Hey, here's the article I said I'd post. I typed it up, but don't have the photo scanned to put up. I don't really know how to post pictures here, maybe someone could tell me, and I'll try to do it. Well, here it is.
Peak Performer
Shadia Simmons, 17, who stars on the TV show "Strange Days at Blake Holsey High" tells you why 2003 is a year she'll always remember.
My love of performing began when I was two years old. My mom started collecting Disney videos and I remember watching Alice in Wonderland over and over again until I knew all the lines in the movie. Once I perfected them, I moved onto the next tape. Over the years my love for performing grew as did our collection of videos! When I turned eight, my mom's friend, who was a photographer, asked if I'd be interested in doing a photo shoot for a book she was writing. She took the photos and that's when my journey in this industry began.
That was nine years ago. Since my humble beginnings, I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with great people, such as Whoopi Goldberg, Vivica A. Fox, and Louis Gossett Jr., to name a few. I've travelled to New Zealand, Los Angeles, New York, and many other places to film. Presently, I act on the Toronto-based TV show "Strange Days at Blake Holsey High." I play Corrine Baxter, an over-achiever science student.
This year has been especially wonderful. Outside of my acting achievements, I've also grown physically, emotionally and spiritually by doing such things as volunteering. I worked on some charity events, most notably the launch of the Canadian chapter of Kids with a Cause, alongside Hilary Duff. It was so rewarding working with a charity dedicated to helping less fortunate children around the world; I loved working with the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces. The experience helped me understand that time is so valuable, and volunteering is a way for me to give back to the community. I also learned to appreciate my family so much more this year by not taking them for granted; we never know how much time we will have with each other.
I feel very blessed to have had these opportunities and learning experiences, but they didn't come to me easily- my accomplishments are a result of hard work and sacrifice from me and my family. For example, it takes approximately four 12 to 13 hour days to film one TV episode, and then we roll right into the next episode after that. It basically takes three months (excluding weekends) of non-stop filming to wrap up 13 episodes. This time requirement means I miss a lot of school while I'm filming, which is hard. We have great tutors on set that work hand-in-hand with my wonderful teachers at school. Without this partnership, it would've been very difficult to get through these past nine years. I take my education seriously and work hard at keeping up-to-date with all my subjects.
Although I do work hard to achieve my goals, I believe that your dreams can come true if you set your heart and mind to it. The achievements you desire are possible if you believe they are. I hope that 2004 will be as great for you as 2003 was for me.
You say you want to get in the biz?
Shadia gives you her tips for starting in the industry:
· If you're under 18, discuss your decision with your parents/guardians first- they play an important part in your career since they're required to be on set with you at all times, without pay. They're instrumental to your success.
· Locate a reputable talent agent. You'll know they're reputable because they won't be pushy; they show an interest in you, not your money. Remember that a trustworthy agent won't charge you ANY money. A good place to start your agent search is
www.actra.com. Do research and don't be afraid to ask questions.
· Keep mastering your talent. Join a theatre group or acting classes- you'll gain valuable acting and auditioning tips along the way and build your self-confidence.
· Never give up. It might take you 10 to 100 auditions to get only one part. If this is your dream, go for it! Persevere. And, most importantly, have fun- you won't be happy or successful if you're not enjoying what you're doing.
Hope you liked it
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Shadia seems incredibly sweet and nice. 
