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Ann Reinke `97 and CBS soap star Jennifer Landon following "As the World Turns" shooting in Branson, Mo.
It was one of those projects at work where you get more that you bargained for. But for Ann Reinke `97, that was a good thing.
Reinke and her sister, 1998 graduate MaryEllen Lemke, will both appear in upcoming episodes of the CBS daytime drama "As the World Turns," thanks to a work project that became more than Reinke could have ever hoped.
Reinke, an account executive with Concept Marketing of Branson, Mo., who also serves on a public relations committee for the city of Branson, was brainstorming ways to get Branson, a popular tourist destination, more exposure with one of its target audiences - females.
"One day it hit me - we've got to get a soap opera here," Reinke said.
Emails and calls to the major networks followed, and CBS eventually checked in several months later wondering if there was still interest. After more months of phone calls and visits to Branson by various show executives and staff, "As the World Turns" taped for three days in seven locations in early June in Branson for episodes that will air on July 5, 6, 9 and 10.
MaryEllen Lemke `98 with soap stars Jake Silbermann (left) and Van Hansis.
In the story, young lovers Gwen and Will Munson (two-time Emmy award-winner Jennifer Landon and Jesse Lee Soffer) and their friend Maddie Coleman (Alexandra Chando) will travel to "The Live Music Show Capital of the World" to further Gwen's musical career. Gwen's rival Jade Taylor (Elena Goode) will follow them to Branson to stir up trouble for the trio.
In addition to Landon (the daughter of popular actor Michael Landon), Soffer, Chando and Goode, 21 production and crew members traveled to Branson.
Reinke landed a speaking part during one of the shows, which will also feature legendary singer and Brandon staple Andy Williams. In the scene, she asks Williams if he thinks Jennifer has got what it takes to be a singer.
Lemke, who served as a production assistant during the show's stay in Branson, also gets some camera time as an extra in a scene where her daughter, Amanda Brachacky, runs up and asks Landon for her autograph.
But the story gets better for Reinke.
Ann Reinke `97 with recently-retired game show host Bob Barker at the Daytime Emmys in Hollywood.
Show officials were so happy with how smooth things went in Branson, they invited Reinke to the Daytime Emmy Awards in Hollywood in mid-June. There, she not only hobnobbed with the folks from "As the World Turns," but met and rubbed shoulders with the biggest names in daytime television - and she has plenty of pictures to prove it.
Reinke attended Lakeland as a full-time, non-traditional student 10 years after graduating from high school. She and her husband, Randy, live in West Branson.
"I wasn't ready for college when I graduated from high school, but 10 years later I was and I graduated with honors," said Reinke, who graduated with a double major in business administration and marketing, served as an accounting tutor and worked in the business office. "I knew I was not going to go anywhere without a degree. And Lakeland was a great college."
As the Muskie turns: Alums appear in CBS daytime drama
Alumni Association - posted on 6/25/2007
Ann Reinke `97 and CBS soap star Jennifer Landon following "As the World Turns" shooting in Branson, Mo.
Reinke and her sister, 1998 graduate MaryEllen Lemke, will both appear in upcoming episodes of the CBS daytime drama "As the World Turns," thanks to a work project that became more than Reinke could have ever hoped.
Reinke, an account executive with Concept Marketing of Branson, Mo., who also serves on a public relations committee for the city of Branson, was brainstorming ways to get Branson, a popular tourist destination, more exposure with one of its target audiences - females.
"One day it hit me - we've got to get a soap opera here," Reinke said.
Emails and calls to the major networks followed, and CBS eventually checked in several months later wondering if there was still interest. After more months of phone calls and visits to Branson by various show executives and staff, "As the World Turns" taped for three days in seven locations in early June in Branson for episodes that will air on July 5, 6, 9 and 10.
MaryEllen Lemke `98 with soap stars Jake Silbermann (left) and Van Hansis.
In addition to Landon (the daughter of popular actor Michael Landon), Soffer, Chando and Goode, 21 production and crew members traveled to Branson.
Reinke landed a speaking part during one of the shows, which will also feature legendary singer and Brandon staple Andy Williams. In the scene, she asks Williams if he thinks Jennifer has got what it takes to be a singer.
Lemke, who served as a production assistant during the show's stay in Branson, also gets some camera time as an extra in a scene where her daughter, Amanda Brachacky, runs up and asks Landon for her autograph.
But the story gets better for Reinke.
Ann Reinke `97 with recently-retired game show host Bob Barker at the Daytime Emmys in Hollywood.
Reinke attended Lakeland as a full-time, non-traditional student 10 years after graduating from high school. She and her husband, Randy, live in West Branson.
"I wasn't ready for college when I graduated from high school, but 10 years later I was and I graduated with honors," said Reinke, who graduated with a double major in business administration and marketing, served as an accounting tutor and worked in the business office. "I knew I was not going to go anywhere without a degree. And Lakeland was a great college."
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