LAFA: Backstage Blog

Suessical Cast List

2012-02-17T13:20:00.002-08:00

SEUSSICAL CAST LIST

The Cat in the Hat

Angelica Lepera

Olivia Toulouse

Steven Ilijanich

Horton the Elephant

Destiny Bryson

Kasie Rayner

Zach Wilson

Jojo

Chris Vassos

Jack Ilijanich

Micheala Lepera

Gertrude McFuzz

Mara Vassos

Talia Castillo

Tianna Cherubin

Mayzie LaBird

Autumn Davies

Hallie Gill

Tory Campbell

Sour Kangaroo

Angela Todorvski

Ashley Poulin

Evangeline Way

Mr. Mayor

Jordon Hayes

Michael Sinasac

Anthony Fanara

Mrs. Mayor

Aliyah Davies

Grace Kehoe

Julia DiLuca

General Gengus Khan Schmitz

Chelsea Preston

Mattias Milosevski

Sebastien Visentin

Young Kangaroo

Braeleigh Davies

Madelyn Bowler

Natalie Charles

Birdie Girls

Alexis Wilcox, Caitlin Humber, , Gabriella Sadler, Leila Pathak, Maya Castillo, Kennedy Cator, Krystalann Bechard, Kylee Marentette, Miranda Canty, Maggie Dufour, Natasha Sadler, Onya Airgid, Yasmine Saada, TBA, TBA

Wickersham Kids

Alex Campbell, Daniella Church, Dante Albdonie, Eric Cambell, Grace Laforest, Guilia Congi, Joy Robinson, Katie Kolody, Megan Davis, Mia Milosevski, Riley Beaulieu, Savannah Moro, Sarah Davis, Victoria Conflitti, Winston Handfield-Jones, TBA, TBA, TBA

The Grinch

Autumn Owens

Alyssa Rae

Cidney Langlois

Cindy Lou Who

Aenea Bryson

Briar Davies

Emily Poulin

Chorus (Whoville, Fishville, Jungle, Circus)

Alana Rae, Alexis Rae, Ann McGuinty, Devan Bundig, Ireland, Ireland, Isabella Canty, Isabella Denna, Jenalynn Mailloux, Kailey Howell, Kristina Iakovdis, Ronan Airgid, Rosalind Canty, Savannah Bryant, Sophia Congi, Zoe Chang, TBA, TBA, TBA

The following characters still need to be assigned:

Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Elephant Bird, Yertle the Turtle, Vlad Vladikoff, Hunter 1 and Hunter 2

LAFA UPDATE - December

2011-11-29T09:53:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I had the pleasure of speaking with many of you last night; many more I am sure I will speak with today! This will be a recap of dates and things to know that may have been mentioned last night and will be spoken of tonight...

Thank you for your time. It is very nice to touch base.

Important info:

Tickets--

Tickets are quickly being purchased, so if you have your heart set on seats in section A, be sure to come in before and/or after class to purchase your tickets. Everytime we are at the Puce Centre, we seem to sell out. Lake residents (public) like to attend our shows and they will be able to purchase very soon!

You can purchase them in person every Saturday with cash and/or cheque. However, mastercard and visa will be accepted over paypal on www.lakeshoreacademy.ca under the sidebar BOX OFFICE. As of January 1st, you may purchase them in the office Monday thru Friday business hours.

Important Dates ---

Show dates are as followed:

DRESS REHEARSAL - ALL ATTEND!!!

January 20th 5-8 pm

Cast A - January 21st, 2012 - 7pm

- January 25th, 2012 - 10 am (school performance)

- January 29th, 2012 - 2pm

Cast B - January 22nd, 2012 - 2pm

- January 26th, 2010 - 10 am (school performance)

- January 28th, 2010 - 2pm

Cast C - January 21st, 2012 - 2pm

- January 27th, 2010 - 10 am (school performance)

- January 28th, 2012 - 7pm

Note** School performance is held at the puce centre and many of the surrounding schools come to see their peers as a field trip! It is an exciting day and many teacher's have enjoyed our DISCOVER THE ARTS day! This will be our 3rd year doing this! Invites will come next week in an email you may print off and have your child hand into their classroom. This has been approved by all school boards.

