Irene “The Dray” Dreayer,
Hollywood’s #1 Kid Talent Expert and trusted acting coach
I have been told that I have a great eye for talent. Sometimes it is a gut feeling that there is something special about these kids. I also ask myself “can I market them?” Are they focused when speaking with me and reading their audition? Can they find the joke in a dialogue? Do they understand what they are saying as opposed to simply memorizing the lines? This is what goes on in my head when I spot talent.
2. With working with a lot of the celebrities kids/teens see now on television and in movies, can you tell us any struggles that they had personally while trying to make it in show business?
Oh yes! Out of control parents! One of my chapters in my book “Mom! I Want To Be A Star” – Parents Don’t Be A Nightmare – parents can ruin any chance their child might have if they act out of line. I was a producer on a series and the network cancelled the show after three seasons because and only because the parent was a total nightmare. This does happen. That is one of the main reasons I wrote my book…to educate parents as to what exactly is their role and the dos and don’t of this business.
3. Social media is a huge asset in today’s society and entertainment world. Many celebrities/artists are being discovered via YouTube these days. Do casting agents ever scope out new talent on YouTube/social media for a potential role/project?
Yes they do. This casting and discovery of talent can be done online in many cases. Your chances of finding a talent that lives in another part of the world via their YouTube channel allows casting executives, agents, studios/networks to find talent. Also the casting process has changed. Kids who don’t live in Los Angeles or where casting sessions are being held, never have to leave home as they can just email their audition from any part of the world. When I do my private skype sessions I am meeting kids from all over the country, and internationally right in their living room. It is a different time. The one drawback is that these kids with the support of parents think they are sensational due to all the views or likes they get and that is not always the case.
4. You have produced over twenty pilots for television, what have been some of your favorite memories while producing?
The excitement that this is going to be a hit! I love the pursuit of talent. I love discovering talented kids. Every pilot I have done I thought was going to get a go to a series. It can be an intense time as you are in competition with other producers/networks and their pilots. But this is the part I love…discovering, selling and getting a go to series! When shooting the pilot of “The Suite Life Of Zack and Cody” there was one scene with Zack that was a close-up. You could see that these boys were about to take over the hotel. It was that look in his eye. We knew that if the audience connected with that moment, and they did, we had a show!
5. What made you want to work in the entertainment industry?
My mom was a singer/actress locally in Orlando, Florida. I was exposed to a love of the theatre and musicals while growing up and thought by coming to Los Angeles, I too might find my own way into show business. Thankfully I found my way and on the other side of the camera. I love the creativity and the passion that goes along with this business.
6. This may be a very vast question but how did you get to where you are today?
There is a famous Jewish expression….CHUTZPAH. Definition: you have to have guts to go after something, whatever it is. I knew nothing about the workings of this business but that did not stop me. I believed in myself that I had something to offer. Since I did not sing or act…I know talent. That was my calling.
7. What advice do you have for someone wanting to make it in showbiz, but doesn’t want to be in front of the camera as a star? (producer, publicist, ect.)
I was just talking about this to one of the kids I skyped with. When I went to college there really wasn’t much that was offered in getting a degree in ‘this business we call show’. You could take courses and study to be an actor or actress or musician, of which I was neither of them. Now there are many colleges that offer degrees in so many different areas of show business….editing, directing, production design, promotion, producing. My advice is always to get an education.
8. On your YouTube channel, you created a web series of “Drayisms.” How did you come up with the concept for producing these videos for families to use?
I have always used these sayings over the years and we thought by making a short video with a short explanation would be effective. It was easy for kids and parents to remember them. The book is based on 20 of these drayisms with a great deal more information.
9. Do you have one accomplishment that has really summed up why you wanted to go into the career you are now?
Yes, my book. It was based on everything I love and learned and I wanted to help other kids and their parents succeed in show business. There is no one out there telling the truth and that is the truth!
10. For anyone reading this, if you have one piece of advice for them (besides to read your book! Haha) what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams, just make sure it is your dream and not your parent’s dream!
Skyler
I grew up in York, ME where at the age of 3 I first heard the music of the Beatles. Their music changed my life.
2. How did you begin singing?
I started singing along to Beatles songs while I was still learning to speak. In elementary school, I would sing for the girls out on the playground. I even auditioned my own boy band to perform out on the jungle gym in third grade!
3. Do you have any musical influences that inspire you?
Everything has the ability to inspire me. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, The Who, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Matt Nathanson, Fun.
