Can you believe it? It's almost here! You're about to be at the IMTA Convention! We want to wish you the best experience possible. A week of adventure, learning, opportunity and fun! Thank you for being a part of the IMTA Countdown. We hope you found it beneficial as part of your IMTA preparations. We've enjoyed counting down the weeks with you and sharing our best tips for success.
You've probably been preparing for the Convention by doing things like practicing your monologues, commercials or make-up application. Hopefully, you've been exercising to get in great swimwear shape, or maybe you've been training your voice to hit those really high notes. With all the major preparation you've done, we've compiled a list of last-minute hints to help you put your best face forward and wow the judges:
The Most Important Thing
One of the best things you can do for your looks and health is to arrive for the Convention rested. The week can get pretty intense and you'll be ahead of the game if you've been getting your eight hours. Eating healthy foods helps, too. Remember if you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside!
Perfect Posture
The way you present yourself is key to making a good impression on the agents, managers and casting directors you'll see during the week. Prevent stooped shoulders by repeating these exercises several times a day:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and clasp your hands behind your back. Straighten your arms, raise them as high as you can and hold for 30 seconds.
Pinch your shoulder blades back several times and hold for a count of five each time.
Lie face down on your bed and lift one leg and the opposite arm, holding for a count of 10; then lift the other arm and leg. Repeat this process three times a day.
Fresh Faces Going Places
Since agents like to see minimal makeup on girls (and none on the guys), you'll want to make sure you have radiant skin as your perfect foundation. Here are some tips to give you a healthy, beautiful glow. Prevent dry lips and give yourself a smooth surface for lipstick by super-moisturizing. Starting a day or two before you leave for the Convention, apply moisturizing lip balm several times a day. This will not only soften your lips, but it will also make them appear fuller. Try Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 for amazingly soft lips. This product also gives a great shine when applied over lipstick. Origins Conditioning Lip Balm is another amazing product to check out!
It is very important to stick to your skincare regimen, using a facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Make sure you pick products that match your skin type, (i.e. oily, dry or combination). We like Clinique's three-step system. Neutrogena and Cetaphil have some great products, too.
Don't forget to get your hair in great shape, too. Blow-drying can take a lot out of your hair, so put the moisture back in by using a deep-conditioning hair treatment or mask. Try ThermaCare's moisturizing hair wrap or Pantene's Deep Treatment Hair Mask. Girls, a manicure or pedicure can be an essential finishing touch. Stick with neutral colors and short to medium length.
For some great tips on how to apply stylish make-up for all skin tones, check out Bobbi Brown's website.
Packing List
It's getting to be that time! Here are some items you may want to pack:
-Calling card and/or change for the pay phones or cell phone
-Disposable Camera
-Decorations or ribbon to attach to your IMTA tote bag to identify it (you'll receive your tote bag and IMTA luggage tag after your Director completes final registration. Be sure to fill out the tag immediately.)
-Nutritious snacks for your room (granola bars, cereal bars, crackers, juice boxes, etc.)
-Favorite toy for Toys R Us (if you're entered in that competition)
-Notebook and pen to take notes during the informative IMTA seminars
-Comfortable shoes
-A watch so you'll be on time for your competitions!
-Workout clothes for the Rise and Shine Workout or the fitness center
-Remember your comp cards, headshots, and/or portfolios. Dancers and singers, don't forget your music CDs.
-Sunglasses - your future's so bright, you're going to need them!
Afraid you'll forget something? Try this suggested packing list website for every type of trip.
Los Angeles, California
There are lots of fun things to do in Los Angeles. Talk with your Director and fellow Contestants to schedule a time to do something as a group! Maybe you can visit Disneyland one morning or the Fashion District. For a list of tourist attractions in Los Angeles, check out DiscoverLosAngeles.com, with suggestions for restaurants and entertainment during your free time.
After competing at IMTA, Elijah has gone on to star in over forty feature films. Currently, Elijah is post-production on Happy Feet 2 which was done in 3D! This film is scheduled for release in November 2011. He starred in the film The Romantics, which fellow IMTA alumni Katie Holes (IMTA 1993 and 1995) and Josh Duhamel (IMTA 1997)! 
Taylor competed at IMTA in 2004 where he met his managers Ed Goldstone and Debbie Entin of Rising Talent Management. Taylor moved to L.A. where he started booking roles right away! He has appearred in Summerland, Judging Amy, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, The Road to Empire, Volare Lost with Dean Cain, The Rainbow Tribe and Exodus.
Alyson Stoner has been featured in Camp Rock, Mike's Super Short Show, and Cheaper By The Dozen. She was played the title role in Alice Upside Down, which received rave reviews. Alyson has done it all, including her own "Original Dance Instructional Musical Fitness Revolution" DVD as well her own channel on Wii Fit! Alyson first showcased her talent in 2000 at IMTA New York, where she signed with Osbrink Talent Agency. They have helped her in succeeding to where she is today. Some of Alyson's other projects include Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, Kung Fu Magoo, House M.D., Phineas and Ferb, and Step Up 3D.
Model of the Week
Check out these gorgeous photos of IMTA alum Courtney McCann! The shot above is Courtney when she was recently featured in O Magazine! She shared the following with us about her IMTA experience and her director, 
Ashton also has an article appearing in the January issue of Harper's Bazaar, "Has Texting Killed Romance?" In this article, he discussed his own use of texting and how it affects his relationship with his wife. He says,"Sending sweet nothings on Twitter or Facebook is also fun. In some ways, it's no different than sending flowers to the office: You are declaring your love for everyone to see. Who doesn't like to be publicly adored?"
