Meet the feature Cast
teen beat Live: 80s MOVIE MIXTAPE

TEEN BEAT ALL STARS

JAMES BYOUS

…moved to Los Angeles at 17 to attend acting school, but he really just wanted to be in a rock band. He played every street corner, open mic, and pay-to-play venue up and down the Strip in Hollywood until his fingers bled and his neighbors called the cops. After graduating acting school, he couch surfed, hitchhiked, busked, lived in a van, and proudly lived the life of a starving artist. After trying out for a For The Record show, James became a staple of the LA musical theater scene and performed as various iconic movie characters all over the country at casinos, nightclubs, theaters, and cruise ships. After a year performing at sea, he hitchhiked across the country with his guitar and worked for a year at a drug rehabilitation center helping addicts recover sobriety. James was one of the leads of the 2018 Netflix original series Westside. His original rock opera Jimi Darkness: Alcoholic Superhero is his foray into writing musicals. @jamesbyous

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM

…is thrilled to be returning home to his For The Record family! Brian was last seen at CineVita in Tinselcolor and previously the FTR world as Gatsby in BAZ in 2015. Recently, Brian starred alongside Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. Brian is best known for his thrilling run on America’s Got Talent, where his performance of Radiohead’s “Creep” wowed audiences around the world. He went on to headline America’s Got Talent: Superstars live show in Las Vegas. Broadway credits include Wicked, Grease (Doody), and Next to Normal (Standby Gabe and Henry), as well as the 1st National Tours of The Addams Family (Lucas Bieneke) and Queen’s rock theatrical We Will Rock You. He is immensely grateful to Shane, Anderson, and the entire FTR family for making this such a warm welcome home! Follow along on all social media platforms @BrianJustinCrum.

DIONNE GIPSON

…hails from Atlanta, Georgia, by way of Peoria, Illinois. She is an alumna of Florida A&M and Penn State University. She began her professional career at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, then in LA with the For The Record Live concert series, where she is a founding company member. She has written songs for the films Josie and the Pussycats and Black Dynamite and has co-written alongside greats like Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Raphael Saadiq, and Jane Weidlin of The Go-Go’s. Film acting credits include Sweet Home Alabama, Squatters, and the Netflix holiday hit Pee Wee’s Big Holiday. Television credits include Criminal Minds, The Young and the Restless, and Greenleaf (OWN). She starred as a recurring guest on CBS’s NCIS and Amazon Prime’s The Wilds. Currently, you can catch her recurring on NBC’s Found, BET Plus’ Haus of Vicious, and starring in the newly released Apple TV film My Divorce Party, co-starring Rumer Willis, Sarah Hollis, and Kimia Behpoornia. For more info, follow her on Instagram @dionnegipson or visit dionnegipson.com. Represented by Alan Iezman (Shelter Entertainment) and Matt Jackson (Arise Talent Agency).

NINA ANN NELSON

…is one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after R&B/pop vocalists and songwriters, known for her powerhouse voice, sharp pen, and dynamic artistry. She first gained national attention as a member of Citizen Queen, the Pentatonix-created girl group whose viral “Evolution of Girl Groups” led to an RCA signing and a 30-city arena tour. As the group transitioned to independence, Nina emerged as a creative force, stepping into roles as lead songwriter, vocal arranger, producer, and engineer, while also building a loyal following on TikTok where her wit, songwriting, and vocals have earned recognition from artists like Rosalía and Leon Thomas. In addition to music, she has an extensive background in acting, with appearances on One Day at a Time and NCIS: Los Angeles, a starring role in Love Actually Live in Los Angeles, and her 2024 UK stage debut as Nikki in Burlesque the Musical. As a songwriter, she co-wrote TWICE’s global hit “Moonlight Sunrise” and collaborates across genres with top industry talent. Her debut project Two Truths and a Lie and latest single “Just a Little” showcase an artist boldly stepping into her own.

