Andrew is a versatile dancer as well as musician, singer and actor. He is one of the leading Tap dance artists in Canada, teaching and choreographing around the world. He is an award-winning actor, composer and writer, having had his last self-produced short film officially selected in 12 festivals around the world and winning 4 awards including BEST SHORT FILM. Recent TV/Film credits include Disney’s film SPIN, the television series THE HOT ZONE: ANTHRAX, a principal recurring on the new series LARRY and a fun jaunt in BLUES CLUES AND YOU with his son. On stage he’s been a featured singer and dancer on the 20th Anniversary World Tour of RIVERDANCE, originated a role in Mira Nair’s MONSOON WEDDING musical at Berkeley Rep Theatre, played Cogsworth in Young People’s Theatre’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Billy in ONCE THE MUSICAL at Theatre St John’s in Newfoundland, Boutons in Neptune Theatre’s CINDERELLA where he won a MERRITT AWARD for OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR. After doing HOLIDAY INN at the Shaw Festival he made his Stratford Festival debut with his One- Person show ONE STEP AT A TIME. It is a critically acclaimed, multi-medium show (Tap dance, acting, singing, video) chronicling his family’s journey with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and has been presented by schools and theatres, raising $11,500 (to date) for SickKids Hospital and ErinOak Kids. He recently finished playing The Beadle Bamford in Talk Is Free Theatre’s multi-DORA AWARD nominated production of SWEENEY TODD. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Toronto at Mississauga with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance as well as French Literature.

 

 

Angie Reid has appeared in several films, and television productions. She is set to appear as “sketch”, the lead character in episode 9, season 4 in the critically acclaimed television series, Coroner. You may have also seen her in Tracy Deer’s Official TIFF selected film “BEANS”, a lead character in prominent director Alison Duke’s multi-award-winning film “Promise Me” and as the producer/director/narrator of her recently released documentary “The Sick in the Six” – an in depth look into the lives of the homeless, the mentally ill, and the drug addicted currently making its debut in several film festivals, to name just a few. Angie Reid’s ability to bring life to her characterizations as an actor and as an advocate for the less fortunate to the has been recognized by various producers and directors as well as her peers. 

A native of Toronto, Canada, where she currently resides, Angie is a keen supporter of the Canadian entertainment industry.

 

 

Cameron is a teacher, actor, writer, and poet. She has worked in the entertainment industry as an actor and writer for the past 20 years. She began her career as model with Ford then pursued her theatre degree at Concordia University, and consecutively her Master of Arts at The University of Toronto. She has taught high school dramatic arts and co-authored a dramatic arts textbook with Emond Publishing. Cameron studies acting at Lonsdale Smith Studios and is currently writing a series set to begin production sometime next year. She is passionate about acting and film making and is excited to be a part of this year’s Nova Star Awards judging panel!

 

 

A Montreal native, Carly Granovsky graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Her strong interest in storytelling led her to enroll in acting workshops at the Edgemar Center for the Arts as well as the Meisner technique under Jacqueline McClintock. She gained considerable experience casting short films and working as a casting assistant for The Montreal Casting Company. After assisting some of the leading Canadian Casting Directors, Carly relocated to Toronto and set up the eponymous Carly Granovsky Casting.

Carly has a keen eye and an intuitive sense when it comes to finding talent. With over ten years of experience, she brings her unique perspective and sharply honed vision to each project. Carly uses her creativity and ability to draw out genuine and authentic audition performances to bring one’s vision to life. 

Her recent credits include: Tales From The Territories (VICE TV), The Unseen (Lakefront Pictures), A Christmas Letter (180 Sisterhood Productions), Woodland Grey (Franky Films), and Infinite Light (Dubois Films).

 

 

Celestine Caravaggio is a Filipina-Canadian, ACTRA member based in Toronto. She won Best Actress at Singkwento International Film Festival 2019 in Manila, Philippines for her role in the independent film, Pur Laine. She has been featured in several international movies, TV series, commercial and print ads. In her spare time, she is active in supporting various not-for-profit initiatives for special needs children and families.

 

 

 

Charlie Hidalgo is a Colombian-Canadian film curator, trans media consultant, and filmmaker, graduated from the Canadian Film Centre’s Producer Lab. He is committed to combatting the erasure of 2SLGBTQIA+ BIPOC identities in the media by curating and creating stories that question culture and empower queer and trans BIPOC communities. He is the Artistic Director of Out On Screen, and has programmed for Urbanworld, Slamdance, Cucalorus, Tribeca, Inside Out, Outfest, NewFest, and Athena Film Festivals. His work has screened at TIFF, SXSW, Slamdance, BFI, VIFF, Inside Out, Outfest, and NewFest.

 

 

Deborah Barnes- Co-Founder of Vancouver Casting, Actor & Mentor to newer actors wanting to step up their game.
Deb has been in the industry for over 30 years, and uses both acting & 20 years of casting experience to deliver knowledgeable, heartfelt and meaningful guidance for actors at the beginning of their journey. Her approach is organic, wise and focused on the individual. Hundreds of new actors have enjoyed Deb’s unique ability to bring calmness and life to their auditions. Many have gone on to have wonderfully successful careers!

