Excited models and actors began arriving to experience Showcase International’s 2008 main event on August 4 in New York City, as it gave the up-and-coming talent an opportunity to distinguish themselves to an audience of the fashion and acting industries’ most influential agents and scouts.

The activities began bright and early with seminars taught by industry leaders, who generously shared their professional experiences in order to teach and inspire this new generation of talent. Included in this year’s presenters were Robert R. Blume, theatre producer and presenter of Drama Desk for the past nine years; Kathy Towson, actress, director and the recipient of the New York Hero Award for her work in the theatre; legendary casting director Joan D’Incecco, CSA; Kenny Kassel, who as a voice over artist worked for FOX Sports for 15 years and has become the “voice” of physical fitness; David Dziadul, a senior management buyer and marketer for women’s outerwear and swimwear in New York’s fashion district.

The music started and the show began with runway, drama and singing, as the young and hopeful models and actors impressed the audience of agents and casting directors. When the show ended, the contestants met with each and every agent giving everyone the opportunity to reaffirm the excitement of Showcase International’s new talent.

Dinner followed at Tony D’s theatre and restaurant, courtesy of Robert Blume, and the networking continued as more advice was given, and all of the talent’s questions were answered.

Tuesday was packed with various tours of industry-related events and venues in the city. One such event took the talented models and actors to the Jacob Javits Center to view “Curves,” the New York designer Spring/Summer 2009 fashion show arranged by David Dziadul. One of the aspiring models, Danny Etkin, who had been signed by Christopher Jones, owner of Jones Model and Talent Management, was selected on the spot to work for a European designer, and he received a professional rate. Danny will truly never forget his Showcase International experience.

After a full day, all of the models were given free time to tour New York City, see a play or simply enjoy the endless shopping.

Before departing, everyone agreed that a big “Thank you” was in order for Barbara Gilbraith, founder of Showcase International, for providing the opportunity of a lifetime to the young hopefuls. After all, it is the dream and goal of everyone who attended to return some day and be one of those people speaking on the panel and offering their own career advice. And Barbara was equally gracious to everyone involved.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to all who have given tirelessly to make Showcase International LLC a success,” Barbara said. “Jackie and Ron Gerbino, who have risen to the challenge no matter what the task; Sam Jerris, our coordinator; David Dziadul for arranging our fashion tours and serving on our panel of experts; Kathy Towsend and Kenny Kassel for their expertise; and Robert R. Blume who has provided equipment, personnel, unending advice and support along with his many talents. Robert, Kenny and Kathy are the Founders of Step Forward Entertainment Group, Inc.”

As for Danny Etkin, his journey can already be an example and inspiration to models and actors looking to attend next year’s Showcase International event. Danny is already drawing praise and rave reviews from industry insiders, as they wrote in these letters after the event:

Chris Jones
Owner
Jones Model Management

It’s only been a week and fitness and fashion tradeshow model Danny Etkin has begun a whirlwind career. He was spotted one week ago at Showcase International and signed by Jones Model Management. Twenty-four hours later he was booked at the MODA Curve Show at the Jacob Javits Center as a tradeshow model and has already had three photoshoots. In addition, he’ll be walking the runway during Fashion Week for the debut of designer Timothy Kokott’s (Ralph Lauren, A.G. Jeans) Spring ‘09 Collection on Monday, September 8th.

Jones Model Management would like to thank Barbara Gilbraith, founder of Showcase International for the invite, along with Sam Jerris and David Dziadul of Buyer for Retail Ventures, Inc., respectively. You started him on his way. This is definitely a win-win.

David Dziadul
As a fashion buyer in New York City for more than 20 years, and the fashion consultant for Showcase International for the past two years, I have received many requests from aspiring models on how to get started in fashion modeling. I was introduced to Danny Etkin just this way. I immediately recognized his potential.

Because Showcase International’s 2008 venue was rapidly approaching, I suggested he get in touch with its founder Barbara Gilbraith directly for info and registration materials.

On August 4, I presented a seminar at the event on the basics of fashion modeling, after which I watched as Danny confidently walked the runway in front of New York’s finest modeling scouts. Danny was promptly signed by Jones Model Management. Now Danny is on his way.

On our fashion tour of “Curves,” the lingerie and swimsuit event being held at the Jacob Javits Center, Danny was spotted by a European fashion house and was asked if he could go to work.

It just doesn’t get any better than this. From his first runway walk at Showcase International to his first modeling job in less than 24 hours!

One last thing, Danny has been hired to model in New York City’s fashion week in September for one of New York’s top fashion houses.

For the complete behind-the-scenes story and all the details on this and other exciting competitive events from across America, as well as a wealth of advice to improve your chances of victory, be sure to Order Pageantry today.