By Rohan Rai
Markham, Ontario
Over150 performing artists in the Markham Talent Open Casting Call, presented by Green City Communities, showcased their talent in the semi-finals in the city of Markham, depicting a diverse array of actors, models, singers, dancers, and freestylers, recognized exceptional performers in both Under 16 and Over 17 age groups. The final Showcase and Award Ceremony will be held in Markham at the Flato Markham Theatre on September 20 this year.
“It is incredible that over 150 semi-finalists were chosen for these two days, a 50% increase from Season 1. Judges, I want to say thank you. You have a very tough job. I saw some of the caliber of the talent last year and this year is no exception,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Honorary Chair of the event, as he thanked Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci for producing the show.
“Markham Talent is delighted to announce the winners from the semi-final performances of Open Casting Call Season 2, showcasing remarkable talent across various categories,” said Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci, Executive Producer of Markham Talent Open Casting Call & Showcase. “Our premier talent search in Markham, dedicated to discovering and nurturing young and emerging artists, had a diverse array of talent and it was very difficult to select the ‘best of the best’.”
Semi-finals took place at Xinflix Auditorium at 421 Bentley St, Unit 8, Markham on June 22-23, 2024, and an exemplary judging panel was there to review and finalize the artists who will perform at the Markham Talent Showcase in September.
“We had performing artists from all over Ontario for our thrilling Season 2 of the Markham Talent Open Casting Call. The Markham Talent event has been a staple in the community, providing a platform for young and emerging talents to shine. We are now excited to present this year’s finalists to perform and award ceremony set to take place on September 20 in Markham,” says Renu Mehta, chair of MAC.
“In this entertainment industry, we are always looking for fresh new faces from all ethnic backgrounds and different language skills such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hindi…etc. I am thrilled to see the wonderful diversity of talents during this semi-final, and I can see there are so many talents we can work with. This event truly represents the diversity and multiculturalism in our community,” said Sarah Shepp, Judge of Markham Talent and Casting Director.
Talents had a 5-minute time slot to show their best artistic ability for judges to see a full spectrum and range of their talent.
The excellent judging panel included Music Producer/Juno Awards Nominee Robert Laidlaw, Television/Film Dance choreographer & director Jennifer Nichols, Songwriter/Music Producer Mickey Brandolino, Talent manager Patricia Jarosz, Talent Manager and Model Agent Cynthia Cully, Television/Film Casting Director Colleen Rush, Casting Director Sarah Sheps, Youth Judges Anthony Collucci and Canada’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Maya Gamzu
The list of Finalists is as follows:
Models
| Group A – Age 16 and Under Amy Yang Rosalina Yu Jayme Dwyer Christine Liang | Group B – Age 17 and Above Noamane El Fech Andreas Knelsen |
Music
| Group A – Age 16 and Under Mia Du Carmen Ellena Li Rishana Senthan Zata Barchuk Bella Guidotti – Life of Exile Rachel Tao | Group B – Age 17 and above Noamane El Fech Allyson Whitmell Neha Dubey Quang Phu Nguyen Lia Dogadin Shay Lee |
Actor and Freestyle
| Group A – Age 16 and Under Eleanor Jin Serena Wang Rishana Senthan Jaydn Sloane Blumfald Amy Yang John Volfson | Group B – Age 17 and Above Masha Dray A.J. Spatola Edgar Allan Della Cruz Ghazal Faridihaftkhani Kenzy Le Bolloch |