4. If you could tour with anyone from the past or present, who would it be?
I'd love to tour with Brad Paisley. He just seems like such a blast to hang out with. He'd make the long drives feel much shorter.
5. If you could record a song with anyone who would it be and why?
I'd love to write and record with Ed Sheeran. He has such a unique voice, both lyrically and
sonically, that I think recording with him would be really exciting.
6. You recently released an EP 'Take You Away', what was the feeling you got when it was finally out for fans to listen to?
Relief! Excitement. And finally, Joy, when it became clear how much they loved it. There's always a little bit of fear
after recording an album that maybe no one else will like it. So it's very exciting when they do!
7. You've performed so many gigs, do you have one experience that stands out from the rest?
Playing in Vermont for the first time definitely stands out. We pulled into Higher Ground (a venue in Burlington) just as a blizzard hit. This was not only my first time playing in Vermont, but my first time headlining in a big room. I was sure that the snow would keep everyone away. Lo and behold, we hit the stage and over 200 people had driven through the blizzard to come see us play. It was one of the most memorable shows I've every played.
8. Besides singing, do you have any unique talents that people would be surprised to know about?
I love trivia. I have an incredible propensity for storing useless facts.
9. Do you have anything coming up that you would like fans to know about?
I am entering the studio record a new full-length! I couldn't be more excited about it! In fact, I am about to go shoot the album cover now!
10. If you could say anything that the entire world would hear right now what would it be?
I would like to thank everyone for listening to me and supporting me. If my music can make someone's day a little better, then I have done my job because that is what it's all about.
11. Do you have an inspirational quote?
My mantra that keeps my spirits up is this: It's All Happening.
Frankie Zulferino
Hey, my name is Frankie Zulferino. I am a pop recording artist, and when I'm not singing I'm a hip hop choreographer.
2. How did you begin singing?
I began singing at 12 years old and was trained in classical music. I was a part of many local theatre organizations and performed in all the school plays through out high
school.
3. Do you have any musical influences that inspire you?
I am sure this sounds cliché, but Michael Jackson has always been one of my biggest inspirations. Justin
Timberlake, Britney Spears, Usher, Beyonce and many of the classic Motown Artists have also inspired me.
4. If you could tour with anyone from the past or present, who would it be?
Britney Spears for sure. Out of all of the concerts I've been to, she puts on the most entertaining show.
5. If you could record a song with anyone who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Nicki Minaj or Jay Z.
6. You are from Staten Island, NY, what is your favorite thing to do in New York?
I love New York. I love the energy here and the fast pace. My favorite thing to do when I'm home is to hang out with my friends and go out to eat because we have the best restaurants, and most people know I'm a chubby boy at heart.
7. You have tons of amazing covers on YouTube, how do you choose the songs that you want to cover?
Honestly, I just pick whatever my favorite song is at the moment. Or something that I know my fans will love!
8. Besides singing, do you have any unique talents that people would be surprised to know about?
Actually yes, I can do acrobatics. Which basically means I can do a back flip almost ten feet in the air.
9. Do you have anything coming up that you would like fans to know about?
Well, my fans pretty much know everything that is going on with my career. I treat them more like my friends, and I keep them updated on all of my projects. =)
10. If you could say anything that the entire world would hear right now what would it be?
Wow, that's a really good question! There is so much I would love to say, but my biggest goal in life is to inspire people who have a dream. We live in a world where people can easily be knocked down or feel like they're not good enough. There have been times that people have told me I wasn't good enough and so many doors have been closed for me. Nothing will stop me from living my dream, because when you believe in something, no matter what it is, you should never give
up!
11. What was your reaction when you found out Joe Jonas would be mentoring you on The Next?
I was very excited when I found out Joe Jonas was my mentor. We come from the same background and I was really looking forward to getting to know him, not just as an artist but as a singer as well.
12. What did you feel like before going out to perform in front of the crowd of people and judges in New York?
I was very excited because a lot of my family and friends came to support me. I love performing live on stage, the rush is incredible.
13. What advice did Joe give you on your performing skills and performance itself?
Just to make sure I connected with the audience, and to SMILE a lot!
14. If you could do anything differently, what would you do?
Nothing. You live and you learn. That is what motivates and inspires me.
15. How do you think being on The Next changed your career?
I think it was a stepping stone for me and it was an experience I will never forget.
16. If you could perform any song with Joe what would it be?
Probably Burning Up by the Jonas Brothers, or When You Look Me in the Eyes. Those are two of my favorite songs by the Jonas Brothers.
