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PINEWOOD SHINES
A Model Story
This past summer, Madelyn Cline was
invited to attend the Actors Models & Talent Competition (AMTC) at the Gaylord Palms
Resort in Orlando, Florida. Because the training commitment require 3 hours every Saturday
from September through December and some weeknights, her parents explained to Madelyn that
they would support her as long as she realized she would be giving up a lot of free time,
she had to work hard AND most importantly her grades must not suffer.
Every Saturday for two to three hours, they worked on posture, poise, walking, and
modeling techniques, TV commercial acting, improvisational and other acting techniques as
well as interview skills. The week long competition had 600 contestants from around the
world who performed for over agents, casting directors, and managers from all over the US.
Madelyn's mother Pam said, " We watched our daughter perform in front of several
hundred people as comfortably as if she were playing with her friends and interview with
agents from top |
modeling and acting
agencies as if she were a seasoned professional! All those practices really kicked in at
the competition when the self-confidence came through. It was simply amazing to
watch. While we are very proud of her awards, we are most proud that she set a goal,
committed to training and worked countless hours toward that goal. It was wonderful to see
her hard work acknowledged."
Madelyn said It was the most amazing experience of my whole life! I found out how
much I loved performing! I learned so much from the competition and made so many friends.
I even met Nathan Pearson who plays Germy Jeremy on I-Carly. This summer I plan on going
to New York to work with several agents."
While at the competition in Orlando, Madelyn competed in ten categories, four pertaining
to modeling and five for acting. She won first place in three categories and second place
in another, three honorable mentions in three categories and she was a finalist for
overall child model.
Suzanne M. Green, Agency Director at Millie Lewis Models and Talent commented, I am
so excited about the opportunities that Madelyn has ahead of her. She has all the
qualities it takes in our model and talent industry to be one of our next stars - beauty,
personality, intelligence, talent, and family support. I truly believe she has a calling
and feel blessed that Madelyn and her family our part of our Millie Lewis Family." |
Miss James Island High School
Cailyn


In December, Cailyn
Oltmann was crowned Miss James Island. She is the daughter of Billy and Joyce Oltmann,
granddaughter of Billy Oltmann III and Helen Pye, great granddaughter of Ellen Pye and
Trudy Oltmann Hammett. Cailyn remembers feeling a mixture of emotions, including
excitement and disbelief and really an honor to win.
Pageants are made to enhance the person," she added.
"It is an opportunity to have an impact on your community and you do get a lot from
it, in both a professional and personal manner.
At age 5 she joined Millie Lewis Models & Talent Agency
where she learned the tools of Modeling and Acting. She has attended the Actors, Models
& Talent Competition, (AMTC), and placed in many competitions. When I came in second
place in the Family Runway, which I did with my Dad was really an honor. My passion is
singing and I was privileged to be able to sing the National Anthem at the Charleston
Rivers Dogs Stadium for a home game.
Cailyn wrote an essay about saying "No To Drugs"
that won in a school wide contest. One of the poems she wrote not only won, but also it
was published in a book.
In a Jewelry class at school she made a necklace that won
second place at this years Coastal Carolina Fair.
Cailyns ambition is to go to Clemson and become a
Pediatrician. Working with children and being able to help them stay well, would be an
ultimate dream for me. I also love to work with animals and one day would like to become a
rescue home for a certain breed.
To my Mom and my Dad for laying a good foundation
.
Thanks! |
NINE
RESIDENTS ATTEND ACTORS, MODELS AND TALENT COMPETITION IN FLORIDA
By Vickey Boyd
PublisherYou have a dream to become a model or
actor, but where do you begin? How do you get in front of agents?
Mille Lewis of Charleston has introduced hopeful actors and
models to leading agents and casting directors for 29 years.
Recently nine East Cooper residents traveled to Orlando,
Florida to compete at the AMTC, (Actors, Models and Talent Competition).
Jeff Argenio, Joey Argenio, Laura Boyd, Rhett Cuthbert,
Troy Gandee, Andrea Kittle, Alexi Pate, Catherine Pease, and Grayson Richburg spent a week
competing in competitions such as monologue, TV commercials, cold read, scene study,
improv, runway modeling, photography, swimsuit and more.
Years worth of auditions were condensed into six days as
participants |

Vickey Boyd/Moultrie News
The Dream Starts Here! was the slogan for the AMTC Competition in Orlando, Florida.
Attending from the East Cooper area are contestants (front row) Joey Argenio and Laura
Boyd. Back row, left to right are Louise Teems, Millie Lewis booking agent; Debra Ford,
Millie Lewis scout; Jeff Argenio, contestant, Suzanne Green, Millie Lewis director; and
Alexi Pate, contestant.
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| performed for over 89 agents,
casting directors, and managers at the summer AMTC. Attending were 36 regional directors.
Millie Lewis of Charleston took a total of 38 contestants. And the East Cooper contingent did very well as they competed against 900
contestants from around the world. Contestants receiving Honorable Mention included:
Andrea Kittle, photography; Joey Argenio, TV commercial and spokes model; Alexi Pate,
runway; Troy Gandee, runway and spokes model; Rhett Cuthbert, TV commercial, stand up and
monologue; Jeff Argenio, spokes model.
Catherine Pease won second place in runway and Jeff Argenio
was a finalist in male commercial.
"It kicked butt," said Cuthbert, 13 years old.
"I liked everything about it." Cuthbert is headed to Los Angeles in October for
call-backs with agents. "I learned so much from the Millie Lewis classes and I am
ready to go to LA and talk to agents and hopefully get a job."
Cuthberts mom, deLeisseline, says she plans to do
whatever it takes to help Cuthbert fulfill his dream, even if it means moving to LA and
home schooling.
Jeff and Joey, father and son, attended classes together.
"Wow, I sure had a super duper time and I feel like Im on the fast track to
stardom!" said Joey, 13.
Father Jeff said, "In addition to the thrill of
auditioning in front of agents and casting directors from all over the planet, I found the
experience to be so much fun that I find it hard to put into words. Also, I was fortunate
enough to meet some terrific new friends. And Ive already done some filming so who
knows where this will lead?" Jeff is proud to be 52 years old and still chasing his
dream.
Boyd, 17, said she had a wonderful time and felt she came
away with important life skills. "I performed in front of over 500 people; I was
taped and photographed. I talked with agents from top modeling and acting agencies. The
confidence to do all this will help me in life in whatever I choose to do. I didnt
want to come home it was so much fun, " Boyd said.
Some contestants have already moved forward with their
careers. Gandee has moved to LA and signed with Simmons and Scott Management. Pate is
headed to Canada for test shots in October for fashion week.
Present day Director Suzanne Green says the industry is a
roller coaster ride. "When a client is up and happy, I am too. But when an audition
doesnt go well or someone doesnt get a call back, I am sad with them. The
important thing is not to give up. You will not make it at every audition, but it is
important to keep trying." Green says that Millie Lewis is one big family with
everyone supporting each other.
Green started out as a participate in the original class in
Charleston with Millie Lewis daughter, Carey Lewis Arban, as her director in 1979.
Greens acting career never really took off, but she found a home in helping aspiring
actors and models. "I was a tomboy and mom put me in the class to learn poise. All I
wanted to do was be an athlete."
Green says she just traded one competitive career, sports,
for another, acting and modeling. She became director of Millie Lewis of Charleston in
1989 and she has never looked back. "God had a plan for me. I just didnt know
it. I enjoy helping people improve their skills, appearance and confidence. We are one big
family at Millie Lewis. This is a competitive field and I hope to offer the opportunity to
excel, a chance to be discovered, and the assurance to meet the future with no regrets.
But in our classes everyone is encouraged to help and support each other."
To find additional information about AMTC
competition/auditions visit www.millielewis.com.
Millie Lewis of Charleston will conduct open auditions
starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Hampton Inn, Daniel Island for ages 3 and up.
Each participant will be given one minute for monologues,
singing and dancing. For additional information visit www.millielewischarleston.com or
call 571-7781.
Debbie Chard will MC the special event. |
Thanks to all the Models and Talent that
came out to help raise funds for the firefighter's families. Not only did we
raise
over $800.00 in just 4 hours, but we had lots of fun. (I think the photos tell that
story!!)
Also thanks to Millie Lewis AMTC for their $500.00 donation!!!