Note*** All children will need to arrive 1 hour prior to ALL Dress Rehearsals and Performance. We are very adamant about this. A dress rehearsal and performances without children attendance can stress the rest of the cast. I strongly urge you to be sure to attend the DRESS REHEARSAL please and thank you in advance!

NO Rehearsal---

As Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve land on a Saturday there will be NO practice on these days. Happy Holidays!!!

PJ ALL DAY PARTY!!! ---

Friday, January 6th, 2012 (please note this is correct...I apologize for the misunderstanding for I did mention that it was the 4th) So...on Friday, the 6th, we will be having a blast of a day. Sometimes after the holidays, the kids are excited to come back and because there will be a 2 week break, LAFA finds that a PJ party is a perfect way to revisit all we have learn up until this point and it's a way to start the new year off with a bang!

9:00 - 11:30 am - practice, practice practice!!!

11:30 -12:00 am - pot luck lunch

12:00 - 1:00 pm - Vocals

1:00 - 3:00 pm - Movie & Popcorn

3:00 - 4:00pm - Talent Show!

NOTE*** I will be sending an email later with who can bring what so we don't have a million cookies and no Veggies... (LOL) Also, I could use a few parent volunteers for clean-up and lunch duty! Thanks in advance for those who have already volunteered so kindly! Again, please note there will be myself and 6 Student Instructors for the days' events! Any allergies may be reminded to me in an email please!

PARENTS WORKSHOP -- January 15th, 2012

1 - 3:30 pm - Puce Centre

In the past 3 years, over 100 LAFA students have been involved in many local film projects as well as many tides to Toronto paid gigs. We are now receiving weeks phone calls for talent in the area. Some have even had the pleasure of auditioning for the Diary of a Whimpy Kid 3 and the new Resident Evil. Very exciting stuff! Time and time again, I hear from the filmmakers and talent agency that they love LAFA kids because they understand the craft of acting and they are very well behaved and educated when it comes to the understanding of the business.

However, there are MANY scams out there and I have had many parents ask me many questions pertaining to the business of acting. I feel that this workshop will benefit families to be better educated on what it is they want their child be involved in. There will be 3 categories we will be putting your child in. With this we will be compiling list that best suit your family values and needs! There will also be a Toronto based agent, that LAFA has worked with attending to answer many of your questions!

Category A - I only want to be in Plays and LAFA projects

Category B - I want to be involved in LAFA projects, plays and anything LOCAL!

Category C - I want to be involved in LAFA projects, plays, local and want to go the

Toronto route!

I hope this will help establish everyone needs when it comes to your child's opportunities within the arts community, to better advance what it is they need!.

In regards to the play, the children are doing so well! We are ahead of schedule and the kids are moving along perfectly without snags! I am very proud of these casts and I know the show will be our very best one! I would also like to thank the many student instructors for their amazing efforts to this point! They have really help make these past months a success and many of your children look up to the older actors with pride and have hopes of being in their positions one day too! The Instructors have taken their mentor role very well and I am proud of the family we are creating here at LAFA!

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at home 519.728.9123 or email me!

Thank you and I hope you have an inspiring day!

Sarah Ilijanich
Artistic Director
Lakeshore Academy of Fine Arts
www.lakeshoreacademy.ca

LAFA is Coming to Amherstburg!

2011-11-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

LAFA is opening a sister school in Amherstburg!!!!
Auditions December 18th 1pm - 5 pm
Alice In Wonderland
Call for Audition time today!
519 728 9123

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

2011-11-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Hope all is well, Alice In Wonderland is going splendidly! Everyone is working very hard and excited for the hard work!

Costumes and Props are quickly moving along.

*** We are looking for a baby carriage like this one

If anyone has any leads, please contact me at sarah.lafa@yahoo.ca

Also, if you have not received the music as of yet, please email me so I may send you the MP3's. There are 10 all together.