TY TAYLOR

…is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and actor with a career spanning theater, music, and television. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Ty’s theater career highlights include numerous Broadway productions, Songs for a New World (Original Cast Recording), Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), and We Will Rock You (North American Debut). He first gained national attention as a finalist on Rock Star: INXS and has since become the lead singer of the critically acclaimed band Vintage Trouble. With four albums and over 3,000 shows across 30 countries, Vintage Trouble toured with icons like The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and AC/DC, and was celebrated by media outlets such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and NPR. Ty’s distinct voice has been featured in HBO’s Vinyl (Grammy-nominated soundtrack), The Righteous Gemstones, Disney’s The Lorax, The Color Purple, Black Panther 2, Trolls: Band Together, and more. As a solo artist, Ty penned the Nouveau Mid-Century Romance Songbook, blending timeless jazz with modern relevance. He is currently preparing for the release of his first solo album and documentary, TYRONE. Ty also hosts “Soul Sundays” on KCSN 88.5 FM, sharing his passion for music with audiences worldwide.

CHEYENNE ISABEL WELLS

…hails from the Bay Area in California and made her Los Angeles debut at The Pasadena Playhouse in Little Shop of Horrors. She is also known for her role as Olivia in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Paramount+). She has worked with For The Record in Love Actually (Juliet and Mia) and most recently in Tarantino Live (CineVita) and Tinselcolor (CineVita).. She’s so excited to be sharing the stage with this amazing cast and can’t wait for you to experience the magic of the CineVita.

TEEN BEAT GLEE CLUB

MAËVA FEITELSON

…is a French and Iranian performer who trained at The International College of Musical Theatre in London. She made her West End debut as Ensemble in the original cast of Rumi: The Musical, which starred Ramin Karimloo, and can be heard on its original cast recording. Maëva most recently played Tzipporah in The Prince of Egypt at Moonlight Amphitheatre and was nominated for Best Actress in the Best of LA 48H Film Festival for her role in Le Monstre. She previously played Fabienne and Shoshanna in the London cast of Tarantino Live before reprising the role and making her US debut at the CineVita. Maëva is also a musician, playing violin and piano, and a writer. Other credits include Janis Joplin in Sixties Girls (Capitol Theatre, Germany), Dunyazade in Tales from a Thousand and One Nights (Dragonboy Production UK Tour), Wise Children workshop directed by Emma Rice (Oxford, UK), Swing in Dido’s Bar (Dash Arts Production, London), and understudy in Tinselcolor (CineVita).

JALEN FRIDAY

…is thrilled to be back at The CineVita! He was recently seen here in Tinselcolor. His past credits include Guys and Dolls, Tick, Tick… Boom!, Hair, and Once on This Island. You can also hear his singing on episodes of Bob’s Burgers and The Great North. Follow him on all platforms @jalenfriday.

LÉA LOUNDA

…is a French-Congolese performer who made her professional debut at age 10 as Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King in Paris. She later trained in Paris (Choreia), London (Sylvia Young Theatre School), and Berlin, developing a dynamic performance style that blends singing, dance, and storytelling. Léa has performed across Europe in productions including Black Legends, nominated for Best Musical, as well as the Hans Zimmer European Tour and the Lord of the Rings European Tour. Other credits include choreographing for the Festival de Cannes (Arielle Dombasle), dancing for The Voice France (Mike), touring with 100 Voices of Gospel, and performing at the Les Molières ceremony (Black Legends). A versatile performer with a fiery stage presence, Léa brings explosive energy and rare physical range to every project she takes on.

TAYLOR JOHN WILLIAMS

…is an accomplished singer-songwriter whose artistry and magnetic presence have made him a standout voice in contemporary music. Williams introduced millions to his soulful tone and distinctive style after rising to prominence as a finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Since then, he has built a reputation as a versatile artist and storyteller, crafting original music that resonates with honesty, passion, and emotional depth. A commanding performer, Taylor brings the same authenticity to every stage he graces. His live shows highlight not only his extraordinary vocal range but also his natural charisma and ability to connect with audiences in powerful, memorable ways. His songwriting, marked by poetic imagery and raw vulnerability, reveals an artist who can be both intimate and electrifying - equally at home with heartfelt ballads or bold, energetic anthems. With a growing catalog of original work and a career defined by constant exploration, Taylor John Williams is forging a path all his own - leaving audiences moved, inspired, and eager for more.

TEAN BEAT DRILL TEAM

JAELIN BORN  

…is a 3rd generation Chinese-American artist who combines their skills as a choreographer, performer, creative director, and activist. Originally from Clarksville, Maryland, their dance journey started in their living room, starting to express themselves through movement from a young age. They started with ballet training, which then quickly expanded into jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, and tap training at their home studio, Project T. There, they danced competitively and developed a passion for the physical rigor of dance. Jaelin is now pursuing their BFA in Dance at USC Kaufman, specializing in forms like Locking, Punking/Waacking, House, Breaking, Countertechnique, Horton, and Bollywood/Classical Indian.

