"DREAMS Work when we work"
- Wendy Mckenzie
"DREAMS Work when we work"
- Wendy Mckenzie
About Me
ABOUT ME
Wendy began her career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model and dancer. At a booked video shoot, the casting director realized that she needed additional models to complete the job. Wendy offered her services to assist the casting director with coordinating a last minute casting. Realizing that she had a knack for recognizing talent, she began to freelance on numerous casting projects. Early in her career she worked with prominent casting director, Tracy Moore, to cast for “New Jersey Drive”. Wendy was part of the team that welcomed newcomer, Christopher Wallace, aka “Notorious B.I.G.” to the project. She partnered with mentor, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd to cast memorable music videos for artists, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and numerous others. Branching off on her own, Wendy became a regular casting facilitator for MTV On Air Promos such as “Yo Mama”, “Sucker Free Sunday”; and product launches and ad campaigns for G- Unit Clothing, 7th on 6th Fashion week, “Fusha Designs”, most recent “OOVOO” video and print ad campaign and numerous others projects.
The pivotal point in Wendy’s career occurred when she was hired to serve as lead New York Casting Director for Fox Searchlight Pictures, “Notorious”, the biopic story of rapper, Christopher Wallace. The 10 month long casting project lauded Wendy with the coo of finding and introducing, Jamal “Gravy” Woolard, who convincingly played the role of “Notorious B.I.G.”. While working on the Notorious project, Fox Searchlight asked Wendy to provide limited casting services for “Secret Life of Bees” and the 2010 Academy Award Nominated, “The Blindside”. For the second time, Wendy successfully introduced a new talent, Quinton Aaron, to a major motion picture project. Quinton Aaron was cast in the role of Michael Oher.
Wendy has taught and or guided many successful talents including...
Michael K Williams - HBO “The Wire.”
Naturi Naughton STARZ “POWER.”
Donshea Hopkins STARZ “POWER.”
Nafessa Williams CW “Black Lightning.”
Fatboy Sse “I Got The Hook Up 2.”
Juju, Jessie Woo, Tahiry Jose, Safaree - VH1~ “Love & HipHop.”
Diggy Simmons - BET “The Start Up.”
Marquise Neal - Broadway “Kinky Boots.”
Troy Bell Jr. Broadway “School of Rock.”
K’Lynn Jackman *longest Young Nala on Broadway - “The Lion King.”
Chinua Baraka Payne *Young Simba - Broadway - “The Lion King”
Rylee Gabrielle King * Sandrine “The Photograph” Staring Issa Rae
Sa'raya "Paris" Johnson * Kayle on Lifetime “Death Saved My Life” Staring Maegan Good
About Us
Weekly Classes
Our classes are a beneficial
resource for beginning and
established students. During our
scene study portion, scenes will be
critiqued to provide further
understanding of the
actors strengths and weaknesses.
We incorporate the fundamentals
of acting by using Drama Games,
Acting Exercise, Team
Building Workshops and Improv as
it relates to The Chubbuck
Technique.
Lessons Includes: "THE WORK"
SCENE WORK - EMOTIONAL
WORK - PHYSICAL WORK -
CHARACTER WORK
Workshops
Our workshops are perfect for all
ages, it’s uplifting, and full of
unexpected excitement.
During the Improv section each
student will take part in playful fun
activities to fuel the imagination,
we use acting, “emoji” techniques,
improv, drama games, and team
building to build confidence.
Seminars
Improv Class (perfect for
entrepreneurs, actors, non-actors,
speakers)
Anyone who wants to step outside
of their comfort zone.
*seminars can be catered to
specific needs of the client.