Stephan Amenta (Chad) is an 11th grade student in Connecticut where he lives with his mom, dad, and college aged, twin siblings. While Just Playin’ was Stephan’s first experience with film, it was just the starting point for some more recent projects. He has since appeared in a student short film Last First Kiss, an unreleased indie film called Kids are Right and is about to begin shooting a feature film Jakob’s Ladder. Stephan has also played a number of roles in community theatre, appearing in Cabaret, The Crucible, and Camelot. He recently sang a solo at the CMEA’s All State Festival: The Best of Connecticut. As a student, Stephan puts a strong emphasis on his academics, and enjoys history the most of all his subjects. As he heads towards his senior year, he will continue to study voice, and search for a college program where he can earn a Liberal Arts Degree, and maintain his focus on acting. Outside of school and off-stage Stephan enjoys playing chess, skiing, hiking and playing with his dog, Percy. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support; and his fellow actors and crew members for making Just Playin’ all that it can be.

Ashley Aquilo (Danita) is an 8th grader, who is home schooled allowing her to split her time between NYC and her family home in Upstate, NY. Ashley is a passionate dancer, trained in all styles of dance. This past year she received a Tap Scholarship and was named Regional Outstanding Dancer from the New York City Dance Alliance. She participated for her studio, Eleanor’s School of Dance in the Starquest Regional Competition where she was awarded high score and overall winner, plus Miss Teen Starquest, Albany. She also won High Score Teen Soloist at Dance Xplosion in Worcester, MA. At the Starpower Regional Dance Competition, she won High Score Soloist and Miss Teen Starpower, Syracuse. While dance has been Ashley’s primary focus for years, she also studies voice and acting. She has also participated in school and local theatre productions including playing Kelsi, in High School Musical 2 and one of the Hot Box Girls in Guys and Dolls. She is currently in rehearsal for the NYU Skirball Theatre production of Booth, the Musical. Just Playin’ is Ashley’s film debut.

Melanie Daisy Borker – Connie- is a 13 year old High Honors Student. She attends a college prep school in Fairfield County. She lives with her Mom, Dad, younger sister and her two dogs. Melanie has a natural reflex for doing charity work and devotes herself to community service. One of her favorite things to do is volunteer her time with small children, many of whom have challenges. In her free time she enjoys tennis, skiing, yoga, singing and her acting classes. Just Playin’ is Melanie’s film debut. Her current projects include commercials for Nickelodeon (celebrating Earth Day) and for Zyrtec (having some fun while combating allergies). She recently had an opportunity to be involved in an upcoming pilot called Tenderloins that is being pitched to NBC and Spike TV. Melanie just finished playing Ado Annie in her schools rendition of Oklahoma. Melanie also enjoys modeling and getting a sneak peek into the fashion industry. Whether onstage, in front of the camera, or just hanging out with her family and friends, you will always see a huge smile and sparkling eyes on Melanie’s face.

Dominique Hood (Johnny) is in 10th grade at the Actor’s Institute Drama Program of the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. He has attended since the sixth grade, and has studied the teachings of Stella Adler, as well as the Meisner Technique. During his years at PPAS, he has appeared in a few school productions, including Schoolhouse Rock: The Musical and This Is Where We Came In. He has also appeared in shows at neighboring theatres, such as Suessical, which ran at Theater 315. While Just Playin’ is his first film appearance, Dominique is excited and aflame for the chance to prove him self on screen. In his free time he plays bass for a local punk rock band. Dominique would like to continue working as an actor and hopes to earn a Bachelor’s of Fine Art at the college of his choice. He would like to thank Mitch Horn for all the work and time he’s put into this project.

Sully Jessup (Ralphie) is a 9th grade honor’s student, whose curriculum includes courses in acting, singing and dance. He lives on Long Island with his parents, his dog, Shadow, and his turtle, Fuzzy. If you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he will say “an actor, first…a waiter, last”. Towards that goal he is considering back up careers as a forensic scientist, a marine core sniper, an NCIS agent or a marine biologist. Just Playin’ is Sully’s second student film. His favorite experiences have been recording a Vision Video Voice Over for Cisco Systems, shaking Will Smiths hand in Hancock, working as an extra on 30 Rock and The Electric Company, and playing a positive role model in a Sunburst Educational Video. Sully reads voraciously and has a brown belt in karate. Never at a loss for what to do, he can be found performing community service, jamming on his guitar, writing music, singing in his schools Select Choir, skiing or perfecting his sniper skills (no bullets, just airsoft pellets, please)! Sully has worked with some amazing people, but has never had the opportunity to enjoy the cast and crew as much as he did with Just Playin’. He thinks you all rock!

Abigail Wolff (Abby) (9) is making her debut in film with this project. Abigail has performed in 11 local and 4 regional musical theater productions. Favorite roles are Lead Kitten (Cats), Toots (Grease), Head Monkey (The Wiz), and Eugene (Tom Sawyer). She has been interviewed on TV and has been cast as a model for both runway and print. Abigail has also won multiple talent awards for singing at the State and National levels. Abigail competes in Figure Skating and Tae Kwon Do. Abigail is the founding member of The CareGirlz, a volunteer organization that entertains at area Nursing Homes and Children’s Hospitals. She won the 2007 National Golden Achievement in Service Award for her work with seniors. She is in the 4th grade and is a member of American Mensa and a Davidson Young Scholar. Abigail lives in the NY metro area with her mom, dad and talented little sister. She would like to thank Mitch and the amazing cast for this fantastic learning experience!