Zak is widely regarded in the industry for cultivating a generation of breakout stars. His clients, past and present, range from Broadway to Hollywood to Bollywood, from critically acclaimed up-and-comers to breakout stars and icons.

Currently, Zak has over 250 students working as series regulars on major television shows, as well as hundreds of others working as guest stars, co-stars, and major roles in both studio and independent films. Among his students and clients, past and present, are numerous NAACP, SAG, People’s Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy winners. He also consults for directors, productions, and networks, to ensure both individual actors and entire casts rise to the occasion of their best performance possible.

Matt Jackson has worked in the entertainment industry in a variety of roles: as a television casting executive, a television agent, and a development executive for a celebrity production company. Jackson is known for his stellar eye for talent, as well as his creative passion and finesse for strategic planning and storytelling.

Some of the companies Jackson has collaborated with include – ABC, Amazon, Buchwald, CBS, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, HBO, Hulu, OWN, Rebel Entertainment Partners, NBC, Nickelodeon, TBS, Netflix, Paramount Plus and Universal Studios. Through these opportunities, Jackson has launched some of today’s leading talent names and simultaneously built a strong reputation among industry peers.

Jackson’s educational background includes the University of California – Los Angeles in business and film studies as well as an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Theater Arts from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Matt has a strong personal and professional belief in diversity, inclusion and belonging. Jackson enjoys the rich culture of great food, art and music in Los Angeles where he currently resides.

Matt is currently a Talent Agent at Arise Artists Agency.

Matt is the Director of Emerging Talent at Arise Artists Agency. He joined Arise 1 month after its creation where he brought over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He began his career in the mailroom at Abrams Artists Agency and found a deep passion for discovering and nurturing young talent. He has since become a trusted agent in guiding the careers of children and young adults in the highly competitive world of entertainment.

Throughout his career, Matt has played a pivotal role in helping his clients secure roles in a wide range of successful television series, feature films, and theatrical productions. His insight and industry knowledge have led to numerous breakout performances, establishing his clients as rising stars in Hollywood.

Matt is known for his personalized approach to career development, ensuring that each client receives guidance to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. His keen eye for talent, combined with his commitment to fostering long-term professional relationships, has made him a respected figure among industry insiders.

A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of performance and storytelling. His background in theatre gives him a unique perspective in recognizing raw talent and developing it into star power.

Under Matt’s leadership, the Emerging Talent division at Arise Artists Agency has flourished, becoming a leading destination for young performers seeking to build lasting and meaningful careers. His dedication to his clients and passion for the industry continue to drive his success and that of the talented artists he represents.

Kelleigh Siobhan Levesque is a Boston native and a graduate of Emerson College, where she earned a BFA in Arts & Entertainment Management. She began her career in talent representation, first assisting in the Youth Department at KMR Talent before joining Arise Artists Agency in 2024, where she supports the Emerging and Adult Theatrical departments.

In addition to her work in representation, Kelleigh is the Business Manager and co-founder of CloudBreak Theatre, an LA-based company dedicated to championing emerging playwrights. Since its founding in 2023, CloudBreak has provided a vital platform for bold, innovative storytelling, connecting new theatrical voices with industry professionals.

A lifelong lover of theatre and film, Kelleigh is deeply passionate about fostering artistic growth and amplifying diverse perspectives. Her commitment to building opportunities for artists has been the driving force behind her career.

Stephanie Massman is a seasoned Talent Manager at The Parmeter Group with over 30 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry. From running Hollywood Way Studios to working in casting, as an agent, and finally a manager, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry and qualifies to guide actors through the complexities of show business with insight and dedication.

Stephanie is passionate about nurturing talent and committed to professionalism, loyalty and respect in all her endeavors. Her dedication to her clients’ success is evident in her hands-on management style. She is always keeping an eye open as well for that “Diamond in the Rough”.

Coco Kleppinger is a casting director and professor at UCLA’s school of Theater, Film and Television. Before that she was an actress for 17 years. In casting she has worked on films such as IT and IT Chapter 2, Shazam!, Run, Unpregnant, The Disaster Artist, Game Night, Annabelle Comes Home, Don’t Breathe 2 and the Apple + series Extrapolations. She is currently working on Academy Award Winner Mark Sanger’s directorial debut. In her teaching career she has taught both at UCLA and various institutions around the country in subjects including: acting for the camera, auditioning technique, actor self care, voice and speech, vocal extremes and dialects. She comes from Wyoming and currently lives in LA.