Meet some of our past winners and how F.A.M.E has helped them.
CAROLYN CARNEY 2014 Singer winner
1) How has FAME helped you?
FAME has helped me build the confidence to lead my own creative projects.
2) What are some projects you are currently working on?
Currently, I am lead singer/lyricist for Erzulie, an indie metal band. We plan to release our first EP in May, and we also applied to the ACRE residency this year (fingers crossed!).
3) What one piece of advice would you give other young performing artists?
One piece of advice I would give to other young performing artists is to plan your day. Down to when you're going to eat and sleep. Often we take simple things for granted when planning our days--including the process of planning--only to wonder why we're hungry and tired after. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to plan a whole day by the hour.
1) How has FAME helped you?
FAME has helped me build the confidence to lead my own creative projects.
2) What are some projects you are currently working on?
Currently, I am lead singer/lyricist for Erzulie, an indie metal band. We plan to release our first EP in May, and we also applied to the ACRE residency this year (fingers crossed!).
3) What one piece of advice would you give other young performing artists?
One piece of advice I would give to other young performing artists is to plan your day. Down to when you're going to eat and sleep. Often we take simple things for granted when planning our days--including the process of planning--only to wonder why we're hungry and tired after. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to plan a whole day by the hour.
Katie McGinnis 2014 Dance Winner
Nathan Cooper 2013 Singer Winner
1) How has FAME helped you?
From my FAME prize I was able to get new headshots and get training from the top voice and dance
instructors in the city.
2) What are some projects you are currently working on?
I'm currently in rehearsals for my second contract with Royal Caribbean, I will sail out to the Eastern and
Western Caribbean on the Independence of the Seas as a Featured Singer until November. 3.
3) What one piece of advice would you give other young performing artists?
Audition for every opportunity you can!
1) How has FAME helped you?
From my FAME prize I was able to get new headshots and get training from the top voice and dance
instructors in the city.
2) What are some projects you are currently working on?
I'm currently in rehearsals for my second contract with Royal Caribbean, I will sail out to the Eastern and
Western Caribbean on the Independence of the Seas as a Featured Singer until November. 3.
3) What one piece of advice would you give other young performing artists?
Audition for every opportunity you can!
Regan Fairfiled 2013 Dance Winner
1) How has FAME helped you?
F.A.M.E. introduced me to my current employer, Nan Giordano. She was a celebrity judge the year I won.
2) What are some projects you are currently working on?
Currently, I am dancing with Giordano Dance Chicago as a member of GII. This is my first season with the company. I am also teaching, choreographing, acting, and modeling in the city of Chicago.
3) What one piece of advice would you give other young performing artists? My advice for young performing artists: "Invest yourself 100% into everything you do. Carry out your art at every opportunity with humility, but never sell yourself short."
1) How has FAME helped you?
F.A.M.E. introduced me to my current employer, Nan Giordano. She was a celebrity judge the year I won.
2) What are some projects you are currently working on?
Currently, I am dancing with Giordano Dance Chicago as a member of GII. This is my first season with the company. I am also teaching, choreographing, acting, and modeling in the city of Chicago.
3) What one piece of advice would you give other young performing artists? My advice for young performing artists: "Invest yourself 100% into everything you do. Carry out your art at every opportunity with humility, but never sell yourself short."
Ashleigh Ashton F.A.M.E.'s first 2012 vocal winner
RUSHOUR:
Lily’s and the whole entire F.A.M.E. Board have really inspired us to keep pushing forward. We have faced a lot of obstacles in our journey, but those obstacles have only helped us grow, not only as dancers, but as people too. When we received the mentorship with Lily’s and Brenda Pickleman, we didn’t know what to expect, but this has been a true blessing. From day one, we always felt accepted and welcome. Lily has gone above and beyond….to make us feel special and that we have a true gift that needs to be shared with the world.
Brenda Pickleman, who is our acting mentor, always gives us her absolute best along with her time and dedication. She meets with us at least twice a month. Since then, we have had the opportunity to audition for commercials, participated in two plays, and found ourselves more open other things in the entertainment industry. We want to thank Brenda Pickleman for the time that she has dedicated to us.