Photos of WEZL
cruises with Staff and Entertainers |

Bucky Covington (American Idol finalist), Louise Teems, Suzanne Green, Caroline Walters,
Debra Ford, and Bucky's Brother
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Louise Teems/Aaron Tippon |

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Aaron Tippon
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Casey Smith with Terry Clark
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Students from Fort Johnson Middle School and James Island Middle School at Millie Lewis
for career day (shadowing) |

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Recent Press
 
| Local girl attends Millie Lewis
AMTC competition Summerville Journal
Scene
Janet Bell
jbell@journalscene.com
Aspiring actors and models from around the world
recently gathered in Orlando, Fla. for the Millie Lewis Actors, Models and Talent
Competition (AMTC)and Summerville resident Megan Burke was there.
From June 27 to July 2, Burke, 12, and her mother
Penny Hansen and stepfather Craig Hansen attended seminars, rehearsals, workshops,
auditions and competitions.
During the week Burke competed in six different
categories: runway, swimsuit, photography, monologue, TV commercial and soap opera.
|

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| She competed against
girls from places such as Puerto Rico, Kansas, Missouri and Alaska. She got to meet
Rebecca Holliday from Bravos hit show "Project Runway" and Mitch Holleman
who plays Jake Hart on the WBs "Reba" sitcom. "I had so much fun I didnt want to leave,"
Burke said. "I especially loved the runway and making lots of new friends."
She wanted to participate in the competition so
badly that she sold candy bars, cookies and lemonade in front of Wal-Mart and Bi-Lo to
help pay for her trip to Orlando. She raised about $700 for the trip. In addition to the
money Burke raised herself, she received sponsorship from local companies like
Sullys Wholesale and The Krankee Yankee to help fund her trip.
Burkes stepfather said the main thing about
the competition was that she had the chance to meet scouts and agents. According to
Hansen, Sawa Saito, an agent from Avenue One in Tokyo, showed some interest in Burke.
"We all enjoyed the AMTC competition,"
Craig Hansen said. "It was a good experience for all of us."
What is AMTC? Founded and owned by Millie
Lewiss daughter Carey Lewis Arban and her husband Dr. Bill Arban, the
family-oriented, educational, invitational competition is a way for new models, actors,
singers, dancers, and comedians to compete in front of the worlds leading agents.
The AMTC competition takes years worth of auditions
and condenses them into six days for its participants.
Since education is strongly stressed by the Millie
Lewis Convention, participants who are of school age must have a minimum "B"
average just to be accepted in AMTC. However, "As" are preferred.
Participants are provided with a minimum of 24
hours of training before the competition, by an AMTC Affiliated Director, so they are
ready to perform at their best and they know what to expect.
The Convention also offers workshops for
contestants and their families by top agents, respected authors and national experts in
acting, music, dance, modeling, nutrition and more.
Millie Lewis has produced models for major agencies
in the world like Ford, Elite, and Next. Participants of the AMTC competition have starred
in movies such as "Walking Tall," "Red Badge of Courage" and
"Rookies". Some AMTC participants have excelled in pageants like "Miss
U.S.A.," "Miss Teenage America" and "Miss United States Teen."
Millie Lewis has even produced Broadway and theater stars for productions of "Miss
Saigon," "Evita" and "The Lion King." |
Millie Lewis can be the first step
to your dreams
Summervill Journal Scene
July 28, 2006
By: Julie SmithFrom the fashion pages of
Cosmopolitan to the stages of Broadway, Millie Lewis has had a very exciting year so far.
Breanne Riggs had eight pages in the April issue of
Cosmo and just booked a J Crew campaign. Suzanne Green, director of Millie Lewis
Charleston, has just returned from New York after seeing Josh Strickland as Tarzan. The
show just opened in April, which was an amazing month for Millie Lewis.
Strickland competed at Millie Lewis AMTC (Actors,
Models, and Talent Competition) where he met his manager Ted Brunson. Green was very
excited to spend some time with Strickland after the show.
"Josh is still Josh, but when he is on stage
he is TARZAN," Green said.
Millie Lewis is also excited about their
12-year-old, Aaron Burr, who is traveling in the Broadway play "Dr. Dolittle"
with nine-time Tony winner Tommy Tune. You can also see Aaron on "Americas Got
Talent" as he is a finalist. Watch out for him in the next few weeks.
Many other success stories are continuing to
develop. Watch our local girl Ashley Scott on the new pilot "Jerricho" this
fall. Ashley was in the movie "Walking Tall" with "The Rock" and
"Into the Blue" with Jessica Alba.
Others are Matt Czuchry on "Gilmore
Girls," as Logan and Mena Suvaris continued success since appearing in the
Oscar-winning "American Beauty." All of these have competed and were discovered
through the Millie Lewis AMTC.
Auditions are going on now for the winter
convention at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort. Go to www.millielewis.com and
www.millielewischarleston.com for more information.
Millie Lewis also has training for all ages, all
types. Acting classes are taught by Richard Futch, who does a lot of casting for
television and film in South Carolina. Great contact!
Louise Teems, the booking agent, has been very busy
booking jobs locally from Bayliner Boats to "Red" magazine out of the United
Kingdom. We sometimes just need real people with lots of personality.
Green says to not only look at the fashion pages in
magazines, but notice the advertisements in them with natural people of all ages, all
types. Even though you would not want to give up your day job, locally you can make a lot
of extra money on a part-time basis.
Millie Lewis is licensed by the Commission on
Higher Education, and is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Charleston and
Summerville Chambers of Commerce and American Modeling Association, of which Green is past
president.
Green personally feels God has a plan for all of
us. She is always excited to be a part of making someones dreams and goals come
true. Or just being the best they can be! Call 843-571-7781 for more information or to set
up an appointment.
Millie Lewis also offers birthday parties, makeup
artistry, private pageant and corporate etiquette training. Or just come get a
professional photo shoot! Everyone is a model when they walk out their front door. |
Tunes
Dr. Dolittle the Rx for winter doldrums
Friday January 13, 2006
By Susan Pierce Staff Writer |
Chattanoogans have a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the legendary Tommy Tune perform onstage at
the Tivoli Theatre this weekend in the premiere of a new musical.
Broadways nine-time Tony winner will open his national tour
of "Dr. Dolittle" next week in Houston, Texas. Since last weekend, the cast and
crew have been fine-tuning the show in the Tivoli before it is unveiled at 8 tonight, with
a second performance Saturday.
Not only is Tune starring in the musical about the
veterinarian who talks with animals, but he is directing as well. In a phone interview, he
said he has totally retooled a previous road production of "Dr. Dolittle" that
had a short two-month run last fall with a different actor in the title role. The good
doctors prescription for success began with assembling his own creative team. He
cast multiple Tony nominee Dee Hoty, whom he had twice directed, as his leading lady, Emma
Fairfax. Then he hand-picked 12-year-old Aaron Burr to fill the role of Chee-Chee the
monkey. Burrs name may not be familiar, but fans of "Good Morning,
America" will recognize his face and tap skills. Burr won that ABC TV shows
dance competition last summer. Tune was
a judge.
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Staff Photo by Angela Lewis
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Aaron Burr portrays Chee-Chee the monkey in "Dr. Dolittle."
Staff Photo by Angela Lewis |
"Dr. Dolittle"
tells the story of a veterinarian in the English town of Puddleby-by-the-Marsh, and his
adventures during a search for a mythical great pink sea snail. Its underlying theme is
kindness to animals and their loyalty to man. In keeping with that
theme, a portion of proceeds from both nights shows will be donated to the
Chattanooga Zoo.
The musicals witty score includes "When I Look in Your
Eyes," "Ive Never Seen Anything Like It" and the Academy Award
Winning song "Talk to the Animals."
The fantasy and whimsy of the childrens story have been
enhanced by imaginative props and elaborate costuming that will captivate the young and
