Success Story Update: Sarah Bomber

This week our Starbound Talent success story will feature Sarah Bomber. Upon doing my research for this update I got the chance to speak to Sarah (through email, but it was still addressed to me!) and she told me her story from when she came to Starbound to where she is now, in her own words!

Sarah first came to Starbound in 2008 as she says “a shy teenager”. She grew up in the Findlay area, in Ohio, with a very musical family and spent most of her free time taking lessons for singing, harp, piano, and others. Once she came to Starbound she says, she “was given the tools she needed in order to open up and become more confident through the safe and comfortable environment provided to learn and grow at Starbound”. This is where she feels she received the foundation that she needed in order to begin to concur the entertainment world!

Sarah then auditioned the same year for IMTA with a Sara Bareilles song titled

“Gravity”. I even got to hear her audition tape, and as we all know Sara Bareilles has a wonderful voice but in my opinion…Sarah Bomber’s version was sooooo much better than the original (sorry Bareilles fan’s just being honest here)! From that audition she was chosen to attend IMTA in New York City. Because of IMTA Sarah said “this was the first time I could see my largest dreams as a real possibility".

Being seen at IMTA she was able to meet a New York vocal coach, and agent. She then moved to New York for a brief period of time. While there she continued her high schooling at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy. After graduating high school she then attended Central Michigan University, where she continued her love of the arts, and began to work professionally in Music Theater. 

Sarah has been in musical theater productions all over the U.S. Including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, to name a few. She was also nominated for awards, and originated roles during her time at CMU. Sarah then graduated with her BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts), in Music Theater. Sarah is now currently the lead vocalist on the famous “Queen Mary 2” performing in 8 different shows. With solos included. She continues to pursue her dream of being in musical theater, and lives back in New York City. 

We here at Starbound are very proud of you Sarah, and wish you continued success!   

*PS..Can we get a discount on tickets? We would all love a vacation! 

Everything You Need To Know About Casting Reels

You have made the decision that you want to become a serious working actor and either snag an agent or audition for a role. So what is the next step that you need to take you may be asking? Making your self a casting/demo reel. This is essentially your advertisement to people showing all you are capable of doing in the acting world. Casting or demo reels are used to send to agents and or casting directors in order to grab their attention by putting selections of your highest quality material together in order to get them to want to sign and represent/cast you in a role. Casting/Demo reels are quickly becoming the most important part of professional casting submissions- even more important to some, than headshots and resumes. Many actors use clips from student films, independent films, web series, or privately produced productions to make their reel. But if you are just starting out it is acceptable to record yourself (or someone record you), performing various scenes. Below are a few tips and suggestions that you may find helpful in beginning your journey to making your casting/demo reel!

Do and Don’ts to Remember!

• Casting Reel should be 60-90 seconds tops. No longer. You don’t want to do the entire scene or show your entire part from the play you are using…leave them wanting MORE!
• Most of the time the viewer decides if they like you from in the first 10 seconds, so GET their attention and KEEP it!
• Know your type (what types of characters you are best at playing (examples: Comedy, Preppy, Serious, Dramatic etc.) and focus your material in a way that highlights it. As your reel continues you can diversify and show your range. 
• If using more than one clip have each self contained, and run about 15-20 seconds depending on the amount of clips.
• Label each individual clip; at the top of the clip
• This way you will have a large variety of clips to choose from and the viewer can pick and choose which they want to see or send.
• Make your reel easy for people to view; instead of emailing the intended person a huge email file they will have to download then load. Try making it a click-able link...this could be the difference between getting seen or ending up getting deleted.
• Make your reel focus on YOU! Even if other actors are in the scene, avoid covering them too much.
• At least 75% of your reel should cover you, they want to see your face, emotions, and how you convey yourself, and your body movements because as we all know these things can make or break a scene!
• Have someone who has an objective eye (NOT your mother or other family members who think nothing YOU do can be wrong/different/better!) to help you edit to get to your final copy.
• Make sure your reel is good quality (High Definition) and professional.
• Finally, make sure your contact information is easily viewable in the video. You want them to be able to contact you without having to hire a decoder to decipher your information. After all that hard work you want them to be able to easily contact you when they realize you are the next SUPERSTAR! 

How to Make a Casting Reel!

• Get sides (aka Script)
• Slate into camera -If the audition you are doing the reel for has their specific set of slate rules follow theirs. 
• Then turn head a little and look next to the camera
• Deliver lines (scene)
• Look back at camera when you are done with lines/scene
• Person who is assisting with the scene/other character should not read lines exaggerated, but in a tone above mono-tone 
• When the script calls for direction (such as character closes door; take the direction but minimize it) so pretend you are closing the door or whatever the direction states, but NEVER turn your back to the camera even if in script.
• Make sure you have a plain background/wall (no bright colors stick with neutrals such as white, cream, beige, etc.)
• Wear solid color shirt with absolutely no logos, patterns, pictures, or other distracting things. Also make sure it compliments your skin tone
• Appearance should be clean cut, nothing extravagant, look presentable!

*Last but not least… Remember the golden rule when it comes to Casting Reels: “No Reel is BETTER than a BAD reel”.

