People Giving Back: Jamie

Mariska and the Joyful Heart Foundation,

I am writing to tell you about a remarkable young woman. While most people aspire to be famous for the fame and fortune, Jamie Marie Hannigan aspires to be famous for the positive impact she will leave on the world. "I just want to help people, that's all", she says. In her "spare time" Jamie has been a dancer for Alicia Keys and Michelle Branch, danced on MTV and VH1, been in a few feature films, and even directed an off-Broadway musical; but for her it's still not enough.

At a very young age, Hannigan started her own dance and theater program (which at the time was the first program of its kind in the area) through her hometown's recreation department. She was disappointed that they would not allow her to give money to charity and her program had to be cut back due to lack of township funds because it attracted "too many" students. So she made the decision to open her own studio so she could give back to the community. "I wanted a positive environment where people could go and be 100% themselves, be totally creative and just vibe off each other. I wanted to teach people to perfect their craft and at the same time, use it to make the world a better place," says Hannigan. And it's not hard for anyone to see, she has done that and much more. It's no secret that in this economy Jamie must struggle tremendously every day with bills, rent, etc. Still, she refuses to take any profit for herself and gives every bit she can to charity. Stage Stars has thus far has helped over twenty various charities and organizations. In September, Stage Stars' was officially dedicated to Hannigan's dear friend Jessica Ann Fox, and accomplished dancer, Spanish teacher, world traveler, and marathon runner; who at only 36 years old lost her battle with breast cancer one year ago.

Stage Stars is a unique performing arts company located in Highland Park, New Jersey. Company members are from all over the NJ area and are accepted by audition only. They take classes that include all types of dance, musical theater, acting, creative writing, song-writing, voice, improvisation, audition preparation, break dancing, keyboard and guitar. They perform many times at various venues throughout the year. Stage Stars focus is to create a well-rounded professional young performer who uses their talents to benefit others. As well as teaching students all areas of the performing arts they teach discipline, respect, professionalism, and benevolence. They pride themselves on their uniqueness from other performing arts programs, their students are prepared for a career in the arts at an early age and are given many performance experiences and life experiences not offered anywhere else.

Jamie continues to juggle owning her own business at just 24 years old, putting on events and shows for charity, teaching, taking classes, and auditioning. Not to mention being a role model to lots of little girls at Stage Stars. No pressure, right?

"I get up every morning and am grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to live my life helping others. It's not easy, and I do feel pressure every single day, but I just take a deep breath and do it. "

"I truly believe I was put on this earth to make it a better place and to make our younger generation realize that that's what they were put here to do…we all were. If we can use our talents and gifts for the greater good, we've done our job. I want to prepare these kids for a professional career in the arts, but most importantly prepare them for life. If I book a certain job one day and become "famous" from it, then ALL my dreams will have come true, but to be important in the lives of children and to make an impact on the lives of others…that's all anyone could ask for really. I have so much to say and so much to give; I want to world to know what I stand for and believe in.

It's a tough industry I chose to be a part of. And It's even tougher now for me to own the studio and still work on my own career. It's a part of who I am though, performing on stage, in front of a camera, it's my passion but unfortunately not everyone you come in contact with inspires you in a positive way. All of the sudden the last few months charity work has become the new "trend" among celebrities. I'm just glad that we were out there doing it years go. And I have to say, it's because of a small hand full of people like Mariska that I knew that I wanted to do what I do. She is out there making a difference every day, and doing it with her heart and soul. She makes me believe in people again. She makes me want to push harder at auditions and as well as teach, continue to learn and really get myself out there so I can inspire people in a big way too.

The Joyful Heart Foundation will always have a special place in my heart and now in the hearts of the children I teach too. When I did my first show for the foundation a few years ago, Christine Russo and the others at the Joyful Heart have amazed me with the enormous amount of hard work and heart they put in to all that they do. I am inspired by them every day."

I'm sure you can tell by her encouraging words, Jamie Marie Hannigan is a true inspiration to all, especially our young generation of performers. I am so grateful to have her in my daughter's life; she has learned and grown so much from Jamie. I know every single parent and child that Jamie has touched the lives of feels the same.

On behalf of all the parents and students at Stage Stars, we are so honored to continue to support the Joyful Heart Foundation. We look forward to a wonderful evening on February 20th.

Sincerely,

Donna M. Maiorano

A Stage Stars parent and proud supporter of the Joyful Heart Foundation