Making A Scene -

A nationwide talent search was held for the new Coca-Cola ad campaign, and two students from Smart Talent in Sebastian , Florida were selected. Lorena Osorio, age 16, from Sebastian, and Meaghan Taylor, age 18, from Vero Beach auditioned and won leading roles for the film/print/documentary ads. Both girls are trained and managed by Melann Kahle, owner of Smart Talent.

More exciting is that both girls are now SAG eligible. In order to join the Screen Actors Guild, you must first be given and actually accept a speaking part in a SAG project. Since both were featured with speaking roles they are eligible to join and become union members. The SAG Agent Melann Kahle placed them with in Miami was thrilled at the news when both Meaghan and Lorena were literally cast from thousands for this opportunity and recognizes it is a testament to the training provided by Smart Talent. To land the roles, they trained extensively with Melann Kahle in acting and auditioning techniques. “I'm so proud of these girls. They worked hard in class, took all my advice to heart, and it is paying off for them. As two of the oldest kids at the studio, it warms my heart to see how all the other younger students now look up to them,” said Mrs. Kahle

The Coca-Cola ads are themed around the girl's passions. Besides acting, singing, and modeling, both girls are well-rounded and have other passions. Lorena's featured passion is soccer, and Meaghan's passion is broadcasting. The girls auditioned in Miami Beach and filmed there a few days afterward at a local high school and soccer field, with cameras following them around all day as they acted like natural kids in a school setting, playing soccer and broadcasting the school news. They were asked to dress the part and bring memorabilia to the audition and the shoot. Lorena wore a soccer uniform and brought a jersey and poster of her favorite team, FC Barcelona. Meaghan brought a photo of herself and local television broadcaster Chandra Bill from News Channel 5, who she recently had the honor to shadow one day for a school assignment.

"I wish to thank Smart Talent for the training and opportunity. It was the best experience I have ever been a part of, and I can't wait to see how it all turned out! The director and crew were extremely nice and down to earth! On the set, I learned cool things about props such as they spray the outside of the coke bottle every five minutes with water so it will look chilled throughout the day,” said Scene Maker Meaghan. “I know I wouldn't have had this opportunity without Mrs. Kahle,” said Scene Maker Lorena, “I had so much fun and loved every minute of it. I'd like to add that I loved working with the crew on the set. They were so friendly and wonderful to work with and definitely made this experience a memorable one."

Smart Talent training has enabled numerous students to be featured in major print ads, commercials, TV shows, and movies. Smart Talent began as a small, private, schoolhouse for the arts and has developed into a successful talent management firm that develops and has provided talent to some of the top agencies in the world including The Osbrink Agency, Ford, and Elite Model Management, among others.

Smart Talent is located at the Fountains Plaza , 245 Sebastian Blvd. , Suite C, Sebastian , Florida . Summer camps, field trips, and ongoing workshops in performance singing, acting for film/TV, musical theater, and modeling are offered for youth and teens at the studios as well as commission based talent management services by Melann Kahle . View the web site at: www. Melann Kahle. com. For more information and to register for fall, contact Melann Kahle: E-Mail: info @ melannkahle. com. Phone: (772) 480-0021.

Five lucky Smart Talent Scene Makers, Ally, age 10, Ava, age 3, Lorena, age 16, and twins Valerie and Victoria, age 6, were selected by the Editor-in-Chief of Gladys Magazine to appear in the “Future Dream Stars” feature of upcoming issues. Scene Maker Lorena is slated to be featured in the Winter 2010 issue, and the others will be featured in the upcoming Summer 2009 issue of the new magazine.

Gladys Magazine is a quarterly magazine and online source dedicated to helping busy women of all ages create & inspire change. The magazine's editorial philosophy is one of positive encouragement and motivation. The magazine offers inspiring articles to enrich reader's lives and contributes to what's hip in fashion, beauty, travel and luxury products. It is dedicated to anyone who has been inspired to pursue their dreams by someone they love.

Editor-in-Chief, Andrea Patrick Forte, is a former high school classmate and friend of Melann (Atkinson) Kahle, owner of Melann Kahle's Smart Talent Academy of Performing Arts. She is the wife of 50's rock-n-roll icon Fabian, and owns Patrick Talent Agency in Melann's home town area near Pittsburgh , PA. "I've always admired the beautiful and talented Andrea Patrick Forte", said Mrs. Kahle. "I am so pleased that now my students get to be a part of her fabulous and uplifting new magazine. I truly love making my students' dreams come true, and Andrea has an inspiring dream theme throughout many of her projects, too. It's just lovely. She's so wonderful for considering our kids for her magazine feature.”

