JONTILLE GERARD

JONTILLE GERARD

Notes: There are alot of things I could say about Jontille Gerard: she's a trained actress, she's focused, has an amazing work ethic.....but all of these facts about Miss Gerard pale in comparison to her ultimate truth: Jontille Gerard is the most talented dramatic actress I have ever had the pleasure of working with. But before I can share my experience with Jontille on set; I have to begin two months prior....and about 20 hours before her audition for Robert Townsend's highly anticipated new dramatic feature film, "The Discarded Boyz". We were about 3 weeks into auditioning for the film and had pretty much settled on an actress for the role of 'Gemini' in the first week, but through the course of several events, Jontille's name kept coming up; in my head and in the mouths of our mutual friends...so, I called her, at 8pm, the night before FINAL callbacks. ME: "Jontille, I know you've heard about the movie, I know you've wanted to come in, but I couldn't call; we stopped seeing actresses for that role the first week... But it's really been eating at me that you didn't come in. Final callbacks are tomorrow, I want to bring you in an hour before and if the audition goes well, I'll just throw you in front of the Director and we'll see what happens." JONTILLE: "Ok, I'm there." At 4:15pm the next day, Jontille came in, completely off book and blew us away. Rarely have I witnessed a PERFECT audition. She tapped into every layer created for the character and added about two dozen of her own. I knew in the first 2 minutes that she was 'Gemini'...and hour later, she recreated that same magic and won Mr. Townsend's heart as well. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Day Two of shooting arrived and I watched our amazing Director, Robert Townsend, mold Jontille and push her even farther. I was so proud watching Jontille and Jonathan McDaniel spar as 'Gemini' and 'Xtra', that it brought me to tears. I've never been so overwhelmed with pride watching two young actors really go to work. Jontille Gerard is a gem and I personally guarantee that when the world is introduced to this amazing young actress in "The Discarded Boyz", she will become Hollywood's most sought after actress. I'm so thankful to have been Blessed with the opportunity to witness her breakout performance, before my very eyes.

MARY ALEXANDRA STIEFVATER

MARY ALEXANDRA STIEFVATER

Notes: One word: Bewitching. I first met Mary in my audition room for Speed-Dating. It was towards the end of the day and the Producers, Director and I were already pretty set on the actress we wanted for the role. Then, in walks Mary. Tall (check). Blond (check). Pretty & Charming (check, check). But could she act??? YES! The 'choices' she made for the character were not only hysterical, they were also refreshingly honest. When we arrived at the improv portion of the audition, I watched Miss Steifvater think and react on her toes like a pro. Not only was Mary unquestionably the best comedic actress for the role (and quickly joined the ranks among my Top 5 Up & Coming Comedic Actresses); I also discovered a year later in my acting workshop, that Mary's dramatic ability...MATCHED her comedic.

KARINA CASIANO

KARINA CASIANO

Notes: Karina is a rare actress whose talent can best be described in two words: Creative Quietude. When at work, Karina is both completely focused on her character, the moment, being true to it with killer instincts while, almost impossibly, appearing completely relaxed, at ease and calm. She can make a seamless transformation into ANY character. She's an extremely strong dramatic actress and makes the most difficult improvs look like child's play . I had the pleasure of meeting Karina while casting my latest short film, "Happy Birthday" in New York. Karina came in the room, in character, handed me her headshot and sat quietly, waiting for my cue to begin...before Karina even said one word, I knew she was getting a callback. She also got the job.

SAMANTHA TORRES

SAMANTHA TORRES

Notes: I had the pleasure of working with Samantha earlier this year when she played the lead role in the short film I produced, "Happy Birthday". Samantha is one of those rare young actresses that, if nurtured, can effortlessly rise from great to PERFECT. She has a natural talent and soaks up every note you give her like a sponge. She's by far the easiest actress I've ever had the pleasure to work with and has a raw talent that will continue to turn Casting Directors heads as she quickly rises to the top of Young Hollywood.

VANESSA FERLITO

VANESSA FERLITO

CREDITS: Madea Goes to Jail

NOTES: Brooklyn born, Italian actress Vanessa Ferlito stole every scene in "Madea Goes to Jail" . She's one of those rare actresses that speaks volumes with just her eyes. I absolutely love her and can't wait to see more of her!

MINGLIE CHEN

MINGLIE CHEN

CREDITS: Avenue Q (on Broadway)

NOTES: Minglie is one of the most versatile and character driven sketch performers I've seen. Brilliant, brilliant comedic character actress!

