People, Places & Things - Local teen succeeds in Hollywood

Friday, May 18, 2007

At thirteen she is already starred in movies, music videos and TV shows. Her name is Alyson Stoner and this "star of tomorrow" is this week's "People, Places and Things."

Alyson Stoner went to Maumee Valley Country Day elementary school up until the second grade. "I still remember all my teachers there. Mrs. Roberts, love her!" That's when a talent convention led to an agent which led to a high profile job as a dancer in a Missy Elliot video.

Alyson Stoner could very well be the next Toledo girl who makes it big in Hollywood. When asked how she would like to be the next Katie Holmes, Alyson replied, "Look how successful she is. That would be an honor. I'm not marrying Tom Cruise."

She is starring in movies with Steve Martin, "Cheaper By the Dozen" and going to premiers with big names like Justin Timberlake, all the while forging an impressive resume in Tinsel Town.

Alyson acknowledges her aspirations, "I'm a really hard worker and really ambitious and if I see that I can reach the next level, I will always go to the next level." When asked what the "next level" is, she stresses a dramatic role and possibly pursuing her singing.

At 13, Stoner is a seasoned professional, but her dancing ability and comedic timing don't always mean steady work in the entertainment industry where the competition is fierce. She has been to numerous "cattle calls" where there are approximately 500 girls who all look very much alike and they all want the same part.

She says perseverance is the key. Acting for her was always something fun for her to do, now it is something she can't live without.

Look for Alyson in a movie called "Alice," currently in post-production, but no release date has been set.

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