ACTeen Grads Shine!
In TV series, feature films, Broadway,daytime dramas, or major commercials — no school can top ours for alumni actively working in the profession. Up to nine ACTeen grads have starred in TV series for the past seven seasons. Read on to see recent successes . . .
Max Schneider, recent Film, Film Casting Director Seminar alum) co-stars in the new Nickelodeon TV series "How to Rock." "How to Rock" stars singer Cymphonique Miller, (daughter of Master P) as “Kacey.” When Kacey has to get dorky glasses and braces, she's kicked out of her posse, but rather than let it crush her, she becomes the lead singer of a band, Gravity 5, and is on a mission to take them to the top. ALSO watch for Max starring (as male lead Charlie Prince) in "Rags" a reverse Cinderella story TV Movie also produced by Nickelodeon, and co-starring two time NAACP Image Award winner Keke Palmer ("True Jackson.") Both shows feature Max's wonderful singing & dancing talent! Max understudied in the Broadway musical “13” (with another ACTeen alum Caitlin Gann) and was a finalist in the NFAA Youngarts Festival. Max booked a wonderful photo shoot for Dolce and Gabanna with the great Madonna, playing her son (booked via an ACTeen referral).
Jordana Brewster, stars in the upcoming TNT series "Dallas." The Dallas 2012 version reunites original series stars Larry Hagman, Patrick Ewing, and Linda Gray on the Southfork ranch. Jordana plays "Elena Ramos" daughter-in-law of Bobby Ewing, and will be in a love triangle with John Ross Jr. and Christopher!. Jordana (who got her first agent through the ACTeen Talent Agent Showcase), reprised her role as “Mia in the feature film “Fast Five," the fifth film in the “Fast and Furious” series, which reunited Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana . Jordana’s role won her the 2009 Teen Choice Award for "Best Actress in an Action Adventure.” Jordana credits ACTeen with 
getting her prepped for her first big break on CBS-TV’s daytime drama “As the World Turns”, where she played “Nikki Munson” for three years whwhile still in high school. Jordana has guest starred on NBC-TV’s series “Chuck,” the TNTseries "Dark Blue', starring Dylan McDermott, starred in the ensemble film “The Faculty” (with a young Elijah Wood, and Josh Hartnett) and starred in “The Invisible Circus” with Cameron Diaz . Other films include co-starring in Touchstone Pictures feature “Annapolis” with James Franco.
Gillian Zinser (alum July Academy Full Program), plays “Ivy Sullivan” the young Californian surfer in the CW’s hit series “90210, ”now in it's fourth season. Ironically, another ACTeen alumnus Dana Barron, played "Nicky", love interest to Jason Priestley, in the original hit series "Beverly Hills 90210." And, actress alum Jenna Lamia (see below!) is now on the creative staff at the CW, writing for "90210"!! After attending ACTeen, Gillian attended NYU before moving to LA to pursue acting. She’s appeared on “Cold Case,” “Southland,” and “Cupid,” starred in the MTV movie thriller “The Truth Below,” and has feature films “Manson Girls,” and “Savages,” (directed by Oliver Stone) upcoming this year.
Austin Percario (July Academy full program) featured in "The Final Twelve" season finale of Fox-TV's debut season of "The X Factor" as part of group InTENsity! Austin originally auditioned as part of a duo "Ausem", then made it through auditions and boot camp to join the ten member teen singing act “InTENsity.” Paula Abdul groomed his group while Simon Cowell weighed in! While we were sad to see his group voted off, what an amazing experience for this gifted singing alum !!
Raphael Sbarge (graduate of ACTeen’s Film Scene Study course) plays “Archie Hopper/Jiminy Cricket” in the new, hit ABC modern fairytale series “Once Upon A Time.” In a New England town called Storybrook 'Archie' is the town psychologist and confidant/conscience of a young boy named Henry. Raphael has amassed impressive credits since his early post-ACTeen success as series teen sitcom star of NBC-TV’s “Better Days.” Raphael has appeared on Broadway (“Ah Wilderness” with Jason Robards & Kyra Sedgwick) and in major films including "Risky Business" with Tom Cruise, "Independence Day," and "Billionaire Boys Club." Recent TV guest appearances include "Rissoli & Isles," "Dexter," "Secret Life of an American Teen," “Grey’s Anatomy,” "Medium," “Cold Case,” “The Closer,” “Numb3rs,” “Without A Trace,” “ER”, “CSI: NY”, and “Star Trek: Voyager” (as “Michael Jonas”). Raphael played cast regular “Jake Straka” in CBS-TV’s “The Guardian” with Simon Baker and Dabney Coleman.
