2019 Cindependent Ensemble

The Cindependent Film Festival is proud to provide opportunites for local performers. The Cindependent Ensemble has been chosen as part of our ‘Heyman Talent Casting Call’ as a way to exhibit the skill and diversity of local performing talent.

These performers will be showcasing their work from 2-4pm each day as part of our ‘Screenplay Speakeasy’ series at The Know Theatre of Cincinnati. These live screenplay readings feature short and feature-length screenplays from selected screenwriters.

Michelle jardine

Michelle Jardine is a junior acting student at the U of Cincinnati's CCM. She studied improv at the Second City in Chicago, and wrote/performed in several shows with her sketch comedy troupe. Michelle is perhaps best known around town for her pig backpack, Preston Oliver.

Chelsea Cook

Chelsea has always had a love of performing, and began doing commercial and theatrical work with Heyman Talent in Cincinnati two years ago. Her most recent work has included starring in Secret Deodorant's latest digital commercial, as well as two films earlier this summer.

Leonard Peterson is a Junior in the CCM acting Dept. from Radcliff, Ky. His credits include: Jimmy U/S/ Ensemble in Dreamgirls, Dobchinsky in The Government Inspector, Caesar in Our Country’s Good, Avery in The Flick and Elis in The Consciousness which debuted in the Cincy Fringe Festival.

Mendu Khanyile

Mendu Khanyile is excited to be making her film debut at the 2019 Cindependent Film Festival! Her most recent works have been roles in regional productions of Dreamgirls, and as Nina Simone in the original, Eunice Star Shine & Clay.

Chris Gordy

Chris Gordy works in radio, theater, and the local film community in Cincinnati . For several years, he produced/ performed in his own traveling side show complete with fire eating, flea circuses, and Shakespeare. Studying under the Cincinnati Actors Studio, Chris became more involved in short films and recently won Best Actor for his role in "KARMA" for the Cincinnati 48 Hour Film Project 2019.

Ryan j. Poole

Ryan has appeared regionally as an actor, emcee & host in film, television, & radio /voiceover roles. A video producer, director, and editor by day, Ryan studied under Frank Gerrish at the U of Utah, and is a founder of Utah Actors Association.

James Troup

James Troup, 42, Cincinnati, is a lifelong lover of the creative arts. James has graced stages, small screens, and been featured in several feature films.In his spare time, Troup is an avid world traveler, collecting passport stamps from every part of the globe. He also enjoy spending time with his rescue pit bull, Charlie Hustle.