Thank you,

Sarah Ilijanich

TROUPE INFO

2011-11-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know in Troupe our schedule.

Thusday, 17th - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Class @ Puce Centre
      - classes will be working on Christmas Carols and Tag Lines for the Riverlights Festival

Friday, 18th - 4:45 pm - 7: 00 pm - Gordon House In Amherstburg
      - follow this link for directions - http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
      - performing in choral vinettes from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thusday, 24th - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
      - classes will be working on Choral work for Lakeshore Tree Ceremony and Nutcracker Monologues

Friday, 25th - 5:15 - 6:00 - Lakeshore Optimist (right next to Belle River OPP station)
      - performing in Choral Vinettes from 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday, Dec 1st - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm @ Puce Centre
      - classes will be working on the Nutcracker Performance

Thusday, 8th - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Class @ Puce Centre
      - classes will be working on Nutcracker Performance

Friday, 9th - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Villanova High School
      - dress rehearsal - follow the link - http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Thursday, 15th - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm @ Puce Centre - Inside the LAFA Studio"
       - workshop with real working actors and film makers

Thursday, 22nd - 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm @ Puce Centre - Inside the LAFA Studio"
       - workshop with real working actors and film makers

END of TERM

NUTCRACKER REVUE

2011-11-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Oct, 22nd - Rehearsal #3

2011-10-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

These past weeks have been incredible! Everyone is eager and excited for our upcoming performance. Last week we blocked 2 scenes, worked on our GOTE sheet (An Acting Tool for Characterization) and also finished placing everyone in their collective parts! Jonah also worked with each group to find out each persons' dancing skill level! Everyone did fantastic!

This week we will be doing the following:

Blocking - pages 1-3

Choreogaphy - Daydreams (7 minutes)

Costumes - choices for our characters

**I have included the vocals & instrumentals for this song in an email

A few notes:

Please note there is still an opening for the following production classes:

Cast A - 1 minor speaking role

Cast C - 2 minor speaking roles

Perhaps you know of a friend, who would like to particpate in our production, or maybe they have missed the auditions. Please have them email me at sarah.lafa@yahoo.ca or call me at my home 519.728.9123

Also note:

Many of you have asked about tickets. You may puchase them online at www.lakeshoreacademy.ca under the Box Office and then call me at 519 728 9123 for your pick of seats. Seats are at a first come first serve basis.

You may also puchase them in person before or after class on Saturdays, starting this week. Tickets will be available for pick up on Nov. 5th. Tickets will not be avaiable in the Puce Office until Dec 1st, at this time - you may come in during office hours and purchase them with Pat. The number is 519 727 0470.

Also Note:

Our Haunted Hallway is an exciting project our Troupe is working on, and Alice's production will reap the benefits. On Saturday & Sunday of October 29th & 30th, the Puce Centre will be in full swing with a Haunted Hallway, full of LIVE ACTORS from 6pm - 11pm. In the gym, there will be centres set up for the family friendly atmosphere for children during the hours of 6-8. Please forward these details to everyone you know and feel free to print a poster off and put it up in your office, local store or anywhere you see fit!!! All this for only $5.

The proceeds will be going to the LAFA's need for proper mics and lighting board for the upcoming Alice play!

Thank you for your support, every bit counts!!! Have an inspiring day!

Sarah Ilijanich
Artistic Director
Lakeshore Academy of Fine Arts
http://www.lakeshoreacademy.ca/

Responsibility and Teaching!

2011-09-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

The right acting teacher can unlock your potential! When you stumble upon a proper studio, with responsible instructors that teach true acting techniques, your potential can exceed your expectations!

There are many theatre companies out there that are more concentrated on the end result! Instead, the emphasis should be on the journey; when you focus on how you get to where you need to be, then the end result will organically unfold in a positive direction. The product will be amazing!

