markets like Chicago, Miami, and Dallas, as well as the larger markets of Los Angeles and New York. Some students have even gone abroad to work in Europe, Asia, and Africa. With such a successful and diverse background we were eager to hear Karena's thoughts on Barbizon Midwest.
What does Barbizon Midwest do?
"I really believe in this program because it makes personal development a big piece of preparing for the industry," Karena explains, "I've seen many great actors and beautiful models fail because they were not prepared for the personal challenges of the industry. With the Barbizon curriculum students get the full package of what is needed."
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
"The thing I love most about Barbizon is that EVERYONE benefits from it! I've seen a lot of programs that teach strictly modeling & acting skills - which is great, but it applies to such a small facet of life - even if you become a world famous actor. I love that we discuss the various fields of the industry, from directors to designers and everything in between. A majority of the people I've worked with in the past have found their niche somewhere behind the camera, and they love it, and are paid well for it."
LIFE SKILLS
"The second thing I love about the Barbizon curriculum is that the life skills apply to real life. During the week I work for a staffing company. I see the difference a job interview makes. If a person knows how to dress appropriately, behave professionally, and follow up successfully - they are likely to land a job that pays $2-$5 more per hour; that is $4,000-$10,000 more per year for a 40/hour a week job."
CONFIDENCE
"The aspect I love MOST about the Barbizon curriculum is that it helps teenagers deal with the drama that is teenage life. On the first day we ask the students what they hope to get out of the 6 months and 90%, or more, say they really want confidence. They want that magical illusive creation Hollywood sells on the regular. We are able to show the students just how similar they are to the people they think so highly of and bring their skill set up to the level of those 'idols.' The students see themselves in a different light with more options than they did before coming to class. Instead of measuring themselves only by the 'social culture' of middle school and high school, they look to a different peer group, which is often much more fun, encouraging, and accepting."
A LIFE CHANGED
"On a personal note, I will admit I love EVERY victory any student of mine accomplishes. I've seen magazines with my students, billboards, feature films, etc. But, if I had to pick one most proud moment it would be after a Barbizon graduation in Omaha. A mom of a 'not-my-favorite' student asked if I had a few moments to talk. Thru tears she told me her daughter had been dating a boy who had been physically abusing her. No matter what the family did, 'K' kept going back to him.
A week before her Barbizon graduation she came to her mom and said she realized she deserved better than that and dumped the kid. It might sound small to the average person, but it was an epiphany that changed her life forever. I'm still Facebook friends with her and I watch her grow and mature. I have no idea if her mom told her about our conversation so I never made a big deal of it - but I still glow when I see her updates."
KARENA'S WORK
Karena has a small role in a short film which premiered recently at a film festval in Los Angeles and won "Best Actress." "This was part of the '5x5 for Life' film festival. Movie-makers were given a line of dialogue, a prop, and 5 days to make a 5 minute short film supporting the 'Pro-Life' view."
Another short film of Karena's just released the trailer! "This was a short film for a company I had previously worked with. The director emailed me the script and told me he thought I'd be great for the part. I was totally flattered until I read the part where I get run over by a car and die. I had to tease him that if he didn't like me he could have just told me - not had me killed tragically."
KANSAS CITY GRADS IN A FILM!
Two of the teens seen in this trailer are graduates of Karena's from our Kansas City location!
"This is a fun project we are putting together with local talent. My husband has been DP and Cinematographer for a collection of films and this is his first time acting as Director. It worked out well as I knew the great talent from my classes, which will have major roles in this film. Our goal is to have it completed in time for the two major film fests here in the state. It should be fun to get together and watch our hard work on the big screen!"
"Get busy! Practice, audition, film, do whatever you can! I know many programs that pressure students to refrain from any 'outside' influences until they complete their training. After completing training those programs offer a pricey photo shoot as THE option to continue on the road to success. Even if the student has a quality education and great pictures they have no resume and no experience to back it up.
When students are in Barbizon they are encouraged to pursue as many (safe) opportunities as possible - from local theater to well paying hair shows.