"Melann is also an incredible Dream Maker! I am so happy to be reunited with this accomplished businesswoman who instills professionalism along with a huge sprinkling of star quality onto her talent! The talent she has sent to Gladys have "Magic" written all over them and we are honored to feature them in our magazine. I look forward to a long relationship with my good friend Melann."

Smart Talent is located at the Fountains Plaza , 245 Sebastian Blvd. , Suite C, Sebastian , Florida . Summer camps, field trips, and ongoing workshops in performance singing, acting for film/TV, musical theater, and modeling are offered for youth and teens at the studios as well as commission based talent management services by Melann Kahle . View the web site at: www. Melann Kahle. com for more information. E-Mail: info @ melannkahle. com. Phone: (772) 480-0021 .

Smart Talent student, Scene Maker Loxann, age 11, was selected to model for Wal-Mart holiday flyers recently. Loxann was booked for her photo shoot through the print agency, Ford Models Inc. in Miami Beach.

The photo shoot for the national ad campaign took place in October at a location house in Coconut Grove. Loxann worked over four hours on the set, modeling and interacting with other actors and models in a holiday home setting for the shoot. "They really liked Loxann", said Mrs. Kahle, her talent manager who enabled her to go. "This is where her Smart Talent training pays off, as I believe she worked longer than most of the other kids that day because she knows how to improvise as well as pose."

"I want to thank Mrs. Kahle for the opportunity", said Loxann. "I had so much fun."

Loxann's father is currently stationed in Iraq. "It brings a little light and hope to us all this Christmas," beamed her mother, Janet, of Sebastian.

Summer Campers Find Luck in Hollywood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2008

Breanna *******, age 9, signed with Smart Talent manager, Melann Kahle, and shortly thereafter on a field trip with Mrs. Kahle’s troupe, “The Scene Makers”, Mrs. Kahle placed her with the prestigious talent agency, Kazarian Spencer and Associates in Los Angeles, California. “ I usually work with the Osbrink Agency in LA, but as the trip approached, I learned that some of the wonderful, small to mid-size agencies like Osbrink are not seeing any new talent right now due to the pending actor’s strike. So, I had to think bigger, and bigger is what we got with KSA, an agency that has an office in LA and in New York, and that is consistently rated in the top 10 of all talent agencies,” said Mrs. Kahle, “Breanna is definitely on her way and she is one very lucky little girl.”

During the field trip, all of the Smart Talent campers, (aka “The Scene Makers”), studied on camera for film/tv, improvisation, and music performance at “Deborah Gibson’s Camp Electric Youth”, founded by Pop and Broadway Star Deborah “Debbie” Gibson. It’s such a small world,” said Mrs. Kahle, “We went all the way to California and discovered that the on-camera teacher, Ted Brunetti, is from my hometown and college area of Pittsburgh and we share talented colleagues from that area including Joe Negri, Paul Shannon, and Mister Rogers. The teachers at Camp Electric Youth really know their stuff. As a special treat, Wayne Brady from “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” surprised our campers with an appearance and posed for some photos with us. We also got to meet the popular Creagen Dow who plays Jeremiah on "Zoe 101," and of course the beautiful and talented Deborah Gibson. They were all so nice, and Ms. Gibson posed with photos with us and promised to send us each a personalized autograph,” added Mrs. Kahle.

Smart Talent also provided various networking opportunities for the group, such as one-on-one critiques with Maynard Virgil, whose credits include Director of the "Cosby Show" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." They also networked with Justin "Edgen" Durban, Composer of music for the Harry Potter Movie trailers and "The Incredible Hulk" to name a few. An informative presentation at Smart Talent LA studio on LaBrea by Kelsey Edwards is now planning a trip to Sebastian to photograph the Scene Makers to use for their LA marketing tools. Andrea ***of Sebastian Florida stated, "My daughter Ally and I loved every minute of this trip. We car-pooled with the Kahle's and got an insider look at how the Kahle's operate. They worked so hard to set up the networking opportunities and try to get these kids into agencies. It was fascinating to watch and be a part of it all. Luck is just a small part of it. I don't think a lot of people realize how much blood, sweat, and tears the Kahles go through to advocate for these kids in a very tough and fast paced industry. It's amazing. Not a lot of people can do what they do and their heart is definitely in the right place." The campers also managed to squeeze in a lot of other fun things like touring the "American Girl" store at "The Grove" and a night at the Santa Monica Pier. "Riding the Ferris Wheel over the Pacific Ocean was awesome!" exclaimed Scene Maker Ally, age 9.

