Jodi Nelson – ANNIE CHASE A multi-artist with experience in film, music, theatre, radio and television has given Nelson the opportunity to perform in many mediums throughout her life. She recently received her MFA in Acting from California Institute of the Arts (Rated in the Top Five Graduate Theatre Programs in the Nation). She also earned her BA in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma. In the past nine months she has starred in two feature films “Far West” and her production company’s first feature “Chasing Life,” in which she wrote, produced and starred. It will be released this Fall. Details can be found on the film’s website at www.chasinglifethemovie.com. While studying full-time in graduate school, she also amassed a good body of work in the Los Angeles area including; starring roles in four films, two Spec Pilots, nine plays and was featured in various Network TV shows. She has directed and produced two music videos and a Documentary, wrote the play “I, Candy,” a film short, “Jane Bond,” three feature length screenplays, “Chasing Life,” “Forever A Maiden,” and a book adaptation of “The Messiah Stones,” as well as over several hundred songs and poems, some which have been published. In addition to her acting work, she’s a prolific singer/songwriter. Recognized as an emerging talent in music, she has been published in various local, regional and national newspapers and received radio airplay both nationally and internationally for her debut CD “Maybe, I Will...” Nelson’s music television debut occurred on Austin, Texas’ Music Network’s “Breakin’ In,” which continues to rotate her live performance taping, as well as the music video she produced. One of the first recipients of the Jim Beam Brands Grant Program (B.E.A.M. Grant Program - Benefiting Emerging Artists and Musicians), her award aided in the recording costs of the CD, currently being sold on www.cdbaby.com. *The Victoria Advocate describes her debut; “Her voice is simply mesmerizing. I can't remember the last time I heard this much pure pop talent captured on one CD!” *Pat DiNizio of the popular 80s band The Smithereens; “I'm extremely impressed with Jodi's talent and dedication to her music.”   *Dallasmusic.com; “The most outstanding quality of the debut CD is Jodi's vocal style. Her smooth, seductive voice deserves the passionate attention listeners will give her. ”She was also a Top 20 finalist in the “Lilith Fair” Musician Competition, in both the Austin and Dallas, TX competitions. Currently, she is co-writing the Soundtrack to the feature film “Chasing Life” with musician/composer Tiaraju Aronovich. Her production company, Hip Chik Productions, formed in 1999, produced the CD “Maybe, I Will…,”  the Documentary “It’s A Hard Rock Life” and the Music Video “Strange Attraction” for its first projects. She is currently in post-production on the company’s first feature “Chasing Life” and the Music Video to the film’s single “I Want it All.” Co-producing with a company out of Brazil, Cinematik; both companies will seek distribution in the US and South America when the film is released this Fall. Nelson is also currently solidifying a three-picture development deal. She designed the websites, www.jodinelson.com, which markets her CD, video and acting talents and the production company’s site Hip Chik Prodctions.

Tiaraju Aronovich - JAKE Tiaraju Aronovich has been working professionally as a multi-artist since the early age of 8, when he got his first role as an actor for a TV show in Brazil (RaTimBum Castle, TV Cultura). By the time he was 18, he had not only acted, but also written soundtracks for TV programs and enjoyed a reputable career as a musician. Aronovich organized prestigious Music Festivals in Sao Paulo (Brazil's largest city) and became a prize winner in virtually every music competition in which he participated, including the world's most important classical guitar competition, the Guitar Foundation of America Competition in 2000, when his performance in the final round was described by the "San Antonio Express News" as "…exciting, agile, go-for-broke…". At age 19, Tiaraju Aronovich was awarded full scholarships from seven North American universities to pursue his undergraduate studies in the arts (including Stetson University, University of Southern California - USC, Arizona State University and the California Institute of the Arts)  In 2003/2004, Aronovich wrote and produced with incredible results  his first feature length film, “Far West”, currently under post production.  Together with Brazilian executive Mariana Garcia, Tiaraju Aronovich is also the founder of Cinematik Productions, which is currently working on two feature films while establishing international partnerships for future projects.  After performing in the US, South America and Europe (including a performance at the newly built "RedCat" theatre in Downtown LA, when Aronovich premiered a piece for Solo Guitar and Orchestra) and after writing soundtracks and acting for countless independent films, Aronovich is currently concluding his studies at the California Institute of the Arts - where he also serves as a Teaching Assistant both in the music and the film departments, while still managing Cinematik Productions in the US and Brazil.

Dan White – DEREK SAMUEL BRYANT Dan White is a native of Jackson, MS. He is enjoying a successful run as the voice of MTV's hit show, "Pimp My Ride." A 2003 graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, Dan continues to work in film, tv and theater. He's currently featured as the DJ in Janet Jackson's latest video, "All Night." He will be starring  in the musical "24 Hours, " July 30th through Aug. 22 at the Stella Adler Theater.