My advice to students is: DO IT! Digital photography allows you to have photos taken of yourself EVERY day! Cell phone video cameras allow you to be filmed DAILY! There are 10,000,000 film fests out there - and there are 100,000,000 film-makers looking for quality talent - go do it!
You do not have to be in Hollywood to be in a movie anymore. The 'industry' isn't just a New York/Los Angeles/Paris/Tokyo exclusive. Directors are filming EVERYWHERE! Clients are shooting their marketing campaigns in EVERY size market.
Students should be practicing and searching for their next opportunity. There is no reason to wait until you can move to the big market. Barbizon Midwest teaches you how to start today. My advice is: START TODAY!"
WANT MORE KARENA STEIR?!
Another short film can be found here featuring ONLY Karena!!
And upon closing below you can find the talented Karena Steir in "Party to Murder."
Thank you, Karena! We value your teaching and appreciate your time and input!
Want to know more about what our students, graduates, and parents think of Barbizon Midwest? Check out our:
Excellence is not an accident. It's a combination of confidence, skills, and know-how. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Here are eight simple tips to help you attend auditions as prepared as you can be from the inside out!
TIP ONE: IF YOU'RE ON TIME, YOU'RE LATE
Always be on time for your audition. In fact, plan on arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment.
TIP TWO: BE ORGANIZED
Always bring a few head shots at every audition OR event you attend. You never know who may be there. The business card of the performing artist is the resume and a hint of class will give you a fabulous edge. Consider carrying an elegant folder containing your neatly typed resume and your photos. Even if you have yet to start your performance experience, you still need to have a resume listing your courses, roles in productions (if any), directors you have worked with and your teachers.
TIP THREE: FOLLOW UP
Always follow up with a thank you note for any audition or meeting. This note should be simple and succinct. It is always good to be optimistic, but refrain from being pushy.
TIP FOUR: PRESENT YOURSELF APPROPRIATELY
Your appearance must be exceptional. If not, no-one is going to give you a second glance. Always wear something that shows of your personality and character. Judges want to know who you truly are.
TIP FIVE: GREET EVERYONE
When going into the audition room, do not tell your life story or about how bad your day was. Greet everyone in the room and be prepared with the audition material. It's always good to make eye-contact with everyone, even the person who walks you into the room. When the audition is over thank them and leave the room. Do not ask for feedback!
TIP SIX: PREPARATION
Prepare fully for any audition that you are on. If they ask for a monologue, be fully prepared to give one or two - comedic and dramatic. If sides were provided, they were done so for a reason - prepare them.
TIP SEVEN: NEVER EVER
Never pull a "no show" for any audition or appointment. You never know who might be present or who the casting director or director knows.
TIP EIGHT: DON'T LOOK BACK
Analyze what happened by all means, but do not get down on yourself. Auditions are like anything else in your life - you are right for the job, or you are not. Don't take rejections personally. Believe in yourself and see auditions as opportunities to shine. If you have prepared as best you can, and you do not get the part, then the part simply wasn't for you.
"Divergent" is looking for Males/Females, all ethnicities, ages 16 to 55, with severe/unique/fun hairstyles. Funky colors are a plus. Think "PUNK ROCK." We are checking availability to shoot on the following dates: 7/5, 7/6, 7/7, 7/10 Send an email to extras4divergent@gmail.com with the Subject Line: PUNK ROCK 1.) Attach a recent photo as a jpeg format along with name, email, phone, age, height/weight and measurements: MEN: Suit/Jacket, Shirt (neck/sleeve), Pants (waist/inseam), and shoes. WOMEN: Bust/waist/hips, Dress Size, and shoes. 2.) List ALL the dates you are available to work. 3.) Please note: You MUST be an Illinois Resident with either a valid Illinois Driver's license or State ID - State which one you have in your possession. THIS QUESTION MUST BE ANSWERED! 4.) Finally, if you attended the open call or were previously contacted by us regarding an online survey - please let us know in the email.
