Thespians of the New Year

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“You have to be in it for the long haul,” 17-year-old Haley Ramm explained. When it’s all about image in the entertainment business, you have to play the game safe and confident. Four young adults with sky rocketing careers take Hollywood by hand and make history under their own rules.

Hannah Marks (Accepted, The Runaways), Haley Ramm (Skateland, Touchback), Taylor Spreitler (Days of Our Lives), and Cassi Thomson (Big Love) dressed up in edgy and sweet pieces by the teen clothing brand, Lulus, for Inspire’s February cover shoot. The girls geared up in heels and strut Santa Clarita with celebrity-photographer Amanda Elkins and new crew members Caroline Hollister and Ali Kazen. These fashionistas looked priceless.

Among these teen performers were Ryan Newman (Zoom, Zeke and Luther), Adair Tishler (Heroes, Dollhouse), and Bella Thorne (Dirty Sexy Money, Big Love). Adding more laughter and smiles to the cast and crew, these tweens are also setting a commotion in their acting careers.

In the midst of entertainment hysteria, these growing actresses hold their heads up and seize each moment the best they can. With inspiration, Marks, Ramm, Spreitler, and Thomson stood up to demonstrate the power of their voice in a crowd of billions.

Hannah Marks, 16

Hannah Marks captured us in Justin Long’s “Accepted” in 2006 when she was only 13-years-old. Now, the 16-year-old star is about to rock the nation in the much anticipated film, “The Runaways.” With only smiles and “thank you’s,” Marks was constantly praised among visitors on set who couldn’t get over her charms.

She was on an acting “trial of eight weeks” in Los Angeles from which she came from San Luis Obispo. Marks was only 11 turning 12 and “loved it more than anything.” With parents that were “very supportive,” Marks began booking roles and launched her career. “I’m still here and it’s been 5 years!”

Marks recently had the wonderful opportunity to star among actresses Kristen Stewart (Panic Room, Twilight) and Dakota Fanning (Uptown Girls, The Secret Life of Bees). She “was especially nervous” for the role of Tammy, “a tomboy who is [Joan Jett's] loyal friend and groupie.” Her last callback was reading with Stewart who Marks is “a fan of…and [they] had great chemistry.”

On top of rocking out to seventies’ music, Marks and the cast were dressed head to toe in authentic-looking clothing. Since she stars as a tomboy, the style was completely opposite of the star. Nevertheless, she applauded the wardrobe department. “I just loved looking through the racks of sparkles and bell-bottom jeans.”

In the first day of scenes, Marks recounts that her favorite scene was with Stewart and in the beginning of the movie. “Joan and Tammy are hanging out in an alley singing a Suzi Quatro song. We smoke, huff, and even kiss – we were pretty badass.”

Despite the fun experiences she gained from filming, the paparazzi were hard to deal with. The only thing Marks learned from them was, in one word, “FEAR.”

Each cover girl was asked about the difficulties they faced as an actress and Marks had a lot to share. “It’s disappointing when I don’t get a part I’m in love with, but I know that I have to be tough in this business or get out.” After five years of work, Marks gained tough skin when told she’s not “right for many parts” countless times. She has “learned to be tenacious” and give all her might for her work.

Marks is just like the average teen! She loves to watch “Zoolander” repeatedly and jokingly says she has “pretty much mastered [the] MAGNUM” pose. Fashion in the mix, Marks shops and browses in “Free People, Urban Outfitters, and American Apparel…flea markets and vintage stores around LA.”

Of course, she can’t avoid loving movies and television shows. She enjoys a long list of shows including “The Office, That 70’s show, 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, Flight of the Conchords, Weeds, Entourage, Sex and the City, Saturday Night Live, and Modern Family.” And with the decade just rolling in, Marks states the best films she had seen in 2009 were “(500) Days of Summer, Where the Wild Things Are, Harry Potter, Whip It, and the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.”

As she continues to pursue her career, she advises others who hopes to dive into the industry to “devote yourself whole-heartedly.”

Haley Ramm, 17

Haley Ramm was featured in our magazine last year, and we couldn’t let it stop there. Truly humble, this 17-year-old actress is expected to be topping the rates this year. With a new feature film, “Touchback” in the works, and “Skateland” screening in Sundance, Ramm continues to run through Hollywood with her big heart.

“I still don’t think that I’m well known,” Ramm begins, “I’m still in the process of making it.” Ramm has known she wanted to be an actress when she was “very, very young.” Moving from Texas to California to “pursue acting seriously,” she knew where she wanted to be years from then.

She recently booked a new feature film called, “Touchback.” Ramm stars as Kallea who is the love interest of Ted (Lorenzo Henrie). “She’s always been one of the guys and has seen Ted as a brother. As she’s beginning her freshman year she and Ted start to take on more of an interest in each other.” Ramm originally auditioned for another role, but was called in to do a test for Kallea.

Having the opportunity to work with so many, she recalls working alongside Jodie Foster, Patrick Stewart, and her best friend Miranda Cosgrove. “Miranda is always so much fun. She’s talented and such a bubbly person onscreen and off.” Ramm learned a few things from Foster when working on “Flightplan.” “She has such a wonderful work ethic…It’s funny, but at the end of the work day I still pick up all my wardrobe from the floor of the trailer and hang it up very neatly because the wardrobe person on Flightplan told me that’s what Jodie always does. She is considerate of the crew so they don’t have to do any additional work on account of her.” And on Stewart, “He told me about his life growing up and about his family. It was very relaxed and I felt like I was talking to my grandpa.”

In this industry, we know of “rejection” of roles, but Ramm calls it otherwise. “You have to tell yourself that it’s selection and not rejection. If it’s meant to be then it’s meant to be.” The industry is tough, but Ramm knows how to manage herself well. “You can’t get worked up over losing a role.”