young at heart.
"Tommy wanted to keep the show as if we were looking
through a childs eyes. So the animal costumes are not cartoonish but almost like
childrens toys," said Dona Granata of her designs. For example, the tap-dancing
monkeys costumes mimic the familiar sock monkeys of childhood.
Special ticket pricing buy two, get two free makes "Dr. Dolittle"
an affordable night out for a family.
What: "Dr. Dolittle" starring Tommy Tune .
When: 8 p.m. today and Saturday.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.
Admission: $48 (buy two tickets, get two free).
Phone: 642-TIXS.
Web site: www.ChattanoogaOn-Stage.com.
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Tunes Dr.
Dolittle performance a treat
Saturday January 14, 2006
By Susan Pierce Staff Writer
|
From the
opening doff of his top hat to two standing ovations at the shows conclusion, Tommy
Tune charmed the 1,026 attending the premiere of his new musical, "Dr.
Dolittle," at the Tivoli Theatre on Friday night. Before the
audience let the actor leave the stage, he had received a proclamation from Mayor Ron
Littlefield declaring Friday, Jan. 13, Tommy Tune Day in Chattanooga.
"Dr. Dolittle" is based on the 1967 Oscar-winning
musical by Leslie Bricusse. Broadways legendary song-and-dance star plays the
veterinarian who can talk to animals and also directs the stunning production.
The chance to see the nine-time Tony winner was the draw for many
in the audience, and he didnt disappoint them. Tune did the soft-shoe with a
sheepdog. He joined a high-kicking chorus line with a two-headed llama and company.
Onstage almost the entire 90 minutes, he was the consummate
entertainer delivering slapstick jokes with a merry twinkle in his eyes and dancing with
unflagging energy.
In keeping with Mr. Tunes vision of viewing the story
through the eyes of children, costumer/designer Dona Granata and puppet designer Michael
Currey ("The Lion King") enhanced this fantasy with whimsical marionette animals
and colorful, elaborate wardrobes.
Three-time Tony nominee Dee Hoty plays Emma Fairfax, Dr.
Dolittles leading lady. She sings beautifully and displays
a wide, rich vocal range. Her characterization of Lady Fairfax provides a prim, proper
foil to the ingenious doctor.
Tap-dancing 12-year-old Aaron Burr, a newcomer to the
stage, holds his own throughout intricate dance numbers with Mr. Tune . One cant
help but believe they are watching Broadways current legend at work with its star of
the future.
Playing Chee-Chee the monkey, Aaron, along with Mr. Tune and
a troupe of tap-dancing sock monkeys, stop the show with their free-wheeling dance on
Monkey Island. Choreographer Patti Colombo has injected humor in the monkey-see, monkey-do
routine that is so clever it almost overshadows the intricate footwork of the company.
"Dr. Dolittle" is the prescription for the post-holiday
season doldrums. It is visually stunning, and the lively music includes favorites such as
"Talk to the Animals" and "After Today." Its a family-oriented
show at a family-friendly rate of buy two tickets, get two free. Tickets are $48.
Theres one chance left to see "Dr. Dolittle"
tonight at 8 p.m. Call 642-TIXS for tickets.
E-mail Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com |
Millie Lewis brings back competition
BY DAVID QUICK
The Post and Courier, Friday January 6, 2006
Charleston, South Carolina
Fashion Section
Some 850 aspiring actors, models,
singers and dancers will try to get noticed by some of the top casting directors and
agents in the country, as well as learn a few things about the entertainment business,
next week at the Millie Lewis Actors, Models & Talent Competition.
The competition, to be at The North
Charleston Performing Arts Center from Tuesday through Jan. 15, will draw hundreds of
entertainment and modeling industry representatives from New York, Paris, Tokyo, Los
Angeles and Miami. Some big names include MTV, Twentieth Century Fox, Wilhelmina, Mark
Burnette Productions and magazines such as Lucky, Cosmo Girl and Real Simple.
While the competition has been in
existence since 1982, next week's event marks only the third time it has been held in the
metropolitan Charleston area. The other two times were in the winters of 2003 and 2004.
"We're excited it's back in
Charleston," says Suzanne Green, owner and agency director of Millie Lewis Models and
Talent Agency in North Charleston. "Agents and casting directors love to come here
and get away from their offices."
In all, an estimated 2,000 people are
expected to visit the Lowcountry for the event.
The event is not open to the public,
but Charleston's Millie Lewis will have 66 local people vying for top awards and the
possible opportunities that follow them.
Past Millie Lewis contestants from
Charleston who have taken part in the competitions and moved on to future fame have
included:
--Mena Suvari, a Wilhelmina model and
actress in the movies "American Beauty" and "American Pie."
--Matt Czuchry, who stars in the TV
show "Gilmore Girls" and landed a role in the movie "Eight Legged
Freaks."
--Ashley Scott, an Elite model who has
played roles on "Into the Blue," "Dark Angel" and "Birds of
Prey."
--Josh Strickland, who recently landed
the role in Disney's Broadway production of "Tarzan."
Though the competition is hosted by
Millie Lewis, the overwhelming majority of contestants are not from Millie Lewis agencies.
Most are brought in by agents from around the country.
Categories in the competition are
numerous. Some include commercial and runway fashion competitions, acting, singing and
swimsuit competitions, in various age categories.
Dubbed a competition, a large chunk of
the six-day event involves workshops, seminars and panel discussions.
Red Magazine
(UK) Fashion Photo Shoot
August 2005 |
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Modeling agency's new home has ample
space for growth
By Edward C. Fennell
"You can
be beautiful and intelligent but lack self-confidence in everything you do."
Thursday, June 23,
2005
Edition: FINAL, Section: YOUR LOWCOUNTRY, Page B1
The aging,
frame building on Savannah Highway had charm, a good attribute for a cover girl but not
enough for a building housing a growing business.
That's the way the owner of Millie Lewis Models and Talent of Charleston felt
a year ago when she rolled up the runway in West Ashley and relocated to North Charleston.
Millie Lewis now is looking good at its new 7475 Northside Drive home, agency
owner Suzanne Green said. "This is tremendous compared to the other place it's
probably four times the size," she said.
The North Charleston building, a former bank, is centrally located in the
tri-county area, is near Interstate 26 and provides the agency ample space for classrooms,
a salon, photo studio and modeling runway that stretches through the lobby.
Green said many children and adults who have come to the studio since it was
founded in 1979 have gone on to successful modeling and acting careers. But the studio's
primary mission, she said, is to teach about poise, posture, etiquette, manners, public
speaking and proper makeup and how to dress.
Learning these skills improves a person's self-confidence and increases
chances for success at any endeavor, Green said.
At the new location, the agency is able to serve a larger area and provide a
wider variety of services, she said.
Rachel Peyser, a model and instructor at the studio, teaches classes that
range from basic skills for children to classes on business etiquette for adults.
"You can be beautiful and intelligent but lack self-confidence. You have
to have self-confidence in everything you do," Peyser said.
"It gives them that little edge in life," Green said.
Peyser said the business etiquette classes are among the newest kinds of
instruction being offered.
Many local businessmen and women are learning about making better first
impressions, proper posture, tips for job interviews, public speaking, proper wardrobe and
even telephone and cell-phone etiquette.
"Everybody could use a little brushing up on etiquette," she said.
The studio trained many of the models who appear in The Post and Courier
fashion pages and actors who have landed parts in local and national television
commercials and even full-length films.
Millie Lewis was a highly successful model and cover girl who opened her
first self-named modeling agency and finishing school in Columbia in 1960.
She went on to open agencies in Charleston, Greenville and Savannah and died
at 76 in 2001.
Lewis was an active proponent of civil rights and taught courses at the
University of South Carolina, Allen University and Benedict College.
Edward C. Fennell covers West Ashley. Contact
him at efennell@postandcourier.com.
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A STAR
IS BORN
Pinckney 2nd-grader to perform in
'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'