 

 

Dwayne Morgan began his career in the spoken word in 1993. Affectionally called the Godfather of Canadian spoken word by his peers, Morgan is the author of 14 published and 9 audio collections of his work. Morgan is a 2022 winner of the Toronto Arts Foundation Celebration of Cultural Life award, 2016 finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and a 2013 inductee into the Scarborough Walk of Fame. To date Morgan has shared his work in 18 countries internationally.

 

 

As a multi-faceted actor Elana Dunkelman is often found in front of the camera or in the studio behind the microphone. Over the last 15 years Elana has played a wide variety of roles ranging from a ‘sugar crazed unicorn’ (Fingerlings Tales) to a ‘vengeful murderous wife’ (Murdoch Mysteries) to a ‘quirky, supportive best friend’ (Road Trip Romance, One Delicious Christmas). She is best known for her Canadian Game Award nominated performance in the titular role Fenyx in Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx Rising. She also coaches actors on their craft and auditions through Sumach Studios, which she opened in 2016. When she’s not acting, she’s intently watching The Real Housewives of Orange County, cuddling with her large cat, and/or penning romance screenplays with her writing partner.

 

 

Emerson Wong is an owner of multiple martial arts schools in Toronto, a stuntman, and film producer. Holding a 5th degree black belt in taekwondo Emerson has worked in such movies as Pacific Rim, Deadpool 2, Nikita, Total Recall, and has been the stunt double on the hit TV show Titans for the past 4 seasons.

With over several hundred students, his passion for teaching kids has led to building 2 world champions and videos of his student @savino.quatela garnering over 500 million views. Savino now acts and performs stunts on many productions at the age of 12.

Emerson has also been awarded the Canada 150 Medal for his humanitarian work in Haiti where he has built a 2,000 sq feet taekwondo school that is free to anyone who trains there.

 

 

Erin Michell is a movement director, choreographer and acting instructor based in Vancouver, BC. She works with actors in film and theatre on a global scale from the beginner level to working professionals with LeBlanc School of Acting. Recently she provided movement direction to Oscar nominated actors Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun. She has choreographed for film and TV productions with Kickstart Entertainment, MATTEL Inc., and various short films and music videos. Select choreography credits for film include The Ways To Love You (singer/songwriter Justin Hewitt), Lift A Finger (singer/ songwriter Tissa Rahim), #ThisisAna – Ep 109 (webseries). Select choreography and directorial credits for stage include Cock (Theatre Inconnu), The 25th Ann. Putnam County Spelling Bee (StageNewWest & FCP – CTC nomination for best choreography), Matilda JR. (StageNewWest). Her new play The Very First Circus designed for preschool audiences toured Vancouver Island in Spring of 2022 with the The Story Theatre Company. Erin has partnered with Notable Content Inc. and Studio 604 Entertainment to develop a new children’s TV series centered around inclusivity of dance and movement for kids. Erin loves her role as an instructor/ coach in this industry and enjoys sharing her passion for storytelling with her students. She is excited to be a part of the 2023 Nova Awards judging panel!

 

 

Pursuant to his long time love for the arts, George has been a professional dancer and choreographer for over 15 years. He has been training in all genres of dance – Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Contemporary.
He was born and raised in Ottawa, ON where he did most of his training which includes A.D.A.P.T and R.A.D.
He first landed a job working for Carnival Cruise Lines. shortly after that he danced for International Artist PSY, Deborah Cox, Kreesha Turner, Fefe Dobson, Aleesia and Classified, to name a few.
George performed and appeared on several television shows and commercials; he appeared on Once Upon A Time, Handmaid’s Tale, Shitt’s Creek, Breakfast Television, “Threads” a short film as a news anchor, and just recently appeared on PBS Kids, Let’s Go Luna as “Hakim” a principal role. He appeared on Cineplex commercials and Tim Horton’s Web Commercials. He also performed in a world wide TV broadcast for The 2015 Pan Am Opening Ceremonies with Cirque Du Soleil and The 2015 Pan Am Closing Ceremonies both for 50,000 plus audience.
George is currently the Artistic Director and Choreographer of T.D.C Entertainment catering to main event functions and corporate events such as Illuminute, The Luminato Festival, The Teddy Bear and The Bell Celebrity Gala.
In late 2016 George made his debut in the theatre with the musical Beauty And The Beast, in Halifax, NS. Soon after, George traveled to Kamloops, BC and Aquarius Theatre in Hamilton, ON to perform a role in Mamma Mia, where he also acted as Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer. He also played the role of Jimmy and ensemble with the musical Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Sleeping Beauty The Panto, the role of Buttons in the musical Newsies. This year he will play the role of one of the angels and dance captain for the regional premiere of the musical Kinky Boots with Drayton Entertainment.
You can catch George teaching drop in classes at various dance studios in the downtown Toronto area. George believes that with hard work and determination you can conquer anything in life.