Asking Ramm about issues she sees in the world today, she began: “I would hope to see society become more tolerant as new generations come along.” Discrimination has been an issue for years, and Ramm would love more than anything to “lend her voice to an organization that promotes tolerance.” The teen concluded: “The world is full of people of different colors, sexuality, and beliefs. I hate to see people bullied and discriminated against just because they’re different.”

Ramm has gained much experiences through acting. It has made her a “tougher person,” and also very “independent.” This path she created wasn’t always respected, especially when she was in school. Students and teachers didn’t believe or “understand” the ‘far-fetched’ life-style, and Ramm remembers her “4th grade teacher told me that I should give up my acting dream in front of the whole class. It made me angry and even more determined to succeed.”

“You can’t let people step all over you. You have to be able to hold your own.”

Haley Ramm Trivia:

What’s the movie you can watch repeatedly without getting bored?
That Thing You Do!

What’s the clothing store that you get most of your clothing from?
Urban Outfitters.

What are some shows that you watch?
Desperate Housewives, Glee, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Best movie you saw in the 2009 was…?
Sunshine Cleaning and Pirate Radio. I love the smaller independent films.

Who do you look forward to meeting?
Meryl Streep.

Taylor Spreitler, 16

Taylor Spreitler turned 16 in 2009, and that is one of her biggest years. She stars in the soap opera, “Days of Our Lives” as Mia McCormick. The fun-spirit speaks about life since the show and about herself.

You are really well known for being “Days of Our Lives,” how much did life differ for you?
It’s cool…going back home and getting recognized! It’s nice to hear stories from people who have watched the show for years.

How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to act?
I was in beauty pageants and talent competitions when I was younger. The competitions led to a modeling contract in New York, which led to TV commercials.

You’ve worked alongside from really amazing people in your life.
I love my “DOOL” family! It’s amazing working with them and I’ve learned a lot from watching them.

What were your favorite scenes to film?
I love all the scenes with the teens, Kinsey and T and the usual crew of course Gaby,Will and Chad. We have a lot of fun during those! I also enjoyed finally getting to scream at Nicole. It was nice to finally be able to get mad at her and let some of Mia’s anger out!

How do you prepare for such emotional moments on screen?
I just try to put myself in my characters shoes and imagine how she would feel.

The business is tough, what are some of the hardships that you face being an actress?
Not getting the part. After awhile, you realize you just have to go in and do your thing…then forget about it! If it happens it happens. If it doesn’t you move on.

As a teen, it is sometimes hard to speak out on behalf of yourself and others. What are some issues that you think need to be addressed in the “young-adult-community?”
Bullying and now “cyberbullying” is a issue that I don’t think is talked about enough.

What are things you’ve learned from being a working actress?
To be more responsible, be on time and be prepared!

What were other challenges you encountered while growing up?
Trying to balance school and being away from home so much to pursue my dreams.

What advice could you give to others who want to get involved in the entertainment industry?
Be prepared for a certain amount of rejection and try not to take it personally!

What more can we expect from you in the coming year?
I haven’t thought that far ahead! Maybe a little venture back into music? And of course stirring up as much trouble in Salem as possible!

Cassi Thomson, 16

Cassi Thomson was Taylor Lautner’s first on-screen kiss in 2008. It’s been two years since their debut music video and Lautner has transformed into the bulky-werewolf in Twilight while Thomson is now in HBO’s “Big Love.”

“The cast of Big love is incredible,” Thomson begun, “I have to be on my A game because anything less is just simply unacceptable.” This workaholic stars in the fourth season of “Big Love” as “Chole Sevigny’s (Nikki Grant’s) daughter Cara Lynn.” Her character “has lived on a polygamist compound her whole life, therefore she has no knowledge of the outside world. Once she learns about her mothers existence, she really wants to spend time with her and get to know her. Throughout the season, Cara Lynn definitely goes through some changes, and does her best to fit in to her new household. ”

Thomson praised the ensemble cast of Amanda Seyfried, Chloë Sevigny, Bill Paxton, and even Ginnifer Goodwin, she was grateful to act with or around. “Just being around this caliber of people has been such a treat.”

Though indulged in the acting world, Thomson has not yet let go of her musical career. “Acting…comes first,” but she tries to work on one field while the other “is slow.” Time management is a necessity but is “impossible to do both at the same time.” Thomson’s strength doesn’t allow her to feel down, even when situations are tough. She’ll “keep going after it” no matter what arises.

Her experiences let her to become “responsible, dedicated, professional, and independent.” Working since she was just a child, Thomson has proved her professionalism to her co-stars, friends, and families.

For those who wish to be competing in the same field, Thomson says that you should know “100% that being a professional actor/actress is what you want to do.” It’s not always glitz and glamour, and definitely “not easy.” However, if the game is what you want to play, “you have to keep trying and trying” no matter the time consumption. “I promise you it will not come easily, but when it does it will come with a really great sense of pride and satisfaction.”

Fans can expect to see Thomson in upcoming projects on screen and also see more music.

What’s the clothing store that you get most of your clothing from?
That’s a tough one, I shop all over. I mostly go to little vintage/second hand stores.

What are some shows that you watch?
I watch House & lie to me pretty regularly.

Best movie you saw in the 2009 was…?
Probably James Cameron’s AVATAR.

Favorite people you’ve worked with so far…?
Chloe Sevigny has really been a treat to work with. But I also did enjoy working with Hugh Laurie on House

Who do you look forward to meeting?
I look forward to meeting Tom Hanks, being an executive producer of Big Love, I’m sure the day will come.