STUDENT "YEARBOOK" - THE CAST

ASHER BOOK plays MARCO, a singer
ASHER began his career at an early age onstage.  He got his first break at an open casting call for the theatrical production of Beauty and the Beast as "Chip."  Most of Asher's experience stems from several years in theater, film, and television.  Theatrically, he played the principal role of "Oliver" in Oliver, and he was in the film Come Away Home, the original television movie Pop Rocks, and had guest-starring roles on Medium and Zoey 101. Asher currently performs as a member of the pop vocal group V Factory, which is gearing up to release its debut album on Warner Bros. Records next year.  V Factory spent last May on a nationwide trek across the country for the first-ever "Bandemonium" tour. Asher loves to travel, and recently ventured to the Sundance Film Festival to support his friends and their films and to spend time on the slopes skiing, one of his most favorite pastimes.  When not bundled up in the mountains, he's learning to ride waves on the California coast and looking for any opportunity to go horseback riding.  He also stays involved in many community service activities.
Hometown:  Arlington, VA
Previously seen:  With his band V Factory, touring across the United States.
How I started:  The national tour of "Beauty and The Beast."  My role was Chip the Teacup.
Best performance experience ever:  My audition for "Beauty and The Beast," because earning that role put me on this path.
Most humbling moment:  I had a very normal high school experience.  I kind of did the acting thing, too, but I wasn't really booking enough work, so going off to college, I pretty much gave up.  I was going to study business.  The next thing I know, I got a call from Warner Bros.  They found me through a vocal coach I was working with.  I went to audition and ended up becoming the lead singer in the band.
The thing that almost made me stop practicing:  Wanting to have "normal" life experiences vs. being on the road all the time.
Pre-performance ritual:  Push-ups, prayer and vocal warm-ups.
Favorite artists:  Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Seal
If I could perform with anyone:  I would love to perform with Justin Timberlake.  As far acting, it would have to be a role opposite Jim Carrey.
Favorite album:  "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" by Outkast
Favorite movie:  Dumb and Dumber
Favorite musical:  "The Lion King"
As a young teen, I was obsessed with:  Sports
What I'd tell someone starting out:  Believe in your dreams.  Accept rejection, because it will happen, but remember that's where we sometimes learn our greatest lessons.
If I could have a different talent:  I'd love to be an inventor.
If I had to pick a different job:  A business manager.
Theme song:  Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild"
Words to live by:  Don't give up.
What's next:  V Factory is releasing its debut album on Warner Bros Records.

KRISTY FLORES plays ROSIE, a dancer/actress
KRISTY is from New York.  She began taking ballet, jazz, tap, gymnastics and singing lessons early on in life, and has performed in Texas, at Walt Disney World, and in Las Vegas.  In high school Kristy helped form her own dance group, Synergy, and was one of the choreographers, performing all different types of dance, from old school pop lockers and break dancing to fresh urban street jazz.  She also joined a local break dancing crew called The Spiders. In high school she also started to write her own poetry and songs.  She joined a program called the Vibe Theatre Experience, learning firsthand what teenage girls from different boroughs throughout New York were feeling, acting, dancing, reading poetry and monologues, and singing.  Kristy joined The Bronx Dance Theatre and taught in local public schools.  While working and teaching I came across the chance to audition for a movie: Fame.
Previously seen:  The Bronx Dance Theater
Big Break:  This time last year, I had three jobs: working at an animal hospital, teaching dance in public schools, and working at a pharmacy.  My world has changed completely.
How I started:  I was three when I performed my first dance recital.  I started taking dance classes when I was only two and a half.
The thing that almost made me stop practicing:  When I was younger, I'd get a little discouraged when a girl was thinner than me.  I was in class with girls who were the typical ballerina stereotype, and here I am, this curvaceous girl trying to glide across the floor like them.  As I've gotten a little older I've learned to embrace my body.
My biggest fans:  First would have to be my mother - she's the one that pushed me to take dance classes and singing lessons.  Second would be all my dancing and acting teachers - they've supported me through just about everything, from coping with my mother's death to moving to a new place, and even encouraging me to audition for "Fame."
The artist who's had the most influence on me:  Jennifer Lopez.  She was who I wanted to be in the fifth grade.  I had her posters on my wall, her albums, her movies - I was a FAN!
Favorite album:  "Mezmerize" by System of a Down - at one point, that album was the soundtrack to my life.
Favorite movie:  My Best Friend's Wedding.  My favorite Disney movie is The Little Mermaid.
Favorite musical:  West Side Story.
As a teen, I was obsessed with:  Dance, writing everything down in my journals, and peanut M&M's.
If I could have a different talent:  I'd probably love to produce, call the shots over a vision you have and make art.
My theme song:  "Step Into a World" by KRS-One.
What's next:  Flores now lives in Los Angeles where she's auditioning for new projects.

