Cassidy Ratliff

Cassidy Ratliff’s imaginative free spirit lead her to start dancing at only 2 years old. At age 10, she began blending her love for dance with a new found passion for acting at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Acting opened the doors to finding real emotions to infuse true storytelling into her dancing. With the support and encouragement of her parents, Cassidy continued her training and graduated from AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts with her BFA in Dance Theatre. When she is not performing, Cassidy enjoys working out, creating art through a small lens, and enjoying life with her little pup Tia.

I am (use a max. of 3 words to describe yourself)… quirky, innovative and authentic.

Dance is... fire. A small spark of movement that is so flammable and contagious, you can’t help but touch everything in reach with its light.

My last gig taught me... the importance of being the most authentic version of yourself the moment you walk in the door. Once you are able to be 100% present and comfortable being unapologetically you, I find to be the most successful within my work!

Proudest performance moment... thus far would be having the honor of playing the iconic role of “Riff” in AMDA’s adaptation of West Side Story renamed, “East Side Story”. Growing up I always knew I wanted to perform, but always felt separated between dance and acting. Ending my senior year with this production was the perfect blend of both. I was able to have dialogue and play a character all the way through the show, while dancing at the same time. It was truly a dream came true and a perfect way to end my college career at AMDA.

Most embarrassing audition... was a commercial mostly because of my fellow auditionee. We were asked to come prepared with this “simple movement” that was pre recorded to memorize ahead of time. Well this simple movement was a step-touch. We were called into the room four at a time and I was lucky enough to be in the middle of two girls who both didn’t know we had prepared material. On top of that, they didn’t know what a step-touch was so I knew it was going to be an interesting audition! We were asked to act as if we were texting a friend then start doing the simple movement once the camera man called out “5’6’7’8’”. Well once he counted us in, you can only imagine the amazing dancing that was going on either sides of me.

Most challenging gig... would have to be being in a commercial with my parents! It was quite the experience let me tell you. It was for a series of commercials called, “Keep Arkansas Beautiful”. In my episode, I was the prom date and of course featuring my parents. It was interesting seeing my parents act and be nervous wanting to get each shot perfect, but with that came stress and arguing. Overall, it was an awesome experience I wouldn’t change for the world.

Favorite dance style... are Hip hop & Contemporary, but I love them all’

Pre-performance ritual... Prayer. Meditation. And Superman Pose.

Stay in shape by... working out around 6 times a week at Barry’s Bootcamp, taking at least 1-3 dance classes a week, and being fully committed to the Keto Lifestyle.

The moment I knew I wanted to be a dancer... was the moment I realized the impact movement had onto others and how you are able to share your true feelings without saying a single word.

Song that moves me... “All Through The Night” | By: Sleeping At Last

Favorite music video... “Pretty Hurts” | By: Beyoncé

Broadway show... Hamilton The Musical.

Person who shaped my perspective on dance... wow well I feel there have been more than a handful of humans who have shaped my perspective on dance that I am oh so grateful for, but there are two people that stand out in 2018 who really helped me develop who Cassidy is as a performer and more importantly as a human. Those two humans are Genevieve Carson and Fresh Redding. They deserve all the praise the world can give!

Dying to work with... Chris Brown

Currently reading... Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power | By: Erwin McManus

Special skill I wouldn't put on my resume... I LOVE ORGANIZING! It doesn’t matter what it is. If you need me to organize or color code, I’m your girl.

If I weren't a dancer, I'd be... a Creative Director

Disney character that best represents me... Ariel

Dancer crush... Phillip Chbeeb, solely based on his insane concepts he brings to life and because he is one of the best creators in the game right now!

Sign... Cancer.

If I were a color, I'd be... Black because it represents power, strength, aggression, elegance, mystery, and sophistication.

Hotel alias... Cassandra.

LA spot that inspires or relaxes me... The Beach!

The best advice I ever got... “There is a time and place for everything.”

You can find me...

INSTAGRAM: @cassidyratliff - https://www.instagram.com/cassidyratliff/

FACEBOOK: Cassidy Ratliff - https://www.facebook.com/cassidy.alane

DANCE REEL: https://vimeo.com/cassidyratliff/dancereel

cassidy.ratliff1@gmail.com

Eryn Orsburn

Eryn Orsburn, originally from the small town of Carpinteria, California, is a well-rounded, technical dancer and performer. She began training at the age of four in various styles, and continued this training to eventually receive her BFA in Dance Theatre. She plans to perform all over the world doing anything from company work to touring with an artist. She is passionate about her craft and is excited for what’s to come.

I am (use a max. of 3 words to describe yourself)… a dancer, a creator, and a thinker.

Dance is... my emotional outlet that lets me be the most raw form of myself.

My last gig taught me... how to be genuinley vulnerable on stage.

Proudest performance moment... When I was featured in an AMDA production and got a chance to showcase myself to the school. 

Most embarrassing audition... was a while back for a competition scholarship. I completely blanked and froze up in the middle of the combo. It affected me more that it should have at the time. 

Most challenging gig... was a show I was in called "ICONIC". I did a piece adapted from "Moulin Rouge" with very difficult partnering and my partner was not experienced in lifting. It was a long process to get it up to performance quality, but we made it happen!

