~*~Kirsten Storms Articles!~*~
When it came to recorate her Days of Our Lives dressing room, Kirsten Storms (Belle) didn't have to look any further than down the hall to come up with a theme. She simply decided to fllow the lead of her good pal and co-star Farah Fath (Mimi).
Soap Opera Weekly: Team Spirit
You won't find a bigger cheerleader for soap operas that Days' Kirsten Storms. At first glance, Kirsten Storms (Belle Black, Days of Our Lives) appears to be like any other 16-year-old girl. She loves to shop, experiment with her hair and makeup, talk about boys, and debate the merits of her favorite bands, the Backstreet Boys vs. ‘N Sync. However, looks can be deceiving, because there is nothing typical about this career-driven teenager and her exciting existence. Unlike most girls her age, Storms hasn't been to school since the third grade. "I am home-schooled and tutored on the set," she explains. "When my friends ask me if I miss going to a regular high school and being in that atmosphere, I think: OK, I'm working with Deidre Hall, I go to awards shows, I get to go to parties, I've met the Backsteet Boys and ‘N Sync, I've traveled to Canada twice for TV-movies. Do I really miss homework on the weekends and being stuck at school six hours a day? Nope, not at all!" she says with a laugh. As far as other high school activities, like football games and proms, Storms still isn't fazed. "I've already been asked to a prom this year, and it's not that big of a thing for me to miss dances like that. Right now, though, limousines and gowns and going to industry parties, these are my proms, so I can't complain!" she says, smiling. In fact, according to Storms, the only thing she can complain about is her early call time. "If my call time is at 7 a.m., then I have to get up at 5, so we can be on the road by 6," she explains. "My mom knows not to talk to me then. It's a very quiet ride on the way into work. But once I'm there, I get into my little groove and I'm OK. Once I start thinking about the work I have to do that day, I usually get excited." Storms has coveted work since she was 5 years old, growing up in central Florida. "One of the first agents I got, I told, "When I grow up, I'm going to be on a soap opera,'" she says with a laugh. "You can get me commercials and stuff now, but what I really want to do someday is be on a soap opera.' They were like, "Oh, little Kirsten, how cute, she's only 5 and wants to be on a soap opera.' No one took me seriously. But I knew, even though I hadn't actually ever watched one, it was something I always wanted to do." Her father was a sportscaster for a CBS affiliate, she explains. "He used to bring me to work with him, and they would let me announce what was coming up next. I told him that I wanted to do my own stuff and that it was time, so my parents enrolled me at 5 years old in an acting school." After her first year, a talent scout enrolled Storms in an acting camp in Pennsylvania. "That camp changed my life," she says, "because when it was over my group put on an off-Broadway show in New York called Beginnings. All the kids in the show did skits and monologues. I wrote my own monologue, something about a monster and having a party. After the show, managers and agents came up to my mom and said that they wanted to represent me. So, for like the next four summers, we would drive from Florida to New York so I could audition for commercials and the soap operas that were based there." When she was 12, and had exhausted all her acting possibilities in Florida, Storms moved to Los Angeles with her parents and brother and sister. A recurring role on the WB's 7th Heaven quickly followed, and then the starring role on the Disney Channel's Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century. At 14, she landed what she calls "my most privileged part," playing Laura Linney's character as a young girl in the TV-movie Love Letters, directed by film icon Stanley Donen (Singin' in the Rain.). "It was an amazing experience. I've never worked with a director for [whom people] have had so much respect. He was a walking legend on the set. It was such an honor to work with him." That role was just the national exposure Storms needed to make here10-year dream of being on a soap opera a reality. "After that I had an audition and a call-back for Belle, and a third callback for Bridget on The Bold and the Beautiful. Days found out about B&B and was like, ‘Book her.' And that is the story of how my dream came true," she says wit ha laugh. How did the dream compare to the reality? "Better," she says, beaming. After her first-day jitters ("I remember my mom pulling up to the studio and us just sitting there quietly in the car for a minute, trying to take it all in"), Storms hit her stride with cast and crew. "I adore the cast, especially Kevin Spirtas (Craig). He is one of the world's greatest people. Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas Alamain) is such a sweetie, too. He is like a big brother to me and watches out for me. But if I were older…" she teases. On-screen parents Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn (Marlena and John) have also been watching out for the newcomer and giving her valuable advice. "Dee has taught me that in order to make the work easier, you have to help the camera and lighting people," she says. "You have to make sure the camera can see you, and make sure lighting gets the right shot, and that you're lit properly. From Drake, I've learned that even though this is a job, you can have fun. Even if you are having a bad day, he'll come out with one of his weird stories and make you laugh. I don't know how, but he has managed to remember every story and every joke he has heard his entire life, and he'll pick really inopportune times to tell them! They are both very cool people!" Another "cool person" Storms is close to is Jason Cook, who plays Shawn, Belle's budding love interest. "Jason and I have a very bother/sister relationship where we are very sarcastic to each other. It will be weird when we have to be romantically involved, because we are so not like that. One time he said something sarcastic to me, and I picked up my script and starting beating him with it. Then on a later show they had Belle hitting Shawn with her menu. I was like, ‘This is so cool, I get to hit Jason for money!'" Storms notes that the Days producers and writers have been very attentive to her offscreen interactions, as well as her dialogue. "The producers came to [the actors playing the teens] as a group and said that if we saw a line or word that we knew we would not say, then to not be afraid to change it and make it our own. Sometimes they do come up with weird words. Jason had a line where he was supposed to say, ‘That's score.' And we were like, what does that mean? And they said, ‘Well we used to say that when we were kids,' and we were like, ‘Right.' That doesn't happen a lot, though, because they watch us. When we finish taping, we're still on-screen, and we know they're watching and listening, because some of the stuff we say will end up in the script. I was on-set once talking about how I had just been to a Backstreet Boys concert, and how much I love them, especially Nick Carter. About a month later, Belle says to Chloe, ‘Oh my gosh, I am so in love with Nick Carter. What are your favorite groups?' I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, they listen to me!'" Not only is Belle's lingo important, but so are her trendy clothes and unique hairstyles, the latter closely paralleling Storm's own interest. "One of my favorite things to do is play with my hair," she says. "I was really excited that they started making that an issue, that Belle has weird hairstyles. We concentrate a lot on making me look different. I don't always agree with some of Belle's choices, but it's OK to do it on TV – I just wouldn't wear some of her looks to the mall in my real life. Like recently, she had these chopstick things in her hair, and I do own a pair, but I never wear them! They have to grow on me first." Most teens would love to trade places with Storms, a fact she readily acknowledges. "I know I'm very lucky to be where I am right now, although I did work very hard to get here," she says. "Right now my life is practically perfect!" How may teenagers can say that?
ACTORFEST 2000: "Days" for Actors
For you soap fans out there, this year's ACTORFEST is shaping up to be a virtual sudsfest: Not only are the casting directors of General Hospital and Port Charles (Mark Teschner) and The Young and the Restless (Meryl O'Loughlin) offering their insights into the casting process in a number of "Up Close and Persona;" sessions, but actors galore from various soaps have agreed to offer their time to some informative panels on hot topics related to the acting craft: There's Ricky Paul Goldin of Y&R and Adrienne Frantz of The Bold and the Beautiful at the 9 a.m. seminar, "Back Stage peek at breaks in TV or Film." Now a pair of actors from the outrageous NBC sudser Days of Our Lives have agreed to join us: Kevin Spirtas will join the panel for the 3 p.m. seminar "Inside the Music Network," highlighting ways performing careers are built through musical connections, and Kirsten Storms, who got her start in commercials, will appropriately complete the illustrious panel for the 1 p.m. seminar, "Commercial Work: Your 30-60 Seconds of Fame." Spirtas, who plays Dr. Craig Wesley on the popular Days, comes to his TV gig from a successful career on Broadway, including the long-running A Chorus Line, so he can speak about the importance of musical plays in launching his career in on-camera acting. Joining him for the panel, moderated by radio legend and former Laugh-Instar Gary Owens, are Eli Swanson, the hunky star of Britney Spears' "I Did It Again" video; Tolley CasparisPierson, music video casting director for the likes of R.E.M., Smashmouth, and Mariah Carey, and Christoper Dane Owens, (Gary's son), an actor/film producer/ international singing sensation signed to CBS/Sony. For her part, Storms got her career rolling at the tender age of five with commercials for the Galoob Doll, Sea World, and Tyco Toys, and landed the coveted spot of cover girl for Mattel's "Talk to Me Barbie." Before joining Days as the young Belle Black, Storms appeared on Lifetime's Any Day Now as the teacher's pet Lydia. On the commercial-themed panel, moderated by commercial producer/director/writer Brian Michael Stoller, she'll join youngster Scotty Leavenworth, who broke into acting with commercials and recently appeared The Green Mile and Erin Brockovich; Alexandra Boyd, who appeared in Titanic but has also made a good paycheck doing spots for such products as Meow Mix, and Carlos Alazraqui, a voice actor known for the Taco Bell Chihuahua and roles on Family Guy. ACTORFEST promises to be a memorable day in your life.