Over the weekend, Mrs. Kahle also enrolled her campers in various workshops at the Hollywood Pop Academy where they studied song-writing, protools, artist development/image, hip hop and R & B dance, and music performance. To culminate the experience, the Scene Makers had a showcase on stage at HPA located in the Hollywood and Highland Center, home of the Kodak Theatre. "Everyone sang their personal best and I am also very proud to say that my daughter, Kit, received a standing ovation for her performance," beamed Mrs. Kahle. Christine Lieu, Operations Manager of HPA said, "It was so lovely meeting Melann and Pete at our summer workshop! I wanted to personally thank them for bringing such a wonderful group to us this year! I've never received such great feedback from our instructors who said the Smart Talent Scene Makers were very talented and eager to learn. I hope everyone enjoyed their time here! On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, we hope to see Smart Talent again soon!

Without question, luck was definitely on these campers' side as one of the nights, just a stone's throw from their hotel, Heisman Trophy winner and Arizona Cardinals Quarterback, Matt Lienart, was hosting a bowling for charity event at the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley in the heart of Hollywood. Some of the campers who happened to be at the right place at the right time, got to meet many famous people as they posed on the red carpet outside the event such as Adrienne of the "Cheetah Girls", Bridget from "Girls Next Door", Vivica A. Fox, Brody Jenner , The Kardashians, The Pussycat Dolls, and Wilmer Valderrama who played "Fez" on "That 70's Show."

KSA West also expressed interest in another Scene Maker, Meaghan, 17, of Vero Beach. They told her that she is very beautiful and they are considering signing her in the near future. Thye suggested she finish her senior year of high school and return next year to play roles that span from 12-22. "I look forward to that," added Mrs. Kahle. "All this, and I also have a myriad of other projects in the works out there, which will keep taking me back, including producing a sci-fi movie, putting together a dream team of mentors, and establishing a boarding school for future campers. It's all so exciting. Hollywood keeps calling me back."

Meaghan's mother, Tyra, added. "I would like to thank Mrs. Kahle again for arranging a wonderful trip to Hollywood. It was definitely an experience that the girls will never forget."

Emily Slawski, age 12, of Sebastian, Florida, is the 2008 Hope Award Recipient for Florida in the Youth American Grand Prix Ballet Competition. The Hope Award is higher than first place at this competition. It is the ultimate recognition at this event for outstanding and most promising talent. “Emily is truly an up-and-coming dance phenom, and to say her future in the entertainment industry is very bright and full of hope is an understatement,” said her talent manager, Melann Kahle, owner of Melann Kahle’s Smart Talent Academy of Performing Arts.

Emily Slawski was discovered by Melann Kahle when she registered for, and subsequently won, the inaugural title of Junior Miss Sebastian Sweetheart Queen, 2006 which Smart Talent produces every February. Since that moment, Mrs. Kahle has been advising her, and helping to build her portfolio to prepare Emily for professional work in the entertainment industry.

Last year, Emily danced professionally with the Radio City Rockettes, and recently traveled to New York to audition for the coveted lead of Clara in “The Nutcracker.” Emily studies ballet, modern dance, jazz and tap. She studies dance at Space Coast Ballet and at Dance Space. She studies acting, modeling, pageantry, public speaking, and voice at Smart Talent. Not only is she multi-talented in the arts, she is also an accomplished bowler, swimmer, equestrian, and she is bi-lingual in Swedish and English.

But despite all her talents, Emily remains astonishingly modest and doesn’t like to brag. “Thank you to everybody who supports me and everybody who teaches me. I love to dance, and I just enjoy making people happy!” she said.