Fashion Festival in Singapore began last week. Top Fashion Designer Carolina Herrera with her fabulous fall collection started the official festival and chose Barbizon Midwest's Katrina Hoernig to be the "practice face" for hair and makeup!
Katrina then strutted the runway in two different beautiful dresses!
But, the modeling didn't stop there... Katrina hit the runway for two more shows that same day!
Barbizon Midwest of Schaumburg graduate Oana Gregory, age 17, stars as Amanda Bernstein on Disney XD's "Crash & Bernstein!" Check out the link below where Oana sits down and talks "Crash & Bernstein." Hear how she likes being on set!
1.) Attach a recent photo as a jpeg format along with name, email, phone, age, height/weight, and measurements:
(Men: Suit/Jacket, Shirt (neck/sleeve), Pants (waist/inseam), and Shoes. Women: Bust/Waist/Hips, Dress Size, and Shoes.)
2.) Include the date/time available for the costume fitting and list ALL the dates you are available to work. This should match the subject line that best matches your look.
3.) Please note: You MUST be an Illinois Resident with either a valid Illinois Driver's Licence or State ID - State which one you have in your possession.
4.) Finally, if you attended the open call or were previously contacted by us regarding an online survey - please let us know in the email.
Barbizon Midwest Fresh Faces Iowa Search!
Barbizon Midwest will be in Des Moines, IA this Saturday, May 18th in search of new Models and Talent.
To schedule an interview with a talent director, please email barbizonmidwestmodels@gmail.com with the following info: Full Name, Phone, City/State/Zip, Age
Final Casting Call for "The House that Chicago Built"
PROJECT TYPE: Film "The House that Chicago Built" Directed by Lil Louis
DATE: Saturday, May 18, 2013
TIME: 10AM - 6PM
LOCATION: 100 W Cermak Rd (1 block west of Morgan) Chicago, IL
Casting Category: Acting, Modeling, Dancing, and Singing
Union: Non-union
Seeking: 20+ talent(s) for these roles
Gender: Male and Female
Race: All
Age: All ages
Performers Needed: Actors various character roles including:
PRINCIPLE ROLES
Lil Louis: Male, 18-30, Black, Height 5'8-5'11
Baby Louis: Male, 3-10, Black
Young Lil Louis, Male, 12-17, Black
Teacher: Female, 19-35, White
Club Owners: Male, 21-50, White
Wild Club Goers: Male, 18-40, Straight and Gay, White, Black, and Latin
Proper British Woman: 18-40, British accent
EXTRAS
Models: Female, 18-30, All races, 5'0-6'2, Athletic, Fit, Sociable
AQUAGE is seeking female models ages 16 and up with LONG hair that will be used for styling. Also seeking female models with ANY LENGTH of hair that are open to cutting. No height requirement.
All girls will be receiving color, but we are solely interested in monochromatic colors, therefore, blondes, reds, and brunettes. If interested in seeing some of the work we produce please peruse www.aquage.com
DATE & TIME
Saturday, May 18
Arrive at 4:45PM sharp!
LOCATION:
Hilton Garden Inn
2930 South River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
***Meet the client in the lobby.
WEAR
A nice casual outfit in all black. Wear heels.
If you are selected, you will be paid:
Rate is: $100 for Prep (Sunday, May 19)
Rate is: $200 for SHOW DAY (Monday, May 20)
NOTES
*You do NOT need an appointment, just show up
*You do NOT need to bring a photo
*You MUST inform the client you are represented by ROYAL MODEL AGENCY, not Barbizon school. This will ensure your check if you are chosen for the event
NO WEAVES / WIGS / EXTENSIONS / BRAIDS / RELAXED HAIR [HOW MUCH STYLING OR CUT IS DONE IS DETERMINED BETWEEN MODELS & ARTIST]
AUDITION & SHOW DATE:
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Arrive at 12 Noon sharp!!
WEAR:
Nice casual, but no jeans or sweats.
