April's Unstoppable Success
Story In The Making

Aspiring Actress

It takes a lot of courage to pack up your bags and follow that inner voice urging you to follow your dreams, but aspiring actress April Sugarman did just that. Not long ago, she left her home state of Illinois and set out for Southern California, the entertainment capital of the world, to realize her dream of being the best actress she could be.

"Motivation has always been a common thread in my life," states our enthusiastic actress. "I've been a cheerleader in high school, an aerobics instructor and a personal trainer. I always put 110 percent into whatever I take on."

But things didn't start out so smooth. "When I was in high school, I tried out for a couple of plays, but I never got the part. I did get a part in a community play, but I had to drop out because of a conflict. I took a singing class and was probably the worst student in the class. Throughout it all, my parents instilled in me a strong belief that I could learn a lot from any situation. Together, they gave me the gift of balance...my roots, to keep me grounded, and my wings, to help me soar."

Failure can be tough on anyone. It can be especially tough when your father is a successful entrepreneur like Joseph Sugarman. However, we must all start out somewhere and usually it's at the bottom. Sometimes, life shuts one door, but for those who persevere and are committed, it opens another. That's been the story with April.

While attending the University of Illinois, April was the social director of her sorority. With tremendous enthusiasm, she was able to convince her fellow sorority sisters to compete in Atius, a variety show where a fraternity and sorority pair up to do a song, dance and skit. The other competing groups created massive production numbers with huge budgets and up to 90 performers.

"We had only one piano player, no budget, and 40 novices, but we created an unstoppable desire. Against incredible odds, we beat out nearly 20 other well-polished productions and won first place." After all her failures, April finally got a personal glimpse of what it takes to be a success.

"We're all actors, and it's just really whoever wants to pursue acting that counts. Of course it's been difficult. It takes an incredible amount of commitment and perseverance and belief in yourself to withstand rejection and not let it get you down. Acting is such a personal profession. You put your whole self out there."

"it's not only your talent that matters, but your attitude as well. People give up and say it's too hard. I disagree. There's so much opportunity out there and you just need to go for it. My dream was to become an actress, so I packed up for Los Angeles and went for my dream."

Since landing in Hollywood, April has earned parts a an extra in Beverly Hills 90210, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Chicago Hope and was a featured bachelorette on The Dating Game. She has also completed a film pilot and has played the lead role in a play.

This young actress exemplifies all upbeat and ambitious Generation X'ers. If all have the determination and resolve of April Sugarman, the world will be in good hands for a long time to come.