17. If there was another show that you had the opportunity to be a part of which one would it be and why?
The X Factor because I love me some Britney and Demi =)
Brittany Curran
Hello, I’m Brittany Curran. I’m an actor, and currently a series regular on the TNT show ”Men of a Certain Age” playing Ray Romano’s daughter.
How old were you when your first started acting?
I was 11 when I started acting professionally.
How did you get into the business of acting?
Growing up on Cape Cod I did a lot of dance theater in productions like The
Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. I always loved performing and pretending to be another person. When I was 9, I went to a Britney Spears concert and spotted an advertisement for acting classes. I expressed an interest to my dad, then I started taking classes. In January of 2001 I went to an acting and modeling convention in LA and was “discovered” by an agent and manager. Seven months later, my family and I moved to Burbank, CA. I got my first job on MadTV a couple months later.
What was your fist acting job?
My first job was on MadTV; I was in a Seventh Heaven skit on the show. The director told me to act “sassy” in one take. I acted in a way that I believed was sassy, then director yelled “Cut” and said “Brittany, I said sassy, not sexy!” It was so funny. Everyone on the set was laughing at my 11 year old interpretation of sassy!
From Mariana; How old are you & when is your birthday?
I’m 20 and my birthday is June 2nd, 1990.
Do you have any acting role models?
Yes, Meryl Streep is my absolute favorite actress, she is brilliant. The way she captures life in a unique and natural way is phenomenal. I also love Tom Hanks, Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren, Marlon Brando, Audrey Hepburn and so on. I love the classics.
You play the role of Lucy, on the TNT show ‘Men of a Certain Age.’ What is your favorite part about playing the role?
My favorite moments of playing Lucy are when I have good emotional scenes with my TV daddy Joe(Ray Romano.) He’s such a great dramatic actor: the scenes when I have heart-tohearts with him or have an emotional outburst are the best. When I’m acting with Ray I don’t feel like I’m performing with an actor, I feel like I’m speaking to a person.
What was your reaction when you landed the role of Lucy?
I found out I booked the role of Lucy when I was in the production offices of the show “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” After filming all day on Suite Life(my character Chelsea) my dad and I were running outside to catch our limo to the airport. We were taking a flight to Disney World in Florida that night. I remember jumping up and down and bouncing up & down in the limo, I was so excited.
In your free time, what is your favorite activity to do?
I love writing poetry. I’ve probably written hundreds of poems. One of my dreams is to publish a book of poetry someday. I love music. Rock from the 60’s and 70’s and classical music are my favorite genres. I like some stuff from now too, like Coldplay and Weezer and Mumford & Sons. I have a huge crush on Marcus Mumford. I’m learning how to play the violin. Hiking is something I also love to do. I also love learning about different cultures and countries like Ireland and England, France, Brazil, Germany, Kuwait, etc and I enjoy learning french.
You’ve done a lot of guest starring on different shows from Suite Life, to Drake and Josh, do you have a favorite moment/episode you filmed while guest starring?
I actually just had lunch with Dylan Sprouse today, he’s a good friend; very smart and grounded. My favorite episode of Suite Life was probably “Flowers and Chocolate” from Suite Life On Deck. I had a lot of fun moments with Brenda Song on that one. I love playing Chelsea because she’s so unlike me. To just let go and be that spacey and dumb is very freeing. And, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t thoroughly enjoy kissing Drake Bell on Drake and Josh. Nothing like getting paid to kiss a cute boy. One take he accidentally fell on top of me onto a table while we were kissing... not a bad day. ;) I also loved guest starring on Ghost Whisperer. I had a bunch of great scenes with Jennifer Love Hewitt, who is awesome! She is so nice and fun to work with. I
remember one day on set she told me a hilarious bikini waxing story. The character I played on that show was very troubled and very fun to play.
What’s your dream role in a movie?
I love films that take you on a journey, both literally and metaphorically. Character driven stories that shed light on some aspect of the human condition are the best. I would love to do a comingof-age love story, especially one where the character has to go on some kind of journey across the country. I also love period pieces, like ones that take place in 16th century Western Europe, for instance. Playing someone with a mental disorder would be amazing too. Also, my dream role would include winning an Oscar. :)
Who’s your BFF?
