Lights, camera, action.

It’s a phrase often referred to in the television business, but not… Lights, camera, action.

It’s a phrase often referred to in the television business, but not one many college students hear at work.

Senior Lacey Thomas, however, hears it regularly.

Thomas and her coworker, Danny Burda, have a one-year contract with the WB television station as station personalities.

“[Burda] and I have great on-screen chemistry, we get along naturally,” Thomas said. “We are one-take wonders because we feed well off of each other.”

The two appear on the WB periodically to alert television viewers of upcoming programming.

Thomas said she was rather surprised by the phone call from a producer at the WB about the position.

“I was shocked. I do want to spend a portion of my life in performance as an actress and this is a perfect chance to do so,” Thomas said. “It is an amazing learning experience.”

Thomas sent in an audition tape for a casting call with the WB in the summer of 2001, but received no response.

The producers at the WB were reviewing the audition tapes and called Thomas asking her to come in for an interview for an opening spot as an on-air station representative.

“For me it’s a natural progression after all I’ve done,” Thomas said. “It’s not even the recognition, it’s the excitement of knowing that I am starting to make my life happen in the way I want it now.”

Thomas said she owes her success to her boyfriend because if he hadn’t told her about the casting call and pushed her to do it, she would have never been hired.

Thomas said working for the WB has given her a chance to learn the ins and outs of the television business.

“I’ve learned more about the technology, lighting, sound, the lingo of television, as well as learning about me, myself in front of the camera,” Thomas said.

Thomas was most enthusiastic about meeting Kathy Svilar, the local “Shop n’ Save lady.”

“She’s an icon,” Thomas said. “She’s the nicest lady. I swear she’s the coolest lady I’ve met.”

The two met on Thomas’ first outing with the WB at the Grand Prix in Schenley Park this summer.

Although Thomas likes being in front of the camera, she said her true love is in live theater. She has been working with Pitt’s repertoire theater for several years and been acting on stage since she was a child.

“In my heart, nothing will ever replace a live theater. You develop a miniature family,” Thomas said. “I am more at home on a stage in front of people, but television is great, too. It’s odd to be flipping through the channels and see yourself.”

Thomas said that every time her mother sees her on television, she calls her up squealing in excitement.

“My mom told me to be a strong independent woman and my dad told me to never depend on a man,” Thomas said. “They’ve raised two very driven and hard-working kids.”

According to Thomas, she has always been a perfectionist at everything she does, but makes a point not to lose track of her academics.

“I’m a professional student. I will always be looking for something else to learn,” Thomas said.

She said she wants to get a master’s degree in fine arts and, at some point, get a law degree.

“I am still a student and that is my top priority. I’d like to someday be able to combine acting and directing since I have a good eye for it,” Thomas said.

Thomas said she always thought she’d be a senator and wants to work with foreign services.

“I couldn’t stay in one field too long because I have so many ambitions,” Thomas said. “I’m only 22 years old and my views and future plans will change, but for now I love where I am at.”