If you are at an acting studio taking classes, they should be teaching you about characters goals, obstacles and the tactics one does in order to gain what the character desires. Basics, like monologue & scene work should be picked apart textually as well as intelligently. Acting is a craft. It takes intellect, strength and compassion.

A teacher should teach you to love your craft more than yourself. Tis the responsibility of teaching artistry!

HAUNTED HALLWAY - 2011

2011-09-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

CLASSES

2011-09-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

FINALIZED CAST - Alice In Wonderland

2011-09-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

CAST LIST A

Aenea Bryson

Alex Campbell

Alex Rocheleau
Alexis Wilcox

Andrea Mundy

Angelica Lepera

Autumn Owens
Chelsea Preston

Destiny Bryson

Eavenly Williams

Ella Smith
Emma Ducharme

Eric Campbell

Grace Laforest

Hope Williams
Jack Ilijanich
Jocelyn Hoffman

Jordon Zaharchuk
Jordon Hayes

Joy Robinson

Julia DiLuca

Kassidy Carter

Kate Bondy

Leah Ducharme

Mattias Milosevski
Maya Castillo

Michela Lepera

Natalie Charles

Savannah Moro

Steven Ilijanich

Sydney Sholdice
Talia Castillo

Tianna Cherubin

CAST LIST B

Amelia Chartrand
Arabella Belanger

Ava Grundner

Breelyn Vanier
Caitlyn Humber

Celia Bodchon

Chloe Chang
Cidney Langlois

Dalton Virtue

Daniella Church
Ella Tiveron

Elizabeth Russell
Eva Way
Haillee Gill
Holly Ormshaw

Kyla VanBuskirk

Lauren Dunn

Leila Pathak
Madelyn Bowler
Moira Hicks

Myah Pathak

Natalie Kersey

Natalie McLean-Duke

Onya Airgid

Rachel Tewkesbury
Ruby Grundner
Samantha Brammer

Samantha DiMario
Sarah DiMario

Scott Ellsworth

Tia Kersey

Zoe Sawchuk

CAST LIST C

Alana Rae
Alexis Rae
Aliyah Davies
Allysa Rae

Angela Todorovski

Ashley Poulin

Autumn Davies

Braeleigh Davies
Briar Davies
Chris Vassos

Emily Tong

Gabriella Sadler

Guilia Congi

Grace Kehoe

Julia Zakoor

Kasie Rayner

Lindsay Lauzon
Mackenzie Kelly

Madison McDougall

Mara Vassos

Megan Davis
Michael Sinasac
Miranda Mullins
Natasha Sadler
Nikki Oligario
Olivia Mancini
Sarah Davis

Taya Fanara

Taylor Carlton

Tory Campbell

Zack Wilson

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sept. 26th - 30th - PICK UP YOUR Production Package!

Office Hours are 9am - 9pm - Monday thru Friday - Puce Centre

Sept. 30th - Good Luck Chris - OPEN HOUSE!!!

Puce Centre - 6pm - 8pm! Stop by and wish Chris good luck in working with Nelly Furtado!!! WOWZERS...

Oct. 1st- First Rehearsal - First READ THOUGH!!!

Cast A - 10 am - noon

Cast B - Noon - 2pm

Cast C - 2pm - 4pm

If there are any questions please feel free to email me at this address or call me at 519.728.9123. Thank you for the opportunity to ignite the spark of theater in you children's lives! Good luck!

Performance Days:

January 21st, 2012 - 2 pm - Cast C

January 21st, 2012 - 7pm - Cast A

January 22nd, 2012 - 2pm - Cast B

January 25th, 2012 - 10 am - (School) - Cast A

January 26th, 2012 - 10 am - (School) - Cast B

January 27th, 2012 -10 am - (School) - Cast C

January 28th, 2012 - 2pm - Cast B

January 28th, 2012 - 7pm - Cast C

January 29th, 2012 - 2pm - Cast A

Have an inspiring day,

Sarah Ilijanich

THEATRE COSTS for LSOH

2011-09-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

Many people asked where the money goes for a production...The reason why tickets cost so much...