Katelyn Tarver, appeared for two seasons as “Jo Taylor” (love interest to Kendall) in Nickelodeon TV’s popular series “Big Time Rush.” The series chronicles the making of a chart topping boy band. The show's official premiere received 6.8 million viewers, making it the highest rated live action premiere in Nickelodeon history. Katelyn then appeared on “No Ordinary Family” (as Natalie Posten) the ABC 
series starring Michael Chiklis about a family with unusual powers. Katelyn had a series in development for ABC Family, and look for her to have a guest arch on “Secret Life of An American Teen” this season!
Katelyn first came to ACTeen for private coaching for “Hannah Montana” getting down the finals for lead consideration! Katelyn is a fabulous singer and recording artist, and former finalist on the hit Fox TV series “American Idol Juniors,” where she won the heart of America each week, entertaining a cumulative audience of 35 million people. Katelyn wrote “I still revert back to my classes with you for help!!” We hope to see Katelyn at ACTeen again soon!!
Sofia Black-D'Elia (August Academy ) played "Tea", one of the leading roles in the controversial MTV- TV series "Skins," the American version of the hit British series. Much media attention was focused on the show, cast with authentic young teens/young adults, and dealing with their problematic and frankly sexual lives in a 'raw' and realistic way. Press articles about the show and Sofia's character has appeared in various media-- "The New Yorker," "The New York Times," and a cover article in "Entertainment Weekly." Sofia got her start playing “Bailey” in ABC-TV’s long-running daytime drama “All My Children,” soon after attending ACTeen. Sofia visited for monologue prep and spoke about her early soap experience. To quote Sofia: “The two cameras (in ACTeen’s Film course) definitely helped with my awareness of how to carry myself! Thanks for everything, Rita! " Look for Sofia to star in the upcoming feature film “Born of War.”
Cara Buono (graduate Film, Casting Director Seminar received an Emmy Nomination in 2011 for "Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series' for her role as "Dr. Faye Miller" love interest to Don Draper, in “Mad Men,” the AMC-TV three time Emmy-Winning Best Dramatic Series. Season four involved a business and personal scandal for Don Draper (played by actor Jon Hamm) and Cara’s ten episode arc provided her major air time! "Mad Men" received nineteen Emmy nominations in 2011, the second highest honor of any television production. Cara has guest-starred on “A Gifted Man,” ” “Navy NCIS,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and played Rose in five episodes of ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters.”
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Cara made her first film, “Gladiator” (featuring a very young Cuba Gooding, Jr.) with fellow alumnus Jon Seda. Casting Director Deborah Aquila (CSA), had seen Cara perform at ACTeen’s Casting Director Seminar, and subsequently cast Cara in Stephen Gyllenhaal’s feature “Waterland”, with Jeremy Irons. Cara’s first Emmy nomination was soon after studying at ACTeen. She received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her lead role in the CBS Schoolbreak Special “Abby My Love.” Cara has played major roles on Broadway including “The Rose Tattoo” at Lincoln Center). Cara starred in the USA series “The Dead Zone” by Stephen King (sheriff “Anna Turner’) played Michael Imperioli's pregnant wife ‘Kelli’ in the final season of HBO’s acclaimed drama "The Sopranos," and series paramedic “Grace Foster” in NBC’s Peabody Award Winning drama “Third Watch.” Cara also played Owens’s mother in the thriller “Let Me In”, starring Chloe Moretz (“Kick Ass”). Look for her in upcoming films “The Discoverers.”
Jon Seda (Film, Commercials etc) starred in “The Pacific,” (now available on DVD!) the ten part World War II Emmy winning "Best TV Mini-Series," produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg for HBO-TV. Jon played one of the three leads, Marine Sgt. John Basilone. "The Pacific" received a total of 24 Emmy nominations, including "Best Mini-Series', "Best Direction", and "Best Writing."This year Jon appeared as cast regular "Nelson Hidalgo' a venture capitalist wheeler/dealer, in the second season of HBO-TV’s post-Katrina New Orleans series "Treme," and will return for season three.
