How did you get interested in modeling and acting?

Andrew: I have always had an interest in the entertainment industry, but my plan was to become a teacher. That is until my Junior year in high school when I was lucky enough to have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish. I have Cystic Fibrosis, which is a genetic lung disease. When I found out I was eligible for Make-A-Wish I immediately knew what I wanted, I even told the good people at Make-A-Wish that if it wasn’t possible I didn’t want a back-up wish like they suggested. My wish was to meet my favorite actor, Will Smith. I got to go on set at Sony Pictures while they were shooting “Men in Black II”. I spent the day with Will, Tommy Lee Jones, Rosario Dawson, Barry Sonnenfeld, Michael Bay, and the rest of the cast and crew. I even got to watch them shoot the scene where the car turns into the spaceship-type vehicle. I walked away from that experience a new person. I still plan on positively influencing the lives of others, only now it will be through acting, not teaching, which is exactly what I am doing now.

How did you hear about Barbizon of Akron?

Andrew: I heard about Barbizon of Akron when a friend signed me up at the mall. I received a phone call and was clueless about the industry, but thought “It’s not too far away, I’ll go check it out”. Its funny because I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for that friend and the training I received through Barbizon of Akron.

Did you like your classes at Barbizon of Akron?

Andrew: Yes, I enjoyed my classes; they were fun as well as informational, they gave me the foundation I needed.

Did the classes help you with self-confidence and life skills?

Andrew: Absolutely. I was never very confident before taking classes at Barbizon of Akron and they really helped me. I used to walk into a room and wait to be spoken to, now I walk in and think “These people are no better than me, why should I be intimidated?”. You need to be comfortable with who you are and the Barbizon of Akron classes help you develop that way of thinking.

Did the classes help you with the skills needed to start a career in modeling and acting?

Andrew: The classes helped me a lot. I spent a summer in Los Angeles and had no clue where to begin, nor was I able to get an agent, manager, or any auditions. Shortly after, I came back to Ohio and got started at Barbizon of Akron. The instructor taught me the skills necessary to be successful and about the industry as a business (which is just as important as the skills). The people on the other side of the table see it as a business and they are the ones you want to impress.

Before moving to Los Angeles did you have any auditions or do any assignments with Pro Model and Talent Management (PMTM)?

Andrew: I listed with Pro Model & Talent Management shortly after I graduated from the Barbizon of Akron program. I did some local promotions and taped a local television commercial for “Protein Tastees”, which was a lot of fun. It was simple, all I did was walk around a college campus eating an apple, but it was my first paid experience as an actor so I will always remember it. I also spent a lot of time in the green room so I got to meet some very interesting people.

Would you recommend Barbizon of Akron and Pro Model & Talent Management?

Andrew: 100% YES! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Barbizon of Akron and Pro Model and Talent Management (PMTM). I should be singing their praises, but I can’t sing so I just speak highly of the Training Center and Agency to everyone I know who is interested in finding out more about becoming a model or actor.

What are you doing now with modeling and acting?

Andrew: I have been living in Los Angeles for about 6 months. I have a manager, I am working on getting an agent, and I just finished a student film. I have been auditioning fairly regularly and am loving every minute of it. I am ecstatic with the success I have achieved so far. I know for a fact that this is what I am going to do with my life and I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else.

Do you feel you would be doing what you are doing today without having started at Barbizon of Akron?

Andrew: I’m not really sure. I know I would not be as far along as I am now if I didn’t start at Barbizon of Akron. I might have become a teacher or I could have been in L.A. trying and failing. What could have happened isn’t important, what did happen is. I owe Barbizon of Akron and Pro Model & Talent Management many thanks and plan on staying in touch with them throughout my journey.

Anything else that you can add that would help someone who is thinking of attending classes at Barbizon of Akron?

Andrew: If you take classes at Barbizon of Akron be serious about them. In the end, you get out what you put in. The professional staff is more than willing to help you achieve your dreams if you show them you are willing to work for it. Trust me, I know from experience.

Do you feel training is important in the modeling and acting industry?

Andrew: Training is extremely important in the modeling and acting industry. Everyone trains, even the biggest and best stars are constantly in training, they just do it privately. If you are shown a video of an untrained actor next to a trained actor it wouldn’t be hard to pick which one is which. There are things you can do that you would never think to do without training. Camera manipulation, for example, is a huge part of acting. Most untrained actors wouldn’t even consider it when filming, and it would show.

Many times, I hear people say they do not need training to be an actor or a model. What would you say to someone who feels that way?

Andrew: I definitely think some people have a natural talent but you can’t go on just that. Acting and modeling are harder than they look. They are like a sport; there are national athletes but they still train with coaches and practice A LOT. No matter what, there will always be someone better than you and you can guarantee that person is in class and practicing. There is no room for arrogance or laziness because even if you are on top there is someone working hard just waiting for the chance to take your spot.

Are you currently in classes?

Andrew: Right now I am in an acting workshop with my manager. I am taking a 3 week “Boot Camp” class next month and plan to get into an improv class in the next few months.

Pro Model and Talent Management is linked with the success of models and actors: Haley Bennett (";;Marley and Me";;, ";;Music and Lyrics";;), Drew Tyler Bell (";;The Bold and the Beautiful";;), Marissa Irwin (Seventeen magazine, various bridal magazines including Inside Weddings and The Knot)...

For more success stories log onto www.pmtm.com!