Easter Celebration with Rico and Raini Rodriguez

Actors Rico and Raini Rodriguez were in town to celebrate Easter Sunday with their cousins in College Station, Texas. Kayla and the rest of her cousins enjoyed hearing about Rico and Raini's upcoming features and their time in Hollywood. Rico and Raini entertained the family and made the easter egg hunt a memorable experience for all.

Rico and Raini pose with their cousins

Rico and Raini tango for the crowd

On the Set of "El Nacional" Movie

Kayla was on the set again for 4 days of shooting on "El Nacional" movie, her first feature film. She enjoyed being on the movie shoot with her on-screen family. An article appeared in "El Dia" this past week about the "Magic of Hollywood" party held 4/7 in Houston, Texas and the film. A national televised mention of legendary entertainer Irma Infante also ran, who was in town from Mexico for the film.

The Cast and Crew of "El Nacional" - Pasadena, Texas

Irma Infante takes a moment for a photo-op with Kayla

Kayla participates in toasting the 100th roll of film, a mile-marker for the production now it its final phase. Kayla sips apple juice while the crew over 21 toasts with champagne.

Kayla on the set between scenes.

Kayla Attends the "Magic of Hollywood Fundraiser" for "El Nacional" Movie in Houston

What a wonderful evening of singing, networking, food, and unveiling the next phase of "El Nacional" the movie at Post Oak Grill Cafe. Director Baldemar Rodriguez partnered with the National Hispanic Professionals Organization for the "Magic of Hollywood" fundraiser for the film, now in its final phase of production.

Kayla was excited to be a part of this showcase and had a chance to see her fellow actors and actresses and enjoy the spotlight.

Many special guests attended, but most notably: "The King of the Accordian" Ramon Ayala, Irma Infante, Elma Barrera, Cynthia Neely, Ben Mendez and Saul Valentin of NHPO, Michele Fraga of Tejas Office Products, Inc. and more.

Pictured left to right: Actress Daniella Jimenez, Ramon Ayala, Kenna, Kayla and Tina Valadez

Pictured left to right: Irma Infante and Kayla and Tina Valadez


Michele Fraga and Director Baldemar Rodriguez

Kayla Valadez with her movie poster showcase

Kayla in her actor's chair

Ben Mendez of NHPO with the Actors, commending their hard work

Chef Kayla, Living a Dream

Kayla enjoyed her spring break at a local children's museum where she got to act out her chef skills - a mini restaurant where the kids were the waiters, cooks, and kitchen help. She enjoyed her "make believe" time and the fury of a busy business. We should never lose our ability to dream. Dream bigger!

Moses, the Israeli Girl, and Her Bling

Kayla performs a skit on Sunday (March 1) at her church with "Moses" played by her father, Andy Valadez. The story is based on the rebellion of people of Israel in biblical times and absent a leader they decide to make for themselves a calf idol of gold (bling).


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Moses is upset to find out that these people have rebelled against God's law which basically says "That the people should have no other God before them," says her father. Lou Ann Pepper, Treasure Island Children's Director wrote the script and asked Kayla to live the story out before the child audiences (her peers), to their surprise and intrigue.

"The kids love it" said Lou Ann Pepper. "The children get to experience bible stories taught in ways that resonate with them," says Andy "I try to be a thundering parental figure in the story, much like most of the kids experience at home." Kayla plays a strong-willed child caught in the middle of the chaos at Mount Sinai, fortunately she listens to Moses and avoids the trap of the Israelites "Who will be punished!" according to Moses.

As Kayla walks off the stage and out of sight, she anxiously listens for applause - a sure sign of an audience connection and a reward for her hard work. At a young age, she realizes that she can serve God with her acting talent. She really enjoys preparing for the skit, creating the costumes, and getting into her character. Special thanks to Mrs. Lou Ann Pepper for providing a venue for Kayla's acting interests. Kayla performed the skit for three services and enjoyed each one. When asked "Do you get nervous?" she said "I really can't explain it, but the first one I do, but then the rest I don't." She really gets excited when the live audience responds to her lines.

Brock/Allen Casting

Kayla and about 15 other child actors attended the "Auditioning for On Camera and Film," a 4-hour class held at Hotel Derek in Houston over the weekend with Casting Directors Toni Cobb Brock and Sally Allen. Other classes were offered to adults and seasoned actors at the same location over the weekend.

The "hands-on" sessions offered personal attention, coaching, and advice on preparing for "on camera" auditions. The parents were treated to a review of the videos of their children acting and presenting their memorized scripts for the camera for critique. The camera doesn't lie.

Brock/Allen Casting is owned by veteran Casting Directors Toni Cobb Brock and Sally Allen and has offices and influence centers in Austin, Dallas, New Mexico, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Los Angeles. Their team has an impressive resume of clients they have served over the years to include feature films such as "There Will Be Blood," "Hurricane Season" featuring Forrest Whitaker, and "A Mighty Heart," to name a few. In addition, casting for television series "Crash" and "Prison Break."

Kayla says "I loved meeting other child actors."

Kayla is currently represented by Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency.

Moses and the Israeli Girl

Kayla performs a skit at her church. She plays a whinning and complaining young Israeli girl in the biblical time of Moses. Kayla enjoyed performing three appearance at the youth service on February 15, 2009. Special thanks to her teacher Louann Pepper for this opportunity to serve God via Kayla's passion to act.