Jon has been a series regular on seven series including Ray Blackwell in the CBS-TV series “Close to Home.” “Third Watch,” “Ghost Whisperer,” HBO’s “Oz”, UPN-TV’s “Kevin Hill” with Taye Diggs, and two years on NBC’s critically acclaimed, Peabody Award Winning detective series “Homicide: Life on the Streets.” Jon's many film credits include "Gladiator," "Carlito's Way," "Twelve Monkeys," "Primal Fear" and "Selena” (as husband Chris Perez). Jon earned a Best Actor nomination at the 1996 
Cannes Film Festival for “The Sunchaser,” also starring Woody Harrelson. Look for Jon in the upcoming film “Bullet to the Head” with Sylvester Stallone, and Jason Mamoa (“Game of Thrones”).
Jon, a former boxer, took his very first acting courses at ACTeen. Jon credits ACTeen for giving him his start. He got his first film opportunity “Gladiator” (with a young Cuba Gooding Jr.) after a manager saw him in an ACTeen showcase. On several occasions, Jon has graciously been a guest in our Film Scene Study class, answering questions and doing audition scenes with the student actors. Just this year we met for a lovely lunch ‘catch up.’ We are incredibly proud of Jon’s continued success!
Daniella Alonso (graduate Film, Film Technique) booked a lead in the TV pilot "METRO" written by Oscar winner Stephan Gaghan ("Traffic." Daniella starred in the ABC series "My Generation," a faux-documentary about a group of high school students 10 years after they graduate. This was Daniella’s third TV series principal role! She played Carlotta on NBC TV’s “Friday Night 
Lights," and Anna Taggaro in the popular TV drama “One Tree Hill” with Chad Michael Murray. Daniella has appeared in feature films, Off-Broadway, as “Pilar” on CBS-TV’s daytime drama “As the World Turns,” and in many commercials.
visited ACTeen to chat with students and spoke warmly of her experience: “I started ACTeen because I wanted training and audition confidence. ACTeen helped me develop both. The environment at ACTeen is awesome. In all my classes, I felt safe and free to make mistakes. After taking my first real acting courses at ACTeen I got an agent, & booked my first leading role in an independent film .” Daniella has appeared in films “Wrong Turn 2,” and “Hills Have Eyes II,” as well as guest appearances on television’s “In Plain Sight,” “Medium,” “Without a Trace,” and “CSI: Miami.”
Jordana Spiro, graduate Film, Film Technique, Commercials, Film Seminar) starred for three seasons in the TBS-TV comedy series "My Boys." “My Boys" (which was cable's #1 original sitcom) starred Jordana as “PJ Franklin” a ‘just one of the guys’ tomboyish Chicago sportswriter. Most recently Jordana joined Oscar winner Kathy Bates and TV writer/veteran David E. Kelley on NBC-TV's drama "Harry's Law" playing 'Rachael Miller'. Jordana took several years of classes at ACTeen while in her teens, before pursuing Hollywood and success. Jordana got a major career boast in the feature film “Must Love Dogs” playing “Sherry,” John Cuzak’s former girlfriend. Jordana has appeared on “Dexter,” “JAG”, “Cold Case”, and “CSI-NY.” Jordana appears in the Joel Schummacher directed feature film "Trespass", starring Nicole Kidman and Nicholas Cage.
Davi Santos (Film, Commercials, Talent Agent Showcase) guest stars on the new ABC series “Apartment 23,” starring Krysten Ritter, Dreama Walker, and James Van Der Beek. The show involves a naïve Midwesterner who moves to New York and becomes roommates with the conniving Chloe (Ritter). The amoral schemer is best friends with James Van Der Beek (yes, the real "Dawson's Creek" alum is part of the cast and mocks himself entertainingly in the "Apt. 23" pilot.) Davi has a comedic role, an Italian American 17 year old who moves into the protagonist's building and becomes infatuated with her against the popular consensus of the other residents who think he is too young. Davi is an active TV commercial performer, and frequent theater actor. He is also the recipient of our "Will Sears Scholarship."
Jamie Lynn Sigler (graduate Commercials, Musical Theater) parked her car for the last time, after six seasons as the feisty daughter “Meadow Soprano” in the HBO-TV Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG award–winning series “The Sopranos”. A major critical and commercial success, “The Sopranos” won eighteen Emmys and five Golden Globes, and has been the subject of much parody and analysis. Jamie has guest starred numerous times on NBC-TV’s hit comedy “Ugly Betty”, was a series regular in the HBO’s hit series “Entourage,” co-starred in the Lifetime mini-series “The Gathering,” starring Peter Gallagher and two time Academy award winner Peter Fonda, and has several films in the works. Jamie’s also played a ‘soprano’ of a different sort, using her ACTeen musical training to star on Broadway as “Belle” in “Beauty and the Beast”!
