How did you discover Barbizon of Akron/Pro-Model and Talent Management?

Michelle: There was a table in the mall about Barbizon and the person encouraged me to check it out. I remember hearing about Barbizon when I was in junior high, so I thought I would!

Do you feel you would have been exposed to the auditions and assignments you’ve received without representation through Pro-Model and Talent?

Michelle: No. Most of the auditions I go to for clients are not open [to the public]. The clients are only interested in people with training and professional knowledge. They go to agencies to get those models and actors, and that’s how models and actors actually make great money. If you’re not represented, you won’t even be invited to audition, and you’ll miss out on all the high paying gigs.

Tell us about some of the auditions and assignments you’ve done.

Michelle: I’ve done a ton of promotions at some exciting places, like the Beyonce Concert! I’ve also done some television commercials, a short infomercial about teen obesity, photoshoots for national publications, The University of Akron, and a handful of jewelry advertisements.

With your experience now, do you feel training is important to succeed as a local model/actor? If so, why?

Michelle: Definitely. I think you have to be trained to be taken seriously in this business, and of course to learn and get better! Barbizon of Akron definitely taught me that. Some models and actors have a ton of experience and have been training for years. You can’t compete with that unless you have some sort of idea what to expect! It all comes with training and preparation. I loved the modeling and acting training I received at Barbizon of Akron.

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring models or actors beginning in the local market?

Michelle: Keep a positive attitude and take every assignment you possibly can! The more experience you get, the more exposure you get in the industry!

We asked our local models/talent: men, women, and kids, to give us 5 minutes of their time to answer the five most commonly asked questions about modeling and acting in order to give YOU insight on their experiences in the industry and with Barbizon of Akron and Pro-Model and Talent Management.

Straight Talk from Local Models and Talent gives you and aspiring models and actors information and insights on what its like in front of the camera, how they got their starts modeling/acting, and what they are doing today as a result of Barbizon of Akron/Pro-Model and Talent Management!