Sterling shoots for the stars

Ten-year-old Kaia Sterling has always loved performing, whether it’s been on local stages as an Irish dancer or at her beloved Turtle Island Theatre Company here in Kahnawake. Now, she’s planning to grow her skills by travelling further than ever before, to learn from industry experts at a training school in California this summer.

“She’s a natural on stage, it’s where she belongs and where she wants to be, so we thought we’d give it a try and see what happens,” said Sterling’s mother, Gina Sterling.

Kaia will be heading out to SPiN LA, a California-based organization that teaches youth key skills in acting, modelling, singing, and dancing, with the goal of preparing them to audition for professional opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Gina had first come across the organization on Facebook and realized that what it offered could be a perfect fit for her daughter, who has always been determined to keep pursuing performing.

She felt like it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the entertainment industry, and work out how best to support her child in following her dreams.

“We had no idea what to do, and I felt like this program offers so much, they do everything for you, and it was perfect for us, to give her the opportunity to do what she loves,” Gina said.

SPiN LA works with youth over Zoom in the lead up to the in-person component of the course, and Kaia is currently completing three months of online training before she goes. She’s also been able to secure professional headshots and has been working on her acting chops as she prepares to make a showreel that can be sent to potential agents or productions for auditions in future.

In July, Kaia will share her work at a showcase in California, where she’ll meet other youth who dream of performing in Los Angeles.

For Gina, the program is about fostering Kaia’s talent and is never about pushing her to do something she doesn’t want to do.

“I keep saying ‘Are you sure, do you feel okay?’ and she’s always saying ‘Mom, I really, really want to do it!’” Gina said.

Kaia has already proved herself, learning a full monologue for her classes already - for Gina, the classes are even encouraging her as a parent to learn more about acting, one of her daughter’s biggest passions so far.

“I’m a farmer, I’ve never done anything professional like this, but I’m sitting with her and we’re looking at making this character come alive, and I get to ask ‘Is he excited, is he shy, is he lazy?’” she said. “It’s really fun to grow with her and figure it all out.”

Joe Lorenzo, CEO of SPiN LA said that fostering the passion of youth is what the program is all about.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, and encouraged to chase their dreams. Our mission is not just to discover talent, but to build confidence, discipline, and life skills that will serve young performers for years to come,” he said. “It’s an honour to help families across Canada and the United States open doors to opportunities they may have never thought possible.”

For Gina, the main objective is to help Kaia feel that there’s no hurdle too big for her to overcome. To help support her journey with SPiN LA, she’s also been fundraising to support the trip and costs associated with the program.

Right now, she’s running a half-and-half raffle, which community members can support on Facebook, with prizes including five hours of event time with her husband, Steve Sterling a.k.a. DJ Steve.

A draw for that raffle will take place on June 13, where the family will host a Hollywood-themed night at the Kahnawake Moose Lodge.

She’s already been overwhelmed by the amount of support she’s had from community members who want to support Kaia’s dream.

“It takes a community to raise a child, and I knew I could count on people in this town,” Gina said.

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