Youth Judge

Actor/Singer/Musician

Anthony Collucci

Thrilled to be teenage jduge for Markham Talent 2024 Open Casting Call, Anthony Collucci's journey into the world of entertainment began at the tender age of 7 when he secured his inaugural role in a Campbell soup commercial. Growing up, he cultivated his talents in music, with a particular focus on drumming and singing, through six years of dedicated training at the School of Rock Markham performance program. It was during this time that his potential caught the eye of BookITTalent, leading to a decade-long contract that would shape his career trajectory.

Throughout his career, Anthony has flourished, landing numerous print and commercial gigs while continuously auditioning for lead roles in television series and movies. Noteworthy among his recent commercial endeavors are partnerships with brands like TikTok, KidsHelpPhone, Invisalign, and RBC.

Now at the age of 18, Anthony Collucci finds himself on the cusp of a new chapter in his artistic odyssey.  While accepted into Toronto Metropolitan University's prestigious Acting Conservatory Program, he has chosen to pursue his passion for theater and film by enrolling in the esteemed Theatre Program at York University. Undoubtedly, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of acting, poised to carve out a memorable and impactful presence in the entertainment industry.

Youth Judge

Actress/Singer/Dancer

Maya Gamzu

Maya Gamzu is a talented singer and actress with 10 years of experience.

She wowed audiences on Canada’s Got Talent in 2023, earning a Golden Buzzer and making it to the semi-finals. Maya's journey began at 6, and she's excelled in singing, acting, and dancing.

She's won awards in singing contests across Israel, Europe, and Canada.

Youth Judge

Actor

Marcello Canales

Marcello began his acting career at that age of 10 and was nominated for a Young Actors Joey award for first his work as a host in a Crayola series.

Marcello has appeared in both U.S. and Canadian commercials and fell in love with voice acting after landing his first voiceover role as Marcus in Sea Kids. He currently voices the role of Nicholas in Polly Pocket shorts for the past two years. Marcello recently completed his secondary education at the Regional Arts and Media Program in Whitby, Ontario.

He is known for his outgoing and charismatic personality, he is avid gamer and enjoys spending time with his cats and bird.

Youth Judge

Actor

Brooklyn Popp

Brooklyn began her acting career At the age of 3.  When Agent Pat Jarosz first met Brooklyn and her mom, she knew that both were a right fit for the industry. Brooklyn had a maturity beyond her age, she listened and followed direction. Her mother was supportive and eager to help Brooklyn in anyway that she could. Brooklyn’s mother had been approached since she was a newborn. People would stop her and say she was a beautiful child and should be in modelling or acting. 

Brooklyn has appreared in tv commercials , TV series like GOOD WITCH, Made for TV films like Found Alive and Pray For Me and stared in the film like Bordello! 

Brooklyn has also appeared in print advertising campaigns and is just signed with top model agent Cynthia Cully of Spot 6 for special children’s fashion modelling work. 

Brooklyn is excited to give support to The young contestants of Markham talent and to be a judge that they can relate to. 

Dance Judge

Actress/Dancer/Casting Director

Choreographer/Director/Producer

Amy Wright

Returning as judge from 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call, Amy Wright is a CSA-nominated producer, casting director, and choreographer. Since her

professional beginning in 1995 Amy is one of North America’s most sought after and respected

choreographers. Her work includes feature films, movies of the week, television series, reality TV,

stage musicals, including Canada’s prestigious Shaw Festival and over 85 commercials.

As a producer, THE NEXT STEP television show is one of Amy’s most well-known projects with

nine seasons, and over 245 episodes, it is watched by millions around the world. Amy has been

with the series since its inception as a Producer, Series Choreographer and Casting Director.

Amy’s recent television work includes: THE BOYS, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, WHAT WE DO

IN THE SHADOWS, and BLUES CLUES AND YOU.