We feel that we are truly blessed and are very excited to see what the future holds. We are very excited about the partnership and are looking forward to the things in the future.
Lily’s and the whole entire F.A.M.E. Board have really inspired us to keep pushing forward. We have faced a lot of obstacles in our journey, but those obstacles have only helped us grow, not only as dancers, but as people too. When we received the mentorship with Lily’s and Brenda Pickleman, we didn’t know what to expect, but this has been a true blessing. From day one, we always felt accepted and welcome. Lily has gone above and beyond….to make us feel special and that we have a true gift that needs to be shared with the world.
Brenda Pickleman, who is our acting mentor, always gives us her absolute best along with her time and dedication. She meets with us at least twice a month. Since then, we have had the opportunity to audition for commercials, participated in two plays, and found ourselves more open other things in the entertainment industry. We want to thank Brenda Pickleman for the time that she has dedicated to us.
We feel that we are truly blessed and are very excited to see what the future holds. We are very excited about the partnership and are looking forward to the things in the future.
" As you all know by now, I am a “giver” not a “taker”. I was completely overwhelmed with your generosity yesterday and I am most thankful for your contributions into the most special Swarovski key chain ever. I will treasure it forever….along with the wine of course! I want to share with you all that my goal as a volunteer mentor for F.A.M.E. not only promotes to help make your dreams come true by adding to the art, skills, and craft of acting, but it also fulfills a self-worth and respect for my own life. So you see what we shared over the last 9 weeks goes two ways.
My heart is filled with happiness knowing that what you gained from me and my experiences will help promote success in this profession of what we call ACTING.
None of this would be possible without our Lily Liu. A special THANK YOU goes to Lily and her F.A.M.E. Organization whose mentorship program provided this opportunity in order to help you advance in your chosen career in the Arts and Entertainment field.
Break-a-leg." -Brenda Pickleman (Mentor)
"Thank you F.A.M.E for your generous gift of education. When it comes to learning, my answer is always yes. As an exclusive with Lily's Talent Agency, I was excited when Lily Liu informed me of the complimentary On Camera Acting Class. As soon as I walked into Studio 3G and met Brenda Pickleman I knew that I was going to learn something of value. The lessons started the minute you walked in, camera rolling, be prepared. If this was your hobby you were in the wrong place. If this was your passion you were definitely in the right place. I learned more in two months than in the last two years. She is an amazing actress and teacher. We, the actors in her classroom, go up another level because of her.
F.A.M.E. is a fantastic organization that gives to those that really want it, and appreciate it. We hope to make it, and you help with that dream. How incredible is that! Thank you F.A.M.E. for including me. I’ll enjoy this ride no matter where it takes me. "
- Tony B.
"I am so very grateful for the wonderful opportunity to train with the amazing Brenda Pickleman for the past 9 weeks. This was a life-changing experience that taught me so much and brought me out of my comfort zone. Brenda is the best mentor I have ever had. Thank you to Lily Liu and The F.A.M.E. Foundation for making this possible. I will take all I have learned and hope to make you very proud. I appreciate all of the wonderful opportunities you have allowed me."
- Ashleigh A.
"The last 9 weeks with Brenda have been amazing! I have taken many, many acting classes in Chicago and in collage and never has the teacher put as much energy or work into the class as Brenda. As an actor I have struggled with confidence in my craft and working with Brenda has helped me tremendously. I am so thankful for her honesty, energy, and most of all her GENEROSITY!"
- Erin L.
"I recently had the honor and privilege of having Brenda Pickleman as an on-camera mentor for 9 weeks. Her class helped me more than any other acting class I've taken. I learned more from Brenda in 9 weeks than I've learned from any other class. Brenda is truly and amazing mentor who has helped me grow both professionally and personally. She has opened my eyes to an entire other world of acting and I am so grateful that I was given this wonderful opportunity. Volunteering for F.A.M.E. has made a huge impact on my life. Lily Liu and her F.A.M.E. foundation have brought hope and opportunity to so many talented individuals. I love what F.A.M.E. stands for and how amazing and generous the team is. I've been a volunteer for F.A.M.E. for a few years and every time I help out at an event I see the lives of young people change. They are given a chance to live their dream and to show everyone their beautiful talents. I look forward to what F.A.M.E. will bring to so many others in the future. Lily Liu really believes in her talent and wants these gifted individuals to succeed and that's what makes Lily a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you to F.A.M.E., Lily Liu and Brenda Pickleman for all you have done. You have changed my life as well as many others."