New York Talent Scout Visits Starbound

This past weekend Starbound Talent held auditions for the upcoming trip to IMTA Los Angeles. The auditions featured IMTA veteran, former Broadway and Television actor, David McCowen. David came to Starbound Talent all the way from New York for this special event. Mr. McCowen along with the extraordinary talent finders Starbound Presidents Wendi Davis and Justin Shivak held auditions from Saturday to Sunday hoping to find those special few.

Auditions were being held for a multitude of talents including singers, actors, dancers, and models, along with a new section at IMTA for songwriters to name a few. The purpose of this event was to find through auditions the many talented women, men, and children who reside here in Toledo and surrounding areas of Lucas County. Those who show superior talent are then chosen by Starbound to attend classes and hone their craft even further in hopes they will be ready to attend the annual IMTA Convention that is being held in Los Angeles this year. 

Those wising to audition came to Starbound Saturday or Sunday. Participants were first shown a video with talent from IMTA who has gone on to become famous and able to work in their respective industries and make a living doing what they love to do. The video even featured a few stars from Toledo, Ohio such as Adrianne Palicki, Alyson Stoner, Olivia Stuck, and others that have came from Starbound Talent and have went on to star in blockbuster movies, television shows, print ads and more. 

Then it was time to Audition! Seeing a mixture of emotions in the participants from nervous energy and anxious (mainly from the older ones) while the littler ones were ready to show out…in a good way. There were a few little kids who stood out to me, and who you could definitely tell were there because they wanted to and not because mommy or daddy “made them”. A little boy named Nathan who looked to be 5 or 6 walked the runway and ended with an “uhh why?” look and stance (I later found out dislikes modeling class which explained it all!). It came time for him to recite his commercial and he nailed it, and the cute voice only made it that much better. Then there was another little girl by the name of Gigi who even before she went to audition was giving facial expressions and looks that had me giggling to myself.  Then this little girl got up to do her audition and the expressions her face gave let you know she loves to act. Then she exclaimed was the line “Chomp or Bite-Ohh I don’t know!” which only added to the cute factor. 

Ok! I know it is starting to seem as if I am a little biased towards the children, but what can I say? Whitney Houston said it best; they are our future and so stinkin’cute!

Now… On to the others where we had a variety of ages auditioning, there were also a few standouts. There was a teenage boy named Chase who played a cover acoustic version of a song and had me, and everyone else swaying and tapping our feet in our seats. This young man had the vibe all the little teenage girls would love and I can see him one day performing and the girls going as the kids say CRAY! Also a young man by the name of Keyron who has done local shows around Toledo and who’s audition was very funny. Last but not least we had a young lady by the name of Moriah who was there to support her friend and was not planning to even audition. She ended up reading a screen test playing the part of the “airhead” exact and hilariously. Then she sang a song and her voice was very unique and calming. Just goes to show you never know when an opportunity or talented person may be.

All in all it was a very successful weekend and many talented people were found and chosen and will hopefully represent Starbound Talent at IMTA this upcoming January. Contrary to popular belief Toledo does breed talent!

So if you or anyone you know has that “IT” factor and has a talent you feel needs to be seen. Make sure you give Starbound Talent a call! We’d love to help you hone your skills and live your dream career. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @STARBOUND_TALENT.

Thank you to everyone who auditioned!

What is a Slate? Why Your Slate is Important?

How do you start your audition? You slate! Slating is your way to introduce yourself to the casting director and directors. It is your chance to show your personality and show them that you are going to be great to work with. Here are instructions on how to slate! 

Standing up straight  

State your…

• Name, first and last.  
• Age (optional for the mature actor)
• Agency, Manager or Freelance 

Make sure you are standing up straight and not moving and don’t forget to talk loud and clear. Make sure you enunciate clearly so everyone can hear your name. Add a “Hi, I’m" or a “Hello, my name is” and then your name. It is okay and recommended to pause slightly in-between your first and last name. If you are on camera make sure you are looking into the camera and not around the room. If not on camera, look at the people running the casting. Be friendly, not like you are reading a line.  This is your introduction, have energy so that there is a light in your eyes. If they don’t like your slate, they probably won’t listen to your audition.  

Before you perform your material, take a breath. This gives you a moment to get into character. Remember not to rush through your slate. The moment is all about you! 

ABOVE ALL ELSE FOLLOW THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY AUDITION! 

Below are examples of good and bad slates!

Alyson Stoner: Taking The Industry By Storm

Alyson Stoner was born to be a star. When she first came to Starbound, she was young and spunky. Her firecracker-like energy translated into her dance routines and acting material. Her talent did not go unnoticed at IMTA. She was sought after by dozens of agents.  

Alyson Stoner took her acting and dancing skills to Los Angeles shortly after competing at IMTA in New York 1999.  She landed her first job acting on a Hallmark commercial. Soon after, she was seen dancing in a JC Penny commercial. Missy Elliott then cast her in the iconic role as the little girl in the pink jumpsuit and pigtails in her ‘Work It’ music video. 