Eight-year-old Lurie Poston gets hugs from his
classmates in Patty Fisher's second-grade class at Pinckney Elementary School during a
farewell party Feb. 11.
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BY BRENDA RINDGE
Of The Post and Courier Staff
Published on 02/24/05
| I |
n Charleston, Lurie
Poston is a typical 8-year-old boy. The Mount Pleasant second-grader surfs and |
plays
baseball, football, soccer and tennis. He Rollerblades, climbs trees and rides his bike.
He loves school. But a couple of times a year, Lurie leaves Charleston. And that's when
his "other" life begins.
Usually, he heads to Los Angeles, where he takes singing, dancing and acting lessons and
goes on casting calls and auditions.
He's done lots of local, regional and even national print ads and TV commercials for
companies, |
|

Lurie (center) is surrounded by classmates as he reads
a shirt signed by all of his friends. He left school a couple of weeks ago to head to
Broadway, where he will be in the musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
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including Target, Bank of America
and Boys & Girls Clubs. He's appeared in Trace Adkins' "Hot Mama" video and
a movie called "Girls Will be Girls," which was screened at Sundance.
Since Lurie was 4, he and his mom, Kim Poston, have spent four to six weeks in L.A. twice
a year: around February for pilot season and in August for sitcoms and movies. His dad,
Lurie III, a terminal manager with SAIA, usually stays behind and visits on occasion.
Recently, young Lurie left again. This time, he passed through L.A., met with his manager
and other handlers and saw some other kid-actor friends, then headed back east to New York
City.
There, he is part of the ensemble cast of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," scheduled
to open at the Ford Center (being renamed the Hilton Theatre) in late March for previews.
TAKING OFF
Feb. 11, Lurie's last day in his second-grade class at Pinckney Elementary School, was
bittersweet.
While he was interviewed on WCPE, the school's in-house morning news program, teacher
Patty Fisher and her students set up a surprise going-away party.
As his tearful mother and teacher looked on, students crowded around Lurie, who was given
a school shirt signed by his classmates.
"Oh, you shouldn't have!" he said, examining what the children had written on
it.
"How many 8-year-olds do you know who say things like that?" his teacher asked.
The girls all wanted to hug him; the boys wanted to sit next to him to eat their Krispy
Kreme doughnuts and drink their Capri Suns.
Their classmate is leaving indefinitely, and to them, he is already a star.
Many plan to visit New York this summer, plans their parents may or may not know about.
One boy already has concrete plans to see his friend on Broadway. |