MODELS CHOSEN WILL NEED TO STAY FOR THE SHOW AND SHOULD BRING 2 BLACK DRESSES (any style), BLACK HIGH HEEL CLOSED TOE SHOES AND THEIR OWN MAKEUP/FOUNDATION
If you are chosen, MODELS MUST BE AVAILABLE UNTIL EARLY EVENING (exact ending time to be determined)
MODELS UNDER 18YRS MUST BRING A PARENT
LOCATION:
ROBERT JEFFREY SALON
3434-36 N HALSTED
CHICAGO, IL 60657
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. GOOGLE FOR DIRECTIONS
RATE: if you are selected you will be paid:
$100.00 + GIFT OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS
NOTES
*You do NOT need an appointment, just show up
*You do NOT need to bring a photo
*You MUST inform the client you are represented by ROYAL MODEL AGENCY, not Barbizon school. This will ensure your check if you are chosen for the event
Barbizon Midwest Models strutted their stuff for the runway at "The Ultimate Celebration of Motherhood," held at the Lincolnwood Town Center on May 9, 2013. A special guest performance was done by Barbizon Schaumburg location graduate and model/actress/musician Carolina Davis!!
CHECK OUT THIS SNEAK PEAK CLIP OF CAROLINA DAVIS' PERFORMANCE!!!
Don't miss Carolina's next performance at The Elbo Room!!!
Carolina will be performing at The Elbo Room May 14, 2013 at 8PM to compete in The Battle of the Bands! The winner will perform at The House of Blues!! So get out there and show your alumni support!
We are pleased to announce that Laura Gentry, scout for the International Model and Talent Association (IMTA) will be auditioning models, actors, singers, and dancers. Ms. Gentry will be assisting Barbizon Midwest in the selection of qualified models and talent for the 2014 IMTA competition to be held in Los Angeles. Ms. Gentry's visit will significantly enhance opportunities for area models and talent to see, and to be seen by top model and talent agents, casting directors, and television and film producers. Additionally, many international agents from Paris, London, Milan, Japan and the Pacific Rim attend the L.A. competitions in search of fresh faces and new talent for their respective agencies. Ms. Gentry has been affiliated with IMTA for more than 25 years, and has been awarded the prestigious "Lifetime Achievement" award by IMTA. During this time, she has been responsible for assisting many hundreds of models, actors, actresses, singers and dancers display their talents for national and international agents.
EVA LONGORIA "Desperate Housewives"
FAITH FORD "Murphy Brown" and "Hope & Faith"
JERRY FERRARRA Turtle on HBO's "Entourage"
WAYNE LOPEZ "CSI-Miami" and "The Guardian"
STEVEN SANDVOSS Guest star of "Will & Grace" "Rumor Has It" with Jennifer Aniston
HALEY BENNETT "Music & Lyrics" with Drew Barrymore "Marley & Me"
KYLE LOWDER EMMY NOMINATED ACTOR "Days of our Lives"
Ms. Gentry's modeling discoveries can be seen gracing the pages of top Fashion magazines and runways worldwide. Her discoveries have signed with top agents and managers such as Handprint Entertainment, Elite, Ford, Click, Wilhelmina, KNS, Discovery, and The Osbrink Agency and many more. We are excited and honored to host Ms. Gentry with her stellar background and reputation, as she will be assissting in the selection of this year's IMTA delegation.
IMTA AUDITIONS ARE ONE DAY ONLY!!
SATURDAY JUNE 15, 2013 Please call 847-241-6630 or Toll Free 800-504-3400 AUDITION LOCATION: Rolling Meadows, IL TIME: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR AUDITION TIME ---------OR--------- EMAIL barbizonmidwestmodels@gmail.com MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFO IN EMAIL: First and Last Name, Phone, City/State/Zip, Age
CHECK OUT SOME OF BARBIZON MIDWEST/ROYAL'S INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERIES!
OANA GREGORY
OANA GREGORY
Star of the hit Disney XD show "Crash & Bernstein!"