“I heard that Emily might be in a dance segment on our local channel 10. My immediate response was, ‘What’s wrong with Leno?’ I don’t see any reason why not,” laughed Mrs. Kahle. “I currently have numerous Hollywood and New York VIP’s looking at her and she has definitely sparked their interest. Emily has a rare gift, which I am excited to bring to the attention of studio executives, casting directors and all the top talent agencies with which I work. I am proud to stamp my name on this child’s file.” she said. “When Emily was crowned the first queen, I promised her something. I said, ‘Emily, you’ll always be my number one!’ and she continues to make me so very proud.”

Smart Talent training has enabled numerous students to be featured in major print ads, commercials, TV shows, and movies. This firm is now responsible for two major success stories: Froot Loop Cereal Straws Hollywood commercial actress, Aubrey Erin Johnson, age 12, of Palm Bay, and Lauren Williams, age 17, of Micco, who, trained and referred by Melann Kahle, was signed by Elite Model Management and is now a working runway and print model for the modeling icon.

Smart Talent began as a small, private, schoolhouse for the arts and has developed into a major talent management firm that develops and provides talent to the top agencies in the world including The Osbrink Agency, Ford Modeling Agency, and Elite Model Management. Smart Talent is located at the Fountains Plaza, 245 Sebastian Blvd., Suite C, Sebastian, Florida. Summer camps, field trips, and workshops in performance singing, acting for film/TV, musical theater, etiquette, piano, pageantry, creative dramatics, and modeling classes are offered for youth and teens at the studios as well as complete talent management services by Melann Kahle. View the web site at: www. melann kahle. com for more information. E-Mail: info @ melannkahle. com. Phone: (772) 480-0021.

LOCAL BABY SCORES BIG WITH BASEBALL ICON, JOE TORRE

February 24, 2007
For Immediate Release

When youth talent manager/kid wrangler, Melann Kahle learned from Ford Models of a casting for a baby boy to play Joe Torre’s grandson for a Macy’s ad campaign, she had about 10 minutes to find someone who fit the description. Having just opened the baby and toddler division at Smart Talent, she lucked out. "Scene Maker Jack was the first baby we signed. He is our voice and piano teacher’s son, and I think he actually looks a lot like Joe Torre," said Melann Kahle. "Minutes after the audition, we got the call that he had been selected. The casting director absolutely fell in love with him!"

At the shoot the next day, Jack was clothed and photographed in spring fashions by Polo/Ralph Lauren, and he and his parents got to meet the baseball icon. As they began talking, they realized they had all lived within just a few miles of each other in the small town of Harrison, NY while Joe Torre was managing the New York Yankees. "It’s such a small world…Mr. Torre is a very nice man, and he gave Jack an autographed baseball after the shoot," said his mother, Jessica Coyne.

For those interested in getting their child into the modeling and acting business, Smart Talent is hosting a free baby and toddler talent search and reasonably priced photo shoot with Andrew Meade on Saturday, March 1st at the Sebastian studio. "Hurry and call now to reserve your slot," said Mrs. Kahle. "Otherwise, you will be driving to Miami and paying almost double for fashion photos such as these. The photos are our marketing tools, and we get a very good group rate at Smart Talent. We pride ourselves at Smart Talent in helping children and teens get into the modeling and entertainment business safely, and we only deal with reputable people and worthy projects," she added.

Smart Talent training and management has enabled numerous students to be featured in print ads, commercials, TV shows, and movies including Disney, Hollister, Pierre Cardin, Kellogg’s, Macy’s, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Tradition, Maxi-Gum, L.A. Weightloss, USA Network’s Burn Notice, Seventeen Magazine, and Smart People with Sarah Jessica Parker and Dennis Quaid. Melann Kahle trains talent for world-renowned agencies such as Ford Models, Elite Model Management, and The Osbrink Agency. Voice, acting, modeling, ettiquette, piano, and public speaking classes are offered at Smart Talent for youth and and teens, as well as complete talent management services for ages 0-17. Smart Talent also produces the annual Miss Sebastian Sweetheart Pageant. View the web site at www.melannkahle.com for more information. Phone (772) 480-0021 to register for the March 1st photo shoot and other upcoming events. Smart Talent studio is located in the Fountains Plaza, 245 Sebastian Blvd., Suite C, Sebastian, Florida.