My BFF is named Matt Enright and we have been friends since we were five years old. He was
my boyfriend in kindergarten. We were so cute! We would secretly hold hands under the snack table at school, I would constantly kiss him on the cheek, and would spend my recesses writing “I love you” on little pieces of paper and would put them in his cubby. He lives in Cape Cod and I live in LA so now we talk on the phone all the time. I got to spend time with him this Christmas season when my dad and I went back to Boston. He travelled into Boston - to where I was staying at the Omni Parker House - and we walked all over the city, went to the Museum of Science, and tons of other really fun stuff. It’s fifteen years later and we still say I love you. :)
Who is your role model in everyday life?
My dad is my role model. He is the smartest, most ambitious and caring person I know. He understands people and is full of wisdom. He has gone through a lot in life and still comes out with a positive inspirational perspective on life. We’re super close and he’s actually really good at giving boy advice! We go on adventures together. When I was 10 he woke me up early one morning and brought me out to breakfast on the harbor in Cape Cod. We watched ferry boats bring people over to the island of Nantucket and he suddenly said, “DO you want to go to Nantucket?” Naturally, I said yes so we hopped on a boat and spent the whole day on Nantucket!
Are you single?
I am single! I do go on dates though. But sorry boys, still wearing my Promise Ring.
What can we see coming up from you in the future?
I just opened up my own office at Paramount Studio. With some other director/writers I am writing and developing my own scripts. My amazing managers Brian Medvaoy and Devon Jackson are sending me out on a lot of auditions/meetings with directors, producers, and casting directors for some other great potential projects. Hopefully Men of a Certain Age will get picked up for a third season and I’d start filming that this year or in the beginning of 2012. Also, going to college is a huge priority of mine.
Days Difference
Could you guys “introduce” yourselves? (Names, ages, what you do)
Jeremiah - 22 (Birthday is April 30) plays guitar
Jon - 22 (Birthday is May 6) plays drums
Micah - 21 (Birthday is July 10) plays bass
Jeremy - 20 (Birthday is April 1) play keyboard and sings
How did you guys get started with Days Difference?
My brother Jeremiah and I were playing a show at our school and Jon and Jeremy showed up with their friend Scott. Our Drummer and keyboardist did not show up. So Scott tells us that Jon and Jeremy play drums and keys and they hopped up on the stage and we performed some covers that we all knew together. Well we just clicked so well on stage it was incredible. So we exchanged numbers and soon after that had jam sessions that turned into practice sessions. Pretty crazy!
You guys make an appearance in the new Hannah Montana movie? How was the experience of filming it?
Yes we are in the new Hannah Montana movie and we had a great time on set! Miley is a really down to earth, great girl.
What do you guys like to do on your free time?
We rarely get free time away from band stuff but when we do get free time we usually watch movies or shows or play video games. :-p
If you could have your own reality TV show, what would it be called?
i really have no clue. HAHA! ummmm..... yeah got nothin. :-p
What are some of your music influences?
Coldplay, Muse, Chevelle, John Mayer, and a handful of others...
How do you describe your musical styles?
we are a high energy pop rock band
What can fans see coming up in the future for you guys?
our single "Radio Song" releases April 21st and will be available to download off iTunes late February/early March.
We will be appearing in Miley's new movie 'Hannah Montana: The Movie'. Our album releases late May/early June. And we will be on tourearly this summer!
If you could say something to your fans right now what would it be?
LOVE ALL OF YOU!!! Thank you so much for the support, being awesome and just being yourselves! "OMG xoxo" :-p
- Micah and the rest of the guys of Days Difference
Check them out at www.myspace.com/daysdifference
Amy Weaver
How did you get started with your singing career?
I started recording songs when I was 8 and singing at local events and I sold a cd to frinds and family. Now I use promo cards to promote and I recently started writing original music. So I will have an EP out in spring!
What other hobbies do you like to do besides singing?
I like to act, dance, go to concerts, watch movies, bake, bead, sow, and songwrite with my friends.
How did you guys get started in the music industry?
I sang at events locally and recorded. Now I do more promoting and original work.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Taylor swift, Reba Macentire, James Taylor, Jonas Brothers, and Billy Gilman
What are some of your favorite bands?
Rooney, The Hush Sound, The Acadamy is..., FAll out Boy, Push play, Jonas Brothers, and the cab
How do you describe your musical styles?
I would say country/pop.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
David Archuleta!
What would be your dream venue to perform at?
It would definatly be Madison Square Gardens!
What can fans see from you in the future?
Definatly an EP in the spring and more live shows and what ever the fans like!
If you could say one thing to your fans right now, what would it be?
