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.

MICHAEL BENTT

MICHAEL BENTT

CREDITS: Blue, The Neighbor, Rocky Balboa

SPECIAL SKILLS: Professionally trained boxer

NOTES: I've watched Michael at work in his master class (taught by Rick Edelstein) several times and what always impresses me most about him, is 'the choices' he makes in class. At first glance, you can easily cast Micheal as a bully/football player/bodyguard/goon or otherwise menacing, intimidating and terrifying character; all of which he could play with ease. But in class, Michael often opts for the less obvious, more 'out of the box' type characters: shy, sensitive, homosexual, long sufferers, astute thinkers.... Characters that rely more on what's within, as opposed to exploiting the obvious external preconceptions. Michael Bentt is a brilliant actor that can bring so much more to a character and/or film, than just a broad frame.

T'SHAUN BARRETT

T’Shaun Barrett

Age: Mid 20s

Credits: Zero Option, Medium

Special Skills: Improv, writer (comedy), martial arts and military training

Notes: Many, many layers. He can be funny, charming or intimidating. A definite leading man in comedy or drama for both TV and Film.

BENJAMIN KIM

Benjamin Kim

Age: Mid 20s

Credits: Accepted, Gridiron Gang, Saturday Night in Hollywood

Training: New York Film Academy, member of The Outlet Improv Group (Pasadena)

Special Skills: Sketch and improv

Notes: Comedy background, but can also play dramatic roles (i.e. criminals, bullies). Also has extensive training in mixed martial arts.

KEVIN DERKASH

Kevin Derkash

Age: Mid 20s

Credits: Text, Bondage, Wanda at Large, Taina

Special Skills: sketch, improv and original characters.

Notes: Charming, could play the ‘popular guy’, but can also convincingly pull off the ‘underdog’.

TONY ROBERTS

TONY ROBERTS

AGE: 30s

CREDITS: Def Comedy Jam

NOTES: Stand-up Comedian. Full of energy on stage, a natural entertainer.