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AN EARLY START
"He was always singing and dancing," says Kim Poston of Lurie. "He could
sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' when he was 10 months old. He's not shy; he's very
outgoing. We got into drama for his confidence and he enjoyed it, so we kept on."
At 3, Lurie was a chicken in his first play, a Mount Pleasant Recreation Department
production. He even had lines to recite.
"People were always telling us we had to get him into something," says Poston of
her son, an only child. "We knew he was different. Then my husband heard a Millie
Lewis ad on the radio, and we decided to put our money where our mouth was and see what
happened."
Soon, Lurie entered the American Modeling and Talent Nationals in Florida.
"We had absolutely no idea how he would do," she says. "He was 4 years old
and competing in an age group that was 3 to 12. We were fine if nothing came of it."
But something did. Lurie won.
"We were absolutely flabbergasted," Poston says. "We truly had no idea he
would win. We just thought we'd test the waters and see what it was like. We thought it
would be a learning experience and we might do it again when he got older."
Then the phone started ringing. Lurie got 22 callbacks as a result of the competition.
Poston and her son traveled to L.A., where he was signed with the Ford model agency and
started doing print work. He has agents and managers, voice coaches and dance teachers.
"Lurie really lives two separate lives," his mother says.
"In L.A., he has friends his own age, too, but they are doing something different
from his friends here."
On the West Coast, the Postons live in a housing complex populated with transient actors.
They share an apartment with a 10-year-old aspiring actress from Minnesota and her mother.
She says they have spent "tens of thousands" on Lurie's career.
"The monthly expenses when we go to L.A., to rent the apartment, the car and all, is
about $5,000, and I'm good. I know what to do now and I'm very cheap," she says.
"A lot of us moms joke that it's a gambling habit. You spend the money and get all
the way to the end, and sometimes they make it and sometimes they don't, but you won't
know unless you spend the money, so you keep on and see what happens."
But the Postons didn't want to uproot their family and they didn't want Lurie to grow up
in a showbiz world.
"We were concerned about his age and him having time to be a real kid," says
Poston. "We decided we'd go out there for two months of the year, and the other 10
months, he would be at home being a regular kid. He's a totally normal kid." WHEN IN CHARLESTON ...
At home, Lurie goes to school, plays whatever sport is in season and attends summer camps.
His dad, a Citadel grad, has dreams of his son growing up to play football with the
Bulldogs, Poston says.
"We try to keep it real and focus on school and sports," his mother says.
He usually doesn't act or model locally, nor does he take lessons here.
"We have people here who help us when he has to prepare for an audition," Poston
says.
Their support network includes local actors Rodney Lee Rogers and his wife, Sharon Graci,
founders of Pure Theatre, and Chris Weatherhead, director of the Actors' Theatre of South
Carolina.
Poston doesn't stop him from doing things most little boys do.
"All the kids in our neighborhood got Rollerblades for Christmas and he was right out
there with them," she says. "I always let him make the decisions. I said, 'Do
you think it's smart to do that now?' and he said, 'I do,' so I just closed the door and
got on the computer and tried not to think about what he was doing. I thought that if I
didn't look, it would be OK."
Lurie survived Rollerblading, building a tree house and several other daring feats.
Then one day about two weeks before he was supposed to head to New York, he was at the top
of a tree when a light went on.
"All I could think about was my play," he says. "And I thought maybe I
shouldn't climb trees anymore."
THE ROAD TO 42ND STREET
Despite the acting and the trips to California, Poston never imagined her son would be
performing on Broadway.
Last summer, when they returned to Charleston after a slow season in L.A., the Postons got
a phone call from Lurie's manager.
|
|
|
Local performers showcase in national
competition
The Summerville Journal Scene, February 4,
2004, pg. 4A
| Eryn
Rowland of Summerville was a finalist in the Overall Child Model Competition during the
Millie Lewis Actors Models & Talent Competition held in North Charleston Jan. 15-18.
She was one of several local participants honored at the competition. A group of 72 local models, actors and entertainers stole
the show at this years Millie Lewis Actors Models & Talent Competition.
With the national competition set to move from
Charleston, where it has been held the last few years, to Orlando next year, the
Charleston Millie Lewis Agency won awards in nearly every category: T.V., Runway,
Photography, Spokes model, Soap Opera and Lifestyle. The local group earned the
prestigious Agency of the Year Award and the Group |

|
Show competition which
required a two-minute performance by the entire group representing the Charleston agency.
Since 1982 the national competition has afforded participants from various locations the
opportunity to compete in front of some of the worlds leading talent agents. It also
offers seminars designed to help contestants and their families understand various talent
industries."The Millie Lewis AMTC shows
us a degree of excellence that we dont find in a lot of other places," said
Karen Lee of Elite Models in New York.
Talent scouts from approximately 70 different
organizations attended the showcase. Participants come to the competition to find if they
have what it takes to work in a major market like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago,
Atlanta, Paris, Milan or Tokyo and to learn, according to a Millie Lewis brochure.
"Children, teens and adults from beginners to professionals, perform for top scouts
industry leaders that new talent might never meet under normal circumstances."
Several contestants from Summerville contributed to
the Charleston agencys success and won individual awards. Eryn Rowland, 10, was a
finalist in the Overall Child Model competition. Others from the Summerville area include
Evie Goodstein, 13; Lauren Keil, 13; Sarah Longdale, 17; Joy Pruitt, 17; Ashley Burke, 17;
Rachel Chriappardi, 13; Destiny Johnson, 3; Kayla Millbrook, 3; Lacy Royal, 11; Laura
Daly, 10; Andrew Crim, 4 and Lorynn Cyrus, 9.
This year the Millie Lewis Charleston Agency is
celebrating its 25th anniversary. It will hold auditions for the next Millie
Lewis International talent competition Feb. 26-28. |
|


|
Local
girl named overall winner in AMTC modeling competition
By Sully Witte, Senior Reporter
The Moultrie News, February 25, 2004, p. 18AA number
of East Cooper residents competed in the Millie Lewis American Modeling and Talent
Convention last month, and Christina Wollmann of Mount Pleasant was named the overall
winner of the commercial model category.
This competition featured new models, contestants and entertainers vying for the eye of
the worldšs leading talent and modeling agents.
Wollmann who will be 17 this summer, caught the eye of the judges with her dark brown eyes
and sandy blonde hair.
She competed in photography, tv commercial, spokesperson and lifestyles, and the combined
scores from those competitions resulted in her winning the overall teen commercial model
title.
This is quite an achievement for a young lady who says she always adored models and
dreamed of becoming one herself.
Enrolling in the Millie Lewis self-development course has enabled Wollmann to gain the
self-confidence needed to compete in these high energy competitions, but she said shešs
also learned important modeling techniques such as poise and speech techniques.
The self-confidence she gained from taking the personal development course is very
apparent, said Suzanne Manseau Green, the owner of the Charleston area Millie Lewis Models
and Talent. "Shešs got a great personality, she photographs beautifully and is sweet
and easy to work with. More importantly, she has the support of her family. Išd call that
the whole package."
Green said Wollmann will go far in this industry if she
chooses to because she has that "extra edge of confidence." Wollmann is now
taking the advanced professional course and continuing with her
personal development. This is an in-depth course on hand |
positioning, runway
walking and photo shoots.
Green said that there are no guarantees for Wollmann or any of the other contestants, but
the door is now open for agents to pick them up and for participation in auditions."To make it in this industry, you do have to leave Charleston,
but placement in this competition is a stepping stone to moving on," she said.
The benefit of this competition is that years worth of auditions are condensed into five
days. Instead of contestants traveling worldwide to see these agents, the agents come to
the talent.
Agents are screened so that potential clients are represented by only the most reputable
agencies.
Wollmann said she spoke with several interested agencies, and they all encouraged her to
continue building her resume.
Shešs auditioned for Drama III at Wando High School, enrolled in acting classes through
local community theaters and will continue with her courses at Millie Lewis.
"When the time is right, I am prepared to leave
Charleston to pursue this as a career," said wollmann. "I love modeling because
I am very interested in fashion and clothing. Itšs so much fun to be in front of the
camera and express myself through clothes and posing."
She said she eventually wants to be a print model and will
set her sites on Atlanta, Ga., which has a large print modeling industry.
Wollman said there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the industry, particularly
the fact that people think making it big is a "hopeless dream."
"Itšs attainable," she said, "if you work
hard, do your research and have your family supporting you."
Some of her role models in the industry have proven their
success and even started with Millie Lewis. She considers Nina Suvari, Ashley Scott and
Charlotte Dodds role models.
Wollmann wasnšt the only one at the AMTC competition. She was among contestants of all
ages competing in everything from runway, to photography to TV commercials.
East Cooper residents who placed among the top contestants include Bradford Allen,
Christopher Armburst, Stevie Barto, Andi Carnell, Christopher Dawson, Winnie Dutart, Briza
Graham, Kimberly Hensarling, Zachary Kontenakos, Samantha Norton, Felicia Pulicichio,
Monique Robins, Lauren Robinson, Kathryn Romaine, Jules Simmons, Christina Wollman,
Jennifer Woo and Kathryn Youngman.
Green is very proud of Wollman, but said therešs no reason
for her to rush to the big city for daily auditions. "Shešs a wonderful spirited
girl with a positive attitude. Shešs got the level of competitiveness and perseverance
needed in this industry and the enthusiasm to continue pursuing this when shešs ready.
She not intimidated by the business, which will motivate her to pursue opportunities down
the road."
Wollman considers herself successful now because shešs
gained self-confidence that she didn't know she had. "I can now accept myself for who
I am. I am proud that I have developed so much since I started this a year ago. Išm most
proud that I can go out on stage and know that I accept and respect myself for who I am.
This has been the best experience of my life."
Millie Lewis began in 1982. The founder is a former New
York model, who appeared in Vogue, Harperšs Bazaar and Life. She is known worldwide as a
leader in fashion and modeling. She began a group of modeling and finishing schools in
1960. The schools have been independently owned since 1986.
Green is a member of the original graduating class at Millie Lewis from 1979 and is also a
graduate of the College of Charleston with a bachelor of science in business
administration.
Auditions for the Summer competition are Feb. 26, 27, and
28. Stop by the studio or call 571-7781 for more information. |