Films:Spork TV Shows: "Kickin' It," "Olivia," "Lab Rats"
SARA NIEMIETZ
SARA NIEMIETZ
TV Shows: "Glee," "Gilmore Girls" Film: "Akeelah and the Bee," "Exorcism of Emily Rose" Music: Self Debut Album Push Play available on iTunes and Bandcamp, Album Christmas Favorites available on iTunes and Bandcamp, Duet "Hooked on a Feeling" with B. J. Thomas available on his latest album The Living Room Sessions
KATRINA HUNTER
KATRINA HUNTER Model represented by Wilhelmina, IMD Modeling, & L.A. Models Currently a model on TV's "Fashion Star!" GUESS Model Editorials: French Prestige International Magazine, Vogue, Tidbits Magazine, Bullet Magazine, & MORE!
HOLLY RIDINGS
HOLLY RIDINGS Model represented by Envy Model Management, Fenton Moon and Wunder Management TV Shows: "Models of the Runway," "Project Runway Season 7" Runway Fashion Week: NYC, California Magazine Editorials: Men's Health Magazine, L.A. Direct Magazine, Tantalum Magazine & MORE!
KATRINA HOERNIG
Model represented by FACTOR WOMEN Runway Fashion Week: NYC, London, Paris, & Milan Designer: Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, & Charlotte Ronson Magazine Covers: Italian Velvet and Riviera
KATRINA HOERNIG
COURTNEY GOETSCH
COURTNEY GOETSCH Model represented by Elite Milano Runway Fashion Week: Chanel, Jeremy Laing, Sachin & Babi Editorials: Grazia Italia, Vogue Italia, Womenswear Fashion Lookbook, & MORE!
LAUREN STORM
LAUREN STORM
TV Shows: "Flight 29 Down," "Drop Dead Diva," "24," "7th Heaven," "Malcolm in the Middle," "Boston Public" Film: "The Roommate," "Munger Road,""I Love You Beth Cooper"
JORDAN MONAGHAN
JORDAN MONAGHAN Miss Italia 2008 Print Ads: Sketchers, Forever 21, Ed Hardy, Pottery Barn Teen, BCBG, Sony, Billabong, & MORE! TV Shows: "True Blood," "True Jackson VP," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" Film:Cavemen, releasing in 2013 and Betty Ann Waters
PATRICK THOMPSON
PATRICK THOMPSON
Fashion Week: Milan, Paris, & runway for Louis Vuitton in France
Magazine Publications: Target, Sony, Detour, Arude, British Elle, British Vogue, Paul Mitchell, Paul Smith, Oliver People, Gentleman's Option, German GQ, Time Warner Cable, Modern Salon, Mode Max, Ruffo Research Look Book, Elite Traveler, Samsung, American Crew, and Xerox Virgin Airlines
Nominations: Best Supporting Actor at Action On Film Festival in Long Beach, Best Actor at Van Wert Film Festival
MICHAEL ADRIAN Films:Luna Park, Resistance, & Twiharder TV Shows: "Community," "Victorious," "Cold Case," and "Rule the Mix"
MICHAEL ADRIAN
CHRISTIAN KRAMME
CHRISTIAN KRAMME
Films:Alongside Night in theaters July 2013! TV Shows: "CSI:NY," "Justified," & "How to Rock" National TV Commercials: AARP & General Mills Voice Over for Sea World
MICHAEL VIRUET
Films: Feature Film Debut as Unicycle in Pitch Perfect Model for Calvin Klein
MICHAEL VIRUET
BRENDON EGGERTSEN
BRENDON EGGERTSEN
Films:Pass the Light (currently filming), Paranormal Activity 4, & Just Go With It
TV Shows: "Shameless,""Teens Wanna Know," & "The Mentalist"
PAGEANT WINNERS Kate Redeker - Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2013 Erica Barlament - Miss Wisconsin Junior Pre Teen 2013 Amy Spilker - Miss Nebraska USA 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IMTA VISIT: www.IMTA.com