037 - Stacey J. Aswad Interview

If you have been anywhere near a television screen at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida since 2005 then you have been captivated by a vivacious and adorable woman telling you about the fabulous rides and attractions you're going to experience during your stay. The hyper-energetic, totally mesmerizing personality, known to her fans as “the human exclamation point” is Stacey J. Aswad. She is the Resort TV host of Walt Disney World's TOP 7 MUST SEES and MUST DO DISNEY TV shows that loop 24/7 and are watched and memorized by millions of people!

How It All Started

Stacey’s humble beginnings are in Binghamton, New York where she started competitive artistic roller skating at the age of five and went on to become a five-time national champion in the sport. Stacey began studying ballet to help with her roller skating training, which turned into her joining a professional ballet company while still in high school. She went on to earn a BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School in New York City and after graduation, she danced and choreographed professionally in New York and around the country. Seeking new and different challenges, and to see the range of artistic opportunities in other parts of the country, Stacey left New York and headed to the Midwest.

Stacey continued her professional performing career in ballet, modern and jazz throughout the Midwest and also joined the faculty at The Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, Kentucky, teaching dance to middle and high school students. During this time, she developed an interest in acting and had a natural talent for it. After booking many regional commercials, industrials and voiceovers, she relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. There she scored some national commercials and voiceovers and the series regular role of Andi Ramsey, on the television series, 7TH STREET THEATER, now airing on multiple cable networks worldwide. 

 

Walt Disney World Meets LaLa Land

In May 2005, after an intense audition process, Stacey booked the hosting gig for Walt Disney World’s, TOP 7 MUST SEES, television show and that exposure was the turning point in her career. When Hollywood composer agent, Richard Kraft and his friends saw Stacey’s show while on vacation at Walt Disney World, he tracked her down through her talent agent to ask her  to be the host of his documentary, FINDING KRAFTLAND. She flew out to Los Angeles in September 2005 and spent a whirlwind five days shooting and becoming friends with the fabulous filmmakers.

This fortuitous trip to Los Angeles confirmed to Stacey what she already knew in her heart she needed to do.  She needed to make Los Angeles her new home.

Juilliard Dancer Joins the Theatre Scene

Upon returning to North Carolina, Stacey had the opportunity to do something for the first time in her life.  She had spent countless hours on stage in pointe shoes and tutus but she had never done any theatre. To critical and audience acclaim, she played nine different hilarious roles in the regional premiere of the new comedy, CARRIE ANN’S KISS and immediately went on to shine as the lead in the popular Alan Ball play, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS. During all this stage work, Stacey shot the lead role in the feature length love story, ME & YOU, US FOREVER. After completing the film, she returned to Los Angeles for the extravagant premiere of FINDING KRAFTLAND at Paramount Studios.

Road Trip

Desiring new challenges and forever accompanied by the love and support of her family and circle of friends, Stacey rented an RV and set out with her super fun roller skating dance partner for points West.  The rig was filled to the brim with the necessities, like all of her kitchen gadgets and cookware, because she is an amazing chef and baker and her impressive shoe collection, of course.  The four-some was complete with Stacey's two beloved resuced cats, Rosebud and Lily who had a blast finding places in the RV to nap and play. With a lot of great conversation and rockin' tunes, they made it to LA, safe and sound, in just under fifty hours!

TV Host - Voice Actor - Spokesperson - Actress

Since moving to Los Angeles, in 2007, Stacey has been on a whirlwind ride as a host, voice actor, spokesperson and actress securing representation with powerhouse talent agencies, Commerical Talent and AVO Talent.  She has done on-camera commercials and voice over work for clients like McDonald’s, AT&T, Toyota, Clairol, Time Warner Cable, Alamo, Regions Bank, Safeco Insurance, Acura, Carl's Jr., Bud Light and more. Voice acting for the Adventures in Odyssey show and television roles for ABC and CW shows. She also starred in a TannLyne Productions world premiere play, TRACKS, after having only a few days to learn the entire play before opening night. Thank goodness Stacey is great at memorizing lines!

Stacey also spent many fun-filled weekends traveling to films festivals around the country with the FINDING KRAFTLAND film makers. This award-winning documentary has screened in more than 70 festivals worldwide to rave reviews and even better, created life-long friendships between Stacey, Adam and the Kraft Boys.

Roller Girl Meets the Basketball Court

Stacey got to wear her roller skates once again but in a more "sporty" venue, the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.  She spent two seasons as the live-game host for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks basketball team. She had a blast warming up the crowd, and during the timeouts and half-time breaks she played on-court games, gave away awesome prizes and nterviewed players. Stacey and Sparky,  the team mascot, helped make the games even more fun and exciting by going into the stands and interacting with the fans. Go Sparks!