Demal Mattson with Bobby Guiney, "The
Bachelor" in the "green room" prior to
the TV show The View on location at the College of Charleston.
Demal was chosen as Barbara Walters escort.
Child Performer Dazzles Judges/Scouts
By: Roger Lee, The Summerville Journal Scene
Originally Published on: 02/12/03
Page: 6C.
| After racking-up at the American
Modeling and Talent Convention last month, six-year-old Brooke Sikkema is drawing the
interest of some national talent scouts. The
Beech Hill Elementary school kindergartner brought home seven awards from the Millie Lewis
sponsored national competition held in North Charleston, including five for first place
finishes. For the event, Brooke and approximately 1,000 other contestants competed in
front of some 3,000 people and several prestigious agents from organizations such as Sony
Records, MTV, Ford, Elite and Wilhelmina.
Recently talent agents have expressed interest in
Brooke and her family has planned a trip to Los Angeles in March to meet some of the
agents.
"Brooke is one of those blessed kids with a lot
of talent," said Suzanne Green, owner of Millie Lewis |

Brooke sings her version of the
song "Animal Crackers."
|
| Modeling and Talent Agency
in Charleston. "She is just a natural and she loves to (perform). Every agent,
practically, in L.A. is wanting her. They are all telling me Ive got a star on my
hands." |

Brookes rendition of Sheryl Crows
"Soak up the Sun" earned her first
place in the Child Pop Song category
at the American Modeling and Talent Convention in January
|
At the competition Sikkema received the Overall Child Actor award as well as first place
in the Child Broadway Song, Child Pop Song, Child Monologue and TV Commercial categories.
She also placed second in Photography and third in Child Sitcom. For the TV Commercial and
Photography categories Brooke, who was five at the time, competed in the Pixie Division
against kids ages three to five. But in the other categories she was up against children
as old as 12.Brooke was one of the few
children at the competition selected to perform in both the monologue and talent show
finals.
The promising young actress/singer/model said her
favorite part of the competition was "meeting lots of friends and getting
trophies." And she is excited about the upcoming trip to California.
"The plane ride is going to be fun," she
said. "And staying in a big hotel." |
Brooke is the daughter of Dwight J.
and Debbie Sikkema. She has one brother, 11-year-old Tyler, who attends Gregg Middle
School. She is a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church choir and is a gymnastics
and dance student. She started modeling classes at Millie Lewis of Charleston last summer
and was selected to go to the competition after an audition in October.
She has always had an interest in music. Her mother
says Brooke, at the age of two, learned "The Good Ship Lollipop" from a video
and began singing. To date one of her favorite things is still singing along with the TV.
In the YWCA talent search she placed first in Child
Contemporary Vocal during the county competition and first in Child Vocal in the
Tri-county competition. Even though she had success in those and other talent
competitions, her mother says the family was not prepared for her achievement at the
national competition.
| "She had her best performance
ever," Debbie Sikkema said. "I was flabbergasted. And she loved every minute of
it. She is such a ham." Now she says she
does not know whether she should be excited or scared about the attention Brooke is
getting from talent scouts.
Brooke will also have the chance to travel to New
York later this year with a group of teenagers from Greens agency. The models, some
from Summerville, will meet with representatives in the fashion industry.
Greene and some of her other clients also received
awards at the January competition. Greene received the Lifetime Achievement Award for
excellence, placement and loyalty. Austen Brown, a student at College of Charleston, won
the Overall Talent award. |

Brooke performs the monologue
"Wide Mouth Frog."
|
Local model to compete in Tunisia
By: BY JUDY WATTS
Judy Watts is the Fashion Editor and can be reached at 937-5743 or jwatts@postandcourier.com.The Post and Courier Staff
Originally Published on: 07/26/02
Page: 3 |

