Julie‘s career began at the age of nine when she was cast in the Broadway production of the hit musical, “Annie.” She went on to earn a BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and a Masters Degree in Education from Bank Street College. Her teaching experience led her to become an on-set Studio Teacher for professional children working in commercials, studio films, and independent films. 

 

In 2000, Julie launched a website, ANNIEORPHANS.COM (www.annieorphans.com), hoping to re-connect with her fellow cast members online. The website quickly became the premiere ANNIE site for cast members and fans worldwide and was the inspiration for her award-winning documentary film, LIFE AFTER TOMORROW. The film won Best Director and Best Documentary Awards at the 2006 Phoenix Film Festival and was the Official Selection at 9 other prestigious festivals around the country. LIFE AFTER TOMORROW premiered on SHOWTIME in December 2006 and ran through 2007. The DVD was distributed by Arts Alliance America. LIFE AFTER TOMORROW was a featured segment on the news show, “20/20,” which can be viewed on the film’s website, www.lifeaftertomorrow.com. 

 

“A delightful and insightful behind-the-curtain glimpse into the lives of a group of young girls who survived ‘Annie'” – Hollywood Reporter

 

“The magic of Annie has always been related to the tens of thousands of girls who dreamed of being in the show, and Ms. Stevens’ film is about those girls whose dreams came true” – NY Times

 

“Plucked from obscurity at age 7, Studio 54 vets by 9, washed up at 12 – so it was for many girls who starred in the musical Annie.” A- “ – Entertainment Weekly

 

Julie was one of 20 filmmakers selected for an international cultural exchange program, AFI Project: 20/20. The program was a component of the U.S.’s new Global Cultural Initiative that brings together AFI, the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the U.S. Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In 2007, she traveled to Kuwait as a Cultural Envoy to screen LIFE AFTER TOMORROW as part of the first American Film Festival. 

 

Julie was invited by the National Endowment for the Arts to judge grant applications on their Arts on Radio and Television panel. She was also featured in an online interview series about independent filmmaking, called BRIDGING THE GAP.

 

Her short film, “The Conversation,” was screened at the Director‘s Guild in Los Angeles and was acquired by the website, Mini Movie. 

 

Julie is a member of the Director’s Guild, SAG/AFTRA, and Actor’s Equity Association. 

 

 

Life After Tomorrow

Premiered on Showtime, December 2006.

 

Awards & Festivals

WINNER

Phoenix Film Festival – Best Documentary, Best Director

March 24, 2006

 

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Museum of TV and Radio Doc Fest (10/21/06)

AFI Film Festival (11/11/06)

Malibu Film Festival (04/09/06)

Newport Beach Film Festival (04/26/06)

High Falls Film Festival (11/08/06)

Palm Beach Film Festival (04/21/06)

Heartland Film Festival (10/22/06)