Sebastian Sweetheart finds Sweet Success in Hollywood

For Immediate Release

November 20, 2007

Aubrey Erin Johnson, originally of Palm Bay, Florida, age 11, was signed by The Osbrink Agency in Los Angeles, California recently. The Osbrink Agency is a prestigious talent agency specializing in children and teens, and is the agent of A-List child star Dakota Fanning among others. “It is the goal and dream of a serious actor to be signed by an agent, and to be signed by an agent of this caliber is fantastic. I am so proud of Aubrey Erin,” said her talent manager, Melann Kahle. She has since filmed a national commercial for Kellogg’s fruit loop cereal straws and is already SAG eligible—“A huge accomplishment!” added Mrs. Kahle.

Aubrey Erin was discovered by Melann Kahle, a talent manager, television producer, performing arts teacher, director of the Miss Sebastian Sweetheart Pageant, and owner of Melann Kahle’s “Smart Talent” Academy of Performing Arts. Since Aubrey enrolled in a 2005 Smart Talent Summer Camp, Melann Kahle has been developing her talents to prepare her for this moment. Aubrey won the junior crown at the 2007 pageant, and is the reigning junior queen of Sebastian, FL.

On a field trip to Hollywood this summer with her troupe, the Scene Makers, Melann, (a.k.a. "The Dream Maker"), took her students to the Hollywood Pop Academy for summer workshops. While in L.A., Melann convinced The Osbrink Agency to audition Aubrey Erin, and she was immediately given a welcome packet and signed.

Since being signed with The Osbrink Agency, Aubrey Erin has relocated to L.A. with Melann, and within two weeks of her relocation, she has not only booked her Kellogg's commercial, she has been on several castings, including a Lifetime Original Christmas movie, fit modeling, and print modeling auditions, and commercial auditions. Aubrey has also completed a voice-over recording session at The Osbrink Agency and had an updated California style photo shoot with renowned L.A. photographer, Kelsey Edwards. She also has had callbacks for big name clients such as Wal-Mart and Hasbro.

Barbara Kennedy, Aubrey’s mom, said, “I’ve never seen my daughter so happy. She’s definitely in her element in Hollywood, and this is such a wonderful experience for her.” Aubrey explained, “I love acting because you get to experience a different side of yourself and be a different person, and when I’m singing, all of my worries and cares melt away. Hollywood is awesome!”

While in Hollywood, Mrs. Kahle arranged for Aubrey to attend a Hollywood Screening of the movie, “Waitress”, and arranged for her to stay afterward for a Q and A session and photo op with Kerri Russell, star of the movie and former star of the TV show, “Felicity.” Mrs. Kahle also enabled Aubrey to meet the remaining Munchkins from the “The Wizard of Oz” as they were getting their star on the Walk of Fame. “Dreams really do come true,” added Mrs. Kahle.

Smart Talent training has enabled numerous students to be featured in print ads, commercials, TV shows, and movies. This firm is now responsible for two major success stories: Aubrey Erin Johnson, Hollywood Singer/Actress, and Lauren Williams, age 16, of Sebastian, FL, who, referred by Melann Kahle, was signed by Elite Model Management and is now a working runway and print model for the modeling icon.

Smart Talent began as a small schoolhouse for the arts and has developed into a major talent management firm that works closely with three of the top agencies in the world, The Osbrink Agency, Ford Modeling Agency, and Elite Model Management. Smart Talent is now bi-coastal and soon to be nation-wide. One studio is located at the Fountains Plaza, 245 Sebastian Blvd., Suite C, Sebastian, Florida. Corporate Headquarters, are now based in L.A. where Melann is setting up a new studio in the heart of Hollywood. A third location, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is being planned for 2009. Performance singing, acting for film/TV, and modeling classes are offered for youth and teens, as well as complete talent management services. View the web site at: www. melann kahle. com for more information.

Lauren Williams, 16, of Sebastian, Florida, was signed by Elite Model Management, Miami recently. Elite Model Management is an icon in the fashion and modeling industry, and the home of several famous supermodels. "The contract that was offered to Lauren is a rare opportunity that millions of girls all over the world only dream about. It's like winning a prize on a show such as “America's Next Top Model” ...But Lauren didn't have to win her chance on a TV program. She got it through Smart Talent. I am so very happy for her," said her mother agent, Melann Kahle.

Lauren Williams was discovered by Melann Kahle, a talent manager, television producer, performing arts teacher, director of the Miss Sebastian Sweetheart Pageant, and owner of Melann Kahle’s "Smart Talent" Academy of Performing Arts. Melann first noticed Lauren as she was sitting on a park bench at the Sebastian Clambake two years ago, and since then, Lauren has been in training at Smart Talent. Smart Talent is now known among locals as "Sebastian's best kept secret", and Lauren, at the time, hadn't heard of the studio, despite having friends involved with the programs.

