MENTORS
Feedback from people who actually work in the industry.
MEET THE MENTORS
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Jy Prishkulnik
From Monster High, Just Beyond, Starfield, and more, she knows what it takes to walk into a high-stakes audition — and what makes a tape stand out.
Whether an actor is preparing for a callback, exploring the emotional arc of a new scene, or simply needs a grounded, neutral reader on the other side of the camera, she brings care, professionalism, and clarity to the process. When invited, she offers thoughtful feedback, from refining beats to strengthening the actor’s connection to the material.
With a background in English from UCLA, summa cum laude, and a strong command of story, language, structure, and subtext, she helps actors break down scenes with confidence and find the heart of the moment.
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MARK HAPKA
Mark Hapka was born and raised in upstate NY and attended college in Syracuse, where he studied music education and was a vocal major. After building a strong foundation in theater, his passion for film brought him to LA in the summer of 2005 to begin his journey in the entertainment industry, primarily in acting. Being new to the city — having never visited before and not knowing a single soul — he moved into a hotel downtown where he contemplated his next move. He decided to enroll in acting classes at Playhouse West, where he studied under Jeff Goldblum, Robert Carnegie, Mark Pellegrino, and Sean Barnes, four influential people in the industry.
Mark landed his first job working on James Franco’s film Good Time Max. After that, he starred in a variety of short films and independent projects. His first starring role in a feature independent film was as “Danny McKay” in The Danny McKay Project, in which he took on the role of a young man searching for the meaning of life while battling a terminal brain tumor. Mark dedicated himself to becoming the character, losing 40 pounds over the course of a 45-day shoot in order to portray the character’s deterioration.
The second audition he ever went on landed him the starring role on the hit TV series’ web spin-off, Ghost Whisperer: The Other Side, in which he played a ghost who crosses over into the television series to seek the help of “Melinda Gordon” (Jennifer Love Hewitt).
Mark has guest starred on other hit TV shows, including as a preppy student in Greek, as Hannah’s fake boyfriend, country rocker Austin Rain, on Hannah Montana, and as an abusive boyfriend on Cold Case, to name a few.
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DeVaughn Nixon
DeVaughn Nixon is an actor and performer with a career spanning film, television, and streaming. He is widely known for portraying Norm Nixon in HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, the acclaimed series about the rise of the Showtime Lakers. The role was especially personal, as DeVaughn portrayed his real-life father, former NBA star Norm Nixon.
His screen credits include memorable work in films such as The Bodyguard, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Sugar Hill, and Disney’s Prom, along with television roles in Marvel’s Runaways, Snowfall, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Sonny with a Chance, Mackenzie Falls, Grey’s Anatomy, and Will Trent.
With decades of experience in the industry and a background connected to both entertainment and professional sports, DeVaughn brings a grounded, real-world perspective to performers learning how to build confidence, develop character, and navigate a lasting career on screen.
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Raymond Ochoa
Raymond Ochoa is an actor, voice actor, and performer who began working professionally at a young age, building a career across television, film, animation, and video games. He is best known as the voice of Arlo in Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, bringing heart, vulnerability, and warmth to the film’s lead role.
His credits include appearances in projects such as 10 Items or Less, Cold Case, Hank, and Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh, along with voice work in major animated films including A Christmas Carol, Mars Needs Moms, Kung Fu Panda 2, Monsters University, and The Good Dinosaur.
Beyond screen work, Raymond is also a musician and member of the Ochoa Boyz, performing alongside his brothers and continuing the family’s creative legacy in entertainment. With experience across acting, voiceover, music, and performance, Raymond brings a well-rounded perspective to young artists learning how to grow with confidence in the industry.
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Tanya Chisholm
Tanya Chisholm is a talented actress and performer who graduated with honors from UCLA’s prestigious School of Theatre, Film, and Television. She has brought memorable characters to life across television and film, showcasing her range and dedication to her craft.
On television, Tanya had a recurring role on the hit series Veronica Mars and made guest appearances on popular shows including Cold Case, Ghost Whisperer, and Cory in the House. She became a household name for her beloved role as Kelly Wainwright on Nickelodeon’s smash hit Big Time Rush.
Her film credits include co-starring roles in Legally Blondes, Fired Up!, and the Disney phenomenon High School Musical 2.
With years of experience and a passion for inspiring others, Tanya brings a unique perspective and energy to mentoring aspiring performers, helping them unlock their potential and shine on screen.
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JOEY PAUL
Joey Paul is an award-winning Casting Director, Movie Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Peak Performance Coach who has been shaping Hollywood talent for over 20 years.
A graduate with a BFA from Disney’s prestigious CalArts, Joey brings a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for helping performers reach their full potential.