Always with an eye open to new talent, Amy has cast hundreds of dancers for a variety of projects

most notably: DISNEY ZOMBIES 3, THE NEXT STEP, CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA

QUEEN, FIND ME IN PARIS and it’s spin off show SPELLBOUND. Amy’s passion for helping

dancers achieve success is unparalleled. With a focus on performances for young audiences, she

teaches and adjudicates internationally and her teaching method is highly regarded which

combines acting and dance techniques.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

www.amywright.ca

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Amy Wright Biography

Dance Judge

Dancer/Choreographer/

Director

Jennifer Nichols

Jennifer Nichols is a Canadian dancer, choreographer and director with over 20 years of professional stage and film experience. She is founder of the renowned ballet fitness program, the Extension Method™, owner of the Extension Room and Co-Artistic Director of the dance entertainment firm Hit & Run Dance Productions.

For television and film, Jennifer holds Head Choreographer and Dance/Script consultant credits for the new Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things, and was choreographer for Reign (CW), Titans (DC Universe), Matlock-Pilot (CBS), Glamorous (CW, Pilot), Frankie Drake (CBC), Salvation (CBS), Mary Kills People (Global TV), Falling Water (USA Network), Transylvania (CW, Pilot), Reacher (Amazon), Matlock (CBS) and the feature film Barney’s Version (Serendipity Point Films).

For stage, Jennifer holds extensive choreography, performance, and direction credits in opera, operetta, art song, and more. Highlights include the Dora-award winning choreographed production of Handel’s Messiah with Against the Grain Theatre; Dora-award nominated production of Glaser’s Pandora with FAWN Chamber Creative, and Opera5’s immersive production of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. She has presented her choreography of Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins, directed by Joel Ivany, with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Oregon Summer Music Festival, and a workshop at the Banff Centre for the Creative Arts, also appearing as the principal dancer. 

She has choreographed, designed, and directed for Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (Haus Musik), the Royal Conservatory of Music/Glenn Gould School (Offenbach’s La Belle Helene), and Toronto Summer Music Festival (L’Histoire du Soldat). She was assistant director at the Canadian Opera Company for their 2023 production of La bohème. Other works she has interpreted includes La Traviata, West Side Story, and Salome, as well as curating interdisciplinary performances for the Art Gallery of Ontario, LightHouse Immersive, and In.Set. 

Through her work, she has helmed several world premieres, including Harman’s Sewing the Earthworm (Canadian Art Song Project), Rickett’s Lilt (Esprit Orchestra), and Palmer’s Sweat with the Bicycle Opera Project, whose feature-length film of the work, directed by Jennifer, premiered earlier this year.

Singer/Musician Judge

Mickey Brandolino

Songwriter/Music Producer

Mickey Brandolino is a versatile talent known as a songwriter, producer, and former member of the indie pop group Valley. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Mickey's musical journey has been noteworthy. During his time with Valley, Mickey earned recognition, including nominations for Juno awards, Socan awards, and charting on radio, Spotify, Apple Music and more. In 2022, Valley, with Mickey's contributions, received a nomination for Breakthrough Group of the Year, followed by another nomination in 2024 for Pop Album of the Year. On top of that, they have received 2 SOCAN awards, one for Song of the Year in 2021 and for a #1 SOCAN single on CBC radio in 2023. Mickey's involvement in Valley's music led to notable achievements, such as a Gold record for their single "Like 1999”, a Diamond record in Korea for the album "Last Birthday”, charting top 10 on Canadian Top 40 radio, and charting #1 on CBC radio. It was during his tenure with Valley that Mickeysecured deals with Universal Music for a record deal, Sony Music for a publishing deal, and was represented by agency WME. In March 2024, Mickey decided to pursue a solo career, focusing on producing and songwriting full-time. With a track record of collaborations with artists like Charli XCX & Elio (Production & Writing) , Conan Gray (Production) , Johnny Orlando (Production), and to Alessia Cara (Mixing) to name a few. Frequently traveling between Toronto and Los Angeles, Mickey collaborates with industry peers, shaping his musical endeavours. As Mickey Brandolino continues to evolve in the music industry, his dedication promises to influence future soundscapes, developing the worlds next great artists, and leaving a lasting impact on music.

