Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff and Elizabeth Fenter.
Jeff is a local actor, director, and producer in the D/FW area with over 35 years’ experience. Some of his credits include Breaking Bad, CLAWS, Friday Night Lights, & Hellraiser: Judgement, to name a few. Jeff is represented, in the Dallas area, by The Campbell Agency. He has always loved working with other actors and helping new actors get started. He dreamed of owning his own studio to serve actors his way and to the most benefit of local actors. But, he knew it would have to be more than just acting to keep the business viable. Elizabeth is a local teacher, crafter, and writer, who went to a The Canvas Sign party and fell in love with the idea of paint parties, but with everyone choosing their own design and having artists on hand to touch up each participant’s sign- not just everyone painting the same thing. She knew she found the other half to Jeff’s dream. Together, Jeff and Elizabeth, along with their four kids, have an artists’ studio for actors, crafters, and anyone who needs a creative or professional outlet. The couple has expanded their studio to producing films and their web series, “Makin It.” Make Your Mark Studios recently joined the Dallas 48 Hour Film Project, and looks forward to using this experience to help film makers young and old to create their on-screen dreams. Make Your Mark Studios offers canvas painting, calligraphy, welcome door signs, youth summer camps, improv classes, voice over workshops, film/TV classes, and features workshops by various casting directors throughout the southwest.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Crafting at MYM took off, immediately. It has taken a year for our acting classes to gain following, but they are steadily gaining attendance. We also have a Friday night Parents’ Night Out which is gaining in popularity each week. Some classes are super popular and make immediately and others just don’t, even when numerous people tell us they want it! So, we’ve had our up and downs, definitely, but we know that this is something that is needed in the D/FW area.
In regards to Jeff’s acting, I’m not sure any actor can say that this biz was a smooth ride for them. I know I’ve been knocked down many times with rejection. In this biz you learn fast to have thick skin. You don’t have time to feel sorry for yourself with another audition always around the corner. You can’t take that bad energy to the next audition or it’ll just keep rolling with you to the next one.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Make Your Mark Studios – what should we know?
We are most proud of our variety. Our classes are customized to each participant. Our paint classes offer variety, not just everyone painting the same thing. We want to be the local one-stop-shop for everything creativity and fun. We love that we are small enough to customize our classes, rentals, and parties to whatever our customer needs. We love to say yes, and let’s find a way to make that happen!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
We must be flexible. We want to do what our market, customers, teachers, and neighbors want and need. We may have a vision for a class, but we want to be flexible to meet the needs of our patrons. We’re here for them! Next, we want to be affordable. Flexibility and affordability are our top priorities, along with quality teachers and classes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4101 E Park Blvd #145
Plano, TX 75074 - Website: www.makeyourmarkstudios.org
- Phone: 469-223-6409
- Email: efenter@makeyourmarkstudios.org
- Other: www.makeyourmarkstudios.org/craftyourart
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