 

More Mickey Mouse Please

In early 2009, Stacey got the call asking her to stay on to host the new Resort TV campaign for Walt Disney World called, MUST DO DISNEY… she accepted without hesitation! She flew to Orlando to shoot the new show at Walt Disney World and as expected had the best time running around the Parks. When necessary, she updates the show from a Los Angeles recording studio or in Orlando depending on what new things they need her to talk about or experience. It's a tough job, but Stacey is so happy and so grateful to still be the Disney Girl!

VO Buzz Weekly Voice Over Web Show Premieres

On January 8, 2012, Stacey added Producer to her hosting talents when she and renowned voice over demo producer and director, Chuck Duran premiered the voice over show VO BUZZ WEEKLY. In a very short time it has become a global web sensation that's inspiring, educating and entertaining viewers in over 89 countries around the world. Aspiring voice actors, established VO pros and curious fans alike can finally put a "face to the voice" of the mega-talented voice actors from cartoons, animated films, movie trailers, video games, TV promos and commercials, to getting the inside scoop from the best voice over agents, directors and others, in a way that has never been done before. Every week, hosts Chuck and Stacey give great tips and information and get up close and personal with their special guest as they share fun and poignant personal stories, insights on how they became so successful, reveal tips, techniques, products and equipment they use to maintain their voice, create characters and continue to stay at the top of their craft. There's always time for a little BUZZ! 

 

Autographed Pictures Save Animals 

As an animal lover and advocate, Stacey is passionate about seeing   the end to animal homelessness and cruelty in her lifetime. Stacey encourages and hopes that people will choose to only adopt and rescue their furry family members and do their part to give them forever homes. Stacey donates the proceeds from her autographed pictures, available on the CHARITY page to many different animal charities who are doing amazing work to save animals around the world.

Rosebud and Lily

In May 2005, Stacey's beloved cat, Mommy, passed away in her arms at almost twenty years of age. Saddened by her loss, Stacey knew that the right time would come to rescue another beautiful animal.  Four months later, Stacey's family found a tiny kitten, on a farm in upstate New York.  She was barely two weeks old, all alone and weighing less than one pound.  Instantly they knew she needed to meet Stacey! It was love at first sight and after weeks of bottle-feeding and constant love and attention, Rosebud grew and grew and purr-ed and played. 

 

Now that Rosebud was strong and healthy living in North Carolina, Stacey knew she had to rescue a companion for her.  So, one fateful day she happened to walk by a Petsmart when the Humane Society was there.  Stacey saw a twelve week-old kitten, who she named Lily, and knew she would be coming home with her that day. Lily had been abused and almost died from a respiratory infection but thanks to a devoted Humane Society volunteer, she fully recovered and was ready to be adopted. Lily loves to cuddle, play with Rosebud and anything that moves and have her silky, long hair brushed. 

These two loving, loyal, gorgeous Hollywood felines enjoy meowing and purring when Stacey is recording voice overs in her Home Studio and love helping her learn lines for auditions and jobs by laying on the script pages.  They're such a big help!

Family Game Night Gets A New Girl

After a lengthy audition process, Stacey prevailed to become the new In-Show Announcer for Season 3 of Family Game Night airing on The Hub. She joined Host Todd Newton, the 2012 Daytime Emmy Winner for Outstanding Game Show Host, for an entirely new show format. The two-time Parent’s Choice Award winning family game show premiered on Sunday, September 23, 2012 to favorable reviews. Family Game Night is all about families being together, having fun and winning awesome prizes and cash. 

The entire 15-episode season was shot on a sound stage in just six days with a few hours of copy revisions in a recording studio afterwards. The previous Announcer for the show was Burton Richardson of The Arsenio Hall Show and Family Feud. Stacey was asked if she was intimidated to try and fill such experienced shoes. She said, “I have great respect for Mr. Richardson and his experienced shoes. I have my own size 5 shoes and they fit me perfectly.”

Stacey had the extra bonus of being the studio audience warm up artist for all fifteen tapings, now that was some serious fun, people! Having never done this before, Stacey called upon her experience as a versatile live host, dancer, teacher and finely tuned improv and people skills to make sure everyone had a great time. Judging by the people’s reactions and line for autographs afterwards, it is safe to say the crowd was onboard with all of her antics. Just give Stacey a microphone and a challenge and she will deliver in a big way! 

For more information about this and other episodes, head over to mikelenzvoice.com