Houston student is an aspiring actress

HOUSTON — The rise to fame can be a difficult yet exciting journey, a journey Houston High School senior Danielle Andrew has just begun. Andrew received the opportunity to travel to Orlando, Fla., to pursue her acting dreams.

An aspiring actress since elementary school, Andrew always had a love for performing. Outside of acting in various plays, she has also gone through voice training since the age of 3 and has been involved in many different choirs. After years of training, Andrew decided to put her skills to the test.

In January, Andrew attended a scouting event through Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS).

“I heard about the event through a friend, and originally I didn’t want to go,” she said. “But my boyfriend convinced me to go do it.”

Kim Myer, a well-known ARTS talent scout, interviewed Andrew and watched her perform a monologue. She praised Andrew for her expression and strong acting potential, granting Andrew the opportunity to attend an upscale scouting in Orlando, Fla. at the Marriott Resort.

“I was elated that I was chosen,” Andrew said. “Ideally, I want acting to be a career. It’s something I’m very passionate about and it’s helped make me who I am today.”

Andrew will be competing in the commercial modeling, photography, TV commercial and monologue categories at the scouting event, June 19 to 23. If scored in the top spots, Andrew will be eligible for contracts, trophies and scholarships.

“I’m extremely excited,” she said. “I will be learning more about my passion, myself and gaining exposure to the performing arts in a safe environment.”

Andrew also is working with Laura Model and Talent Agency, an Alaska-based agency that helps hone the images of models and talented people.

“Laura is my trainer and liaison with the officials that run ARTS,” Andrew said. “She preps me to go show everyone my skills and teaches me manners, etiquette and how to present my talent to the best of my abilities to the judges.”

Despite her excitement, however, Andrew also has run into a few challenges.

“I’ve faced challenges with scholarships and raising the money to go,” she said. “Many people are struggling right now and it’s hard to ask people for money when you know they are working so hard just to put food on the table.”

Currently, Andrew is fundraising by asking local businesses to sponsor her during her trip.

“The help I’ve received so far has been amazing and makes me feel blessed. I’m extremely grateful for any sponsorship I’m provided,” Andrew said.

According to Andrew, if her goal of being an actress does not follow through, she has a back-up career in mind. “I’d be an elementary school teacher, I’m good with little kids,” she said.

If you are interested in helping Andrew’s follow her dreams, contact her at 354-7592.

Holly Brett is a three-year journalism student and this is her second year writing for the Frontiersman’s School’s Page.