ABOUT

Smyth Casting

One of Ontario’s most sought-after and experienced casting companies composed of Casting director Ilona Smyth CSA, Casting Associates Kelsie Winsor and Matthew Goudie, and Casting Assistant Cayden Provencal. We cast for feature films, television, commercials, print campaigns, corporate videos and events — with a strong history of promoting diverse and inclusive casting choices while meeting our client's needs.

For performers at all experience levels, we offer workshop opportunities and one-on-one virtual coaching sessions to polish your resume, perfect the audition process, and become more bookable. As a casting company we do not represent individual actors, rather we work with production companies to source talent. Any/all inquiries can be directed to info@smythcasting.com

OUR

Team

Ilona Smyth

^CEO

With over 20 years of experience, Ilona's proven ability to discover rising talent, successfully book notable talent by leveraging good relationships with top agencies worldwide, negotiate and advocate for both productions and performers while remaining mindful of budgets and union rules, and neatly handle the tightest deadlines, has led to the successful casting of over 160 projects. Providing invaluable firsthand knowledge and insight, Ilona’s casting experience stretches from feature films to TV series, national commercials, reality TV, print campaigns, corporate videos, and events — both in Canada and internationally. She has her finger on the pulse of the best and upcoming talent available for projects of any size. As a regular guest speaker, Ilona has been able to share her experience in casting and entrepreneurship worldwide, and as a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion she has served as a mentor for the Reelworld Screen Institute’s Diversity Initiative and the Black Theatre Workshop Artist Mentorship Program. Ilona Smyth is a Casting Society of America member, Casting Director Society of Canada Executive Member, and is the founder and CEO of Smyth Casting. For guest speaker bookings email ilona@smythcasting.com

Matthew Goudie

^{Casting Associate}

A graduate of Algonquin College's Advertising and Scriptwriting programs, Matt's keen sense for storytelling artfully breaks down characters and scripts, and he has now assisted in both principal and background casting for over 75 projects. His experience in casting and communications keeps production partners and the Smyth Casting community informed as new challenges and opportunities arise in the industry. In between emails, you can find him rolling natural 20's at the D&D table or walking the parks of Ottawa with his dog Zuko.  matt@smythcasting.com

Kelsie Winsor

^{Casting Associate}

Kelsie developed a passion for film and television by experiencing the excitement of working on film sets through background opportunities provided by Smyth Casting, as well as attending multiple workshops with industry professionals. After studying Theatre at York University Kelsie realized that despite her love of performing, she was equally enthralled by the behind the scenes aspects of the film industry and made it a goal to delve more into it. Kelsie began working at Smyth Casting in 2018 and has been closely mentored by Ilona Smyth, CSA/CSC. Kelsie has assisted in both principal and background casting for dozens of film, television and commercial projects.  kelsie@smythcasting.com

Cayden Provencal

^{Casting Assistant}

Cayden has always held a deep love for storytelling in all its forms from a young age and has explored a variety of mediums over the years. They have a degree in Film & Digital photography, Animation, Radio, TV Broadcasting, communications, and Cinema from CEGEP John Abbott College where they studied under award-winning directors, animators, and photographers. Prior to joining Smyth Casting they were a Programmatic Coordinator who worked on a variety of successful provincial and national marketing campaigns for multiple top companies. Since joining Smyth Casting in May 2024 they have assisted in background casting for numerous productions and have provided additional assistance with principle casting. Cayden is a proudly queer nonbinary person who believes in representation for all and is committed to diverse casting and increasing diversity in the film industry. They are always up for an adventure and if they are not at their desk casting you can find them running D&D games, exploring the Laurentians, catching a local Montréal or Ottawa concert, or hunting for the perfect thrifted piece in your local thrift shop. cayden@smythcasting.com

OUR

Services

Principal Casting

Smyth casting has provided principal casting from lead roles helping to secure financing, to local actor roles and everything in between. Smyth has cast worldwide and is in good standing with all actor unions (ACTRA, SAG, UDA) and has a great working relationship with top agencies worldwide including CAA, WME, UTA, and more. Feature films, network TV shows, national commercials, corporate videos, and live events — we've done it all. If interested in booking and hiring us to cast your next project please contact us and we will be happy to quote you.

Workshops

We provide workshop opportunities for advanced, intermediate and beginner actors, ranging from ages 6 and up. We have offered a variety of workshops all over the world including; Introduction to the business, Audition process for beginners, Dialect workshops, Introduction to acting for film and television for kids and adults, and Intro to the film business for parents.

Coaching

Ilona Smyth, CSA offers one-on-one coaching sessions via Zoom or in person. Ilona has coached many successful actors and helped them secure booking some of the largest roles in their career to date. Coaching includes character development, re-envisioning and breakdown of the sides, and aiding in making you feel more comfortable with your character choices. Coaching availability dependent on Ilona’s schedule and services do not guarantee booking. Smyth Casting does not offer coaching services to projects being cast by Smyth Casting. If interested, please visit the coaching tab or email coaching@smythcasting.com.

Background Casting

Interested in working as a background performer in Ottawa and surrounding areas? You can sign up at backgroundwork.com* for access to all of our background casting breakdowns and more with the freedom to submit for roles on your own schedule. All opportunities are paid.

*Signing up at backgroundwork.com does not guarantee you work but does give you open access to apply.