- Ann S.
"My experience with Brenda has been one I am most grateful for. Brenda gives you the tools and skills to discover your own creative mechanism. She brings an energy and passion to acting that made it a life changing experience for myself." - Tyler E.
"I loved helping with the event and if you guys ever need anything from me just ask ;)
I love helping kids in particular, an issue in general always close to my heart."
BC (Billy Corgan)
My heart is filled with happiness knowing that what you gained from me and my experiences will help promote success in this profession of what we call ACTING.
None of this would be possible without our Lily Liu. A special THANK YOU goes to Lily and her F.A.M.E. Organization whose mentorship program provided this opportunity in order to help you advance in your chosen career in the Arts and Entertainment field.
Break-a-leg." -Brenda Pickleman (Mentor)
"Thank you F.A.M.E for your generous gift of education. When it comes to learning, my answer is always yes. As an exclusive with Lily's Talent Agency, I was excited when Lily Liu informed me of the complimentary On Camera Acting Class. As soon as I walked into Studio 3G and met Brenda Pickleman I knew that I was going to learn something of value. The lessons started the minute you walked in, camera rolling, be prepared. If this was your hobby you were in the wrong place. If this was your passion you were definitely in the right place. I learned more in two months than in the last two years. She is an amazing actress and teacher. We, the actors in her classroom, go up another level because of her.
F.A.M.E. is a fantastic organization that gives to those that really want it, and appreciate it. We hope to make it, and you help with that dream. How incredible is that! Thank you F.A.M.E. for including me. I’ll enjoy this ride no matter where it takes me. "
- Tony B.
"I am so very grateful for the wonderful opportunity to train with the amazing Brenda Pickleman for the past 9 weeks. This was a life-changing experience that taught me so much and brought me out of my comfort zone. Brenda is the best mentor I have ever had. Thank you to Lily Liu and The F.A.M.E. Foundation for making this possible. I will take all I have learned and hope to make you very proud. I appreciate all of the wonderful opportunities you have allowed me."
- Ashleigh A.
"The last 9 weeks with Brenda have been amazing! I have taken many, many acting classes in Chicago and in collage and never has the teacher put as much energy or work into the class as Brenda. As an actor I have struggled with confidence in my craft and working with Brenda has helped me tremendously. I am so thankful for her honesty, energy, and most of all her GENEROSITY!"
- Erin L.
"I recently had the honor and privilege of having Brenda Pickleman as an on-camera mentor for 9 weeks. Her class helped me more than any other acting class I've taken. I learned more from Brenda in 9 weeks than I've learned from any other class. Brenda is truly and amazing mentor who has helped me grow both professionally and personally. She has opened my eyes to an entire other world of acting and I am so grateful that I was given this wonderful opportunity. Volunteering for F.A.M.E. has made a huge impact on my life. Lily Liu and her F.A.M.E. foundation have brought hope and opportunity to so many talented individuals. I love what F.A.M.E. stands for and how amazing and generous the team is. I've been a volunteer for F.A.M.E. for a few years and every time I help out at an event I see the lives of young people change. They are given a chance to live their dream and to show everyone their beautiful talents. I look forward to what F.A.M.E. will bring to so many others in the future. Lily Liu really believes in her talent and wants these gifted individuals to succeed and that's what makes Lily a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you to F.A.M.E., Lily Liu and Brenda Pickleman for all you have done. You have changed my life as well as many others."
- Ann S.
"My experience with Brenda has been one I am most grateful for. Brenda gives you the tools and skills to discover your own creative mechanism. She brings an energy and passion to acting that made it a life changing experience for myself." - Tyler E.
"I loved helping with the event and if you guys ever need anything from me just ask ;)
I love helping kids in particular, an issue in general always close to my heart."
BC (Billy Corgan)