Theatre is expensive! The arts should be valued. Support the arts, by going to a show, donating a costume to your local theatre company, tweet your thoughts on a performance or even post a link to your local theatre company on facebook....

Here is a little info on LSOH - Payed out for this FREE Performance. And LAFA is a very humble theatre company...imagine a Broadway show...we are talking millions!
...
Basic Breakdown

Props $1600
Costumes $1500
Sets $800
Theatre Rentals/Rent/Insurance/Copyrights $15000
Programs/Tixs $200
Choreography $950

***note Director, Vocals Coach & Stage Manage donated their time...they never got payed -- which they should have! Transportation, social media, emails, website...and many hours organized are also not valued with a price tag.

Total Payed: $20,500

10 x 250 = $2500 Advertisements
37 x 113 = $4100 Script Fees
Raised from Fundraising $9000

Total Raised: $15,600

***note that is over $6000 lost

The way a student feels on the stage, the moment the applause roars, the moment a child feels like they accomplished something significant...is PRICELESS!

CAST LIST - Alice In Wonderland - The Musical

2011-09-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

CAST LIST

***note*** all parts have a speaking role, all cast requests are not guaranteed but will be given out on a 1st come 1st serve basis on Wednesday & Thursday night during registration 6pm - 7pm and pictures will be taken of you child during this time for the program. You may puchase your script online at http://www.lakeshoreacademy.ca/ under the BOX OFFICE heading or with cash or cheque.

PRINCIPAL:

ALICE

Mackenzie Kelly (C)
Sydney Sholdice (A)
Zoe Sawchuk (B)

QUEEN

Holly Ormshaw (B)
Mara Vassos (C)
Tianna Cherubin (A)

LEADS:

ALICE'S SISTER

Angelica Lepera (A)
Julia Zakoor (C)
Samantha DiMario (B)

WHITE RABBIT

Madelyn Bowler (B)
Michael Sinasac (C)
Savannah Moro (A)

CAT

Cidney Langlois (B)
Gabriella/Natasha Sadler (C)
Michela Lepera (A)

COOK

Jocelyn Hoffman (A)
Lauren Dunn (B)
Nikki Oligario (C)

DOOR MOUSE

Kassidy Carter (A)
Maya Lampert (B)
Rachel Haddad (C)

DUCHESS

Destiny Bryson (A)
Maya Pathak (B)
Taya Fanara (C)

JUDGE

Autumn Davies (C)
Megan VanVeen (A)
Willow Remillard (B)

KING

Dalton Virtue (B)
Steven Ilijanich (A)
Zack Wilson (C)

MAD HATTER

Samantha Brammer (B)
Talia Castillo (A)
Taylor Carlton (C)

MARCH HARE

Chris Vassos (C)
Jordon Hayes (A)
Natalie McLean-Dukes (B)

PIGEON

Haillee Gill (B)
Maya Castillo (A)
Tory Campbell (C)

MINOR LEADS:
(according to cast list, the following will be divided out after first rehearsal: Mouse, Duck, Dodo, Otter,Turtle & Caterpillar)

Alex Rocheleau (A)
Alexis Wilcox (A)
Allysa Rae (C)
Angela Todorovski (C)
Athony Ricci (C)
Caitlyn Humber (B)
Celia Bodchon (B)
Chelsea Preston (A)
Chloe Chang (B)
Elizabeth Russell (B)
Emily Tong (C)
Eric Campbell (A)
Eva Way (B)
Kistie Shannon (B)
Livia Wuttke (A)
Lindsay Lauzon (C)
Madison McDougall (C)
Reece McCracken (A)

** In this category, A, B & C are closed.

MINORS:
(according to cast list, the following will be divided out after first rehearsal: Bottles 1 & 2, Chestshire Cat 1 & 2, Ginger Snap & Croquet Ball)