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Danny Masterson (graduate Film Scene Study) appeared as “Steven Hyde” in FOX-TV’s “That ’70s Show”, enjoying eight seasons of laughs! Danny attended ACTeen when he was in his early teens, and then moved to Los Angeles where he’s done very well. In addition to “That ’70s Show”, Danny’s appeared in “Kim Possible,” Roseanne”, “Party of Five”, “Cybill”, and the film “The Faculty” (with fellow ACTeen grad Jordana Brewster).
Danny has done feature films, including “Made for Each Other,” starring brother Christopher Masterson, (featuring ACTeen grads 
Samm Levine and Debargo Sanyal), “Yes Man” with Jim Carey, crime drama “The Bridge to Nowhere” with Ving Rhams, and playing ‘Jerry Rubin’ in the film “Chicago 8". Danny’snow starring in "Playing With Guns” for Spike TV, about two childhood best friends who become police officers in their hometown for the everyday perks. Directed by Brian Robbins (producer “One Tree Hill”, “Smallville.”)
Kimberly Williams Paisley (graduate Auditionand Commercials) starred with Jim Belushi and Courtney Thorne-Smith in ABC-TV’s Emmy-nominated comedy “According to Jim" for eight seasons playing his sister-in-law. 
Kimberly took two courses during ACTeen’s July Academy right before she got her first big break when she was cast as the bride in Touchstone’s film “Father of the Bride” with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Kim’s been working steadily in the years since, in films, television (she starred in the ABC-TV series “Relativity” and the mini-series “The 10th Kingdom”), and in theater (Broadway’s Tony Award–winning play “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”, and David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow” in London). She appeared in the film “We Are Marshall” directed by McG, directed episodes of “According to Jim”, and appeared with husband/singer Brad Paisley at the Annual Country Music Association Awards.
Graduate Laura Breckenridge enjoyed a three episode arc on “Gossip Girl” as Rachel Carr, a very young looking high school teacher who mentored both Blake Lively’s Serena and Penn Badgley’s Dan (where a relationship with Ms. Carr made Serena jealous). Most recently Laura guest-starred on CBS-TV's "CSI:NY" (starring Gary Sinese) in the episode "Clean Sweep" and ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." Laura starred as the youngest Sorelli sister in the former WB series “Related,” and will appear in the upcoming feature “BoyBand.” Laura’s appeared on Broadway in the acclaimed revival of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” (with Liam Neeson and Laura Linney).
ACTeen Grads “Featured” Everywhere
Kimiko Gelman (alum Film) plays “Venia” in the highly anticipated feature film “The Hunger Games” starring Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, and Woody Harrelson. The film is an adaptation of the best selling young-adult novel series, and is set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television. Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the upcoming match. “Venia” is part of the prep team that works to improve Katniss’s rough appearance, prepping her to be dressed by Cinna. Kim booked a lead soon after her film classes at ACTeen, as “Rose Foley” eldest orphan adoptee in the 80’s two-season 
family TV comedy “Rags to Riches,” starring Joseph Bologna. Kim won over the casting directors (who’d originally planned to take Rose in a different direction) with her terrific audition. Kimiko has worked consistently through the years since “Rags” in series (“West Wing,” “Zoey 1010,”) and films (“Minority Report,” “David and Lisa.”) We are thrilled to see Kim in such a high profile film, and hopefully anticipate her appearance in any sequels!
Elizabeth Masucci (Film, Film Casting Director Seminar) is featured in the critically acclaimed film "Shame" starring Michael Fassbinder, and Carrie Mulligan featured at the NY Film Festival. Elizabeth has a principal role in the independent feature, “Virgin Alexander,” which won best feature film at the Las Vegas Film Festival. Look for Liz also in several TV series: "Gossip Girl," "Person of Interest.," “Royal Pains,” and "The 2-2" a new TV crime drama produced by Robert DeNiro,
China Shavers (graduate Commercials, Film Scene Study) played “Olivia Evans” opposite Mekhi Phifer on NBC’s long-running series “ER”. Other TV series include playing series regular “Brooke Harper”, Principal Chi McBride’s daughter, on FOX-TV’s “Boston Public”, and “Dreama”, Sabrina’s 
witch pal, in a season of “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.” China appears in the film “Beginners” by director Michael Mills, with Golden Globe winner Christopher Plummer, alongside Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent, and Goran Visnjic (“ER”). China stopped by ACTeen with her mom Angie Shavers to visit and share memories... From China: “Thank you for all the support you gave me while I attended ACTeen”, and from her mom: “Any mother should trust you with their child’s acting career!”