Chad Christopher – TOMMY 'Chasing Life' is the second feature film Chad Christopher has portrayed a bad ass in the past nine months, the first being 'Far West'. Chad is pleased to announce he is now signed with Kenn Kingsbury at BSC management. Chad has been involved in several film projects since relocating to LA from a theatre career in New York City. His theatre credits include, Of Mice and Men (Lennie), The Glass Menagerie (Tom), Twelve Angry Men( Juror # 2), Dracula (Dracula) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Billy Bibit) to name a few. In addition to acting Chad is a writer with two feature film scripts, 'Broken Honor' a undercover police drama, 'Rednecks' a slap stick comedy and currently he is creating a comedy romance called 'Getting her Back'. Chad would like to thank all of the cast and crew of Chasing Life (it was a truly wonderful time), he would also like to give a shout out to his family and friends and a fond appreciation for room fifteen.

Patrick Tarpey – SHORTY Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY- Patrick recently transplanted to the west coast to be with his best friends and try his hand at film. While in the Big Apple, Patrick appeared on stage for 12 years in such roles as McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Lucien in the Boy's Next Door, Roger in the American Premiere of The London Cuckold's. Patrick is also the co-creator and performer of The Stupendous Twins, a vaudevillian comedy duo. As a Twin Patrick sold out all the New York Comedy Clubs including Caroline's on Broadway, headlined for Catch a Rising Star appeared onstage with Andy Richter, Jay Mohr, opened up for The Dixie Chicks and was featured on Good Day New York on their story covering The One Minute Play Contest. All this culminated into THE STUPENDOUS TWINS SMASH HITS, a musical comedy album. Patrick now works with his best friend Chad Kline as a producer and writer for their upcoming feature film project REDNECKS. Patrick wants to thank all involved with Far West for their support and encouragement in his film debut and looks forward to future projects.

JG Hertzler – CHIEF WILEY F. BURDELL Born into a family whose roots go back eight generations in the small Pennsylvania town of Port Royal, J.G. was raised on various foreign and domestic Air Force bases, from El Paso to Casablanca.  With the soul of an Amish linebacker, J.G. has toured the rust-belt with Roddy MacDowall, held a shotgun to the head of Holly Hunter.   Irene Pappas has carried his bloody severed head around Broadway.  In television, he’s worked in countless episodics, mostly villains with inner torment, from ZORRO, to the Alpha Quadrant of Star Trek: DEEP SPACE NINE, to most recently in SIX FEET UNDER.

Joan MacIntosh – NADINE Joan MacIntosh (Nadine) has enjoyed a glorious 38 year career in the American professional theatre, playing on and off Broadway, and in dozens of resident theatres throughout the country. Since relocating to California, from New York, she has played Catwoman in Timothy Near's production of By the Bog of Cats at San Jose Repertory Theatre, Arkadina in Portland Center Stage's production of The Seagull directed by Chris Coleman, Mme Rosemonde in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Fly in Happy End at ACT, directed by Carey Perloff. She recently completed a run as Gloucester in the Cal Arts Center for New Theatre's production of King Lear in L.A. and France. She played Alice James in Ivo van Hove's production of Susan Sontag's play, Alice in Bed in New York City and Europe. Her collaborations with Mr. van Hove include O'Neill's More Stately Mansions, which was performed at the New York Theatre Workshop and the Edinburgh Festival, and for which she won a Herald Angel Award and an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence. Her favorite roles have included Fraulein Rasch in Franz X Kroetz's Request Concert, directed by JoAnne Akalaitis, for which she won a Drama Desk Award; Masha in The Three Sisters, directed by Liviu Ciulei, at the Guthrie Theatre; Hedda Gabler in a production directed by Christopher Markle at the Guthrie; and Irma in The Balcony, directed by Akalaitis for the American Repertory Theatre. MacIntosh was a founding member of the renowned  experimental theatre company, The Performance Group, from 1967-1978. She played Mother Courage in their production of Mother Courage and Her Children; Jocasta in Seneca's Oedipus; Marilyn Monroe in The Marilyn Project; Agave in the Obie-winning Dionysus in "69; Becky Lou in the Obie Award-winning The Tooth of Crime; and Clementine in Commune, for which she won an Obie Award for Distinguished Performance. Her film work includes Victor Nunez's A Flash of Green with Blair Brown and Ed Harris, Awakenings, The Confession, Fresh Horses, Body of Correspondence, The Chain Letter, The Doctor, The Tooth of Crime, and Dionysus in '69. For television she has played in numerous daytime series, and has had guest appearances on The West Wing, and Law and Order. Made for TV films include: Lincoln and Seward, and Julie Taymor's Fool's Fire. Having taught for as long as she has acted, in schools and universities all over the world, she currently teaches acting at the School of Theatre of the California Institute of the Arts. She has a healing practice. She is a Fox fellow. Other grants and awards include: Spencer Cherashore Award for writing: USIA grants for travel and work in India, Southeast Asia, and South Africa; JDR III Fund grant for work in India. She is currently writing a book of poetry, a book on her experiences in the Experimental Theatre in New York of the 60's and 70's, a solo performance piece, and a play.