Singer / Musician Judge

Robert Laidlaw

Producer/Musician/Singer

Juno nominated songwriter

Formerly playing in the new Platinum and returning as judge from 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call.  Rob Laidlaw is well known in the music industry for his music production, vocals, bass playing and a Juno Nominee for song of the year.

Rob Laidlaw is well known in the music industry for his music production, vocals, bass playing and a Juno Nominee for song of the year. 

He has played in MANY Canadian bands such as:

 New Regime (1986-1988), Winter Rose (1986-1988), Figgy Duff (1988-2010), Pamela Morgan (1988-2010), Lee Aaron (1989-1992), Gypsy Rose (1990-1992, 2017-2019), Kim Mitchell (1991-1994), Helix (1993), Alannah Myles (1994-1997), Rik Emmett (1995), Glass Tiger (1999), Honeymoon Suite (1999-2004), Rough Trade (2000-2010), Mudmen (2001), Platinum Blonde (2001-2015), Mike Reno (Loverboy) (2003-2008), Jimi Jamison (Survivor) (2003-2008), Johnny Dee (Honeymoon Suite) (1999-2004), Toronto (2016-Present) among others like Sass Jordan, Jeff Healey.

If all of that wasn't enough for you Rob Laidlaw has also opened for some of the GOAT Bands around the world, such as Robert Plant, Deep Purple, Elton John, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Styx, Foreigner, Ozzy Osbourne and many many others to be updated here soon.

Available music with Rob Laidlaw as Bass Player, Songwriter, Producer, Backup Vocals for download – https://www.discogs.com/artist/787464-Rob-Laidlaw

Singer / Musician Judge

Aideen O'Brien

Juno Awards Board Member

Returning as judge from 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call, Aideen’s experience and connections in the entertainment industry are vast.

Aideen is a successful recording artist of Irish and Celtic music 

and was a long time voting member for the Juno Awards Nominations and Awards.

After a career working for industry giant eONE Canada - Entertainment One,  Aideen specialized in placing original music in commercials , TV series and film.

Aideen has formed her company. She mentors singers and songwriters through the vicarious music publishing world, sends original music to be considered for use including the semi annual Christmas movie seasons in Canada. 

Aideen’s connections with production companies and studios has made her a much sought after executive producer for independent TV and films productions . 

Singer/Musician Judge

Shelly Nosov-Davine

Juno Awards Judge/Musician/

Entertainment Marketing Specialist/

Entrepreneur

Shelly has been involved in music since the early age of 4 and has worked on the business side of the entertainment industry for 40+ years. 

For the past 30 years, she has specialized in marketing and business consulting services to all sectors of the entertainment industry, both in Canada and the U.S., but her main interest is and has always been “music.”

Shelly has worked with the iconic Canadian band Lighthouse since 2006 and is co-owner of the very 1st official Canadian School of Rock, which opened in Markham in March 2013. Shelly considers herself extremely fortunate to have been able to work with many well-known, fabulous musicians throughout her career and has been a Juno Judge since 2017. Although Shelly has owned and operated her own businesses, which also include Live Music Listings Inc., a social media service which offers musicians a free space to list their live shows in major cities all over North America, she has always thrived on mentoring individuals and businesses and helping others succeed.

Shelly sings and plays keyboard, percussion, and bass guitar, but what she loves most is the ability to bring music into the lives of others and watch them experience the joy ofbeing part of our great musical community. 

She is a current board member of the Rock School Franchise Association and a past board/committee member of the Markham Arts Council, The Motion Picture Foundation of Canada, and the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund.

Singer / Music Judge

Scott Johnson

Music Producer/

Media Art Teacher

With a career spanning over two decades, Scott Johnson is honored to serve as a music judge for Markham's Got Talent.

As a distinguished music producer and composer, Scott's work has resonated across multiple platforms, with numerous albums signed to many renowned libraries and featured on television networks such as CBS, ESPN, The Discovery Channel, Oprah Winfrey Network, History Channel, HGTV, BBC, and more.