Favorite dance style... Contemporary Ballet

Pre-performance ritual... a bad-ass self talk and some good, really deep breaths to calm my anxious energy.

Stay in shape by... by going to the gym 3-4 times a week to build strength and endurance.

The moment I knew I wanted to be a dancer... When I competed a solo at a competition and cried on stage while dancing. It made me realize how much dance impacts me emotionally and how powerful it can be. That's when I knew my love for it was real and I couldn't live without it. 

Song that moves me... There are millions of songs that make me want to move, but one that moves me a lot is Desperado by the Eagles.

Favorite music video... "Elastic Heart" by Sia. She really brings dance into a new light for people to see and connects it to her music which I think is really amazing. 

Broadway show... Cats, probably because I was definitely a cat in a past life, so I feel that I can channel that. I will be Victoria one day. 

Person who shaped my perspective on dance... Genevieve Carson. She taught me how to explore different worlds when I dance, open my eyes and really "see" something new. It brought a more raw, human, experiential approach to my dancing and artistry that I'm extremely grateful for. 

Dying to work with... Genvieve Carson's LA Contemporary Dance Company. I would also love to be on stage with Justin Bieber or J-Lo.

Currently reading... I'm currently finishing a series of short stories written by Stephen King. I'm really into scary stuff.

Special skill I wouldn't put on my resume... I probably wouldn't put painting on my resume but I'd say it's a "special skill".

If I weren't a dancer, I'd be... a chef.

Disney character that best represents me... probably Pocahontas.

Dancer crush... Delaney Glazer. Look her up.

Sign... Cancer

If I were a color, I'd be... forrest green.

Hotel alias... Eleanor Rosewood; something sophisticated.

LA spot that inspires or relaxes me... It's nice to drive up into the mountains and see the city from far away. Always gives me perspective.

The best advice I ever got... to stop comparing myself to others.

You can find me... on Instagram @_erynashley_

Niccolo Marcantonio

My name is Niccolo Michelangelo Marcantonio but I go by Nicco. I am 19 years old and I am originally from San Francisco, California. I moved to Los Angeles, California about three years ago to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. I’m in love with life and can’t wait to start my journey as a professional dancer. 

I am (use a max. of 3 words to describe yourself)… confident, open-minded and creative. 

Dance is... an outlet that allows me to be the true individual and artist that I am. It gives me the opportunity to release and express emotions that I am unable to address verbally. 

My last gig taught me... that patience is everything and everyone is on a different journey and path. 

Proudest performance moment... was when I performed a solo in a hip hop piece and heard my name being screamed in the audience to the point where I couldn’t hear the music anymore. 

Most embarrassing audition... was when I had to partner with multiple girls and during one of the sections of the audition, we had to have our partner roll on our back while we were on the floor and my pins came undone and fell off my shirt and I had to move them out of the way while I was dancing and partnering. 

Most challenging gig... was being an understudy for multiple pieces in a show as well as being a principle in other pieces.

Favorite dance style... contemporary ballet because I love the classical lines of the lower body but the freedom and expression of the upper body. 

Pre-performance ritual... when I sit by myself and visualize my performance. I also breathe a lot and really take time to relax and have a positive mindset. 

Stay in shape by... eating healthy and focusing on making sure I work super hard during my class work. 

The moment I knew I wanted to be a dancer... was in the 7th grade and the dance group from my local high school performed for us and I was instantly mesmerized by the technique and joy they had in their bodies.

Song that moves me... anything by Sam Smith honestly.

Favorite music video... at the moment is Havana by Camila Cabello.

Broadway show... Hamilton because it incorporates hip hop and dance in a classical setting.

Person who shaped my perspective on dance... was my high school dance teacher because she never gave up on me and always pushed me to do my best. 

Dying to work with... Lady Gaga because she is unapologetic for being the most authentic version of herself.

Currently reading... I am not reading anything at the moment other than my school books.

Special skill I wouldn't put on my resume... making weird stitch noises.

If I weren't a dancer, I'd be... an event planner because I love making people’s dreams come true.

Disney character that best represents me... Mushu from Mulan.

Dancer crush... Derek Hough.

Sign... Aquarius. 

If I were a color, I'd be... teal because I’m comforting but vibrant at the same time.

Hotel alias... Preston Jackson. 

LA spot that inspires or relaxes me... the top of Runyon Canyon.

The best advice I ever got... is to always be a good human being and make sure that I am trying to make a difference in the world.

You can find me... on social media  @_niccomarcantonio

Jasmine Gonsalves

Jasmine Gonsalves is an aspiring artist. She graduated from AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts with her BFA in Dance Theater. Jasmine’s Dream is to travel the world and entertain people; whether that be dancing commercially, doing stand up or working on a TV Series or Feature Film.

I am (use a max. of 3 words to describe yourself)… charismatic, calculated and compassionate.

My last acting gig taught me…  that I am a natural when it comes to camera work. I love being in front of the camera. I just have to always remind myself to stay true to myself because when I do it reads so well on camera.

