Zoey Sophia Ruderman (who goes by the acting name Zoey Gale), a 10-year-old 4th grade student in the iShine Student Center in Temecula, is the featured actress in the 2015 Toys R Us commercial “Christmas Tree.”
The minute-long spot is the centerpiece of Toys R Us’ “Awwwesome” campaign, and features Zoey extending a kindness and connecting emotionally with a lonely, older neighbor. Zoey is “excited, proud, honored and ecstatic” to be part of the commercial. She was selected from more than 500 girls who auditioned for the role. The commercial was filmed on the backlot of Universal Studios; Zoey stayed at a hotel for four nights during the filming. She was excited when Universal’s tram tours went by, said her mother Rebecca: “She waved to the tram riders.”
She began acting three years ago, and is part of the JDS Actors Studio in Temecula. She loves acting and has done seven commercials, but is planning to become a lawyer. Her mother Rebecca explained, “She is hoping to use her acting money to pay for law school. She is confident and loves to talk.”
She has attended Springs for two years, and has two brothers who also attend. Her mother said, “We love Springs. iShine is the best school because they are project-based, so it is a great program for families that do acting.”
Rebecca described the Springs staff as “friendly and supportive.” She noted that Zoey’s iShine teacher helps Zoey go on auditions by putting together work for her to do.
Zoey’s favorite subjects include writing, reading and math. Away from school she likes to play soccer, do gymnastics, play basketball and tennis, swim, sing and play piano.
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