|
A local
model will be among the 60 women competing in Tunisia for the Elite Model Look 2002
International competition Sept 1-8.
Breanne Riggs, a 14-year-old sophomore at James Island High
School, was one of six models selected during the Elite Model Look USA contest in Miami on
Saturday.
She and two other local models, Valarie Kobrovsky, 17, and
Christine Hegel, 14, made the all-expenses-paid three-day trip to Miami, during which they
had designer fittings, runway rehearsals, nights on the town and makeup and hair
makeovers.
All agreed it was an exhausting but exciting experience. "My
name was the last one they called," Breanne said Tuesday morning. "I actually
stood up in front of the people for 20 seconds before I could get my mind straight to walk
to the end of the runway."
The 38 competing models were told Friday night that six girls
would be chosen to go to Tunisia, according to Breanne's local agent, Suzanne Green,
director of Millie Lewis Models and Talent in Charleston. Green, who has been in the
business for nearly two decades, said the event was a learning experience for her as well
as the girls.
"It was unbelievable ... like the Olympics of the business.
Just when you think you know a lot, you find there's a lot more to learn, especially about
the things that go on behind the scenes," Green said on Monday afternoon. "It
was just an eye-opener for me."
The models traveled as a group to events throughout Miami,
including a reception at the Versace Mansion and special appearances at dinner clubs,
where the red carpet and cameras were out for them and their entourage.
"You'd see a cluster of them, and all you could notice were
these tall, thin, beautiful girls and you knew they were fashion models. They were all
flawless," said Green.
During the weekend, Breanne's photo appeared in the Miami Herald
as part of a story on the event.
"She was having her hair makeover, and the newspaper
photographer took her picture with her hair wrapped in foil," said Green.
Although only six of the 38 models will continue to Tunisia, all
were offered contracts with Elite USA.
"Gerald Marie, president of the Elite Group, told parents in
a meeting during the weekend that all the girls are at the beginning of their careers and
that not winning did not mean they wouldn't be successful models," said Green.
Breanne is preparing for the trip to Tunisia, her first out of
the United States. "I'm going today to get my passport - I'm still in shock about
this," she said Tuesday.
Of the 60 models competing in Tunisia, an estimated 15 will be
receiving modeling contracts that will generate nearly $1 million each over the next two
years.
ROAD TO FAME
By: JUDY WATTS of The Post
and Courier Staff
Originally Published on: 07/19/02
Page: 1
Breanne Riggs already has signed with the Ford agency in Chicago
and Elite.
Christine Hegel's first experience with modeling was at the AMTC
competition in January.
When Valarie Kobrovsky and her mother, Susan, went to Atlanta
last month, the intention was to find a modeling agent. Was she successful? Oh, yeah.
She and two other Charleston models, Breanne Riggs and Christine
Hegel, are joining 31 other models from across the country who traveled to Miami on
Wednesday to prepare for the Elite Model Look USA 2002 contest. Considered the top model
search in the world, the contest will be held Saturday night.
Of the 34 contestants, several will go on to compete in Tunisia,
North Africa, in the Elite Model Look Worldwide contest. The winners will be offered
nearly a million dollars in modeling contracts.
Rodney Harris, Elite Atlanta's men's director, scout and member
of the new faces development board, said he wasn't sure exactly how many models would be
chosen to go to Africa.
"The number of models that will be chosen in Miami to
compete in Tunisia will depend on the strength of the contestants," said Harris.
It's unusual for three people from one city to be competing in
the national event, according to Harris.
"Out of all the areas I've seen, South Carolina has some of
the most beautiful girls," said Harris, noting that a model from Columbia is also in
Miami for the Elite Look competition. "I am extremely impressed with the talent
coming out of South Carolina right now."
Harris was especially impressed with Kobrovsky, Riggs and Hegel.
"When I saw Valarie, I thought, 'She's amazing,' I asked her
mom to let her compete at the open house. We are expecting really big things for
her," said Harris. "And Christine is amazing. She's 5 feet 11 inches, a redhead,
a youthful beauty with an amazing slim, tall body - a super personality that really
radiates. And Breanne is a very classic beauty that will be around for a long time."
Harris said two other Lowcountry models, Stephanie Brooks, who
signed with Elite during MP Enterprises Model and Talent Expo in November, and Randi Allen
from Millie Lewis also made it into the group of 29 semifinalists at the Atlanta open
house, actually got started model-
ing when I took a class at
Millie Lewis last summer. Later that year I was at my
hairstylists' - she owns Karen's Hair Fitness - who'd heard about the American Model and
Talent Convention and she told my mom she should take us to it. So we went to the
competition and I got first place for swimsuit and second for photography and was an
overall finalist," Breanne Riggs said.
During the call-backs at the competition, Riggs met with several
agents.
"An agency called Hype kept calling Suzanne Green at Millie
Lewis after the competition wanting to know when I was going to be able to come to Chicago
to meet with them," Riggs said.
Riggs, 14, was among the group of six models that ML owner Green
took to Chicago and Atlanta earlier this year for interviews.
During the trip, Elite Atlanta was impressed with Riggs and
signed her. In Chicago, all the models met with every agency in town.
"Even the ones we didn't get call-backs for," Riggs
said.
Among the agencies that Riggs impressed was the Ford Agency,
which had not offered her a call-back at the competition.
"When we got there, they decided they liked me and I had to
choose between Hype and Ford. I decided to go with Ford. I'm signed with Ford Chicago and
Elite Atlanta," she said.
Several weeks before the Elite open house in Atlanta, Green
called Riggs to tell her she should enter.
"I had a family wedding planned for that weekend and
couldn't go, but was invited to send my photo to Karen Lee at Elite Worldwide in New York.
She had seen me at the competition and had liked me," Riggs said.
Lee extended an invitation to Riggs to be one of the 34 to
compete in Miami.
"I'm extremely excited. AMTC was a national competition, but
not as big as this. I never dreamed I'd get this far."
Actress, model first black Miss S.C. Teen USA
By: DENESHIA GRAHAM
Originally Published on: 01/10/02
Page: C1 |