After two years of participating in various shows, pageants, and acting and modeling workshops at Smart Talent, Melann, (a.k.a. "The Dream Maker"), felt Lauren was ready and referred her to Elite with a professional recommendation from Smart Talent. After her personal interview, Lauren was immediately signed and whisked off for a glamorous make over by Elite’s preferred stylists. Next, she was flown to New York City to be photographed by renowned photographer, Seth Sabal, to begin her professional portfolio. Lauren is now working as a professional runway and fashion model in the Miami area, and looks forward to a busy fall season.

Lauren states, “I am very anxious and excited to get started modeling for Elite in Miami. I am so thankful for my parents and sister who are so supportive of my decision. I am also very thankful to Melann Kahle, where I took classes with her at Smart Talent, who made this dream possible for me.” Her parents added, “We are very excited for Lauren. She always had a dream of becoming a model and now it is happening. We always told her to follow your dreams and that is just what she is doing. Her sister Alexis is also very excited for Lauren.” Alexis Williams, age 13, is also a student at Smart Talent. She has been featured in various shows and productions, and has strong goals to be an actress. Both Lauren and Alexis were cast in a bubble gum commercial recently.

Smart Talent training has enabled numerous students to be featured in print ads, commercials, TV shows, and movies. This firm is now responsible for two major success stories: Lauren Williams, Elite Fashion Model, and Aubrey Erin Johnson, Hollywood Singer/Actress, who, managed and referred by Melann Kahle, was signed by The Osbrink Agency in L.A. The Osbrink Agency is a prestigious talent agency specializing in children and teens, and is the agent of A-List child star Dakota Fanning among others.

Smart Talent began as a small schoolhouse for the arts and has developed into a major talent management firm that works closely with three of the top agencies in the world, The Osbrink Agency, Ford Modeling Agency, and Elite Model Management. Smart Talent is now bi-coastal and soon to be nation-wide. One studio is located at the Fountains Plaza, 245 Sebastian Blvd., Suite C, Sebastian, Florida. Corporate Headquarters, are now based in L.A. where Melann is setting up a new studio in the heart of Hollywood. A third location, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is being planned for 2008.

Performance singing, acting for film/tv, and modeling classes are offered for youth and teens at the studios as well as complete talent management services. View their web site at: www. melann kahle. com.

For Immediate Release
December 18, 2006

Since opening its doors less than two years ago, Melann Kahle’s Smart Talent Academy of Performing Arts has become a recognizable name in the talent industry. “I opened the studio with the idea of making it like a little school house for the arts, but God had bigger plans.” said Mrs. Kahle. Somehow this tiny studio has snowballed into a major talent management firm, responsible for training and enabling many of its students to be hired for national print ads, commercials, videos, and movies. “Who would think that through organizing a drama troupe in our little fishing town that I would manage to open so many doors for our local youth in the talent industry?” she stated. “It’s hard to believe, but it’s true.”

Smart Talent teaches acting, modeling, and voice to kids and teens, offers complete talent management services, and enables students to go on castings with talent agents. Smart Talent also produces the Mermaid Show each year for the Sebastian Clambake, and produces the Miss Sebastian Sweetheart Pageant as well as other shows throughout the year.

The first student to be hired through a talent agency based on Mrs. Kahle’s referral and training, was Scene Maker Matthew, student of Liberty Magnet Elementary School. He was placed in a national print and commercial ad campaign for the development of Tradition in Port Saint Lucie. More recently, he completed a photo shoot for stock photos at Miami Beach. Britni Lee from Port Saint Lucie, was also featured in the Tradition ad.

Next up was Scene Maker Toni-Marie of Sebastian River Middle School. She was hired to model in an L.A. Weightloss Commercial. She also filmed a series of new chewing gum commercials for Maxi-Gum thanks to Smart Talent. “Without Smart Talent, I would have never thought it possible to come in such close contact with these legitimate, and reputable connections on my own. Melann has taken the time and care to investigate and forge business relationships with only safe people in the industry. My daughter is very serious about modeling, and Smart Talent is opening the doors to her future as a model,” said her mom, of Sebastian.