Nessa Laverty – ANGELA Nessa, a native of Ottawa, Canada began her performance career at the tender age of 11.  From an early age this accomplished actress, singer & dancer was very aware of her love of performance and began to feed that desire with theatre, dance and gymnastic classes. At age 14 she signed with a local modeling agency and began working in front of the camera in photos, commercials, printwork, fashion shows and more. Nessa auditioned and was accepted to be part of a cabaret show consisting of eight girls that traveled all over Canada and the U.S. for a span of seven years.  The show was made up of 4-5 costume changes, acting, singing, dancing and a live traveling band.  She was a former Miss Ottawa Rough Rider (CFL) and represented her city for that year with guest appearances both publicly and on television. Nessa is fluent in French & Spanish (... well, almost fluent in Spanish - but she can order food like a pro!) plays a little guitar, is a swing & salsa dance fanatic and loves the sunshine! She loves to face a challenge & cherishes time spent with family & friends.  She loathes people who lie and has great antipathy for the word ‘No!’. Since moving to Los Angeles, Nessa has earned many credits in both the acting and dance industry including music videos, musicals, commercials and primetime television including NBC’s “Titans” and the WB’s ‘Gilmore Girls”.    Her goal is to continue that drive to learn, explore and be the best person she can be. She credits alot of her strength and confidence to the two people she loves most in the world --- “Mom and Dad”. For more info on Nessa, including photos, training, credits and more, please visit her website: www.nessalaverty.com.

Daniela Melgar – MARIELLA Daniela Melgar was born in Mexico City. She moved with her family to San Diego when she was 4 1/2. She first started off in dance as a child, and it wasn't until later that she realized she wanted to be an actress. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of California at San Diego. Favorite roles there include Sita in A LIGHT IN THE VILLAGE, Salome/Herod in SALOME and Shannon in DISTRACTION, which was part of the California Young Playwright's Project at the Old Globe Theatre.  She received her Master of Fine Arts in Acting from The California Institute of the Arts. Favorite roles there include Maja in WHEN WE DEAD AWAKEN, Helen in TROJAN WOMEN: A LOVE STORY, Ill's Daughter in THE VISIT and Paulina in THE SEAGULL. She also helped write, create and perform an autobiographical piece about her experiences as a young diabetic. GADFLY was a collaborative piece with four performers and a director, using the Greek myth of IO as an allegory for Daniela's life. Daniela loves kids and has spent many summers as a camp counselor at Camp Conrad-Chinnock, a sleep away camp for diabetics.

Rendon Ramsey – RAY Rendon is a native of Seattle, WA.  He holds a B.A. from the University of Washington, an A.A. from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts.  Rendon has been acting for more than fifteen years and has appeared in numerous films, stage productions and commercials.  In addition, Rendon is a proud Theatre faculty member at Idyllwild Arts Academy, where he teaches Acting for the Camera as well as Advanced Scene Study.

Lorin Shamos – TRAVIS Lorin Shamos grew up in the beautiful southwest desert of Phoenix, AZ, and moved out to LA three years ago to attend the MFA Acting program at CalArts. Now graduated he is persuing his carreer, acting in numerous independent projects last being "Chasing Life." When not working Lorin spends time being active, exercising, and going to parks, beaches, and taking time to have a beer while watching the sun set.

Ransom Boynton - Justin Lee Ransom Boynton holds an MFA in acting from California Institute of the Arts.  He is currently working on several film projects and hopes to one day produce and direct his own film projects.

Kristina Sexton – LACY Kristina is a Los Angeles based actress.  She has performed in numerous productions in Theatre, Film and Television.  She is excited for the opportunity to work in Chasing Life and has had a great time doing so.

Jason Bonduris – BILLY COLE Having graduated from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) in Santa Maria, California, and the Midsummer in Oxford program at the British American Drama Academy (BADA) in England, Jason, currently a BFA3 at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California, has quickly amassed a broad range of studio, stage and film credits.     His diverse character work includes playing Mercutio in BADA’s production of Romeo and Juliet,  Danny in Woodminster Amphitheater’s Grease and Bienstock in Benicia Old Town Theater’s Sugar.  Jason has also had principal roles in The Visit (CalArts), Eager Pigeon (New Works Festival), Much Ado About Nothing (PCPA), The Andersons (New Works Festival),  Betrayal (PCPA), Scrooge (PCPA), Waiting For Lefty (PCPA), Philadelphia Story (PCPA), The Fan (CarArts),and Twelfth Night (CalArts).

Madison Brandon – YOUNG ANNIE Madison Brandon is 10 years old and has had the acting bug since the age of 3.  She has been in several national commercials, movies, short features and plays.  Madison is highly gifted, skipped two grades, and will be starting junior high school in the fall of 2004.  She has a great sense of humor and is found most afternoons riding her horse, Rocky, or hanging out with her friends.

David Garcia, Jr. – BABY HECTOR Just getting started…

Clifford the Dog - As Himself www.pawsforeffect.com

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