How did you first get interested in modeling and acting?

Brooke: I always wanted to have my friends open a magazine and see my face, and whenever I went to the movies, and saw kids my own age on the big screen I thought, “Hey, that could be me!” From that time on, I was just looking for an avenue to help me get to “That point”. Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent (PMTM) became that avenue.

Brooke enrolled in the Barbizon of Akron classes, did they help Brooke? If so, how?

Sandy: Yes! The classes taught Brooke how to walk on the runway, how to use and make different facial expressions, how to act in front of the camera, proper hair and make-up techniques, how to dress, how to audition, and how to prepare for a photoshoot. Brooke enjoyed each and every class.

From a parent’s standpoint, do you feel the training benefited Brooke?

Sandy: Absolutely. Brooke grew into a young lady as a result of the training at Barbizon of Akron. Even though she has always been sure of herself, she seemed to mature a lot and is able to carry herself well in front of all the new people that she meets.

What is Brooke doing today? Do you feel that she would be where she is now without Barbizon of Akron?

Sandy: No she would not. Because of Brooke’s experience with Barbizon of Akron, she is now living in West Hollywood working with an agent whose office space is on Universal Studio’s lot, and she’s still learning too… Right now she is taking acting lessons from a coach in Hollywood and she is also keeping up her dance skills - taking a master class from Mia Michaels, from “So You Think You Can Dance?” along with other dance classes taught by some of the best dancers in the USA. Brooke is living her dream—who knows what the future holds for her! I know that this experience would have never happened if it wasn’t for Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent Management (PMTM). The Agency made it possible for Brooke to meet the people who could make this dream of Brooke’s come true. One thing that my husband and I are very happy about is how safe we feel. We are new to this whole industry and the staff at Pro-Model and Talent made us feel comfortable about everything. Pro-Model and Talent (PMTM) opened doors for us that we wouldn’t have been able to open ourselves. They were always honest and up-front about everything and told us what to expect and watch out for. Pro-Model and Talent did a lot of “leg-work” for us and enabled us to move forward with Brooke’s dream.

We hear all the time that you don’t need training in order to be a model or an actor. Do you agree with that statement?

Sandy: I definitely disagree with that statement. I feel that the training helped her get prepared to enter the world of modeling and acting. I feel that the training was important for her to know what to do, feel comfortable on stage, and just be prepared and professional. It’s different than what she was used t in her dance classes. Acting and modeling are different, since in order to be successful, one must be able to show different sides of his or her personality, and that takes lots of practice. Training helps those new to the industry get prepared for a career in the business. It would be like saying “I want to be a doctor, so therefore I am one”. It takes classes and training to get to where you want to be, no matter what the field.

Did Brooke attend a convention with Pro-Model and Talent? If so, did you feel that it was beneficial to her career?

Sandy: Yes, Brooke attended a national convention with Pro-Model and Talent, and she loved it! As a result of the convention she built up her auditioning skills by meeting with various agents and managers during her 12 private meetings and 6 callbacks with some of the major industry players. The convention increased her confidence, competitiveness, and preparation skills. Brooke won the title of “Actress of the Year” while at the convention which opened her eyes to what her potential was.

At the convention, did you feel that Brooke was more prepared than aspiring actors from other schools and agencies? If so, can you please elaborate on your experience?

Sandy: ABSOLUTELY! Brooke was extremely prepared. She did the homework that was assigned, worked hard in the training, and most importantly paid attention to what her instructors and the staff told her which made it so much easier for her to be calm, cool, and collected when it came time for her to participate in the competitions. Brooke also had all the right clothes. I was embarrassed for the contestants from many of the other agencies. Their clothes weren’t right for the competitions, their behavior was terrible, and it seemed like none of them knew what to do. It seemed like they went to the convention blind and ill-prepared.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience with Pro-Model and Talent while at the convention?

Sandy: Overall the experience was great! Brooke was perfectly prepared for everything and she had fun too! I was really pleased as a parent that the whole week was well-planned and organized. I was worried about not knowing what to do, but the Staff at Pro-Model and Talent made sure that everything was thoroughly covered and we never had any problems. The convention was a positive experience all the way around.

Anything else that you would like to add or any advice that you can give to people who are thinking about pursuing Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent?

Sandy: If they are interested in this industry they should really invest in classes and training in order to fully pursue their dreams.