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 PERRYSBURG - If modesty is a requirement for success, Max Devolder could be the next Brad Pitt or George Clooney.
The 20-year-old from Perrysburg recently won a local fashion contest and a New York City contest for acting. He's heading for the Big Apple to capitalize on the momentum.
"Who wouldn't want to be Brad Pitt? But in all honesty, I've been doing this for a long time and to just be self sustaining, that's my goal right now," Devolder said.
Sometimes he has so much focus, he forgets to toot his own horn. In a recent phone interview, he mentioned participating in the Epic Rocks Fashion Runway Rivalry Final Casting Call held at Levis Commons on Aug. 8.
Devolder talked about the clothes, the online voting, creating a portfolio, but didn't mention the winner.
"I actually won for the males," he admitted.
He was selected as Toledo's Next Fashion Model and will be featured in the Epic Rocks Fashion Show, also at Levis Commons, on Sept. 26.
Brittney Firsdon of Pemberville was a runner up. The winners were selected from approximately 100 models that took to the runway and were judged on style, hair and walk.
Devolder will have to fly home for the show from New York City where he hopes to land a manager.
He was one of 12 Northwest Ohio area actors, models, singers and dancers who brought home over 50 awards from the semi-annual International Modeling and Talent Association's event held in New York July 19.
He was crowned male "Actor of the Year" for his age group.
"It's nice to win all that, but our goal was to make contacts with agents and managers," Devolder said.
During the weeklong contest, he had to participate in different talent competitions, "cold" read scripts, run through monologues, act in commercials and sitcoms and model on a runway and for print.
He credits his Perrysburg Junior High School music teacher, Kate Philabuam for getting him started performing. She encouraged him to audition for "Mary Poppins."
He played a chimney sweep and a banker, then went on to do "Hook," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Oklahoma" and "Fiddler on the Roof."
He raved about Perrysburg High School's acting offerings, from straight shows to musicals to one acts, calling them amazing.
"I don't really have a preference," Devolder said of acting. "Straight shows are great because they're plot driven. Musicals are great because they have the large dance numbers and colorful outfits. It's great to sing on stage."
Devolder just started modeling, but he said it isn't a stretch from theater.
"It's kind of like acting in a way. You have to present yourself on stage to an audience. Of course the focus is more on the clothes."
As a member of StarBound NYC and Margaret O'Brien's, Devolder has some elite company. Katie Holmes and Alyson Stoner are some of the famous alumnae.
StarBound's classes and talent management services have directed actors, models, singers and dancers toward the entertainment field, helping them sign with talent agencies throughout the country.
Devolder has high hopes for success in New York.
"From what I've read and researched, it seems like a Midwesterners are appreciated out there. The way we carry ourself and our values. How polite we are," he said. "I'm going to stick to my roots."
Max Devolder (far right) was the top male finalist in the Epic Rocks Fashion Runway Rivalry Final Casting Call held at Levis Commons. Also pictured (from left) are runners-up Matias Ponce and Brittney Firsdon of Pemberville, and finalist Ashley Kynard. |
