2027 LLAC Guest Experts

Kurt Yue

Actor | Acting Coach

Kurt Yue is a working actor, acting coach, and educator based in Atlanta, Georgia, with credits including Will Trent, Cobra Kai, and Black Widow.

A SAG-AFTRA member since 2019, he has been self-taping since 2014 and has taped well over a thousand auditions from just about everywhere imaginable, including his home, hotel rooms, garages, closets, and everything in between.

Through his work as both an actor and coach, as well as his YouTube channel and Acting Career Center platform, Kurt helps actors create strong, effective self-tapes that feel grounded, specific, and ready for today’s casting process.

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Beverly Holloway

Casting Director

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Masterclass: ________

Mark McCullough

Actor | Acting Coach

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Shari Rigby

Actor | Director | Founder of Women in My World

Shari Rigby is an accomplished actress, director, writer, producer, author, and inspirational speaker, known as a leading voice in faith and family entertainment.

Her on-screen performances in films and television include October Baby, Overcomer, County Rescue, Not Today, Extraordinary, Wildflower, and The Least of These.

With over twenty years in the industry, Shari has transitioned to directing projects such as Between The Lines (Warner Brothers), County Rescue (Great American Pure Flix), Identity Crisis (Angel), Divine Influencer (Great American PureFlix), recipient of the Epiphany Award at Movieguide, and an ICVM Gold Crown Award, and creator of The Dream Center docuseries.

Shari is the founder of the non-profit organization, The Women In My World, and is the co-founder of Beautifully Flawed Productions.

Masterclass: ________

Chris Chris

Social Media Influencer

Chris Chris is a Detroit-born Christian creator, indie artist, designer, and storyteller using music, comedy, and digital media to make faith feel joyful, relatable, and real.

With a background in graphic design, audio production, content creation, and visual storytelling, Chris blends creativity and purpose to build clean, engaging entertainment for a multi-generational audience. Across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, he has grown a large online community through Christian skits, songs, videos, and uplifting content that points people back to God without losing humor or personality.

His work includes original music projects like Christ Bop, faith-based digital products, and the vision for Christ Bop Dance, a Christian dance video game celebrating Jesus through movement and music. At the heart of everything Chris creates is a mission to inspire, entertain, and share the gospel in a fresh way.

Masterclass: ________

Carol Hickey

Acting Coach | Actor | Owner of Carol Hickey Acting Studios

Owner and director of CHAS ATX and CHAS ATL, Carol Hickey has studied with some of the most prestigious instructors in acting at HB Studio in New York and seven years in Los Angeles with the late Harry Mastrogeorge.

She has a degree in Theatre from University of California, Santa Barbara. She earned her living working on commercials and television series (Gilmore Girls, Scrubs, ER, NYPD Blue, Big Love, National Tide, AT&T, Kelloggs, Cisco and many more) in Los Angeles.

She has also received awards for her work on stage and has worked as an instructor through East L.A. Classic Theatre to inner city, underprivileged youth in L.A.

Recent credits in Austin, TX include Love and Death (HBO), MO (Netflix), Walker (CW) and the films Only the Good Survive with D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Sidney Flanigan.

Masterclass: ________

Todd Terry

Actor

Todd Terry is a Texas native whose career in television, film, and theater spans more than 38 years. He studied at The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, and the Professional Actors Conservatory in Southern California.

Todd has appeared in several network television movies including The Legend of Cadillac Jack, In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy, and The Year Without Santa Claus.

His television credits include recurring and guest-starring roles on Lioness, 1923, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, Walker, amongst many more.

He recently completed his fourth season starring as Gary Travis in the acclaimed episodic series, Vindication.

A longtime advocate for actors and the entertainment industry, Todd served as President of the Dallas–Fort Worth branch of the Screen Actors Guild in 2001.

Masterclass: ________

Mykle McCoslin

SAG-AFTRA Austin-Houston Local President | Actor | Writer

Mykle McCoslin is an actor, writer, producer, director, acting coach and President and National Board Member of the Houston-Austin SAG-AFTRA local.

Mykle is known for her TV work in Netflix's Mo and Bad Thoughts and played Margaret Cox in the feature film, The Long Game, with Dennis Quaid, Jay Hernandez and Cheech Marin, which won a Narrative Spotlight Audience Award at SXSW in 2023.