Alyson’s big break came when she landed the role of Sally on Disney’s ‘Mike’s Super Short Show’. Disney loved the young actress and had her guest starring in shows such as ‘Suite Life of Zack and Cody’. Years later, Alyson starred on Disney’s ‘Camp Rock’ alongside Demi Levato and the Jonas Brothers. Alyson has broken into the voice over world as she voices ‘Isabella’ on the show ‘Phineas and Ferb’. 

Not only has Alyson starred on the Disney Channel, she can be seen on the big screen in movies such as ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ alongside Steve Martin. She also stars in the ‘Step Up’ series. 

Between TV movies, TV series, Movies, commercials, and continuous dance classes, the busy superstar has now began her music career! Alyson started releasing covers on her YouTube channel while she was writing and recording her on original music. Alyson released her first single ‘Woman’ this year! She performed this single here in Toledo at the Lexus Rocks the Runway fashion show. 

Currently, Alyson is performing her newest single ‘Dragon’ throughout the country on the ‘Girls Night In’ tour.! 

Alyson’s talent and hard work has lead her to be the 16th most searched star on IMDb and lead her to have a major social media presence. Make sure you keep up with Starbound’s amazing alumni Alyson on social media as she takes the industry by storm!

Starbound's IMTA Success: The Little Stars

       

Our Little Stars had an amazing time in NYC competing at IMTA! We had five amazing youth actors competing this year. Each young actor had to impress the judges, agents, and managers while standing out against 100 other kids in their division. With the training provided by Starbound Talent, each kid was ready to take the stage!

       Sisters Dana and Desiree McCreary came to Starbound in March with nothing less than energy and excitement. Both sisters loved acting and excelled in Starbound’s workshops. After seeing their progress, Starbound noticed that they were ready to take on NYC and perform for the agents and managers at IMTA. 

       Nikki Johnson auditioned for Starbound’s ‘Actor of the Year’ contest in February. She was just a few points away from making the top 10 but she didn’t let that discourage her. Soon after, Nikki started workshops at Starbound. Her spunky attitude showed in class and it was obvious that she had pure talent. This talent and positivity lead her to IMTA in NYC!

       Evan Boyers joined Starbound after performing in his school’s winter play. He loved every minute of it and craved more! Evan auditioned for Starbound and was immediately accepted to attend IMTA in NYC. His talent spoke for itself and his love for acting helped him shine in every workshop. 

       Johnny’s lip sync to the song “Uptown Funk” secured him a spot in Starbound Talent’s IMTA group in early December. His charisma carried over into his acting workshops and material. Johnny’s dedication to workshops allowed him to excel on stage at IMTA. 

       Our kid actors were decorated in awards by the end of the week! Congratulations to each of our talented youth actors for a week well done at IMTA! 

Awards

Dana

Child Actor of the Year

Kids Spot - 2^nd Runner Up

Monologue – 4^th Place

Screen Test – 1^st Runner Up

Theatrical Head Shot – Winner

TV Real People – 4^th Place

TV Scene – 4^th Place

Nikki

Cold Read – 4^th Place

Kids Spot – 4^th Place

Screen Test – 4^th Place

TV Beauty – 4^th Place

Evan 

Male Pre-Teen Actor of the Year – 2^nd Runner Up

Male Pre-Teen Model of the Year – Honorable Mention

Cold Read – 4^th Place

Commercial Print– 4^th Place

Fashion Print – 4^th Place

Jean Runway – 4^th Place

Kids Spot – 4^th Place

Monologue – 2^nd Place

Fashion Runway – 4^th Place

Screen Test – 4^th Place

Swimwear Runway – 4^th Place

Theatrical Head Shots – 4^th Place

TV Beauty – Winner

TV Real People – 4^th Place

Johnny Salameh

Male Pre-Teen Actor of the Year – Honorable Mention

Male Pre-Teen Model of the Year – Honorable Mention

Cold Read – 4^th Place

Commercial Print – 4^th Place

Fashion Print – 2^nd Runner Up

Jean Runway – 2^nd Runner Up

Kids Spot – 4^th Place

Fashion Runway – 2^nd Runner Up

Screen Test – 4^th Place

Swimwear Runway – Winner

TV Beauty – 4^th Place

Tanner Buchanan to Co-Star with Kiefer Sutherland

Starbound Talent is excited to update you on our star, Tanner Buchanan! Tanner has been working hard this year. In 2016, he already has been in multiple television shows. Tanner can be seen in the TV Series ‘Game Shakers’ on Nickelodeon, ‘The Fosters’ on ABC Family, and the film ‘The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards’. Currently, Tanner is filming the series ‘Designated Survivor’ with co-star, Kiefer Sutherland!  

        ‘Designated Survivor’ is a drama thriller telling the story of “A low-level Cabinet member is appointed President after a catastrophic attack kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.” Tanner plays the character Leo Kirkman in the upcoming series. 

The first time Tanner came to Starbound, he performed a tap dance routine that included a back flip! Starbound Talent took Tanner to IMTA when he was 9 years old. After IMTA, Tanner’s career took off. He has been working in the industry for the last eight years. Keep your eye out for Tanner in ‘Designated Survivor” airing this fall! 

Below is a clip of Tanner from the TV Series "Girl Meets World"