IVY LINDSEY

IVY LINDSEY

CREDITS: Day Dreamin, Straight Out of Compton

NOTES: She's a great 'straight woman' in comedy sketches. Funny. Commits. LOVE HER

KAREN YELVERTON

KAREN YELVERTON

CREDITS: Waters Rising, Speed Dating

NOTES: Brooklyn bred actress Karen Yelverton mixes the grit of the streets with charm and finesse. With an arsenal of original characters under belt, Karen is sure to deliver entertainment, fun and depth.

GAVIN TUREK

GAVIN TUREK

CREDITS: Cousin Skeeter, FAME, Speed Dating

NOTES: Gavin Turek's bright smile and refreshing energy fills a room. I find Gavin's 'sweet girl' disposition fascinating. While she could obviously play the 'pretty girl', Gavin also has the ability to create funny and memorable characters.

VANESSA FRACTION

VANESSA FRACTION

CREDITS: Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, Who's Got Jokes, The Funny Spot

NOTES: Strong improv ability. Vanessa portrays strong women...sometimes CRAZY and strong woman. Perfect for both TV and Film. She could really shine playing a best friend/confidant....she could be the voice of reason or the 'go to' for the worst possible (and probably illegal) advice. Very funny.

CARYN WARD

CARYN WARD

CREDITS: Stompin'

NOTES: Perfect for sitcoms, sketch shows, buddy and romantic comedies.

ISIS MCKENZIE

ISIS MCKENZIE

CREDITS: The Silencer & the Sky

NOTES: Isis is a former beauty queen turned comedic improv actress. I look forward to seeing more of her!

GABRIELLE DENNIS

GABRIELLE DENNIS

CREDITS: The Game, The Underground

NOTES: COMPLETELY UNDERUTILIZED. While I wait with baited breath for Gabrielle to appear on-screen each week on The CW's The Game, it's just not enough (AND her recurring character on the show doesn't allow her to be nearly as funny as she can be). What I enjoy most about Gabrielle is watching her bring characters to life in an audition. Not only does she breathe new life into the dialogue, she can add inconceivable layers and beats to a simple scene and nail it every time. Give her her own show and I will watch faithfully!

CAMERON GOODMAN

CAMERON GOODMAN

CREDITS: Sons of Anarchy, Wild n' Out

NOTES: Absolutely adorable. Cameron can be dazzling, spunky, endearing, insane....all at the same time if she so chooses. She's a strong comedic character actress that could play any character from a 'mean girl' to a klutz. A star waiting to happen.

KALI HAWK

KALI HAWK

CREDITS: Couples Retreat, Lovers and Haters

TRAINING: Groundlings

NOTES: Beautiful, funny and charismatic. As a host, Kali brings an infectious energy sure to keep viewers glued to the screen. As an actress, Kali's comedic timing and characters are not only entertaining, she steals the scene.

CARNETTA JONES

CARNETTA JONES

CREDITS: Miles From Home

NOTES: I had the pleasure of working with Carnetta Jones on Miles From Home. In the film, Carnetta plays Jackie Conway, a loving mother of two teenage sons who's trying to salvage what's left of her family when her husband leaves her and their children for another woman. Unable to keep a roof over their heads, Jackie looses her faith and she too abandons her sons and turns to drugs. Carnetta's performance as Jackie Conway was not only heartbreaking, it tapped into the reality that faces single mothers everywhere. Women who have not only been abandoned, but are living paycheck to paycheck and the only thing they have left is their Faith that they'll be able to pull through.

DANA GODDARD

DANA GODDARD

AGE: 30S

CREDITS: After Midnight: Life Behind Bars

NOTES: Groundlings alum. Dana shines playing extreme characters: addicts, unstable patients, the seductress, abusive mom, etc.

DIANA GITELMAN

DIANA GITELMAN

AGE: 20s

CREDITS: ER, Chuck

NOTES: Perfect for cute and corky characters. Her presence on camera reminds me of a younger, spunkier Judy Greer.

ERICA JEAN

Erica Jean

Age: Mid 20s

Credits: Comic Wars, Office Poop Politics, MTV’s Burned host), The Tom Green Show

Training: Improv Olympic

Special Skills: Sketch, Improv and A.A. Radio/TV Broadcasting

Notes: Charming ‘pretty girl next door’ vibe. Very energetic on stage.

ROBIN THEDE

Robin Thede

Age: Late 20s

Credits: SOB, The Frank Show, The Deray Way, All of Us

Training: Second City (Chicago), AGC Conservatory

Special Skills: Sketch, Improv, original characters, writing, dialects and hosting.

Notes: Strong originals character both young (children) and old (senior citizens), but can also play it straight.