He also shares his expertise as an instructor at Sync Academy, where he provides feedback to aspiring music producers and composers, aiding them in honing their craft to industry standards. Additionally, as a Media Arts teacher with over 20 years of experience Scott is deeply committed to fostering creativity and excellence in the next generation of artists.

Casting Judge

Colleen Rush

Television / Film

Casting Director



Colleen is the Co-Casting Director/Associate at Larissa Mair Casting & Associates. Colleen has been working with Larissa for over 9 years and she has enjoyed every moment.

The last 9 years have shown her that Casting is where she wants to be; every day she enjoys overcoming the challenges of the casting world. Colleen works closely with Larissa’s clients alongside Larissa, making sure everything is in place so that every casting job runs efficiently.

In 2022 Colleen received her first Co-casting Director credits for Popularity Paper S1 (YTV), Shelved S1 (CTV), & Run the Burbs S2 (CBC).

Since then she continues to receive Co-Casting Director credits on projects such as; Gangnam Project for CBC/The BBC, Run The Burbs S2 & S3 (CBC), Davey and Jonesie’s Locker S1 (Prime Video/Hulu), One More Time S1 (CBC), Late Bloomer S1 (Crave), Don’t Even (Crave/APTN), and Dino Dex (Prime Video, Amazon Kids+, TVOkids, TFO, Knowledge Network).

Casting Judge

Sarah Sheps

Casting Director,

Mann Casting

Sarah Sheps is Casting Director at Mann Casting.

She is a proud member of the Casting Directors Society of Canada and has been in the business for over 15 years. She is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Music Theatre program and spent time touring Canada, the US and Europe with many children’s shows including Strawberry Shortcake Live, Dora the Explorer and Franklin the Turtle. She has cast over 5000 commercials, Warner Brothers/Crave's Borje Salaming story and is currently casting Season 25 of Mayday. 

She is extremely passionate about new talent and looks forward to meeting you all!

Actor Judge

Tijuana Layne

Actor/Filmmaker/Writer

While Ms. Layne has achieved outstanding accomplishments in the realms of writing, film, television, and dance throughout the years, it is her incredible passion for social justice, her dedicated work as a social activist and her passion for exposing female-specific oppression, that makes her a powerful and provocative filmmaker.

Ms. Layne has contributed her talents to social issues. She was awarded scholarships with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Philadanco and performed with Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane and Company.  In the past ten years, Ms. Layne has concentrated her energies and talents as an actor in Film. As a date rape victim in a PBS special on educating teens about sexual abuse, and as Cha Cha, in “All American Girl: the Mary Kay Letourneau Story” with Penelope Ann Miller. 

During this time, Ms. Layne made the transition as both Writer and Producer on her own Independent Film Projects, founding “Three Eagles Productions,” in 2004. And now an incorporated company EAGLES THREE PRODUCTIONS RISING LTD.

Ms. Layne is an internationally awarded filmmaker and actor. She has produced, written and starred in “In the Name of Love,” an erotic story about a woman's sexual journey through an S&M and intimacy.

Following this film was Love Me, a story about three women of color, dealing with identity and sexual immorality. Ms. Layne sold her production, Need, which has been picked up by Echelon Studios for international sales. Simultaneously Ms. Layne completing another project, the “The Weight of Tradition,” which is a social commentary on society through dance as well as the completion of four feature-length screenplays, including SAD EYES, SWIMMING IN VANILLA DREAMS and BLIND EMBRACE. And including her first feature "THE BLUE ROSE" a film that speaks on homelessness and addiction.

Now with THE COLOR OF THE HEART, Ms. Layne takes a stand on the issue of race and racism in present-day Canada. Presently Ms Layne has completed 4 unique and powerful films  - FREEDOM OR NOT which deals with trauma. CRAZY a thriller about the abuse of power, IN THE ECHO OF EVIL a dystopian film on control and society reverting into chaos. And just recently completed THE BLUE LADY which speaks on isolation and the need for human connection -- A love story with a twist

Model Judge

Cynthia Cully

Talent Manager / Agent

Spot 6 Management

High Fashion Model Agency

Returning as judge from 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call, Cynthia Cully has worked in the fashion and entertainment industry for 25 years and is the founder of Spot 6 Management in Toronto, an agency redefining beauty, through diversity and inclusion.

