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March 8, 2006
KIDS AUDITION FOR 'SKLAR SEARCH' Celebrated talent scout visits PahrumpALBIN'S STUDENTS AMONG THOSE INTERVIEWED BY SKLAR
By GINA B. GOOD
His writings are standard text in many high school and college theater departments and Albin said his real-world experience was invaluable and not really what she expected. "He spoke about everything from confidence and liking yourself to nutrition," Albin said. "He also interviewed the youngsters, asking them questions about their lifestyle and families rather than about how many years of dance or singing lessons they had." Sklar also spoke about relationships and what courses to take in college. "He said to be a well-rounded, interesting person to talk with in order to be the kind of person casting directors look for," said Albin. Sklar's protégés include a long list of TV regulars and movie stars such as Zachery Ty Bryan who played Brad on "Home Improvement," Rick Schroeder, of "Silver Spoons" and "NYPD Blue" fame; and everyone's favorite blonde, Reese Witherspoon from "Legally Blonde" and "Sweet Home Alabama" as well as Sara Jessica Parker, who starred in HBO's series "Sex in the City." Sklar, who has spent two decades as an independent talent scout, explained to the gathering in Albin's packed dance studio that, "What makes certain youngsters stand out is an ability to be who you are when placed in a situation created by a writer, choreographer or lyricist ... you have to be real ... you must know who you are." Sklar gives small workshops to youngsters in upstate New York, by invitation only. Of the approximately 50 youths who attended Sklar's presentation - not all of who interviewed for the workshop - 12 children between the ages of 8 to 17 garnered invitations. Eleven of the children take classes at Albin's Artistic Center. "It really shows we are on the right track with our classes and telling our kids to eat nutritiously," Albin said. "We felt validated with what he had to say." The children who qualified for Sklar's workshop were: Katie Albin, Sierra Fitzgibbons, Jace Six, Angelique Stefanelli, Anthony and Jeremy Miller, Lara Sposato, Noelle Taddeo, Naomi Argabright, Emily Mertz, Hanna Wright and Jennifer Simon. |
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