In town for a friend’s charity fashion show, New Carlisle’s own Amy Harber returned from Los Angeles last week, and brought with her an armload of show business books that she donated to the New Carlisle Public Library.
Harber is a 1991 graduate of Tecumseh High School who began modeling in junior high, and has gone on to land many roles in several commercials and television series.
Harber met with Library Director Bryan Howard on Friday, January 29 to donate several acting books to the library in hopes that they will assist others in establishing a successful acting career. She said that she still utilizes the books regularly to learn other management and acting methods that will better-suit her career.
“’Self-Management for Actors’ was like my Bible,” Harber said of one of the books she donated. “This book is used as a textbook in college acting courses,” she added.
Harber said she was fortunate enough to form a friendship with the book’s author and help edit the fourth edition. She said the book teaches actors to market their brand in a “very stealthy” manner, saying that those who adhere to its teachings are “ninjas.”
Harber also donated a book titled “The Eight Characters of Comedy” that is useful for actors as well as writers. This edition, which was signed to the New Carlisle Library by the author, identifies the eight standard characters of comedic shows and movies, as well as giving examples.
Harber said that while she got into modeling in junior high and high school, she resumed her modeling career after graduating from The Ohio State University. She said a friend suggested she get back into modeling to help pay off student loans, and the move eventually led to a career in acting.
Harber said she just finished shooting a Heineken beer commercial, as well as a promo for CNN’s election coverage. During the election coverage promo, she found herself dressed as a woman from the 1800s as they shot it at the Disney Ranch.
She was in town last week to walk in her friend and mentor Rob Deaton’s charity fashion show held in Cincinnati on Friday and Saturday. She said Deaton was one of the first photographers she worked with in her modeling career, noting that he became a close friend and mentor. His charity show benefitted the American Cancer Society and the Aubrey Rose Foundation, with proceeds going to stock area food banks as well.
New Carlisle Library Director Bryan Howard was thrilled to receive the books from Harber, saying they will likely be put into circulation in the first week of February.
“The library is very appreciative of these donations,” Howard said. “It’s nice to have one of Tecumseh’s greater success stories coming to give back, and we’re very grateful.”