Lucas Salvagno, (Film, Talent Agent Showcase) starred in the film “God Don’t Make the Laws” with Paul Sorvino and Bruce Davison, cast by Brette Goldstein (Monologues Instructor). Lucas, who got his agent through our Talent Agent Showcase, played loner ‘Hawk Kokiak,” a mysterious boy with a sordid past. Lucas has also done several commercials and voiceovers since attending ACTeen and is also active in the NY theater community.
Debargo Sanyal (graduate of ACTeen’s July Academy) appears at “Mahmoud” in Rob Reiner’s upcoming feature film “The Summer of Monte Williams” starring Oscar and recent Cecil B. De Mille award winter Morgan Freeman (“Invictus.”) Freeman plays a wheelchair-bound author who moves to a rural town, where he befriends a single mother and her three kids, who help reignite his passion for writing. Debargo has completed several films: “Everybody’s Fine”, starring Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, and Drew Barrymore; as "Wesley” in “Bert and Arnie’s Guide to Friendship” (starring Anna Chlumsky of “My Girl” fame), and the film “Ashes” (with ACTeen grad Melissa De Sousa). He’s guest-starred on "Damages,” “Running Wilde," “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and appears frequently on the New York stage. Additionally Debargo is an active commercial performer with national and regional spots for McDonald’s, Holiday Inn, and the NY Lottery. Debargo writes: “ACTeen was my very first exposure to performing in front of the camera. I learned so much about my strengths and weaknesses from the video playback process, as well as from the helpful feedback I received from the instructors. I was accepted into the Casting Director Seminar and the Talent Agent Showcase, where I made some great industry contacts and also learned a lot about the ‘business’ of being an actor from the people who know it best. From the important information I acquired, to the new skills I learned, to the people that I have met, ACTeen has been a wonderful resource for me.”
Ralph Rodriguez (Advanced Commercials) is a graduate who is in frequent contact. Ralph wrote: “thank you for all your hard work in shaping up my acting skills and giving me the tools I needed for auditioning and getting me better at my craft.” Ralph visited the Sundance Film Festival to promote the new Paramount film "Son of No One" where Ralph is featured along with stars Channing Tatum, Al Pacino and Katie Holmes. Ralph has appeared in the high school drama “Detachment” with Adrien Brody and Bryan Cranston, and recently completed the film "Compliance" starring Dreama Walker, (and with fellow ACTeen alum Phil Ettinger) set in a fast food restaurant. Ralph also booked a "Drug Free America" and a Six Flags commercial! We always love to hear about Ralphs's bookings and expect more great news from Ralph!
Jenna Lamia (graduate Film, Talent Agent Showcase) plays the youngest sister ("Sherri Ward') of Mark Wahlberg, and Christian Bale in the Oscar winning film “The Fighter,” about boxer Micky Ward and the brother who helped train him. "The Fighter" captured two Oscars, for both Jenna's film 'mom' Melissa Leo, and 'brother' Christian Bale, and a SAG acting ensemble award nomination! Jenna made her New York stage debut on Broadway at Lincoln Center in “Ah, Wilderness!” with Craig T. Nelson (shortly
after getting her first agency representation through our ACTeen Talent Agent Showcase). Jenna is a 
very accomplished working actress, appearing in television series (“NYPD Blue”, “Law & Order SVU,” “Without a Trace”) and in many on-camera and voiceover commercials. A popular audio book voice artist, Jenna won the 2010 "Audie" award, for her reading of "Skeeter" in the best selling novel "The Help", by Katherine Stockett. Additionally Jenna is a writer, on the popular CW hit series "90210", (with current cast ACTeen alum Gillian Zinser). Jenna has visited ACTeen, as our honored professional guest actress, adroitly performing scenes and audition sides with the students.