Six other Scene Makers got into the Maxi-Gum commercial. Scene Makers Alexis , Austin, Brandon, Christi, Lauren, and Whitney, all from the Sebastian and Micco Areas, enjoyed going to a rock concert at Biscayne Bay in Miami to film an all day shoot for the new product.

Then, four of Mrs. Kahle’s students were chosen to appear in the USA Network's drama pilot, “Burn Notice” also filmed in Miami. Scene Makers Kimberly, Colleena, Whitney, and A.J. spent all day on the set filming, playing, and meeting stars like Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, Jeffrey Donovan, and Sharon Gless from Cagney and Lacey.

Most recently, Scene Maker Kaitlyn, Melann Kahle’s niece, filmed scenes in Pittsburgh with Sarah Jessica Parker and Dennis Quaid for their new movie, “Smart People.” Because her dream was to be a stylist to the stars, Smart Talent had put Kaitlyn through beauty school at the renowned Douglas School in Monesson, PA. And now, while Kaitlyn is a successful cosmetologist, since filming the movie, she has been bitten by the acting bug and is looking forward to more opportunities to perform in movies. “This experience has been fascinating,” Kaitlyn said. “To be able to work with stars of that magnitude is awesome, and I appreciate all that my aunt has done for me.”

More agents are getting with the Smart Talent program, including Elite Model Management in Miami. Elite has agreed to review submissions, and referrals through Smart Talent. “Elite is a major icon in the fashion modeling industry. We are very excited about networking with them.” Mrs. Kahle said.

“Nowadays, I just pick up the phone, tell people who I am, ask sweetly for what I want, and voila! It’s really happening!” But she admits this didn’t come without years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears as a teacher, playwright, director, and TV producer. “People have come to recognize my name through years of laying this foundation and building my reputation of helping kids in the community and beyond. Finally, I can say it’s all been worth it.”

Local parent, Robyn Williams, stated, "My two daughters started taking classes with Smart Talent and so many good things have come out of it. Already, my daughters have gone on multiple casting calls and have gotten a part in a commercial. Without the management services Smart Talent provides, my daughters would not have the valuable experience that they have now. Smart Talent has helped my girls reach their full potential in the entertainment industry."

Mrs. Kahle reiterates that there are no guarantees in the entertainment industry…but…she says warmly, “It’s happening to us, so it could happen to you!” Suann, of Vero Lake Estates, exclaims, “Since my grandchildren have been going to Smart Talent, they are more outgoing and can't wait to go to their classes. Melann is a wonderful, patient, and talented woman. I wish we would have found out about "Smart Talent" sooner!”

'(She) is a beloved teacher of the performing arts'

By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
May 26, 2006

While many people think of beauty pageants as fluff, Melann Kahle thinks of them as opportunity.

As founder of the "Miss Sebastian Sweetheart" pageant, Kahle has helped young women develop poise and public speaking skills, all the while promoting pride in the community.

"Miss Sebastian Sweetheart was designed to bring communities together and encourage future leaders," said Kahle. "I was hoping that the winners would really be sweethearts and that has certainly been the case."

In nominating Kahle for Sebastian Sun Woman of the Year honors, Loretta James, of Orange Avenue, said that the Miss Sebastian Sweetheart pageant is only one of the ways Kahle helps in the community.

"She provides entertainment for our events, such as 'Little Mermaids, Gems of the Treasure Coast' for the Sebastian Clambake and Lagoon Festival," said James. "She is an adoptive parent, a benefactress for the Brain Injury Association of Florida, a member of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cultural Council of Indian River County and the Sebastian Christian Church."

The Smart Talent Agency on U.S. 1 in Sebastian is run by Kahle, who is a former teacher and performer. She has taught kindergarten, second grade, drama, music and the performing arts in a host of schools throughout Brevard and Indian River ounties, most recently at Beachland Elementary in Vero Beach. Through Smart Talent, she offers lessons in piano, drums, voice, acting and modeling.

Kahle funded the pageant and talent show out of her own pocket, and all proceeds benefited the Brain Injury Association of Florida. Kahle's oldest adopted daughter Erika Doreen has been helped by the association and Kahle wanted to give back.

"This group has been wonderful to our family," said Kahle. "We try to help them as much as possible."

Kahle credits local businesses with helping recognize local talent. "Local businesses have really been supportive," said Kahle. "They see the benefits to the local community. It's really just another creative way of promoting Sebastian."