With importance to listening, supporting the models/talents/clients and they're values to insure growth and opportunities for everyone.

Starting as a model herself, she then moved on to becoming a top-booking agent, holding the prestigious title of Director of Ford Models Canada for 7 years, and was responsible for developing and launching Ford Models into the Canadian marketplace.

Taking it from a very small upstart to becoming one of the largest and most recognized in Canada.

Her ability to spot and find potential models is uncanny, scouting models in restaurants, on the street, airports, concerts, and just about anywhere you find people.

"It's finding someone that I can see their potential and they have no idea what I see ahead for them……. the rest is history.”

Over the past 25 years Cynthia is responsible for the development and success of the best, top models, influencers, and creatives, with her years of experience developing their careers some who have gone on to become some of the industry’s most sought after models and actors representing global brands, both high fashion and streetwear, cosmetic campaigns, magazines,

such as:

Gucci, Saint Laurent, Holt Renfrew, Ssense, Acne, Off White, Celine, Prada, JW Anderson, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W magazine, AnOther Magazine, Dazed, I-D Magazine, Fenty Beauty, Sephora,

Passionate about fashion and design how it affects our lives she is always searching

for the best models and talent with her keen eye and understanding of her client’s needs.

She has studied Jewelry Arts at George Brown; she is a goldsmith and artist.

CYNTHIA CULLY | THE EMPRESS OF FABULOSITY

Model Judge

Jessica Gregory

Toronto’s Top Runway Coach

Returning as judge from 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call, Canada's Top Runway Coach Jessica Gregory is known to transform a models walk.

Jessica Gregory’s Runway Coaching is where passion for fashion meets expert guidance.

With years of experience in the fashion industry and a genuine commitment to helping models shine on the runway, Jessica Gregory is your go-to coach for runway success. Jessica Gregory is a renowned runway coach with a proven track record of transforming models into confident, poised, and captivating runway stars. With her deep understanding of movement, posture, and stage presence, Jessica brings out the best in each individual she works with.

Some of the models she’s coached have gone on to walk the runway for designers such as Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Thom Browne, Dolce & Gabbana and Phillip Phlein just to name a few. Her students can be seen walking the runways in NYC, Paris, Milan, London. Africa, Shanghai and many other countries.

Her “ BE. FEEL. WALK CONFIDENT” coaching philosophy is focused around improving the models self-esteem so they can become more confident in all facets of their career. Whether you are new to the runway or looking to refine your skills, Jessica Gregory's guidance will empower you to exude confidence and grace.

“Elevate your runway presence; unleash your potential and make a statement with every step.”

- Jessica Gregory 

Model Judge

Jessie Lu

President/Senior Modeling Coach

Stargo Corp

Jessie Lu is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background.

Graduating from the University Music Arts Program in China, she also holds a Canadian Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountant Association of Ontario and Canada.

With a rich tapestry of experiences, Jessie has been invited as a judge, modeling instructor, and stage coach for various competitions, pageants, and events. In addition to her roles in the industry, she is also the founder of Stargo Modeling & Talent Academy, where she continues to inspire and educate aspiring talents.

With over 15 years of expertise in modeling, dance, and youth education, Jessie is dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring individuals reach their full potential.

Model Judge

John Sheehy

Award Winning Makup & Hair Artist/Union Performer

John Sheehy is a multi award winning make up and hair artist for over 3 decades.

His work has been featured in fashion magazines, feature films, advertising campaigns, fashion showings and art galleries.  John was approached by clients while on set as a make up artist and is now a tv and film actor union member shooting hand camps and on camera performances in national commercials. John has played a Rock star in many commercials! 