Samm Levine plays ‘PFC Hirschberg’ opposite Brad Pitt in the Oscar nominated film “Inglourious Basterds,” written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Samm played “Spanky” in the film “Sydney White,” starring Amanda Bynes, “I Love You Beth Cooper,” starring Hayden Panettiere , “Pulse” with Kristin Bell and “Made for Each Other” (with fellow ACTeen alum Danny Masterson and Debargo Sanyal).
Samm (graduate Film Technique ) landed the principal role of “Neal” on the critically acclaimed NBC-TV series “Freaks & Geeks” (available on DVD.) “Freaks & Geeks” is a cult classic, produced by Judd Apatow and featuring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Linda Cardellini (“ER”), and Busy Philipps. Samm has guest starred on over twenty sitcoms and series including “Modern Family,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Entourage,” “Family Guy,” “NCIS,” “That 70’s Show,” and “My Name is Earl.”
Shannon Maree Walsh, (alum ACTeen Talent Agent Showcase, Film Scene Study plays “Melanie Pratt” in the new Wes Craven (“Nightmare on Elm Street”) horror film “My Soul to Take." Shannon was also featured in the ABC TV series "What Would You Do?" playing a pregnant teen who refuses to relinquish her baby to her chosen adoptive parents!
ACTeen Alums Get “Series-ous”!
Jess Adams, (alum Commercials, Film Technique) just on ABC Family's "Nine Lives of Chloe King" as "Mia,"and NBC”s “Community.” Jess has also been doing a lot of modeling and indie film work!
Olivia Crocicchia took private lessons while working on the FX TV series “Rescue Me” (Olivia played Dennis Leary’s daughter “Katy Gavin.”) Olivia has done very well lately. She played a lead in Sundance indie film favorite “Terri” with stars Jacob Wysocki and John C. Reilly, and was a guest-star on the “Crushed’ episode of “CSI:NY” (with fellow alum Juliet Brett. Look for Olivia in the film “Nailed” with Jake Gyllenhaal.
Sara Litzsinger had a nice guest-spot on CBS’s “The Good Wife” recently as a Wisconsin Cheese representative! Sara has been performing on Broadway since she was eleven! Her theater credits include the Broadway revival of “Oliver!“ alongside Patti LuPone, the ensemble of “Les Misérables,” and Sara is the ‘longest running ‘Belle’ in Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
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Melissa De Sousa (graduate Talent Agent Showcase) was a regular this season on BET networks series comedy "Reed Between the Lines" starring Malcolm Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross. Melissa played "Gabriella Jimenez" single friend to the married couple. Melissa has been a principal in several series: UPN’s TV series “Second Time Around”, and ’“One on One,“ the comedy “Damon”starring Damon Wayans, and the TV drama “The $treet”, opposite Jennifer Connelly, Recently appearances include the film “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” “Ashes,” with ACTeen alum Debargo Sanyal. Melissa is best known for her performance as “Shelby” in the romantic comedy “The Best Man”, with Taye Diggs, which earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination. Other film credits include “Laurel Canyon”, “Miss Congeniality”, “30 Years to Life,” and “The Ron Clark Story” starring Matthew Perry. Melissa wrote: “ACTeen was the first step I took in becoming an actor. It turned out to be the right one. The classes gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed. I booked the first job I ever auditioned for. It was that simple! Thanks ACTeen!”
Troy Winbush graduate Film, Commercials, Audition) literally grew up at ACTeen. To quote Troy, “ACTeen was my first acting school. When I started I took acting as a hobby, but as I continued with my training the dream grew to become a professional. The teachers gave me pride in my work. I’ll always be grateful to them!” Troy met the “The Cosby Show” casting directors in his ACTeen Audition course and was cast as “Denny”, one of Theo’s friends, playing with the stellar Emmy Award winning cast headed by Bill Cosby and
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Phylicia Rashad. Subsequently Troy landed roles in the films “The Principal” (with Jim Belushi), “Bonfire of the Vanities” (with Tom Hanks), “John Q” (with Denzel Washington) and “National Treasure 2” (with Nicholas Cage). Television appearances include portraying Frank Powell”, series principal in the NBC-TV series “Medical Investigation,” and recently “House of Payne,” “Rizzoli & Isles”, “NCIS,” “Girlfriends,” and ““CSI: Miami.”