PAUL IACONO plays NEIL, a director
PAUL is a New Yorker through-and-through, and has performed in over fifty theatrical readings, workshops, and shows.  Some of his favorites include "Sail Away" at Carnegie Hall, "Mame" at the Papermill Play House, John Guare's "Landscape of the Body," and the Drama Desk Award-winning revival of William Inge's "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs."  Paul has appeared in several independent films, including Consent, Glow Ropes, Return to Sleepaway Camp, Winter Solstice, and Parrot Beach.  On television, Paul can be heard as the voice of Benny the Bull on Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer.  He played Billy Boy in the MTV sketch comedy show Human Giant, and has made appearances on the soap operas Guiding Light, As the World Turns, and Another World. Paul's other passion is writing.  His new play "Price/Elizabeth" recently received its first reading in Manhattan, featuring Taylor Momsen and Connor Paolo of Gossip Girl.  When not acting, Paul is proud to do charity work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.
Hometown:  Secaucus, NJ
Previously seen:  Iacono has performed in over 50 shows, including "Sail Away" at Carnegie Hall and "Mame" at the Papermill Playhouse.  His films include Consent, Glow Ropes and Winter Solstice.
Starting out:  Iacono made his first New York stage appearance at four singing Frank Sinatra tunes at famed cabaret lounge Don't Tell Mama's.  "I was a four-year-old in a tux doing Sinatra.  That was my first shtick.  My parents listened to a lot of Sinatra in the car and around the house, and as a kid they would bring me around to bars and I'd belt out a Sinatra tune and everyone would go nuts over it.  I guess I liked the attention enough."
Most humbling moment:  The last day of shooting Fame.  That was the hardest part of shooting, that last day of filming, knowing that when that last take finished and they yelled "cut," the most gratifying experience of my life would come to a finish.
On going back to school:  We actually shot at the high school Paul McGill and I went to.  That was weird.  But it was also amazing.  I give so much credit to that school for who I am.  To go back three years after graduating and pay homage to it by celebrating it with this film?  That's an amazing feeling.
What's next:  Iacono is currently writing a play ("Prince / Elizabeth") and will star in MTV's Hard Times. "It's like The Wonder Years, but for the Superbad generation."

