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Donn Ovshak C.E.C.
Born in Milwaukee, Wi. His family being in the restaurant business, drafted Donn at the age of 12 for dish duty, busing and eventually cooking at 14. Moving up through the ranks in fast food then transitioning to fine dining at the age of 21 was promoted to a sous chef position, this after mastering all stations at a very popular and busy fine dining establishment in Missouri. As time went on Donn had reached a platue and had a need to learn more about his craft. Always having a thirst for knowledge and a love for the culinary arts Donn applied and was excepted the one of the finest culinary training facilities in the world, The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. Graduating in 1989. During his extern ship Donn worked for Chef Tell Earhardt at his Cayman Islands restaurant “The Grand Old House” in George town, CI, British west Indies. Chef Tell was also one of the fist and most entertaining television chefs. From the get-go this was something Chef DonnO wanted. Teaching has always been gratifying, and watching his cooks move on to Chef status positions, was very exciting. 1990 was the year Donn decided to go into business for him self. Moving back to his home state Wisconsin creating The Fox Valley Cheesecake Company.
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With 2k and some help of the family, Donn had his company up and running with accounts in 30 days. Based out of Winneconne, Wi. “population 2000” The company soon had wholesale accounts from Green Bay to Milwaukee and a strong retail following. After 4 years and too much winter and not enough summer, Donn Sold the company “which has since relocated to Omro, Wi." and continues to flourish. Then moving to Florida with his new bride. Having a need to contribute to the health and wellness of the elderly, Donn pursued the high end of the assisted living industry. Landing the executive chef position one of the finest assisted living facilities in the south east, this would be home for Chef DonnO for 8 years. During that time in 1997 Donn earned his “C.E.C.” Certified Executive Chef status through the American Culinary Federation.
In Jacksonville, Fl. There was a fair amount of television and movie production that would move through town, Donn`s interest once again was peaked. Doing background work and student films in between his fulltime work schedule, he also drove 2 ½ hours each way once a week to Orlando for acting class`, doing this for three years. Having a dream to someday incorporate his acting / on camera training with his culinary expertise.
The move to Hollywood happened in 2002. Again, finding a job helping others with their nutritional needs, Chef DonnO landed a job as Executive Chef at one of L.A`s largest hospitals and continued with his acting training at the Howard Fine studios. After 2 years of production work on the side Donn obtained his Screen Actors Guild card.
One more goal to go, A cooking Comedy Show!
Now in 2006, working two FULLTIME jobs. One at a private Alcohol and Drug rehab facility in Malibu “as Head Chef” the other at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, also as Head Chef. The 80 hour work week and the 2 hour double day commutes all for one goal. To Shoot his dream, the time is right, the money’s there, and having a team incredibly good people around him, it happened and it is here, Welcome to Stand Up & Grill!
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Darin Alan LeCoultre
A native of Detroit, Michigan.
He has been working in the entertainment industry for over 10 years. He began his career in Jacksonville, Florida, doing extra work, local commercials, industrials and also toured with a traveling wild west
style stunt show.
Before coming to Los Angeles, Darin spent time in Orlando, Fl. There he studied acting and worked with a very low-budget independent film company. This gave him very valuable experience both behind and in front of the camera. He also studied martial arts and trained with a local stunt team. Darin landed the role of ‘Felix’ in a dinner theater
production of THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT. He also worked as a performer and writer on THE WACKY JACKY SHOW, a local sketch show. Darin wrote two screenplays while in Orlando, and has several others in development.
Darin arrived in Los Angeles in August of 2004. Since moving to L.A. He has been studying voice overs with Kalmenson & Kalmenson and learning the ropes of the entertainment biz at it’s highest level.
Working with long time friend Chef DonnO, gave Darin the opportunity to produce and direct.
Hopefully, there will be much more of both in his future.
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Christina
Pitcher D`Aries
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