Crystal Hunt joined the cast of ABC-TV’s “One Life to Live” as bad girl “Stacy Morasco.” For over a year, Crystal starred in 151 episodes! No stranger to daytime drama, Crystal played troubled teen “Lizzie Spaulding” for three years on CBS-TV’s soap opera “Guiding Light” and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the Outstanding Younger Actress category. Crystal was featured (with ACTeen grad Samm Levine above) in the film “Sydney White,” starring Amanda Bynes, playing the Texas sorority coed with the big hair. Crystal has appeared in the films “The Derby Stallion,” “From Earth to the Moon”, “Problem Child II”, and many commercials.
ACTeen Alumni Light Up Broadway!
Congratulations to Justin Bohon (graduate Commercials) now dancing and singing in his seventh Broadway musical, --“The Book of Mormon,” winner of 9 Tony awards including “Best Musical of 2011, and created by the writers of “South Park.” Justin has been in “9 to 5” with lyrics by Dolly Parton, played Will Parker in “Oklahoma!” directed by Trevor Nunn, choreographed by Susan Stroman (he received the Theatre World and Astaire Awards, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations); Jolle in “Les Misérables”; Dean Hyde in “All Shook Up”; “The Producers,” and “Miss Saigon.”
Haley Podscun (July Academy) now in her fifth Broadway show, the Tony Award winning Best Musical Revival “Anything Goes”, starring Tony Award Winner Sutton Foster and Joel Grey (Haley plays “Virtue.”) Other Broadway shows include “Pal Joey” with Stockard Channing, Tony and Drama Desk 2008 ‘Best Revival” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Hairspray.” Hayley played the lead in “Freckleface Strawberry” Off Broadway, the musical adaptation of Julianne Moore’s bestselling children’s book! Hayley also appeared in the feature film version of “Hairspray” with fellow alum Ariel Reid as one of the “council kids.”
Jillian Mueller (alum Film Technique, Commercials, Film Casting Director Seminar.) is doing the National Tour of “American Idiot.” Recently Jillian appeared at Lincoln Center in a ballet musical workshop directed by Susan Stroman (based on a Degas sculpture.) Jillian has done three Broadway musicals including “Bye Bye Birdie, as well as a recent stint on the TV series “A Gifted Man.” Jillian booked her first ever commercial audition: a national spot for Verizon FIOS right after her commercial course at ACTeen! Her dad emailed me the great news and happily asked: “Is it always that easy or was her training with you that good?!" We are very proud of Jillian’s success!!
Giuseppi Bausilio (ACTeen alumnus of Film Technique, Improvisation) starred on Broadway as “Billy” in “Billy Elliot.” Giuseppe is an extraordinary dancer, and winner of international dance competitions. Recently Giuseppi performed in “The Nutcracker” in New York.
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Bridget Berger travelled from TN to take our July Academy before obtaining her BFA at Carnegie Mellon University. Bridget’s appeared in three Broadway shows, and is currently in the six year long running musical “Jersey Boys” (as Mary Delgado). Bridget has also appeared on Broadway in “Curtains,” and “The Pajama Game.”
Caitlin Kinnunen, (Film, Talent Agent Showcase) was only sixteen when she made her debut on Broadway in the original “Spring Awakening” (as “Thea”.) This year Caitlin has been performing across the country in the 1rst National Tour of the complex Pulitzer Prize winning musical “Next To Normal,” starring Alice Ripley.
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aisy Hobbs, (Commercials, Film, Talent Agent Showcase, Film Casting Director Seminar) recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and has not stopped working! She performed a new Disney adaptation of “Aladdin” in Seattle directed by Casey Nicholaw (“Book of Mormon”) and is now in the 1rst National Tour of “Memphis,” (2010’s Tony Winning “Best Musical”) which opened appropriately enough in Memphis Tennessee.
Laura Heisler (Talent Agent Showcase) made her Broadway debut as ‘Edward Ashbrook’ in "Coram Boy." A veteran stage actor, Laura has appeared in numerous world premieres Off-Broadway and regionally. This year Laura was nominated for The Lucille Lortel Award for “Outstanding Performance by an Actress” for her role in the play “Kin” performed Off Broadway at Playwrights Horizon. Laura appears in the independent feature “Coach” ( starring Hugh Dancy, along with fellow ACTeen alum Jonathan Gutierrez), and “Cold Souls.” TV appearances include “The Defenders,” “The Middle,” Bones,” “Ugly Betty,” and “Numb3rs.”