|
At 17,
Austen Brown already carries the titles of professional actress and model.
Now, since her double win in the spring and fall of 2001, the
West Ashley teen-ager can add beauty queen to the list.
In May, Brown was crowned Miss Teen North Charleston and, in
November, she went on to win Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2002, making her the first black
winner of the state title.
It's a distinction that Brown delights in and also questions.
"I think it's kind of a shame," said Brown, about being
the first black winner since the pageant's inception about 20 years ago, "but on the
other hand, it was really an honor."
Of the 57 girls who competed for the state title, only nine were
minorities, she said.
"I wonder why it's not a more diverse population," she
said. "One of my goals is to try to diversify."
But for Brown, a senior at Academic Magnet High School in North
Charleston, her main goal is to become an actress one day, preferably on the big screen.
She seems to be well on her way to making a name for herself in both modeling and acting.
At age 4 she joined the Charleston branch of Millie Lewis Models
and Talent, based in West Ashley, where she learned the tools of the modeling and acting
trades.
She has worked some summers in New York, appearing in national
commercials for Ford Taurus and Sunbeam Bread.
She also has modeled for catalogs, and she's even on the cover of
a series of karaoke CDs, she admitted with a laugh.
Brown was a featured extra in the film "Clockers" and
was in "Mother of the River," a PBS film.
Closer to home, she has done voiceovers for some local radio
stations.
The pageantry aspect, she said, will only contribute to her
long-term goals, in both a professional and personal manner.
"Pageants are made to enhance the person," she added.
"It is an opportunity to have an impact on your community and you do get a lot from
it."
She admitted that she initially thought of pageants as being
somewhat artificial, and she laughed while recalling the heavy makeup and big hair she had
to wear for the pageant. Still, she said, it was a very liberating experience.
The pageant included a swimsuit competition, evening gown wear
and an interview segment. Brown remembers feeling a mixture of emotions, including
excitement and disbelief, at the win.
Millie Lewis Convention to be in Charleston for
first time
By: JUDY WATTS
Originally Published on: 10/05/01
Page: 1
Stardom comes to some unexpectedly, but for most it comes after
years of hard work and training.
An estimated 850 contestants from around the world will make the
first step in what could be a journey to celebrity at the 2002 Millie Lewis American
Modeling & Talent Convention scheduled for Jan. 17-21 in Charleston.
"This is the first time the competition has been held in
Charleston," said Millie Lewis owner and director Suzanne Manseau Green. "It
will be held here the following year also." Green said that approximately 50 agents
will attend the winter competition and will represent such prestigious agencies as Ford,
Elite and Wilhelmina, among many others.
Auditions for the team of models and actors that will represent
Millie Lewis Charleston at the January competition will be held Oct. 13 at the Millie
Lewis studio on Savannah Highway.
"We took 69 contestants in January 2001 to the Hilton Head
AMTC," said Helen Pye, school director. "And we are expecting an even larger
group for the January competition in 2002, in part because it will be right here in
Charleston."
The competition draws schools and agencies from around the world
with more than 30 schools expected to bring clients to the January competition. Each
school is screened by Carey Lewis Alban, daughter of the late Millie Lewis, before it is
accepted to the competition. All participating agencies and schools are licensed by the
Commission on Higher Education, according to Pye.
"Millie Lewis has had many success stories over the last 22
years," said Green.
Among the stories are actors such as Mena Suvari, who competed at
AMTC for the first time in 1992 at the age of 12. Suvari recently starred in the movie
"American Beauty." She also starred in the smash hit "American Pie"
and has reprised her role for "American Pie II."
Also making a mark in Hollywood is Matt Czuchry who won the
"Mr. College of Charleston" contest in 1998. Part of his prize was a 15-week
advanced course at Millie Lewis Charleston. He has gone on to appear in TV's "Freaks
and Geeks" and the films "Mary Jane's Last Dance," "Swimming
Upstream" and the Warner Bros. suspense flick "Arach Attack."
Ashley Scott, a former St. Andrews High School student, recently
played opposite Jude Law in Steven Spielberg's "A.I. Artificial Intelligence."
"She started out with us and is a sweet, sweet girl with a
lot of personality," said Green. "She's one of the three big, big stories out of
Millie Lewis Charleston.
"Hers and stories like Mena Suvari's are important because
they show that you really have to hang in there," said Green. "Mena wanted to be
a model. She didn't want to be an actress. When we took her to competition that's what she
went for." Suvari signed with the Wilhelmina agency's kids' division, but once she
got older Suvari had to make a decision.
"She loved the business and decided to go into acting, and
seven years later she's a success - talk about perseverance. It's not an easy business and
there are struggles," said Green.
Green said that those who are selected from the audition can
compete in runway, print, swimsuit, TV commercials, spokesperson, monologue, singing,
dance, soap opera or situation comedy categories. Contestants are eligible to win
trophies, cash prizes and contracts with some of the top agents in the world.
The process for participating in the competition begins with the
Oct. 13 audition. Kim Meyers, the International Scout of American Modeling and Talent
Convention, will be on hand during the audition to discuss the competition, show a video
about it and detail the costs and what's involved in competing.
"The scout comes in and gives out the packets on the fees.
The amount varies, depending on the competitions in which they choose to compete,"
said Green. Green added that the audition process is very selective.
"Kim makes a selection from those who audition. Not everyone
will be ready for this competition, but they can audition again." She said those who
have competed in the past are eligible to compete again but do not have to audition again.
"We start preparing the people we select by the end of
October, so we have three months of training to get everyone ready to compete in January.
This is different from a model search, where you just go on a runway and walk - this is a
competition. They have to be ready," said Green.
"We have been named Agency of the Year for the last four
years running," said Green. Call 843-571-7781 to schedule an audition time.
Judy Watts,fashion editor, can be reached at
jwatts@postandcourier or 937-5743.
Lowcountry model becomes Cosmo guy
By: STEPHANIE HARVIN
Originally Published on: 6/26/98
Page: E1
| A special issue of Cosmopolitan
magazine will feature Charlestonian Scot Sanborn as one of "America's Most Wanted
Single Men,'' Sanborn hasn't lacked for work in the two years he's been modeling, but the
Cosmo appearance is a step up. ``I really can't imagine what this might bring, and it's
kind of scary,'' he says and Sanborn enjoys modeling but has plans to end up on the other
side of the camera. This fall he will begin studying photography in North Carolina -
unless the Cosmo opportunity is his big break. |

|
Yes, he is a hunk. But Scot Sanborn
would never call himself that. He's just a hometown boy at heart even though a photograph
of him will be prominently displayed in a special issue of Cosmopolitan magazine as one of
this year's "America's Most Wanted Single Men Across America.'' The Charleston man is
withholding judgment on this latest break in his modeling career. I'm not sure. I don't
know what to think about this,'' he says in a phone interview from Miami, where he is
staying with his family.
"My picture was used as a promotion in the current issue, and two girls approached me
on the beach, asking if I was Scot. It was kind of neat.'' Another woman called just to
talk. And that was before the special edition hits the stands on Tuesday. Before the press
conference in New York City, where Scot will join 36 other bachelors in the launch of the
magazine. Before a round of parties to introduce the guys to the New York scene. And
before thousands of American women see him, well-tanned in boxers on a full page in the
magazine, complete with a Post Office Box address.
The magazine will be on the stands through August, so plenty of people will see it. The
1995 Citadel graduate has to think about this idea of national exposure even though he has
been working toward this for the past two years through Millie Lewis Models and Talent.
He started modeling just to see what it was like, something to do while he worked on his
MBA at The Citadel. He soon found that he could work as frequently as he wanted, as
modeling jobs were plentiful.
Other people consider him cover guy material. For instance, he was contacted by an agency
in South Africa and was working in Capetown this winter when Suzanne Manseau, owner of
Millie Lewis Models and Talent, called to tell him his photo was accepted by Cosmopolitan.
He was thrilled but also elated by the fact that he would be flying home soon to meet the
photographer for the photo shoot. He was starting to miss Charleston.
This is a guy who wants to support a family, marry a soccer mom, drive a pickup and park
it behind a white picket fence. Exotic locales, while nice, start to wear thin. "They
treated me like a king in South Africa. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I've never traveled abroad, and it was wonderful. "When I wasn't working, I was
spending long days in the sun on the beach.'' Sounds great, but if your heart is at home,
modeling means just the opposite. "To make money in this business, you have to travel
all the time. The agency in South Africa wanted me to go to London and Germany, but I just
needed to get home. "Big cities scare me.''
Sanborn enjoys having his picture taken, doing the work. So much so that he is discovering
a passion for photography - from behind the camera. He wants to pursue his new interest
this fall, heading to Randolph Technical College in North Carolina to learn the technical
side. That is, unless this is the big break he has been waiting for.
"You can model only until you are about 30, so I want to concentrate on something to
fall back on as a business. I want to be a photographer, so right now I've been working as
an assistant when I'm not modeling. "I know some models who have families and send
money home while they travel all the time. That's not the way I want to be.'' Sanborn has
gotten used to seeing his images stare back at him from the newspaper, catalogs and even a
billboard or two. But the notion of being in a national magazine, especially Cosmo, is a
whole lot bigger. "It's great exposure, but it's almost oppressive to think of so
many people seeing the picture. "I hope that someone will see me and like the look,
ask me to be in a big catalog like J. Crew. I really can't imagine what this might bring,
and it's kind of scary.'' The best case would be to make some money for a while so that he
could invest it to take care of the future. Then he could settle down and lead the kind of
life he wants. But there is another aspect to the Cosmo article that makes his hometown
nature sing. "It struck me the other day that it would be neat if some of my old
friends from grammar school or high school in Florida saw it, and we got in touch again
because of it. That would be really great.''
Scot Sanborn - AGE: HEIGHT:
6' 2" WEIGHT: 190 lbs. HAIR: Blond EYES: Blue STATUS: Single |
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