Drew, how did you first get started in the modeling and acting industry?

Drew: Well, I’ve been performing my whole life in the areas of dance, music and theater. I’ve been dancing since the age of five, and I started playing the piano and violin shortly thereafter. My TV/film career jumpstarted when I listed with Pro-Model and Talent Mgmt. Nationally I landed the role of Thomas Forrester, of the Forrester family, on “The Bold and The Beautiful” in 2004. Since then, I have grown tremendously as an actor and have had the opportunity not only to work with many soap opera icons, but also to star in commercials, appear on various television shows, snag some roles on the big screen, and dance & act on Broadway.

How has your life changed as a result of Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent Mgmt.?

Drew: Of course everyone dreams of being in the movies, so working with Pro-Model and Talent Mgmt. (PMTM) and pursuing the national market was something I just had to try. All the staff I met and worked with at Pro-Model and Talent are great. They’re experienced professionals from whom I’ve learned a great deal about the industry, and they guided me through my decision making, and I still keep in close contact with those at Pro-Model and Talent even though I am living in Los Angeles now. I just wrapped shooting a feature film, I hold a role on the soap, “The Bold and The Beautiful”, and have filmed over 273 episodes. I keep busy with a number of other projects, as mentioned before, and I am living my dream! Last year alone, I spent 4 months in Europe filming a 20th Century Fox movie and this year to date has been very productive with numerous projects, including jumping into an episode of “CSI Miami”, filming a Subway commercial, getting involved in the musical production of “One Red Flower”, and having a lead in “Spring Awakening” on Broadway.

Do you feel you would be where you are today without the training you received at Barbizon of Akron? How did the training at Barbizon of Akron specifically help you

Drew: No; the training I received helped so much. I took an acting course from Barbizon of Akron and to this day I still use the things that I learned from that class.

What type of auditions have you gone on so far, and what are some of the jobs have you done?

Drew: Over the past year, I’ve auditioned for feature films, sitcoms, TV dramas, pilots, and national TV commercials. Besides all of the auditions, I’ve shot national commercials for Coke, Ross clothes, T-Mobile, Subway, and Old Navy. I was fortunate enough to travel to Hawaii, where I danced backup for singer, LaLaine and have been in “The Middleman”, “Desperate Housewives”, the new “90210”, and have landed roles in “Jeepers Creepers II”, “State’s Evidence”, “Her Best Move”, and “The Seeker, The Dark Is Rising”, just to name a few.

Drew, if you could give advice to someone new to the model and talent industry, what would that advice be?

Drew: The biggest things to remember are persistence, patience, and dedication. There are many actors and actresses in the industry, so it’s very competitive. Don’t be intimidated, everyone was in your shoes at one point. You may go to 50 auditions without getting a callback, but then at that 51st audition, they love you and you book the job! I’ve been fortunate to be receiving callbacks and producer callbacks for most of my auditions, but you just never know. You have to stay focused, keep going to acting classes, and be completely prepared for every audition.

Do you feel training is important to become a professional model or actor?

Drew: Training is essential. It’s not just a one-time thing either; you need to continually improve your skills and develop new ones. Acting classes are also a great way to meet people and make friends.

Are you currently taking any classes? If so, what?

Drew: Yes, I take a five hour acting class every week, and I work with a private acting coach to prepare for auditions. I also take voice lessons every week and attend as many dance classes as possible at two different dance studios.

Drew’s Parents

Mr. & Mrs. Bell, from a parents’ point of view, are you glad that Drew went to Barbizon of Akron and listed with the talent agency, Pro-Model and Talent Management?

Mr. & Mrs. Bell: Yes, the training Drew received through Barbizon of Akron helped him develop the skills needed to pursue the national/international market.

It is my understanding that Drew continues to train and prepare in the areas of acting, singing, and dancing. How do you feel all of this training/preparation has helped Drew?

Mr. & Mrs. Bell: The training in multiple areas provides Drew with more diverse opportunities. Additional training in any one area also benefits his performance in other areas. Drew’s recent Subway commercial was booked in part as a result of his years of dance.

Why would you recommend training and preparation to a parent, with a child interested in acting, or anyone for that matter, who is just starting in this industry and wants to be a professional model or actor?

Mr. & Mrs. Bell: As with other professional careers, proper training and guidance are essential to be competitive. Countless hours of practice and training are required on an ongoing basis to be successful in the modeling and acting industries.

Any last words of advice or encouragement?

Mr. & Mrs. Bell: We believe every individual has talent in certain areas. Opportunities need to be provided to develop these talents. As with any endeavor, it takes time, energy, and persistence. Success is the degree to which you reach your potential. We would like to thank the Barbizon of Akron & Pro-Model and Talent staff for all of the encouragement they’ve given Drew, as well as the professional training they’ve provided.