SECTION: Pg. 1 HEADLINE: Five local residents get moment in spotlight

BYLINE: Abby Scalf

Five young Lake County residents will travel to Hollywood to get an up-close look at the acting and modeling business.

These young talents, who are current students or graduates at Barbizon studios, were among 60 selected to represent Barbizon at the International Modeling and Talent Association, Jan. 10 to 15.

They are: Liz Eglsaer, 12, and Dawn Simoncelli, 15, both of Grayslake; James Preslick, 18, of Green Oaks; Sara Niemietz, 7, of Hawthorn Woods; and Natalie Glavurtich, 18, of Mundelein. The IMTA is the largest talent and modeling competition in the country and is attended by casting directors, talent agents, fashion designers and managers from around the world.

"They are all looking for fresh new faces," said Suki Hilger, IMTA coordinator at Barbizon. "People come from all over the country to compete at this convention."

Hilger said about 300 people auditioned to go to the convention. Joey Hunter, who has been in the modeling business for 25 years and is known for creating the word "supermodel," evaluated each person through an interview and performance.

"They are in for an experience of a lifetime," Hilger said. "They are all winners for being selected."

In addition to physical appearance and skills potential, Hilger said they look at each person's personality. They must be secure within themselves and committed to modeling or acting, and not focus only on the glamour part of the business.

Before they attend the convention, everyone will go through a 4 1/2-month training program. Hilger said they will learn how to be interviewed, etiquette, runway skills and makeup skills.

But Hilger added they are told not to go to the convention thinking they are going to make it in the business, but to have fun. In addition to going to parties and attractions such as Universal Studios, they will go to the convention to see what the business is all about.

"You will decide 'I love this and I want to do this,' or decide 'Modeling or acting is not for me, and I tried to pursue my dream and I'm ready for something else,' " Hilger said.