PAUL McGILL plays KEVIN, a dancer
PAUL is nurturing an impressive body of work that encompasses film and stage and is positioning himself as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents.  His career continues to evolve with exciting and challenging projects. Paul recently starred in the Academy Award-winning film Man on Wire.  The film chronicles Philippe Petit's 1974 high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in New York; Paul played young Philippe.  Along with winning an Academy Award, Man on Wire also won an Independent Spirit Award and the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film.When he was a junior in high school, Paul was seen in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of "La Cage aux Folles" with the Tony-nominated director and choreographer Jerry Zaks and Jerry Mitchell.  Paul's performance received rave reviews, which then led to him being cast in the much-acclaimed Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line," which was nominated for a Tony Award.Paul resides in New York and Los Angeles.
Hometown:  Pittsburgh, PN
Previously seen:  In the Academy-Award-winning film Man on Wire, playing the young Philippe Petit. 
Starting Out:  I started dancing when I was three at a local studio because my sister was already taking classes.  When I was ten I went to a place called Pittsburgh Musical Theater, which is where I started studying in earnest.
Big break:  The first week of my junior year of high school, I auditioned for the Broadway revival of La Cage aux Folles.  I booked that and moved to New York City.
Most humbling moment:  When La Cage closed, two days before I'd finished my junior year, I suddenly had nothing to do.  I couldn't get a job at all.  I was living alone in New York, paying my bills.  I had to make a decision to move back home to Pittsburgh.  I thought it was going to be a huge setback, but a month after I moved home I got a call to audition for A Chorus Line on Broadway. I ended up performing in it for 2 ½ years.
Best performance experience ever:  "A Chorus Line" on Broadway.  Doing that show, I learned more than any other time in my life about my body, my mind, my soul, my priorities, my goals, my values, my friends, my potential, and, ultimately, my life.
Worst stage fright:  My first dance recital.  I had to be bribed with a coloring book and a treasure troll.
Pre-performance ritual:  Warming up, brushing my teeth, and breathing.  I also need my own space to collect myself.  Preparation is very important to me.
The artist who has had the most influence on me:  Gene Kelly
As a teen, I was obsessed with:  Converse, tube socks, musical theater, choreographing, dying my hair, rearranging my room, dance class, Cirque du Soleil, fitness, AIM, and the SIMS.
I'd love to be able to:  Play the cello.
If I had to pick a different job:  I'd be a physical therapist.  As a dancer, I see what people go through.  I'd want to help people be able to play with their grandchildren and not be in a wheel chair at 70.
My theme song:  "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
Words to live by:  Read "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz.
What's next:  You tell me!  I'm auditioning, so hopefully something will come along.

NATURI NAUGHTON plays DENISE, a pianist/singer
NATURI was born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, and started singing in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church when she was just 5 years old.  By the time Naturi was 14, her career shifted from local talent to professional recording artist.  She became a member of girl band 3LW, and within six months the group had scored a record deal with Sony/Epic Records, eventually achieving a platinum selling album (1.3 million sold).  While still a teenager, Naturi toured nationwide with Destiny's Child, N'SYNC, and had the opportunity to work with such notable producers as P. Diddy and Full Force. Just before her junior year of college, Naturi landed the role of "Little Inez" for the National Touring Company of "Hairspray," which led to her Broadway debut in the same role in "Hairspray" in 2006.  Naturi made her film debut in the feature film Notorious playing the role of Lil' Kim.  She is currently working on her own music for her solo project.
Hometown:  East Orange, NJ
Previously seen:  On Broadway as Little Inez in "Hairspray."  On screen as rapper Lil' Kim in Notorious.
Starting out:  I started singing in my church choir when I was five.  I knew then that I wanted to be a singer.  The acting bug didn't hit me until I was a little older, but I always was very dramatic.
Big break:  When I was 14, I auditioned for a girl group that was being put together called 3LW.  At 15 we got signed, got a deal with Sony Epic, and our first album went platinum.
On Fame's music:  I have quite a few songs, and I'm just thrilled and fortunate that I got a chance to participate in so much of the music.  It's really like a dream come true for me.
Best performance experience ever:  My opening night on Broadway in "Hairspray"!  The theater was packed and all my family and friends were there and I was so happy.  It was a special moment.
The thing that almost made me stop practicing:  For me I felt most discouraged when my former group, 3LW, broke up.  I was a teen pop star one minute, and the next minute my whole career was being stripped away.  The things I went through with 3LW definitely hurt and made me question whether or not I should continue singing.  However, those same struggles made me so much stronger, so I have no regrets.
Pre-performance ritual:  Usually I say a little prayer to myself and just ask God to calm my nerves!  And I also like to drink tea or cranberry juice - it's really good for my voice.
The artists who've had the most influence on me:  Growing up I was most inspired by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin.  I also was a huge fan of the late and great Michael Jackson…seeing him perform, watching his videos, and listening to his music had a huge influence on me.
If I could perform with anyone:  I would love to act alongside Denzel Washington - he is such a phenomenal actor, and I know I would learn so much just from being in his presence.  Also, I would love to perform with Ne-Yo - I think we could put on a great show together!
Favorite album:  "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
Favorite movies: The Color Purple and Love & Basketball
Favorite play:  August Wilson's "Fences"
As a teen, I was obsessed with:  Talking on the phone!  I had the phone glued to my ear.  It hasn't gotten much better since I've gotten older either!
Here's what I'd tell someone starting out:  Be prepared for the hard work, the sweat, the tears, the rejection, and the sacrifice!  Success is wonderful, but it's not easy, so you really have to LOVE it!
If I could have a different talent:  I would love it if I could do gymnastics.  Growing up I looked up to Olympic champion Dominique Dawes.  I went through a phase when I wanted to be a gymnast, but I don't think it was meant to be.
If I had to pick a different job:  I would be a lawyer.  I think I have a gift for presenting strong arguments!
My theme song:  "Fame"!  Singing that song, I really connect to the words.  I want to be remembered…remember my name!
What's next:  A solo music project.