 

George Alevizos is a professional actor living in Toronto. Being a graduate of the joint Theatre and Drama Studies program with the University of Toronto/Sheridan College, he has gone to work on multiple on camera projects including the new Gen V show with Amazon Prime, a recurring role on a new CBC TV show coming out in 2023, a guest starring role on Hudson and Rex (CItyTV) and being featured on Star Trek: Discovery, among a lot of commercial work. On top of his on-camera roles, he’s gone to work with multiple live theatre companies in Ontario including Drayton Entertainment, Cahoots Theatre, LemonTree Creations, Shakespeare in the Ruff, EveryBODY on Stage, and the acclaimed queer theatre director Sky Gilbert. On top of being an actor, he also serves as an ACTRA Toronto Council Member, and also an ACTRA National Council Member too.
He is excited to be asked to be a judge again and to help inspire youth!

 

Janice Mendes is a Toronto based actor, host and speaker with a passion for storytelling and adventure. She’s worked in aspects of the Film and Television Industry from development, production and post production spanning 17 years. Eventually in 2018 Janice ventured in front of the camera where she completed almost 100 commercial, TV and film projects combined. 
Believing every journey has a compelling side to it inspires Janice to connect with people to gain a deeper understanding of life experience. Described as an outgoing, venturesum spirit, she’s always up for stepping outside her comfort zone to expand her awareness of life’s precious moments.

 

With 50 years behind the screen as an actor and stunt performer, he has successfully earned over 80 credits! Jason recently won best supporting actor in Hong Kong Love Stories in 2020! 
He is known for countless Big screen and small screen roles, including Seven Swords (2005), Sun diu hap lui (1995) and The Emperor and His Brother (1981). Jason is thrilled to be a part of Nova Star Awards!

 

Jinny Wong is a Canadian Actor, Acting Coach, and a mom of two boys.

Jinny started her professional acting career in theatre and travelled from Florida to the Mediterranean, performing on stage for the Disney Cruise Line. After taking a few years off to start her family, Jinny’s focus shifted to TV & Film.

Since then Jinny has had the pleasure of working on many TV/Film projects including appearances on Stolen By Their Father, Ruby and The Well, Unlocking Christmas, Candy Cane Candidate, The Parker Anderson’s & Cutie Pugs. 

When Jinny is not on set, she’s busy raising feminists, deep-diving into personal development, and motivating fellow actors to follow their dreams.

 

 

Karen O’Meara is a co-founder of the YRDSB/York U Experiential Arts Mentorship Program. She graduated from Queen’s University with a Degree in Dramatic Arts. She has an MBA from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor of Education from York University and she holds an Honours Specialist in Dramatic Arts Education from OISE, University of Toronto. Karen is currently a PHD student in the Education Department at York University and is specializing her research in Theatre Education. She is also the Department Head of Dramatic Arts at Richmond Green Secondary School in Richmond Hill. She has been working with students and directing Musical Theatre Performances for over 17 years. Karen has also hosted and promoted student directed shows at the National Theatre School Festival (Formerly the Sears Drama Festival) and she received the High School Drama Teachers Award from VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association) and represented Canadian High School Drama Teachers at an International Voice and Speech Conference in Seattle. Karen is an expert at helping students create character through the development of meaningful expressions using facial expressions and gestures. She is a passionate and enthusiastic instructor who encourages her students to strive for excellence in performance.
 

Kristen Da Silva was born in Oakville, Ontario and raised in Nobleton, Ontario. She is a graduate of York University where she was a founding member of the Vanier Improv Company at Vanier College. She works as an actor, writer and director and is best known for her plays WHERE YOU ARE (Theatre Orangeville, Upper Canada Playhouse, Theatre Baddeck, Victoria Playhouse (PEI), Peterborough Players (New Hampshire), Theatre Ravensburg (Germany), Festival Borgio de Verezzi (Italy)); SUGAR ROAD (Theatre Orangeville, Globus Theatre, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Cow Patti (Alberta), Upper Canada Playhouse), HURRY HARD (Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Showboat Festival Theatre), BEYOND THE SEA (Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Showboat Festival Theatre, Victoria Playhouse (PEI), Mulgrave Road Theatre, Festival Players of Prince Edward County) and THE RULES OF PLAYING RISK (Theatre Orangeville online). Her recent acting credits include Janine in HALFWAY THERE, Lighthouse Festival Theatre; Beth in WHERE YOU ARE, Theatre Orangeville; Tina in LAST RESORT (Paper Padlock Productions) and Patrice in FUGUE (RockStreet North Films). She is a two-time winner of the Playwrights Guild New Comedy Award.

 

Linds works hard and laughs louder. Their fun and youthful approach to the casting process has been met with positivity, allowing them to grow their social presence and work on both national and international projects. With traditional casting, Linds has worked on several films, music videos, and ad campaigns. As a “real people” casting professional, they have worked on major projects such as Gillette Venus & Dove campaigns, and reality shows such as Canada’s Got Talent and Family Feud Canada! As a Master of Digital Media, Linds hopes to develop new systems within the casting world to mediate longstanding trust issues between talent and decision makers, and create a more inclusive environment.