She stars in the upcoming romantic comedy, Not Her, playing the mother of the bride opposite Mary Steenburgen, Michaela Watkins and Sosie Bacon.

Mykle is currently finishing edits on her first novel, My Grandma Elvis, a memoir she wrote on growing up in Texas and her journey of pursuing acting, which she plans on adapting into a screenplay and eventually directing the film. She is developing several scripted and unscripted television series under her production company, Prolly So Productions.

Masterclass: ________

Jarod O'Flaherty

Showrunner of Vindication | Creator of ActorBay

Jarod O'Flaherty is the director and producer of the award-winning, faith-based crime drama series, Vindication. He lives in Texas with his wife of over 20 years and his five children.

He's also the creator of the rapidly growing online acting platform, ActorBay, where actors have casting opportunities and the ability to present self-tapes showcasing their talent to filmmakers.

Masterclass: ________ 

Cindi Andress

Talent Agent | Owner of Pastorini Bosby

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Nathan Kirby

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Mandy Benton

HMUA for The Chosen

Mandy Danielle Benton was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Her passion for makeup artistry led her to move to Los Angeles in 2000, where she launched her career in the film industry. Initially working on feature films, Mandy soon expanded her portfolio to include popular TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance,” “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Dexter” and “What About Brian.”

In 2009, Mandy returned to Texas, where she continued to make her mark on the industry, working on television series like “The Good Guys,” the reboot of “Dallas,” and “Fear The Walking Dead.”

One of the most significant milestones in Mandy’s career has been her role as the Makeup Department Head on the hit series “The Chosen.” She considers this opportunity the highlight of her career and feels incredibly blessed to be a part of such an impactful and beloved show.

Masterclass: ________

Ron Gonzalez

DP | Director | Photographer

Ron has spent the last 20 years in the film business serving as an award-winning cinematographer, editor, and director.

He helped produce the first high-definition television series pilot in the world and has edited, operated and DP'd for many networks including ABC, FOX, National Geographic, PBS, Discovery, Travel, Biography, Netflix and Disney Channel, amongst many others.

Ron spent 2 months filming with two-time Oscar-winning director, Barbara Kopple, on a documentary for the Disney Channel.

He's DP'd over 20 feature films, 10 international documentaries, numerous commercials and TV shows (including 4 seasons the faith-based television series, Vindication) and works on the international sensation, The Chosen.

Ron is currently working on a new TV series for National Geographic and PBS called Colors serving as both Director and Cinematographer.

Masterclass: ________

Venus Monique

Actor | Producer | Founder of Personal Powerhouse | Co-Producer of LLAC

Venus is a multi-award-winning actor, producer, speaker, lifelong Texan, and the founder of Personal Powerhouse, a Christian company teaching actresses how to build professional careers without compromising their values.

Venus has earned numerous awards for her deep emotional range and sincere ability to bring characters to life. She spent four seasons as Detective Kris Tanner in the internationally-acclaimed crime drama series, Vindication, and her experience with stage, dance, and fight choreography make her a dynamic actor with a broad range of ability.

She's also a speaker and has spoken on stages and lead workshops at CWVFF, ICFF, Purpose Film and Media Conference, Lead Up Women's Leadership Conference, ICVM and many more.

As a producer with Kerusso Productions, Venus tells powerful and gritty God stories. She most recently produced a Christian comedy with fellow producers, Justen Overlander (The Chosen, The Shift) and Tyler Sansom (I Can, Learning You).

Masterclass: ________

Tyler Sansom

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Tyler Sansom is a former pastor, filmmaker, and storyteller passionate about helping people encounter Jesus in real and meaningful ways. He previously served as Lead Pastor of First Capital Christian Church, where he helped cultivate a vision for reaching people beyond traditional church walls.

As the founder of First Capital Films, Tyler has written, directed, and produced multiple faith-based films, including I Can and Learning You, with a focus on authentic, culturally relevant storytelling. His work aims to connect with both believers and those exploring faith.

Tyler is also the author of the book Against the Current, which challenges readers to follow Jesus in a culture moving the opposite direction. Through film, writing, and speaking, he continues to create stories that inspire purpose, faith, and transformation.

