Courtney Houston received her education at Slippery Rock University, completing her bachelor’s degree in Communication. She had the pleasure and opportunity to work with the on campus television station, given the privilege of working behind the scenes, helping to create multiple television shows that were broadcasted throughout the campus. Also, as a part of the broadcasting team Ms. Houston was able to host her own television show, entitled “Girls Talk Too” which covered issues young adults face daily. To end her production experience during college, she was also a part of the University Program Board that brought many known artists to the campus for major concerts, including famous acts such as Drake and Fabolous. Working with the concerts gave Courtney the knowledge and insight on what it takes to plan for a major event, manage finances for a business budget, and the importance of being organized for proper execution events.
In Ohio, The Youngstown Television Station, WKBN-27 poured into Ms. Houston more experience that enhanced her production skills. The television station exposed her to live broadcasting events, like “Academic Challenge”, a knowledge-based competition in which several local middle schools vie for a championship trophy; and the popular television show “American Idol” where she registered contestants and assisted them with selecting music for their performances.
In 2011, the Youngstown Radio Station, 101.9 JAMZ presented Courtney with an opportunity to write a segment in their annual event, “The Women of Color Expo,” which helped inspire women of all ages. As a result of the event, which was hosted by radio personality T Luv, Ms. Houston was given exposure on the local Youngstown television show “The Community Connection,” hosted by Madonna Chisholm, which discussed her poems and what inspired them.
In 2018, Shadowing Pros was founded with the purpose and passion for entrepreneurs, and individuals who have passion and desire to work in the entertainment industry, in front or behind the camera. Houston’s goal is to create an atmosphere where she can educate, inspire, and connect individuals towards their passion in the entertainment industry through Theater, Film and Music. Ms. Houston has a strong belief in the power of mentorship and shadowing, and she strives to create avenues for the underserved communities that will provide those opportunities.
FWM: What led you to a career in entertainment?
I can remember sitting on my childhood couch watching all my favorite cartoons, tv shows, and movies, wondering the big “How” before knowing the term and definition of “Special Effects”. I remember always asking myself “How do they do that”. The enjoyment and excitement that the film industry brought me as a child is what sparked my interest in Film. To take a step further, while I was in high school, I participated in every school play I was allowed to be apart of. Going to dance and choir rehearsals for those plays was the absolute best time of my high school career. Senior year was bittersweet for me because I was ready to graduate and face the big bad world, but I also knew that it would be my last time being able to participate in a school play. The combination of Theater and film ultimately is why I gravitated to the entertainment industry, but I can’t exclude the impact and love for music I have as well.
FWM: Tell us about Shadowing Pros.
Shadowing Pros came from a conversation I had with my mentor. We were talking about a workshop that I wanted to do, and I was going to name the workshop “Shadowing Pros”. My mentor said, “Courtney, that’s not a workshop that’s a business”. The birth of possibilities started from there, and that’s where the business name of Shadowing Pros came from. The core of Shadowing Pros is to become a mentor/shadowing powerhouse for the Film/Tv, and Theatre industry. We strive to educate and inform inspiring actors and crew on all things in their desired path. We are striving to be a trusted resource hub for those who want to be in front and behind the scenes of entertainment. I want to share my whole experience, knowledge, and love of the entertainment industry to the world, while helping people fuel their desires of wanting to be a part of Film/TV, and Theatre.
FWM: What makes you unique?
Shadowing Pros is unique because we are diving deeper than most of the production company’s today. Our main contribution to the entertainment industry is 80% geared toward the hardworking behind the scenes crew. We want to let people know that whatever skill, passion, or talent you have can be used in the film/tv and theatre world. It has always amazed me how watching a great show or movie can limit the knowledge of all the “behind the scenes” foot work that is really involved during making the final product. In my opinion the positions that are heavily highlighted the most are: Hair and Makeup, Director and Producers, Costumes, Camera crew, and of course the Actors. The positions that I named are commonly the most recognized positions in the entertainment industry, So Shadowing Pros is unique because we are highlighting the positions mentioned and all the other positions that are involved behind the scenes. While bringing you information of crew positions, and casting calls through our social media handles. Lastly, we are known for our informative and entertaining interviews that give you the raw truth and perspective from working professionals from behind the scenes. Here at Shadowing Pros we are proud to lay it all out to our audience, while being informative and entertaining.
FWM: You offer a plethora of resources. Tell us about what you offer to artists.
Shadowing Pros is looking to partner with Acting Studios, or individual actors that would love to do acting workshops for current and inspiring actors. We understand that there are different types of actors on different levels, and we want to cater to all of them. Also, even though I am not an actor myself, I am human and I know what it is to be overwhelmed at times. So, in the future we want to be able to offer “mental hygiene” workshops to not only our actors but to our crew as well. Because the entertainment industry is more taxing than the government. #keepingitreal
Note: To any company/individual that is interested and want to discuss details of execution email: shadowingpros@gmail.com
FWM: How are you connecting people to opportunities?
Shadowing Pros, is still a growing company and we are striving every day to connect with people and places, with the intent of opening doors of mentorship and shadowing opportunities.
FWM: What do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy being a part of things that make me a better person and happy at the same time. I love learning new things just as much as helping people, and Shadowing Pros foundation is created from that. The experience I have with theatre and film is something I want to share with others, while being happy doing what I enjoy doing with the entertainment industry. The combination of both excites me to see the growing future of Shadowing Pros.
FWM: What’s next?
Currently, you can watch our interviews on the Shadowing Pros YouTube Page, but if love great music and is always on the go download the online radio App called “Flex Radio” and listen throughout the week and every Saturday from 3 to 4 pm to a Shadowing Pros interview.
Facebook/IG – ShadowingPros YouTube- ShadowingPros
TikTok- ShadowingPros
Email: Shadowingpros@gmail.com