Treasure Coast businesses and other venues will be featured on a new Sebastian-based children's television show debuting today.

"Making a Scene!," a weekly educational program featuring local children who desire to learn more about the performing arts, will debut at 5:30 p.m. on WPXP Channel 67. The station is available on Adelphia Cable Channel 8; Comcast Vero/Fort Pierce Cable 7; and Comcast/Sebastian Channel 11.

"We're trying to promote a wholesome image," said creator and producer Melann Kahle of Sebastian. "It's reality TV, which is hot now." Her husband, Pete, is the show's executive producer.

"The whole show is shot on location, in parks and in other community locations," Melann Kahle said. Four shows already have been produced.

Today's show will spotlight the Sebastian River High School cheerleading squad; modeling; and coming attractions for future broadcasts.

"Best described as 'Romper Room' meets Hollywood, this TV show is sure to delight a wide range of viewing audiences while at the same time provide a quality fine arts education for children," she said. "When you tune in each week, you'll never know what to expect. It takes kids beyond the confines of the FCAT and shows them what art is like in the real world."

A tape of the show was screened Saturday night at the Vero Beach Museum of Art in the Leonhardt Auditorium. Pete Kahle said $1,200 was raised during the event for the Brain Injury Association of Florida. Ten percent of revenues from future airings of the show will be earmarked for the group, he said.

"MAKING A SCENE!" is a new, weekly, educational programming production that features gifted and talented children who desire to learn more about performing arts. Best described as "Romper Room meets Hollywood" this TV show is sure to delight a wide range of viewing audiences while at the same time provide a quality fine arts education for children. The troupe of "Scene Makers" are students of Melann Kahle’s Academy of Performing Arts and range in ages 4-21. As an educational project, they are filmed as they participate in impromptu performing and other fine arts activities, which vary from show to show. Their candid accounts of the activities are interspersed throughout the program. MAKING A SCENE!’s symbol is the kaleidoscope; reflecting the show’s philosophy that the format is ever changing as the troupe improves their knowledge and experience in the fine arts. "Our show is exciting and unpredictable. It is a unique, creative vision that has no beginning and no end," said Mrs. Kahle, "When you tune in each week, you’ll never know what to expect. It takes kids beyond the confines of the FCAT and shows them what art is like in the real world."

Melann Kahle, producer, director, and writer for the show, is a certified, degreed teacher who has an established track record for producing and directing quality productions in the community. Melann is a member of the Cultural Council and Writer’s Guild of America. She has developed original drama curriculum, which she taught for several years in the public schools with consistently exemplary evaluations. Now, Melann has adapted her curriculum to a TV show format focusing on the children’s activities as they unfold naturally. This provides for endless creative ways to inspire dramatic footage of these gifted and talented children and teens as they engage in dramatic play, try on exciting roles, produce live community shows, and learn a wide spectrum of staging techniques that the viewing audience can try at home as they watch.

Several episodes have already been filmed. The show is filmed by Tight Line Productions. Various Florida businesses are being featured on the show. Business owners can contact Melann at info@melannkahle.com to find out how their business can be featured on the show, or featured as sponsors or advertisers.

This television production will be available in over 1 Million Florida homes from Brevard to Broward County debuting on PAX Channel 67 on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 5:30pm. The show’s Premiere is slated for June 19th, 2004 at the Vero Beach Museum of Art in the Leonhardt Auditorium*. The Scene Makers will arrive at 6pm with much fan fare and the press is welcome. Show time is at 7pm. At the event, the Scene Makers will perform a live variety recital, "COLORS OF THE MIND." Then the first episode will debut on the museum’s 20ft big screen. Collectable, autographed tickets are on sale now and available through the web site, www.melannkahle.com, via Secure Pay Pal. The cost is $25 with 100% of the proceeds of this event being donated by Melann Kahle to the Brain Injury Association of Florida. Executive Director, Elynor Kazuk, M.A., M.B.A., will be in attendance to accept the donation. As an adoptive parent of a child with permanent brain damage resulting from Shaken Baby Syndrome, Melann also pledges to donate 10% of the proceeds of the weekly television show to BIAF. (*This event is not sponsored by the Vero Beach Museum of Art.)

'(She) is a beloved teacher of the performing arts'

By JANET BEGLEY correspondent May 26, 2006

By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
May 26, 2006