Masterclass: ________

Laura Mae Poore

Casting Director | Founder of Christian Casting

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Masterclass: ________

Mike Gonzalez

Sound Mixer

Mike Gonzalez is a sound mixer and the founder of Peak Sound Productions with over 20 years of experience working in film, TV, commercials, documentaries, corporate projects, and live performances.

He got his start in music, running a recording studio before moving into production sound, and has since worked on projects across the U.S. and internationally.

As a Christian, Mike cares deeply about serving others well and bringing a spirit of excellence and collaboration to every set. At the conference, he’ll be sharing how sound and wardrobe work together and how simple, practical choices can make a big difference for actors.

Masterclass: ________

Stephanie Danielle

Actor | Producer | Director | Writer

Stephanie is an actress and lifestyle model with more than 30 years of experience on stage and screen. Her work spans major motion pictures, independent films, television, commercials, industrial videos, stunt work, billboard campaigns, and print advertising.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Stephanie has spent nearly three decades in the health and fitness industry as a group fitness and personal trainer. Her training programs are featured on her YouTube channel, Balanced Strength, and she has served as the lead instructor in two commercially distributed fitness videos. She enjoys helping clients through both online and in-home personal training.

Whether working as an actor, writer, producer, director, or fitness instructor, Stephanie remains deeply committed to creating meaningful work that inspires and makes a positive impact.

Masterclass: ________

Benji Cooksey

Improv Coach | Owner of Good Friends Improv

Benji Cooksey is the owner of the Good Friend Theater and has been involved in live professional entertainment for over 15 years in Houston, TX.

He also produces ComedySportz, Houston’s longest running show now running over 35 years in Houston.

Masterclass: ________

Amanda Pfeiffer

Actor | Licensed Attorney | Writer

Amanda Pfeiffer is a licensed attorney and award-winning writer, actor, and filmmaker whose work bridges the creative and legal worlds of independent film.

Passionate about championing artists, she advises actors and filmmakers on contracts and legal strategy, empowering them to navigate the business side of storytelling with clarity and confidence.

Masterclass: ______

Ronson Hawkins

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John Goad

Actor | Voiceover Artist

John Goad is an actor, voice actor and actor coach with over 40 years experience in theater, film, television, commercials and audiobooks.

John is a much sought-after coach for actors, being featured at ICFF and other film conferences. He currently focuses his talents solely in the faith-based industry.

John lives in Houston, TX and is the proud father of 8 children. He serves in his church as an integral part of their media ministry.

Masterclass: ________

Sharonne Lanier

Actor | Producer

Sharonne studied Theatre Performance at the University of Central Florida. While studying, doubts and thoughts of giving up began to cloud her dreams. On the verge of switching paths, her mother said, "I believe God gives you dreams and visions for a reason. Don't run from it". Since then, she hasn't looked back.

Sharonne has performed professionally in countless stage plays, television, and film productions. It's not her goal to simply entertain, but Sharonne is committed to pointing people towards God's truth and love.

Stephanie Danielle

Actor | Producer | Director | Fitness Trainer

Stephanie is an actress and lifestyle model with more than 30 years of experience on stage and screen. Her work spans major motion pictures, independent films, television, commercials, industrial videos, stunt work, billboard campaigns, and print advertising.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Stephanie has spent nearly three decades in the health and fitness industry as a group fitness and personal trainer. Her training programs are featured on her YouTube channel, Balanced Strength, and she has served as the lead instructor in two commercially distributed fitness videos. She enjoys helping clients through both online and in-home personal training.

Whether working as an actor, writer, producer, director, or fitness instructor, Stephanie remains deeply committed to creating meaningful work that inspires and makes a positive impact.

Olivia Maine

Actor | Producer

Olivia is an actress, producer, and ministry leader whose story of redemption begins in the most unexpected place — a movie theater. After hitting rock bottom and crying out to God in desperation, Olivia’s life was changed when she saw the Christian film, War Room. What started as a casual movie outing became a divine encounter that awakened her heart to the power of repentance and prayer.

Today, she's using her platform to encourage filmmakers to keep creating impactful content and inspire people that God can meet us anywhere — even in a dark theater.

Warm, relatable, and faith-centered, Olivia’s voice resonates with authenticity and hope. Whether she’s in church or on camera, her message remains the same: God is still writing beautiful stories from broken places.