introducing
“what’s next!:
A Special THREE-part Event!”
ZBS INVITES ALL CLIENTS AND GUESTS OF Avalon Artists Group,
PureTalent Management, Aqua Talent Agency, AND
Casting Professional Steven Tylor O’Connor,
TO ATTEND
“what’s Next!: A Special THREE-part event!“ including:
• An exclusive Panel Discussion moderated by Zak Barnett between Ted Maier from Avalon Artists Group, Katrina Herlong from PureTalent Management, Kaitlin Smith from Aqua Talent Agency, and Steven Tylor O’Connor from Aufiero/Horn Casting, focused on visioning for “What’s Next!” in the industry.
• A ZBS Sample Class taught by ZBS owner and Master Teacher, Zak Barnett.
• An In-Studio reception for those in attendance with light snacks and refreshments to mingle and hang out!
ZBS Panel Event: “WHAT’s NEXT!”
The panel will be an enlightening conversation moderated by Zak Barnett between Ted Maier from Avalon Artists Group, Katrina Herlong from PureTalent Management, Kaitlin Smith from Aqua Talent Agency, and Steven Tylor O’Connor from Aufiero/Horn Casting.
This three-part special event is a continuation of ZBS’ “What’s Next!” series— a dynamic response to the roller coaster of challenges the industry has faced, from the upheavals of recent fires, the pandemic, and industry strikes to AI. In this series, we’re not just asking “What’s Next?”; we’re creating a think tank around the answer. This series is your ticket to innovation, offering a fresh approach to navigating and evolving in our fast-paced industry. This is an opportunity to redefine that industry together.
ZBS SAMPLE CLASS
Also, a very special Enrollment offer will be announced in this class! You don’t want to miss out!
DETAILS:
When: Friday, August 15
Panel & Sample Class Timings: 3:00 – 6:00 PM PT
Where: Hybrid (In-Person at ZBS Studios or Online via Zoom)
Address: 332 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA. 90036
Following the event: An in-studio reception will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM PT to mingle and enjoy light snacks!
Notes:
- Please be prepared to stay for the entirety of the event.
- No late admissions will be allowed to enter.
- Space is limited so we ask that you take your confirmation to heart and confirm only if you plan on attending.
- If you confirm and there’s an emergency, please email brian@zakbarnett.com as soon as possible so we can let the ZBS staff and your rep know that you won’t be attending. Thank you and we’re excited to welcome you to “What’s Next!”.
FILL out the form below to register!
Meet the Panelists:
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.
Ted Maier is the head of the Youth Division at Avalon Artists Group LA, located in Los Angeles, CA as well as the Adult Commercial Division. He has been in the business for 32 years and is always looking to find the next star kid to place on Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix or any other network looking to book his clients on National television! You can see his client, Luciano Leroux in the first two seasons of “Yellowjackets” and the Peacock series “Teacup”. You may have also seen Bailee Bonick in the movie “Theater Camp”, and recognize Ted’s twin clients Cali and Noelle Sheldon in the Jordan Peele film, “US”. His client Carmina Garay was on the hit Disney Plus show, “Diary of a Female President” and currently you can see Journey Christine as Maya on the Netflix sit-com, “The Upshaws”. Jayden Ham is starring in Nickelodeon’s “Bossy Bear”, Hunter Deno as the Pink Power Ranger in “Power Rangers: Dino Fury”, Reese Levine as Young Barry in the hit HBO series “Barry”, as well as Young Tommy in the Broadway musical “The Who’s Tommy”, Donna Wegert is currently STARRING in the hit live show “Awakening” at The Wynn on the Las Vegas Strip with many more including some that perform on Broadway or touring the country. You can also see Ted’s clients on national commercials and print ads. See more on Instagram: @AvalonArtistsGroupLA and @AvalonArtistsGroupYouth
Katrina Herlong is a highly respected talent manager and the founder of PureTalent Management (PTM), based in Los Angeles, CA. Since launching PTM in 2010, she has successfully guided the careers of numerous successful actors across the entertainment industry.
In 2021, Katrina expanded PTM by opening an affiliate office in Nashville, TN, to better serve clients in the East, Midwest and the growing Southeast entertainment market.
Her clients have appeared on almost all major cable networks and streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO Max, as well as feature films (including Oscar-nominated films), national commercials, print campaigns, and voiceover roles in animation productions.
Known for her keen eye for talent, hands-on approach, positivity and unwavering passion and dedication, Katrina has built PTM into a brand defined by integrity, collaboration, and success.
Steven Tylor O’Connor is a two-time Emmy and multiple Artios Award winning Casting Professional at Aufiero/Horn Casting, winning an Emmy in 2023 for “Best Foot Forward” (Apple+) and in 2021 for “The Healing Powers of Dude” (Netflix). Steven has also been honored by Casting Society (CSA) with the Associate Spotlight Award in 2019 and won an Artios Award in 2024 for his indie film “Summoning Sylvia” and in 2020 for Disney’s “Andi Mack”. Steven has been recognized three additional times with Artios nominations. Steven also won Casting Associate of the Year at the Heller Awards in 2024.
Steven sits on the Board of Directors for Casting Society and serves in Executive Leadership as their Treasurer / VP of Finance.
Kaitlin is the Youth Talent Agent at Aqua Talent Agency in West Hollywood, a full service talent agency specializing in film, tv, commercial, and print. Prior to her experience at Aqua, she worked for Bubblegum Casting, Australia’s longest running kids talent agency. Although she primarily works in developing the careers of young actors, she has worked with all ages and got her start in the business casting for Nancy Nayor and Boston Casting.
I’ve worked with him for four years. He’s passionate about what he does, and it makes us passionate. We’re a family. ZBS is a community…a second home
Whenever I get a script I always ask myself, WWZD—What would Zak Do?
During the camera tests and throughout rehearsals and filming on my Netflix series, “Julie and the Phantoms”, Zak’s work with our young actors provided them with the tools that enabled them to accomplish outstanding work. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was a magician
Zak speaks the language of the soul and is able to stir his actors on the deepest levels of artistic and personal transformation.
His connection to his students is unlike anything I’ve seen…the work is incredibly brave
Zak Barnett taught me to love my craft. Before I came to the studio I loved acting and I knew it was all I wanted to do, but I didn’t know why. I found myself in a place where I was giving good auditions, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Going through his classes allowed me to find my own wants and meld them into one. I learned to love the art of acting and find joy in making something special, something only I could create.
He’s made a lot of impact and a lot of change… I cannot recommend him enough!