To my fans that I already have, THANK YOU with all my heart, you rock!!! To everybody else Iwill do my best to make you a fan!
check her out at www.myspace.com/amyweaver123
Bre Morgan
Heyy Bre! Thank you so much for doing this interview for us! Could you introduce yourself? (Name, Age, what you do)
Hi, Im 14 year old singer/songwriter Bre Morgan.
How did you get started with your singing career?
I got started at such an early age it’s almost hard to remember. I was doing talent shows as early as 6 years old and have been performing for as long as I can remember. My parents remember that even as a toddler I would hum and sing every chance I got.
Who are some of your favorite bands/artists? Do you think you model your music after their styles?
I like so many different types of music. Everything from Miley Cyrus and Hillary Duff to Celine Dione and Michael Buble. I really like a lot of different styles. I wouldn’t say I model my music after any of them, because I don’t really sound like any of them, but they inspire me more creatively than anything else.
So you filmed a music video for your song “Crush,” feat. Chris Via. Was that fun to film?
That was fun, but I don’t know why people are just now starting to ay attention to that video. I actually released that video when I was only 12, but the music I’m doing now brought a lot of attention to my earlier video.
If you had the chance to record with any artist, who would it be?
You probably wouldn’t believe it, but Celine Dione simply because she has such amazing vocal ability.
What are some hobbies of yours besides singing?
Shopping, making homemade jewelry, painting my nails, going to movies. I guess all the stuff other kids do too.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
I would have to say Zac Effron
What would be your dream venue to perform at?
I don’t really know. Of course Madison Square Garden would be a dream come true, but anywhere where I could get my music out to a lot of people would be special.
What can fans see from you in the future?
Well I am auditioning for a few movie roles, and I should be seen on the big screen before too long. I am also working on a few songs to add to my EP to make a full CD.
If you could say one thing to your fans right now, what would it be?
Thank you so much for your support. AND, don’t forget to vote 5 stars each for my two songs in Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing.
Thank You so much again Bre!! We really appreciate it!!!
-Laura and Lila
Star Struck Media Promotions!
Check her out at www.myspace.com/bremorgan
Keely Marshall
Heyy Keely!! Thank you so much for doing this interview for us!!! Could you please introduce yourself? (Name, Age, what you do)
I am Keely Marshall. I am 12. I sing and I act!!
How did you get started in the music industry, how did you know this is what you wanted to do?
I have been singing since I was 4 years old. I sing all of the time. My parents say that I have been singing since I could talk! I started to perform in talent shows, act in school plays and take voice lessons. I then joined a local singing/performing group. There were lots of girls in this group and we performed medleys all over the place.
At such a young age you have accomplished so much including singing at a rally for Obama, singing the national anthem at a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, been in numerous commercials and even had a role in a movie! How has these experiences been for you?
These have been incredible experiences for me and I feel very fortunate to get to do these things. It was very neat to get to meet Barack Obama and sing at his rally.
You sang on the St. Pete Times Forum Plaza Stage for the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers concert in Tampa. That must have been so much fun! Who are some of your role models?
It was SOOOOOOO much fun to perform before the Hannah Montana/Miley and Jonas Brothers Concert. It was also fun to meet them all. They were all so nice. I would like to act and sing like Miley and Hilary Duff. I would love to get to do a movie like High School Musical!
If you could have your own reality TV show, what would it be called?
That is a good question. I think I would like to call my reality TV show "That's Just Me"!
Who are some of your favorite bands/artists? Do you model your music off of theirs?
Jonas Brothers (of course), Miley, Hilary & Demi. I try to use a style that works for me. It probably sounds like some of the songs that they do.
Where has been your favorite place to perform so far? Any place you would dream of performing at?
Performing at the Forum before the Hannah Montana / Jonas Brothers concert was probably my favorite place to perform! I would like to perform at Red Rocks in Colorado some day. I would also like to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.
How do you describe your musical styles?
Pop Music
Do you have a celebrity crush?
No!! :)
What other hobbies do you like to do besides singing?
I like to act, play piano, biking, ripstik, swimming, boating and playing with my dog, horseback riding and rollerblading!
What can fans see coming up in the future for you?
I will be recording more music. I am also auditioning for parts in movies and TV shows!
If you could say something to your fans right now what would it be?
Thanks so much for ALL of the support. You guys rock!
Thank You so much again Keely for doing this interview with us! We appreciate it, and hope you go far with your career!!
Laura & Lila
-Star Struck Media Promotions!