Don’t Just Dream It, Do It!
Picture a girl short in stature, a bit overweight and extremely shy. Fast forward to this same young girl who later gained confidence and increased self-esteem that set her up for a life of success and assurance. This girl experienced a transformation that enabled her to embrace herself unconditionally.
What made such a difference in her attitude that enabled her to look within herself to find beauty and confidence? She graduated from the Accents Model and Talent Center program under the direction of Donna Coccodrilli–Sheska. She was nurtured, encouraged and taught life skills that ultimately would bring her out of the shadow of self-doubt to flourish and reach her full potential.
The Accents Model and Talent Center photographer shoots Amber of Southwest, who was recently featured walking in Orlando Fashion Week.
The center caters to both those who need a boost in everyday confidence and students who have always dreamed of a career in acting and/or modeling. Accents’ goal is to introduce its graduates to the entertainment industry with confidence.
Accents has many success stories of models and actors who secured assignments during fashion weeks in New York, Italy and Asia. They have also worked with famous designers such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, Betsey Johnson, Brooks Brothers, Fergie and been seen on the pages of many magazines, including Vogue. Accents’ graduates have gone on to work in Broadway plays, TV commercials, feature films and more.
Though she is very proud of these accomplishments, Coccodrilli-Sheska attests that what touches her most are the students who make meaningful and life-changing transformations. According to Coccodrilli-Sheska, it is not always the prettiest ones who become successful, it is the ones who shine. To her, beauty comes from inside and goes outward.
Donna Coccodrilli–Sheska, director of Accents Model and Talent Center, cultivates success in many of her students.
Coccodrilli-Sheska has more than 35 years of experience. She started modeling when she was 12 and also worked at many modeling agencies, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the talent management industry. She has seen what works and what doesn’t; and has many connections with top agents worldwide, including some in Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
In 2003, she opened a modeling school in Pennsylvania. Within one year, her school was voted as the best small modeling school in the United States by the Modeling Association of America International. Later, an Accents student won a $20,000 scholarship to New York Film Academy, as well as more than $8,000 for an acting conservatory in New York.
After great success and gaining a stellar reputation in Pennsylvania, Coccodrilli-Sheska moved to Orlando and opened Accents Model and Talent Center.
Students span in age from second graders to adults. However, Coccodrilli-Sheska will accept children as young as 5 years old if she believes they are ready to go directly into modeling.
Classes are limited to 12 students, so everyone gets the attention they need. Coccodrilli-Sheska handpicks her staff based on their experience and caring approach toward teaching. However, she prefers to be the primary instructor whenever possible to establish a relationship with all of her students.
The program is divided into two components: personal development, and modeling and acting. During the personal development module, students learn life skills that can result in a transformation in appearance, good health habits and social skills. Some of the skills covered include manners, etiquette and public speaking; and how to set a table, host a party, speak clearly and carry oneself with poise and style. Presentation and interview skills are particularly helpful for adults who have chosen to go through the program to enhance their job performance.
The nearly 3,000-square-foot facility is composed of a makeup room, runway, dance and exercise room, classroom and photography studio. Students also have access to a kitchen as they learn basic culinary skills.
If a student is not interested in modeling or acting, they can just complete the personal development program. However, if their goal is to model or act, they must complete the personal development/model and commercial print courses.
The modeling and acting programs focus on onstage and on-camera skills, as Coccodrilli-Sheska has found this to be the most beneficial aspect of the modeling industry. Acting skills such as voice-overs, commercials and monologues are also covered.
Upon completion of both programs, graduates can attend the Model and Talent Expo that takes place in Dallas twice a year. Top agents from the U.S., Europe and Asia travel to this prestigious show to consider participants for assignments. Throughout the years, they have learned of Coccodrilli-Sheska’s reputation for excellence and have developed a professional relationship with her that benefits the students she represents. In fact, she was chosen by the convention’s CEO to be a recruiter of talent for the Orlando area.
Accents will be hosting free auditions and workshops May 21. Spots are limited, so anyone interested should call to make an appointment as soon as possible.
“This is the best investment a parent could give to their child,” Coccodrilli-Sheska said. “They will learn skills and life lessons that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, regardless if their goal is to model or act.
“I’m hoping with all of my heart I can give the experience I have gained over the years to Orlando, because we do have a lot of talent here. People just need someone they can trust, and I believe that is me.”
For more information or to make reservations for upcoming workshops, call 407-420-7231, visit www.accentsmodelandtalent.com on the web, or email info@accentsmodelandtalent.com. 💓