John's artistry has taken him to New York, LA, Chicago, South Beach, the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands 

Magazines: Chatelaine, Toronto Life Fashion, Flare, Modern Woman, Life and Fashion, Cosmetics, Marketing Magazine, Globe and Mail

Catalogue: Eatons, Sears, Zellers, Kmart, Walmart, Big Tall Men, Gilda Marx, Rona, TSC, Tabi

Ad Campaigns:  Levi's, Nine West, Calderone, Silk and Satin, Tilley, Northern Reflections, Pepsi, Spinmaster Toys, Toys are US, Fischer Price, EZ Rock, Bernstein's, Sony,

Shopper's Drug Mart, Cloverdale Mall, Four Seasons, Home Hardware, TD banks

Fashion Shows: Toronto Fashion Week, MAC, Fashion Cares 12 years, KEP Events, Versace, Montreal Collections, Kinney Shoes

MOVIES: Dawn of the Dead, Eve, The Art of Conversion, Numerous videos

Actor / Model Judge

Many Johnson

Actress / Model

I am thrilled to be part of this exceptional event. I hope that my experience in the modelling/acting arena can offer some insight into what possibilities are open to those that have a desire to explore this industry. A bit about me. I had worked at a Fortune 500 company in management for 26 years and retired to join my husband and business partner in our real estate business that operates in Barrie and the Simcoe area. 

My door to the modelling/acting industry was born out of a competition much like this event. I was encouraged to participate in a model search that had several hundred applications and was paired down to 80 individuals that showcased their talent at an evening rife with scouts, photographers and agents. I had no previous experience and I was a good 30 years older than most of the contestants. There were some nerves but I really enjoyed the evening and took to the floor with a positive strut and some sincere appreciation for having the chance to participate. There was a little magic that evening and I was signed with an agency. Not long after that, I had the great fortune to be connected with Patricia Jaroz (Bookittalent) who introduced me to the acting and commercial side of the business. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this departure from my past work life and I started to build a "book" of great opportunities. Like any career, it will require your time and effort but the work is the most satisfying career I have ever had the privilege to be part of.

Since then, I have worked in TV, Commercials, Runway, E-Commerce, editorial , print, social media and creative campaigns/projects. I am signed with four agencies (Bookittalent, Chantale Nadeau-mother agent, NIWA Models, Humankind) representing acting and modelling and continue to be a student of these industries. My age has been the very thing that makes me stand out, my height has not interfered with getting hired and my experience is developing constantly and offering me great projects with big brands and businesses. I am blessed to stand in the company of so many creative individuals and by saying "yes" to that one opportunity, I have been connected to a network of great influencers that have guided me along this rewarding path. I can only encourage those that are considering a submission to drop the hesitation and show up, fully, as you are.  I am most proud of representing a demographic that is becoming more visible and encouraging diversity in this profession. The "conversations" are changing at the corporate level and there is space for uniqueness and authenticity. I hope to see that same enthusiasm from the participants and know that there is much possibility when we dare to dream. I am honoured to be part of this event and, hopefully, encouraging possibility with all those that participate.

A long list of brands has hired her in the past and the list just keep growing!

-Indigo

-Joe Fresh

-Walmart

-Air Canada

-Sunlife Financial

-Knix 

-Le Galeriste

-Fashion Arts Toronto

-CAA

-Navy Ray Swimwear

-Everyday Sunday

-Revenesse/Prollenium

-Schwarzkopf 

-Cobmex 

-Nova Chiu

-Haunted Hospitals

-Royal Centre Plastic Surgery 

-Cherry Lane

-Windfall at Blue/Mountain House at Windfall

-CAMH

-Sandy Bottom Swimwear

-Solouk

-House of Hendo

-Kolleen Boutique

-Rebekah Price Luxury Jewelry

-Lykke Pools

As Lewis Carroll wrote, "In the end....We only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make."

Performance Judge

David Enman

Actor/Musician/Stage Coach

Currently casted in the upcoming Movie "The Adventures of Tikki the Wonder Dog"

Returning as judge from 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call, Musician David Performed as "Jim Morrison ( Doors ) in The Tribute Act "Echos and Icons", and Performed in many other Venues singing and performing a wide range of music

I take the upmost pride in working with local models actors and musicians of all ages and skill levels to help them become the best version of themselves on and off the stage!