Ronete Levenson (who got her manager through our ACTeen Talent Agent Showcase)— made her Lincoln Center Theatre debut in the world premiere of “What We Once Felt.” Ronete played Rebecca Gibbs in the acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” directed by David Cromer for the Barrow Street Theater. Regional: August: Osage County (Old Globe Theater); Argonautika dir. Mary Zimmerman (Berkeley Rep, Shakespeare Theatre of DC, McCarter). Film: “Taking Woodstock” directed by Ang Lee. TV: "Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU," "Guiding Light," and "Possible Side Effects" directed by Tim Robbins (a Showtime pilot).
In Other News…
Rita Litton, contributed writings for two published books for actors. “Acting for Young Actors: The Ultimate Teen Guide” by Mary Lou Belli and Dinah Lenney, and “The Actor’s Other Career Book” by Lisa Mulcahy. Rita was a featured panelist for a ‘Q & A’ following the book signing of “Acting For Young Actors” at The Drama Book Shop in New York City, along with Karl Jurman, the Musical Director of Broadway’s “Lion King” and Mary Lou Belli, Emmy Award winning director, producer, and seven season director of “Girlfriends” on the CW Network. (See Guest Artists)
We’ve Been Talking To…
Phil Ettinger (ACTeen alum August Academy) emailed from the film set of "Compliance" starring Dreama Walker, ("Gossip Girl") and featuring fellow alum Ralph Rodriguez. The film, produced by the producer of "Pineapple Express, deals with controversy in a fast food restaurant. Phil has guest-starred on “The Closer” and appeared as “Hunter in Joel Shumacher film “Twelve” with Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, & Rory Culkin..
Amanda Quaid (ACTeen Speech & Voice Instructor) fresh off female lead in revival of Tony Kushner's play "Illusion" Off Broadway, and Ethan Coen's play Off Broadwy plays Oscar Winner F. Murray Abraham's daughter in "Galileo" at Classic Stage Company Off Broadway.
Barbara Capelli (mother to Christina, Fall Program) wrote: “Thank you so very much for the wonderful acting program which Christina just completed, she loved it! I see a stronger motivation and increased self confidence in her and I know that you and your teaching staff are the catalysts.”
Nicole Duquet, (July Academy) ) is studying acting at Interlochen Arts Academy, performing the musical “A Christmas Carol” with musical direction by Alan Menken. Nicole wrote: “It's such an honor to be in a high school with such talented acting and music alumni and faculty. Of course I've taken all my film techniques from ACTeen to Interlochen and it's been such a blast!”
And lastly we mourn the loss of our dear former student Will Sears and have established a scholarship fund in his honor. Through the generosity of the Will Sears Memorial Foundation we are able to offer several Will Sears Memorial Scholarships for accomplished young actors each year. Scholarships to date have been awarded to alumni: Jessica Adams, C. J. St. Aubyn, Carleen Baptiste, Michael Cavayero, Rebecca Chusid, Nicholas Cutro, Erica Dippold, Phillip Ettinger, Victoria Giler, Shaina Gomez, Andrew Gordon, Rashawn Govantes, Jonathan Gutierrez, Darrell Joe Haire, Nathan Hapke, Eric Hill, Derek Jinks, Mark Keller, Courtney Klotz, Joseph Maran, Dante Neil, Brittany Pasquelina, Shane Peltzman, Austin & Andrew Percario, Nikaury Roman, Damien Rosa, Davi Santos, Sarah Stearns, Asher Stockler, Tony Tilli, Erika Trumpet, Spadaque Volcimus, and Christine Wong.
In Memoriam
Will Sears
1982 – 2002
(click here for more)
Alumni Opportunities
Congratulations to those alumni who participated in ACTeen’s recent Talent Agent Showcase. (Talent Agent Showcase Photo Gallery) The teens have racked up an impressive array of callbacks and agency signings. The ACTeen Talent Agent Showcase is held twice a year, September and May, by audition only. A panel of judges selects a top ten to twelve finalists. We feel our students have done exceptionally well over the years.
Also available to our recommended graduates of either the Film Acting Technique or Film Scene Study class is the Casting Director Seminar. Held once a year in the winter, the seminar is conducted by five outstanding NYC casting directors who work personally with each student on audition and cold-reading techniques. Check out the Casting Director Seminar page or the Casting Director Seminar Photo Gallery for more information!
If you’re an alum and are interested in auditioning for the next Talent Agent Showcase , please call Rita Litton — (212) 391-5915 — for upcoming dates and audition information!
