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.  Anthony recently got accepted into prestigious Acting Conservatory Program at York University which only accept 10 students in 2024!

Undoubtedly, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of acting, poised to carve out a memorable and impactful presence in the entertainment industry.

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
Producer/Musician/Singer

Juno nominated songwriter

Robert Laidlaw

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

Kristy Hamilton

Kristy Hamilton, known professionally as Kristy-K, is a dynamic singer recognized for her captivating presence both on stage and behind the mic. A familiar face in the entertainment scene across the Niagara region and beyond, Kristy-K has also made her mark as a charismatic host, leading high-profile shows and events with elegance and confidence. Her passion, professionalism, and magnetic charm continue to inspire audiences. Notably, she hosted the 2023 Markham Talent Showcase and the 2024 Markham Talent Open Casting Call.

Music Judge

Drummer

Enio DiReto

Enio DiReto took an interest in the drums at the age of seven.

He would tag along to many of his fathers gigs. (Enio’s father is a sax player). By the time Enio was twelve, the drummer he had watch for years had become his teacher. Enio studied with Nick Macerlollo(Gino Vanelli) for several years, learning many different styles and techniques and continues to study with Dave Langguth (Nellie Furtado, Kim Mitchell) to further his playing.

Enio’s influences include drummers such as Stewart Copeland, Dennis Chambers, John Bonham, Steve Gadd and Alex Van Halen to name a few. Enio has had the privilege to work with artists Mike Reno ( Loverboy) Mark Holmes ( Platinum Blonde) Toney Springer ( Wylde T and The Spirit) Michael Krompass ( Smashmouth). 

Casting Judge

C0-Casting Director,

Larissa Mair Casting

Colleen Rush

Colleen Rush has been working in casting for over a decade. She is the Co-Casting Director at Larissa Mair Casting & Associates, and in 2024, she launched her own company, Colleen Rush Casting.

 She has been nominated for four Canadian Screen Awards and won her first in 2025, alongside Larissa Mair, for casting Late Bloomer Season 1. Colleen has had the privilege of casting for major networks and platforms including Netflix, Crave, CBC, Treehouse, Amazon, TVO, Hallmark, Lifetime, OWN, Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount. She thrives on close collaboration with creators, producers, directors, and actors to bring the best talent to every role.

 Colleen is passionate about discovering new talent and believes casting plays a vital role in elevating every project. She embraces the challenge of finding just the right actor to bring each character to life.

Casting Judge

Actor/Dancer/Model &

Casting Director,

Jessica Allen

Jessica Allen hails from Newfoundland where she began her career as a modern and tap dancer as part of Creator Dance Theatre. She performed in several professional musicals before departing to Ontario for theatre school. Upon graduation, she continued with some Toronto theatre including a George F Walker premiere, then transitioned to film and TV.

Jess has worked as a union actor and in production for 10 years; jobs include script supervisor, 1st ad, and executive producer.

Currently, she works in commercial casting and has a knack for spotting new talent.

Filmmaker/Judge
Writer/Director/Producer

Kaveh Ebrahimpour

Kaveh Ebrahimpour is an award-winning Canadian-Iranian filmmaker, writer, producer, and creative director celebrated for his cinematic storytelling in both narrative film and branded content. With a BA in Cinema, his acclaimed works—including Yahya Didn’t Keep Quiet and A Ceremony for a Friend—have screened at TIFF, FNC Montreal, and international festivals. A pioneer in AI-driven media production, Kaveh blends emerging technology with emotional depth to craft unforgettable stories. His visionary approach makes him an inspiring presence in Markham Talent 2025.