Andrea Mundy (A)
Ashley Poulin (C)
Autumn Owens (A)
Ava Grundner (B)
Daniella Church (B)
Ella Smith (A)
Emma Ducharme (A)
Gabriella/Natasha Sadler (C)
Grace Kehoe (C)
Kyla VanBuskirk (B)
Julia DiLuca (A)
Kasie Rayner (C)
Kate Bondy (A)
Amelia Chartrand (B)
Olivia Mancini (C)
Onya Airgid (B)
Sarah Davis (C)
Tia Kersey (B)

** In this category, A, B & C are closed.

CHORUS:
(According to cast list the following will be divided out after first rehearsal: Cards 1 thur 7, Guard 1 & 2)

Aenea Bryson (A)
Alana Rae (C)
Alex Campbell (A)
Alexis Rae (C)
Aliyah Davies (C)
Arabella Belanger (B)
Braeleigh Davies (C)
Briar Davies (C)
Cruz Remillard (B)
Eavenly Williams (A)
Ella Tiveron (B)
Grace Laforest (A)
Giulia Congi (C)
Hope Williams (A)
Jack Ilijanich (A)
Joy Robinson (A)
Leah Ducharme (A)
Leila Pathak (B)
Megan Davis (C)
Natalie Charles (A)
Natalie Kersey (B)
Rachel Tewkesbury (B)
Ruby Grundner (B)
Sarah DiMario (B)
Scott Ellsworth (B)

** In this category, A, B are closed; C has one opening.
www.lakeshoreacademy.ca

Our mission is simple; we at Lakeshore Academy of Fine Arts wish to enrich your child’s life using the medium of fine arts. We want to ignite the spark of creativity that resides within each and every child empowering them to cultivate their individual talents.

Every child attending LAFA will be trained in all aspects of theatre, concentrating on developing a fun, safe and encouraging environment to inspire creative thoughts and challenge fears, all the while, creating long-lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

_________________________________________________________________

Dates to remember:

Sept. 20th - Look at Cast List on website! www.lakeshoreacademy.ca

Sept. 21st & 22nd - OPEN HOUSE!!! Wednesday & Thursday!!! 6pm - 7pm!!!

Register your child within your cast, Q & A and make a payment! We will be taking their

picture as well!

Sept. 26th - 30th - PICK UP YOUR Production Package!

Office Hours are 9am - 9pm - Monday thru Friday - Puce Centre

Sept. 30th - Good Luck Chris - OPEN HOUSE!!!

Puce Centre - 6pm - 8pm! Stop by and wish Chris good luck in working with Nelly Furtado!!! WOWZERS...

Oct. 1st- First Rehearsal - First READ THOUGH!!!

Cast A - 10 am - noon

Cast B - Noon - 2pm

Cast C - 2pm - 4pm

If there are any questions please feel free to email me at this address or call me at 519.728.9123. Thank you for the opportunity to ignite the spark of theater in you children's lives! Good luck!

Performance Days:

January 21st, 2012 - 2 pm - Cast C

January 21st, 2012 - 7pm - Cast A

January 22nd, 2012 - 2pm - Cast B

January 25th, 2012 - 10 am - (School) - Cast A

January 26th, 2012 - 10 am - (School) - Cast B

January 27th, 2012 -10 am - (School) - Cast C

January 28th, 2012 - 2pm - Cast B

January 28th, 2012 - 7pm - Cast C

January 29th, 2012 - 2pm - Cast A

Have an inspiring day,

Sarah Ilijanich
Artistic Director
Lakeshore Academy of Fine Arts
www.lakeshoreacademy.ca

Toronto Trip

2011-08-12T03:11:00.000-07:00

LAFAs Toronto Trip

All I have to say is ... WOW! LAFA had the incredible honour of having a private workshop with amazing professionals from the entertainment sector! We all walked away with an overwhelming feeling of humbleness, knowledge and an understanding of a business that has complicated roots.

There were 44 of us that arrived early morning in Chatham to take the train. Taking the train is always a treat. Many students shared stories of past LAFA trips, while others had enjoy their first. We also were accompanied by an up and coming local band Overdrive 145, who were excited to be invited. We all rode on the train hopeful for the days events, but none of us could foresee the adventure that was in store.

