|
GASTONIA, NC- Nine movies and TV shows are shooting in North Carolina right now. That has more young actors hoping to get in on the action. 14 year-old Kieran Hodnett plays the genie in "Aladdin Junior" at the Little Theater of Gastonia. It's a summer workshop, but with movies shooting around our area, Hadnett has dreams of making it big. "When it was just in L.A. and California, people here thought we were going to grow up to be small town life, small town people," said Hadnett, "but now, we have a hope to become big movie stars." Two years ago, each workshop had about 15 students. Now the theater is coaching close to 50 students, ranging from age eight to 18. From audition workshops to behind the scenes work, the theater's director says more kids are preparing for the big screen. "All these things can go on their resume to increase their repertoire. Makes them a lot more valuable to shows filming around here and companies that are interested in kids," said Leslie Hadnett. Local actress and talent coach Karen Abercrombie has been in shows like Saved By The Bell and Days of Our Lives. She's seeing a huge spike in clients who are motivated by the region's film spotlight. "When it was in L.A., it seemed to be further away. The dream wasn't easily attainable. But now, with it right here, they're jumping on the bandwagon," said Abercrombie. They're young people with big dreams... and a local platform to help make them come true. A little more perspective - close to 30 movies and TV shows have been shot in North Carolina over the past year. |
Most PopularWhat's On TonightFull Schedule |
Most Popular