She has worked with countless kids, teens, and professionals, empowering them to unlock their true abilities, develop emotional intelligence, and make a lasting impact both on and off the stage.
Through her unique blend of industry expertise and motivational coaching, Joey inspires performers to push past limits, find their voice, and achieve extraordinary success in their careers and lives.
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Geno Segers
Geno Segers is a versatile actor and powerhouse performer with an impressive career on stage and screen. He gained international recognition for his commanding portrayal of Mufasa in the Australian production of The Lion King, showcasing his exceptional talent and presence.
Audiences know Geno for his standout roles as Mason Makoola on Disney Channel’s hit series Pair of Kings, co-hosting Disney XD’s Fort Boyard: Ultimate Challenge in the UK, and starring in major network shows like NBC’s Perfect Harmony, Cinemax’s Banshee, and the critically acclaimed Yellowstone.
Beyond acting, Geno is a highly sought-after vocal and performance coach, having worked alongside legendary producer Bruce Fairbairn (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Poison). With his deep industry experience, Geno is passionate about mentoring the next generation of performers, helping them unlock their full potential and shine on stage and screen.
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STEPHEN WAYNE MALLETT
Stephen Wayne Mallett has been telling stories since the days of a borrowed VHS camcorder and a box of action figures. After studying film and photography, he quickly found his voice in the intersection of music and cinema, directing his first MTV-premiering video at just 21. Since then, he’s become a sought-after voice in the short-form space, crafting emotionally charged music videos, commercials, and short films that have collectively racked up over two billion views.
His directing slate includes collaborations with major brands and chart-topping artists alike — from Disney, Toyota, ASUS, Interscope, Warner, and SONY RCA, to Olivia Rodrigo, Dr. Dre, Chris Daughtry, Pentatonix, Derek Hough, Lindsey Stirling, Jon Bellion, and more. Known for his ability to deliver cinematic scope under the constraints of music video production, Mallett has built a reputation for resourcefulness and vision, assembling a loyal, tight-knit crew that thrives under pressure.
A post-production native turned innovator, Mallett has also emerged as an early adopter of virtual production, harnessing XR volumes and high concept VFX to expand world-building possibilities while stretching budgets beyond industry norms.
Most recently, his video for Nothing More’s “Freefall,” featuring Chris Daughtry, blurred the lines between music video and short film. The project, which spotlighted first responders and the trauma they carry, accompanied the track to No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, where it stayed for two weeks.
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Damon Sharpe
Damon Sharpe is an acclaimed Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and artist whose work has contributed to over 40 million albums sold worldwide. His impressive career includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, such as Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Alesso, Kelly Rowland, Kylie Minogue, Boyz II Men, and Anastacia.
Damon’s expertise spans chart-topping singles, hit albums, and major projects like American Idol, The X Factor, Pitch Perfect soundtrack, and the Grammy-winning Chicago soundtrack. His proven track record of creating global hits has made him a highly sought-after force in the music industry. -
Stacy Rife
Stacy Rife is a versatile and seasoned vocalist with a rich background spanning multiple musical genres. From her classical training to her work in country music and contemporary Christian performance, Stacy’s journey reflects both depth and diversity.
As the lead vocalist for the rock band Hot Pursuit, she captivated audiences with her powerful stage presence and dynamic range. Stacy has also collaborated with acclaimed Christian artist Preston McReynolds, contributing her voice to studio recordings that have inspired listeners worldwide.
Her talent has been featured on Country Music Television (CMT), showcasing her ability to bring authenticity and emotion to every performance. With her unique blend of experience and artistry, Stacy brings a deep understanding of vocal performance and development, making her an invaluable mentor to aspiring singers and performers.
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LORNE PADMAN
Lorne Padman brings over two decades of international experience in the music and entertainment industry. His career spans a wide range of roles including Record Label Creative and Executive, A&R, Producer, Songwriter, Artist Manager, Radio Programmer, Top 40 Radio Host, and Event Promoter.
Lorne has worked with top artists and global brands, managing creative strategy and production while also excelling in radio and TV promotion, music consulting, and talent development. His deep understanding of the music business, combined with his philanthropic efforts, reflects his passion for shaping the future of the entertainment industry.
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PETER RAFELSON
Peter Rafelson is a legendary songwriter, producer, and music executive whose career has shaped the sound of modern pop music. He has collaborated with music icons such as Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and many more, bringing timeless songs to life.
With contributions to over 300 million record sales worldwide, Peter’s portfolio includes some of the most memorable hits of all time. He is best known for writing and producing Madonna’s iconic hit “Open Your Heart” (29 million copies sold) and crafting top ten singles for global superstars including Stevie Nicks, Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, and Britney Spears.
Peter’s deep industry experience and unmatched creative vision make him one of the most sought-after figures in the music world, continually shaping the careers of today’s top artists.