BELLA DAVIS

…is 20 years old and from Washington state. She has been living and training in LA for two years now and is absolutely loving it. She currently trains at The Space Launch program in the styles of hiphop, jazz funk, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballroom and ballet.

DAWSON JACKSON

…is a professional dancer and choreographer based in Los Angeles, California, represented by MSA Talent Agency. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, he began his formal training at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and continued developing his craft with Motiv Crew under the direction of Marlee Hightower. After relocating to Los Angeles, Dawson further refined his skills with renowned industry professionals including Kolanie Marks and Erica Klein. His performance credits include Netflix’s Star Search Season 1, Rock the Ballet X 2022 European Tour, the 2023 and 2024 World Choreography Awards, The Masked Singer, and commercial work for Disney World and Universal Studios. Behind the scenes, Dawson has assisted on major productions such as the Derek Hough Live Tour and the Donny Osmond Las Vegas residency. Most recently, he has served as a professional assistant for Revel Dance Convention, supporting faculty across all styles while teaching audition and bonus classes. With a strong foundation in both performance and choreography, Dawson is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dancers and providing real-world guidance for aspiring artists. Follow his work on Instagram: @dawson_jackson

AUSTIN LEE

…is a Los Angeles–based professional dancer, choreographer, and artist originally from Orlando, Florida. Known for his versatility, precision, and determination, he has built a dynamic career across television, film, music videos, and live performance. His recent credits include being a Dance Champion and Finalist on Netflix’s Star Search with his collective Movement 55, working with Lady Gaga on “Abracadabra,” and appearing in Doechii’s “Anxiety.” Austin has also shared the stage with artists such as New Kids On The Block, Jordan Fisher, JoJo Siwa, Snow Wife, and Tash Blake, and has been featured in collaborations with brands including Google and GoPro alongside Derek Hough. His screen credits include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Late Show with James Corden, So You Think You Can Dance, NBC’s World of Dance, Disney’s Fam Jam, Amazon Prime’s Tiny Dancers, and A Week Away: The Series. A graduate of The Brea Space’s Launch Training Program, Austin now travels nationwide as a Radix Pro Assistant, working with top choreographers while mentoring the next generation. He is thrilled to be part of Teen Beat and excited to return to the magic of CineVita.

ANGELIKAH CHUN (Jelly)

…is like, totally ecstatic to dance her heart out in CineVita’s Teen Beat Live show! After majoring in physics at Pomona College, she moved to LA to pursue a career in dance and theatre. Jelly splits her time between multiple loves: dancing, figure skating, tutoring calculus, and searching for the best matcha spot in all of LA. All my love to my day ones (you know who you are!) and my MSA fam! ig: @loveangelikah. I thought this was a party… Let's dance!

STUDENT COUNCIL

BRIDGET ROONEY (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER) recent credits include: 44 (Studebaker Theater, Kirk Douglas Theatre), Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish (Laguna Playhouse), The Belles Are Swingin’ (Garry Marshall Theatre), A Cinderella Christmas (Laguna Playhouse), The Manager (The Bourbon Room), Drag The Musical (The Bourbon Room), Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today? (La Mirada Theatre), The Wonderful Winter of Oz (Laguna Playhouse), and Tarantino Live (CineVita). MFA, California Institute of the Arts.

CASSY SOTTILE (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) recent credits include: 44 (Studebaker Theater, Kirk Douglas Theatre), Jane Eyre (A Noise Within), Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish (Laguna Playhouse), The Belles Are Swingin’ (Garry Marshall Theatre), George M. Cohan Celebration (La Mirada Theatre), Rehearsing for Life (The Wallis), A Cinderella Christmas (Laguna Playhouse), R&H Cinderella (TACFA), Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today? (La Mirada Theatre), and Tarantino Live (CineVita). MFA, California Institute of the Arts.

*The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Casting

We are always on the lookout for talented performers to join the CineVita family. Stay tuned for casting calls, or email casting@thecinevita.com for more information.

Employment

Looking to be part of an extraordinary team? CineVita is hiring! Check back for job postings, or reach out to jobs@thecinevita.com to inquire.