The Hollywood Reporter: Showbiz Kids Special Issue: Roles of Our Lives
"We don't let her see the more-than-kissing scenes," says Kelly Schroeder, mother of 9-year-old Carly Schroeder, who plays Serena Baldwin on ABC's "Port Charles," "Other that that. She's very involved in the story lines." While stories may sometimes push the boundaries of propriety, kids and teens are integral to daytime dramas whether they are reuniting their parents or being kidnapped. "Roles on daytime dramas can be complex and not all young actors can handle all that is expected of them," says Mark Leschner, casting director for the alpha net's "General Hospital." "there area million cute kids out there; We look for ones with good instincts. I guess you could say we look for kids who are wise beyond their years." That wisdom can be helpful when having a career in daytime means juggling school, press commitments and memorizing often emotion-fraught lines. "I run home and do my school work followed by my homework, then memorize my script for the next day." Says 15-year-old Kirsten Storms, who plays the precocious Belle Black on NBC's "Days of Our Lives." "I've only been on the show a few months, so I'm still getting used to the pace and schedule plus doing school work." Storms, who's been seen on a number of commercials and in the short-lived ABC series "Second Noah." Grew up in Orlando, Fla., where she often hung out at the office of her dad, a sportscaster for CBS. It was spending time at that office, she says, that caused her to get the acting bug at age 5. Ashley Lyn Cafagna, 16, who portrays Kimberly Fairchild on CBS "The Bold and the Beautiful," begins her day at about 8 a.m. with three hours of school, followed by rehearsals, hair and make-up and arrival on the set by 1 p.m. "We usually shoot anywhere from two to nine scenes a day and I get home by 4 o'clock." Says Cafagna, who joined the cast of the TNBC hit "Saved by the Bell" when she was 14 and moved to "Beautiful" two years later. "I enjoyed doing "Saved by the Bell," but on "The Bold and the Beautiful" I'm crying, I'm fighting, I'm laughing … I've done modeling (on the show), they even let me sing (once). There's a wider variety of opportunities for me as an actress and we deal with more adult issues." Twenty-one year-old Jensen Ackles, who portrays Eric Brady on "Days of Our Lives." Made the move from a primetime role in the series "Mr. Rhodes" to daytime. "It's very different from primetime." Says Ackles, who landed a TV Guide cover as one of daytime's 12 Hottest Stars. "With primetime, you're on a set schedule, but here you never know when you're going to be in or not. Also, job security depends on your character. If you're a well-used character in a front-burner story line you can count on working." Ten years younger than Ackles, 11-year-old Colton James has a significant story line on "Port Charles," playing Neil Kanclos, a young boy with leukemia, "Sometimes the range of emotions is hard, because I have to be sad and cry because I'm sick, but when he's being a typical outgoing kid it gets easier, because it's just like being myself." James says his parents insisted that if he was going to embark on an acting career, he had to take at least six months of acting classes before going on any auditions. James, who still works with an acting coach on the series, is not very concerned about long-term job security as an actor since he wants to be an architect or pediatrician when he's older. "Sometimes it's good that these kids go on to other things," says William Ludel, a "General Hospital" director. "Some kids get better as they get older while others are better as kids than they will be when they grow up: they're more natural." Ludel notes that the pace is hard and, unlike a sitcom where there is time for rehearsal, these shows move along fast with a lot of changes of emotion and attitude. "The relationship with the stage mom or dad is important for these kids; it helps give them direction. It's also good for them to be working with a coach or their parents." "Many of the kids aren't from show business families." Says Justine Hunt of Hines and Hunt Entertainment, a management company that handles several young adults on daytime TV, including Storms, Justin Torkidsen ("The Bold and the Beautiful"). Brandon Tyler ("Days of Our Lices") and Erika Page ("One Life to Live"). "We are a small agency and often become [the kids'] show business family, but we do make sure the parents are involved and very supportive. It's a huge commitment and we want them to be very positive and behind their kids in a good way."