KAY PANABAKER plays JENNY, an actress
KAY is recognized by many from her role as angst-filled teen "Nikki Westerly" on the drama Summerland.  Younger fans know her work on the Disney Channel, including the telefilm Read It and Weep and a recurring role on Phil of the Future.  Currently Kay plays "Lindsey Willows," daughter of Marg Helgenberger's character on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, while recent guest appearances include Medium, Ghost Whisperer, Boston Legal, Two and a Half Men, and Weeds.Last year, Kay was seen on the big screen playing best friend "George" to girl sleuth Nancy Drew in the feature film adaptation of the classic book series, and was later seen on the small screen in Lifetime's Custody alongside Rob Morrow and James Denton.  She plays the title character in Moondance Alexander, an award-winning family film that also stars Lori Loughlin and Don Johnson.  She was also recognized in 2007 for her performance in the Dylan and Cole Sprouse film A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper. Extraordinarily focused, Kay has pursued a rigorous academic schedule in addition to her work, graduating as valedictorian of her high school at the age of 13, and then completing her undergraduate work in history at UCLA in March 2007 at the age of 17.  When not working, Kay enjoys working with young people as a hands-on volunteer with different children's charities, including The Young Storytellers Foundation, Starlight Starbright, and Children's Hospital.
Hometown:  Naperville, IL
Previously seen:  As Nikki Westerly on Summerland, opposite Zac Efron.
Starting out:  Community theater - my sister (Danielle Panabaker) and I started out there for the fun of it, and she and I both ended up getting agents that way.
Big break:  In 2001, I got cast in Dead Heat with Kiefer Sutherland and Anthony LaPaglia.  Ever since then, that's the place I've wanted to be: on set.
On preparing for Fame:  We had about 6 six weeks to get ready.  It was a kind of boot camp - some people were learning instruments, others were going to dance rehearsals.  I had drama rehearsals, working on my monologues and scene work, and I took some voice lessons.  Singing was the biggest challenge for me, by far, but it worked out well because that's exactly how my character is.  She's not comfortable up there singing in front of the whole class, which is one of the first scenes we filmed.  It was the most nerve-racking thing I've ever done."
How I started:  I was a Party Girl and Octopus in a community theater production of "Pinocchio" when I was eight.
My biggest fans:  My family.  They've been through my best and worst days.
Pre-performance ritual:  Laugh and crack jokes with everyone.
The artists who've most influenced me:  People whose passion shows in their work.
If I could perform with anyone:  Johnny Depp - he loses himself completely in each role he does.
Favorite album:  The CD my sister made for me for my 13th birthday.
Favorite movie:  Sky High! (and not just because my sister is in it)
As a teen, I was obsessed with:  Fluffernutters (peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiches)
My favorite moment shooting Fame:  The entire shoot.  I would love to do it all over again.
I'm different from my Fame character in that:  I am far more outgoing than Jenny.
Here's what I'd tell someone starting out:  Work hard and stay in school.
If I could have a different talent:  Playing the drums.
If I had to pick a different job:  Teacher or animal trainer.
Theme song:  Anything I can dance to.
My motto:  Everything happens for a reason.
What's next:  The Lake Effect with Tara Summers (Boston Legal) and Ross Partridge, from director Tara Miele.

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