As the train came to a halt in Toronto, we all found ourselves in the basement of Union Station. Dr. Matt Dodd graciously met us and ended up being a fantastic host! LAFA was very lucky to have such an amazing guy show us the best of Toronto. Matt, along side, LAFAs instructor Chris Domenicucci had organized the workshops together. And they were something we will never forget.

We were headed to the Subway. The young starry-eyed aspiring actors and hopeful rock stars had rounded the corner and heard the sounds of Phantom of the Opera from street performers. For many, this was a scene out of a movie. Many students drop a coin or two as the piano man smiled at us as we past by.

The chatter grew and the awe was starting to set in, when we arrived at a beautiful loft like building that had a beautiful courtyard. When we entered the building, we were excited to see that the room that had been rented was gorgeous. The group enjoyed a 4 hour workshop while sitting on plush chairs and leather seats.

Our first speaker was Cheryl Murphy, the Manager of Nelly Furtado at Chris Smith Management. What a wealth of knowledge! She spoke of industry expectations, personal stories of artists and how important it is to be humble. This was going to be a reoccuring theme that always made its way into the conversation. Not only did she spend the hour sharing priceless information but she took the band aside and personally spoke to them one on one after. The advice she gave to the young aspiring rock stars was tremendous. Her mentorship was outstanding and the boys of Overdrive 145 were hopeful as she took their demo to listen to. Thank you so much for coming out to speak to our little theatre group.

The next person up, was a very successful Talent Agent, JC from Just Canadian Talent Agency. This was a popular workshop where many LAFA kids had great questions to ask. He talked about a tough business that has a lot of pressures, expectations and hopes. The kids were given information on the process of auditioning. More importantly, he spoke of humbleness. The need to know where you came from, always be willing to learn more and never think your better than anyone else because there will be 20 others kids ready to take your role in heartbeat! We even got to hear the story of a girl who could not keep her grades up and did not care to fix it; she was no longer being represented by JC.

A hearty lunch followed as JC gave out his cards and promised to view all the kids portfolios and told them he would try to answer any other questions their parents may have.

Our third speaker was the beautiful young Nashville singer and songwriter Sara Giguere. She inspired the kids with her amazing story. She also shared with the kids the importance of being true to yourself, never selling yourself short and always go for your dreams! She spoke of understanding the business, never stop learning and to always be gracious, even for the things that do not happen. One student was so moved, she gushed a thank you saying how inspired she was! Here is her youtube link! What a powerful voice. Thank you Sara.

Sara Giguere - You Are (Official Music Video)

Sara Giguere's first music video for her single 'You Are' off her debut EP. Director: Jean-Pierre Joubertwww.saragiguere.com

Our last speaker was also our host Dr. Matt Dodd. Not only has he worked on the set of SYTYCDC, trained on Broadways stages but he is also a trainer for the New York Yankees. His story was a remarkable one. We spoke of a personal story of his struggles that had an overwhelming message of staying positive! The kids listened in that final hour with an eagerness that has present during the first hour. They were amazed and were inspired to follow their dreams! They had many questions for Matt and his story stayed with them as they took the train home. LAFA is indebted to you for your time, graciousness and humble mentorship we could never thank you enough. You truly, have imprinted these kids lives!

Back to the Subway, Matt brought us to Casa Loma where Harry Potter had just premiered. Then we headed to Much Music where we got to witness Degrassi High interviews only 10 feet away from us. The entire city was gracious and friendly! Even the security guard spoke to the kids of the VMA awards. They shopped down the main street and we headed to the Mall before we boarded the train back home.

Students were tired as we boarded the train in Union Station but still high from the days events. So inspired, taken back by the amount of information, knowledge and connections we all made. What a fantastic day!

Thank you to Visjna, Steve and Nicole for accompanying us. A very HUGE thank you to Chris for being a star, for the day could not have been so successful without your passion and drive to inspire LAFA.

Sarah Ilijanich