Article/ Interview with Kirsten Storms
Interview: DOOL Guide: For such a young lady you have already had quite an acting career, thus far what has been the role you enjoyed the most and why? Kirsten Storms: Definitely Belle on "Days". I love my character's sassiness. I can't get away with some of her lines at home. DOOL Guide: You've been on stage, movies, and television, which media do you enjoy most? Kirsten Storms: Probably television. I like the steady work. I love going to set every day. When I'm doing a movie, it is so much fun, but in the back of my mind, I know it's going to finish at some point. If it didn't the movie wouldn't get made! I just love working and don't want to stop!! DOOL Guide: If you could work with any actor/actress alive today who would it be? Kirsten Storms: Julia Roberts !! I just adore her work ... DOOL Guide: What is your long-term plan for your career? Movies, stage, television, college? Kirsten Storms: Right now, I'm not sure. Acting IS in my future. I still want to squeeze in more movies.....this is something I want to do for the rest of my life. DOOL Guide: I understand you are a big Audrey Hepburn fan. Which movie is your personal favorite? Kirsten Storms: "Funny Face" !!!! But I also like "Sabrina" allot. DOOL Guide: What is your favorite movie of all time? Kirsten Storms: My Best Friend's Wedding....with Julia Roberts !!!!! DOOL Guide: How did it feel to step onto the set for the first time? Kirsten Storms: Like I was in a dream. I've wanted to be on a soap since I was 5 years old. And it finally came true. DOOL Guide: Since you are a Days fan, which character do you love to hate? Kirsten Storms: "Kate Roberts"...she's just sooooooooo nasty, but I love how she does her lines!!! DOOL Guide: Are you having fun with the character of Belle? Kirsten Storms: YES !!!! She is a blast to play. She's very precocious, quick witted....comes out with some sassy come backs. And is the 'most popular girl in school'....who wouldn't want to play her! However, my mom and dad won't let me be like her at home. LOL !! DOOL Guide: Could you tell me a little about your character Belle Black? Is she sweet and innocent or more on the devious side like her sister Sami? Kirsten Storms: Well, she's a typical teenager ...thinks she has and knows all the answers. And she gives her parents a "run for their money". I don't know what her future story lines are at the moment, but I do know she is very interested in some of the DOOL hunks... which I will enjoy playing. DOOL Guide: Is Days planning a love interest for young Belle at this time? Kirsten Storms: Oh.........Belle gets interested in a couple of DOOL hunks...and I hear Belle and Shawn D. might be the new Hope and Bo. DOOL Guide: Belle appears to be a spunky young woman...how much of that is you or is it all written? Kirsten Storms: I try to put as much spunk in the character as I can....but the writers on the show are great. I love how they write Belle's lines..........She's got some great witty comments.........it's really funny how she comes up with these comebacks to her parents. In one scene, Marlena asks her to go make lemonade...(she wants her to leave the room for a private conversation with John ) and Belle retorts, "Why don't I make an apricot pie..it would take longer.."....Marlena is not amused. DOOL Guide: How well does Belle get along with her siblings and whom thus far does she seem to be most fond of ? Kirsten Storms: Right now Belle is very close with Sami. DOOL Guide: Will you be attending any Days of Our Lives fan events in the near future? Kirsten Storms: I HOPE SO !! That would be lots of fun. I did my first publicity outing with some of the cast. We played a softball charity game against Sunset Beach. It was wonderful how many fans showed up!! DOOL Guide: What is your favorite snack food? Kirsten Storms: I LOVE Cheetos...I'm also a big cup of noodle fan.... DOOL Guide: How tall are you? Kirsten Storms: 5'3" DOOL Guide: Favorite author or most recently read book? Kirsten Storms: My favorite author is John Grisham. I am currently reading "The Runaway Jury"