Proudest performance moment… was my opening night of my Senior Showcase in college. I never danced better in my whole enter life. Energy was radiating through my body. I killed that performance and got so much positive feedback.

Most embarrassing audition… was in college. We were auditioning for our company show pieces and I was so inspired by my lovely dancer friends that I couldn’t hold back my excitement and made a shout out, “Woooooo!” In the moment I didn’t realize that that can be considered distracting or inappropriate. But I basically got asked to leave the audition room and was unable to audition for the last choreographer, whom I was most excited to audition for. I realized from that experience that I was being made an example to show other students that it’s important to always be professional, and even though my comment wasn’t disrespectful, if anything it was supporting another artist. B through this learning experience I understood that in the setting I was in, the outburst was not needed. This experience has taught me a great deal of professionalism.

Most challenging part… of an audition is to walk out knowing you put your best self forward even if you don’t book the job. Understanding that there are so many factors that go into picking a person for the role, so don’t take it personally. As long as you can walk away knowing you did your best and had a good experience, that’s all that truly matters!

The moment I knew I wanted to be an actor/performer was when I got cast in my High School play as the lead. I never thought I would be able to memorize all those lines, from that day I knew my voice was to be heard, I knew that I had a passion for portraying different characters and conveying their stories.

If I weren't an actor, I'd be... a Children’s Psychiatrist or Cosmetologist.

Dying to work with... Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake or Beyoncé.

Was born to play... a leading actress in a TV Series or supporting role in a comedy.

Learn lines by... writing them down.

Get into character by... meditating and doing a full body shake down.

Acting is… the most euphoric and authentic feeling in the world. The idea of stepping into somebody else’s shoes and portraying them as an individual and telling their story and relationships is the most amazing feeling in the world. I believe with each character you learn about and portray, you put a little bit of you into them and take away a little bit of them and apply it to you.

Special skill I wouldn't put on my resume… is being.

Movie I can’t stop talking about... is Get Out.

Top three Netflix / Amazon shows in my queue… are Shameless, Gotham, and any Stand Up Comedy Specials. I’m super addicted.

Currently reading… all these LA Casting notices.

Car karaoke tune... Freakum Dress by Beyoncé

Star Wars character that best represents me... is Jar Jar Binx.

If they made a movie about my life, I’d be played by… Amy Schumer. Preferably a movie musical!

Actor crush... Jesse Williams, Chris Pine

Sign… I am a Pisces.

If I were a color, I'd be… Gold.

Fave travel destination… Hawaii or Greece. I haven’t been to Greece yet but it’s on my bucket list.

LA spot that inspires or relaxes me… would be the wisdom tree or the beach.

The best advice I ever got… was to embrace your own journey.

You can find me at… Instagram: @jas_gonsalves, Facebook: Jasmine Gonsalves, LACasting - Jas Gonsalves

Liv Mai

Liv Mai loves to dance and act! You may have seen her most recently on Modern Family and Sia's "The Greatest" music video.  

I am (use a max. of 3 words to describe yourself)… Passionate, determined, and energetic!

My last acting gig taught me… To have fun and play with your character! You don't have to be rigid in your choices.

Proudest performance moment… When I did my dance solo on stage and I let myself fully feel the emotion and energy. I just "went for it"! :)

Most embarrassing audition… I had a voice over audition and they asked me to do an "Asian" accent and I didn't have a prepared accent! Oh no... I guess I definitely need that tool under my belt!

Movie I can’t stop talking about... Right now, it's La La Land. I loved the combination of fantastic dancing, singing, and acting! Plus the jokes of living in Los Angeles and pursuing a career in show business were so funny and relatable. Damien Chazelle's directing is brilliant!!

Top three Netflix / Amazon shows in my queue… Stranger Things, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Twilight Zone.

Currently reading… The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

Car karaoke tune... The Greatest by Sia! So encouraging and inspiring! 

Would switch careers with… Hmm.. Tempting... BUT I want to create my own career unique to myself. ;)

The moment I knew I wanted to be an actor... The moment I stepped on my first set and I saw that there was a whole world created within a room, completely separate from "reality". It is magical! Also, I've always known from a young age that I have so many different parts of myself that I want to explore and acting gives me the freedom to do that.

 If I weren't an actor, I'd be... Sorry that's not possible! ;)

Dying to work with... Wes Anderson, Damien Chazelle, Tim Burton, and Tom Hanks!

Get mistaken for… No one.

Was born to play... A superhero! ;)

Learn lines by... Practice, practice, practice! 

Get into character by... Depends on the role. 

Acting is… Imagination and truth all mashed up together. 

Special skill I wouldn't put on my resume… I can roll my belly!

Secret I want everyone to know… I love singing and jamming out in the car.

Actor crush... Heath Ledger

Sign… Capricorn

If I were a color, I'd be… Gold with some aquamarine swirled in. 

Fave travel destination… Probably New York... But I haven't been there yet! I feel as though I would love it from what I've heard and seen.

LA spot that inspires or relaxes me… The Huntington Library

The best advice I ever got… You can choose to be happy at any moment.

You can find me at… imdb.me/livmai  |  McDonald/Selznick Associates