About Us
Markham Talent is an initiative aimed at promoting and showcasing performing arts talent. The project seeks to provide a platform for local artists and performers to display their skills and creativity to a wider audience.
Organized by Markham Talent, offers opportunities for artists of various disciplines, including music, dance, theater, and more, to showcase their talents in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The initiative often includes events such as talent showcases, open casting calls, workshops, and performances, allowing artists to network, collaborate, and gain exposure within the local arts community. Additionally, Markham Talent may collaborate with other community organizations, sponsors, and supporters to further enhance opportunities for artists and the community at large.
The ultimate goal of Markham Talent is to foster a vibrant and dynamic arts scene, celebrating the diversity and creativity of its residents while supporting the growth and development of local talent. Through its various activities and events, Markham Talent aims to enrich the cultural landscape of the region and provide opportunities for artistic expression and appreciation.
Markham Talent
202 Open Casting Call
Event Honorary Chair
Frank Scarpitti
Mayor, City of Markham
“I fully support initiatives like Open Casting Call that showcases our amazing local talent and builds on the vibrancy of our city” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Mayor Frank Scarpitti was elected as Mayor of Markham in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
He is Markham’s second longest serving Mayor.
Mr. Scarpitti was first elected to Markham Council in 1985, as a Regional Councillor. In total, the people of Markham have elected him nine times. He has served on both the Councils of the City of Markham and York Region for 30 years.
Markham Talent
Open Casting Call & Showcase
Creator & Executive Producer
Amanda Yeung Collucci
Markham Ward 6 Councillor
Vice Chair of Economic & Culture Development
City of Markham
Collucci was the first Chinese female elected to Markham Council and has served since 2014. An award-winning entrepreneur, she brings decades of business experience. In 2017, she launched and hosted Markham Star Search, discovering rising talent like singer-songwriter Julia Gartha.
Now Vice Chair of Economic & Culture Development, Collucci aims to expand the event across York Region as the Markham Talent Open Casting Call — a signature annual celebration of local talent and the entertainment industry.
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Co-Organizer
Xinflix Media
Xinflix Media is a multimedia company based in Markham, Ontario.
They specialize in content production, event execution, and digital media services.
With a strong focus on community engagement, Xinflix has co-hosted impactful events across the GTA.
As co-host of Markham Talent Show Season 3, they manage on-site execution, design, promotions, and visual branding.
Their team is dedicated to showcasing local talent and building community pride.
https://xinflix.com/
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Event Manager
Fiona Yu
Xinflix Media
Fiona Yu is a passionate and dedicated event management professional with a Master of Management degree from the University of Windsor. With over three years of experience at Xinflix Media, she has successfully organized and managed more than 150 events and performances. Fiona is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. She enjoys exploring new ideas and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, constantly seeking to expand her vision and grow both personally and professionally.
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Public Relations
Yasmine Sun
Xinflix Media
Yasmine Sun holds a Master of Marketing degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University and recently joined Xinflix Media as a Communications Specialist. With a strong foundation in branding and strategic communication, Yasmine thrives in dynamic environments where storytelling and relationship-building are key. She is passionate about crafting authentic brand narratives, engaging diverse audiences, and creating meaningful connections through innovative communication strategies.
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
International Talent Outreach
Samia Karimi Dastjerdi
Markham Talent
Samia Karimi Dastjerdi is a distinguished leader in international robotics education and global talent development. As
Director of the Canadian National Robotic Society and
President of FIRA Canada, he advocates for innovation in youth STEM programs and fosters cross-border collaboration. With over a decade of experience leading high-profile international events, he is playing a key role in bringing the
FIRA World Cup to Canada in 2026. In 2025, he joined
Markham Talent as
International Talent Outreach, where he is dedicated to discovering and empowering the next generation of outstanding performing artists from around the world.
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Community engagement leadership and development
Majid Ghalamshahi
Entrepreneur | Cultural Organizer | Founder of Global Link Trade Hub & Artourism International Film Festival
Majid Ghalamshahi is a visionary entrepreneur and cultural advocate dedicated to empowering communities through art and culture. As founder of Global Link Trade Hub, he has built a dynamic space that blends business, creativity, and community—hosting exhibitions, performances, workshops, and networking events. Beyond his success in luxury design and lifestyle ventures, Majid is deeply committed to fostering inclusion and supporting immigrant artists and entrepreneurs. He helps emerging talents connect with sponsors, access resources, and develop their potential, believing that art and culture are powerful tools for connection and change.
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Markham Arts & Talent Advisor
Arts Program Development Community Engagement & Accessibility
Monica del Rio Pain
Destinations Markham
Monica del Rio Pain brings 25 years of diverse experience to the Canadian arts community as a performer, instructor, and arts administrator. An alumna of York University and Randolph College with B.A.T.D. certifications, she has spent over a decade enriching the Markham/York Region arts and tourism scene. Her impactful roles include positions at the Flato Markham Theatre, York Region Arts Council, and currently as Manager of Destination Development and Events with Destination Markham. Passionate about art accessibility, Monica is thrilled to be part of Markham Talent 2025!
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Markham Tech & Innovation Advisor
AI Program Strategy · Innovation Mentorship · Industry Leadership
Daniel Pan
Agentize.AI
Daniel Pan is the cofounder of Agentize.AI, a certified AI engineer through Stanford University and DeepLearning.AI, and a recognized AWS Cloud Solutions Architect. With a strong passion for applied technology, Daniel plays a pivotal role as an industry mentor in Applied AI at Qingdao University of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Education Group. His commitment to advancing tech education and innovation makes him a valuable voice in shaping the future of Markham Talent 2025.
Markham Talent
Season 3
2025 Open Casting Call
Markham Innovation & Storytelling Advisor
Web3 & AI Leadership · Emerging Tech Strategy · Digital Storytelling
James Bae
Testify | FIRA Canada
James Bae is a business and technology leader with over 12 years of experience spanning Web3, AI, and digital media. He has driven go-to-market strategies at both high-growth startups like Fairblock, EigenLayer, and Agentize.AI, as well as global enterprises like Oracle. James currently serves as Co-Chair of FIRA Canada’s AI League and is the co-founder of Testify, a platform at the forefront of tech-enabled storytelling. He brings a unique vision to Markham Talent 2025, where innovation meets creative expression.
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It takes collective efforts to make this exciting event successful.
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in Markham and in York Region!