DANIELLA WAGNER - HUNT VALLEY STUDENT

 

I had been sitting on the couch working on my homework when I decided to take a small break and flip on Disney Channel for 15 minutes so I could relax my brain.  Not even two minutes later an advertisement came on television that made me turn my head instantly, “Do you want to be on your favorite TV show? If you’re between the ages of 6 and 17 then call now!”  Immediately, I looked over to my mother who was already holding the phone in her hand to dial the number.  I had a smile on my face that stretched from ear to ear.  Since I was little I’ve always wanted to be an actress and in the entertainment business because I love to make people laugh.  I saw this as an amazing opportunity to jump start this long term dream of mine.  My mother called and made an appointment to meet at the Marriot in Hunt Valley for an audition to see if I was ready to be in this program. 
           

The day of the audition came and boy was I excited!  I definitely made sure I looked my best.  Once we got there, we had to wait because important people were informing my mother and I about the program and costs, if I were to make it in.  I met with two people.  One in which I talked to about why I wanted to be in ACT and the other was somebody I had to recite a commercial to.  They told all the parents to call between 11 am and 2 pm the next day, to see if their child had what it took to be in the classes.  Throughout the day, I was text messaging my mom continuously and asking if she had called yet but every time I did she’d say, “The line is busy!”  I was almost sold that I didn’t get the spot and wasn’t going to be able to fulfill my dreams.  When I got home my mom had a huge smile on her face.  Right then I knew that I had made it.  I was so happy and determined to become an actress. 
           

I’ve been taking ACT classes now for almost seven months now and I’m so happy that I took the opportunity to be a part of this entertaining family.  The teachers will treat you like you’re their kids, not only that, but they’ve been on television shows I watch!  In addition, they push you till you succeed and when you do that’s the best feeling in the world.  It’s also really interesting when I’m learning how all these things work in the entertainment industry.  I’ve learned so much as to the right facial movements in my modeling class, how to think on a dime in improv class, how to learn to memorize and take the position of a character in scene study, and last but not least, how to be believable during my monologue class.  Not only has ACT helped me become a better actress, it’s also helped me build up self confidence, taught me how to work well with others, be patient, strive for what I believe in, and make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. 
           

Throughout the process of classes I have auditions as well.  This has helped me prepare when I’m on my own looking for a job in the acting industry.  The first two auditions were for Ryan Daily and Justine Hunt. I felt that I did my best, but did not receive a callback.  I reviewed their notes and showed them to my teachers and they helped me improve.  It obviously worked because the third and final audition was for MGM Movies and I was auditioning for Paul Weber.  About two weeks later I got an email from the director of the program saying I had gotten a call back!  My first one!  I told every single person I knew and I was so ready to get my audition tape in and take another step forward in my dream job.  I’m glad my teachers were there and didn’t let me give up, they told me, “You’ve got to realize that what you’ve got may not be what they want.  Everybody wants something different and there’s somebody out there that wants your look, personality, and style so NEVER give up.” 

           

Going through ACT has changed my life.  I wasn’t looking at ACT as a chance for me to become popular because I was going to be in movies or on TV, I was looking at ACT as an opportunity for me to get my foot in the door and some hands on experience to see if I really wanted to become what I’ve wanted to become for years and years.  With these seven months of classes I know for sure this is what I want to pursue.  This has helped me learn to communicate and talk easier in school settings whether it’s giving a presentation or talking to a higher authority.  I used to be nervous but now it’s easy to do it.  I’ve also learned not to give up and to keep trying.  Another great quality I picked up from the classes is to be myself and have faith.  Being yourself comes in handy during an audition because the director wants to see you, and they want to see somebody who believes in themselves.  If I gave up and didn’t listen to my teachers after my first two auditions I wouldn’t have made my call back for Paul Weber.  I’ve learned so much and I’m having the time of my life in these classes; I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  I’m glad this opportunity didn’t surpass me. This just shows me that all dreams can come true and nobody can stop me from achieving them.