


Meet The Company
The Artists Behind CastBound Studios
Kaden Hill - Founder/Artistic Director
Kaden Hill is a theatre artist, educator, and the Founder & Artistic Director of CastBound Studios. He is a graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Acting program at the University of Windsor, where he trained in acting, movement, and voice, and worked closely with industry professionals as a performer, educator, and director. Kaden has toured professionally and brings a strong foundation in technique, storytelling, and collaborative creation to his work. He is deeply passionate about arts education and believes that young performers deserve training environments that balance discipline with play, structure with creativity, and high standards with genuine care. CastBound Studios was created out of Kaden’s desire to build the kind of theatre space he wished existed growing up. One rooted in community, accessibility, and meaningful artistic growth. He is committed to creating welcoming spaces where young artists can build confidence, take creative risks, and discover not only their voices as performers, but who they are as people.


Deanna Mann
Vocal Director
Deanna is a multidisciplinary performer, music director, and teacher currently based in Toronto, though she is a proud Maritimer, born and raised. She studied music at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and is a recipient of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust Awards. She continued her training at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, where she graduated in 2021. She is drawn to music for its ability to tell stories, build connection, and give performers the confidence to express themselves. Deanna is passionate about creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where young performers feel encouraged to take creative risks and grow both artistically and personally. She brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to her work and is excited to share her love of music with the CastBound community.

Faleesha Sydney
Lead Choreographer
Faleesha is a dancer and choreographer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in hip hop, Afro, and street dance styles. What she cherishes most about dance is its power to bring people together. For Faleesha, dance has always been about more than movement — it is a way to express herself, grow, and connect with others. She now shares that passion through teaching and choreography, creating welcoming spaces where people can build confidence, have fun, and explore their creativity through dance. Faleesha is especially passionate about helping dancers develop strong movement quality, musicality, and confidence in their bodies. She encourages dancers to explore rhythm, texture, and personal expression, believing that dance is at its strongest when technique and individuality come together.

Marley Donlan
Assistant Choreographer
Marley is a second-year student in York University’s Dance Program, as well as an aspiring dance teacher and choreographer. She currently teaches at the Emerald School of Ballet in Oshawa. Marley has trained in several musical theatre programs, including Oshawa Little Theatre’s Youth Group and O’Neill CVI’s Vocal & Drama Program, where she performed in numerous productions. Marley is passionate about nurturing young artists’ love for musical theatre and believes in creating supportive, encouraging spaces where performers can grow in confidence, creativity, and self-expression. She is excited to continue her education and training while becoming the best teacher she can be.

Makayla Ashenden
Ambassador of Fun
Makayla is an actor, creator, and all-around spark of joy in the rehearsal room, and a graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Acting program at the University of Windsor. She has worked across a wide range of performance styles, including Shakespeare, short films, comedy, drama, and musical theatre. Known for her versatility and fearless approach to storytelling, Makayla brings both strong technique and infectious energy to her work. At CastBound Studios, Makayla helps create a space where young performers feel confident, supported, and excited to take creative risks. She believes the best work happens when artists feel safe to play, be bold, and enjoy the process — and she makes sure every rehearsal has room for laughter, connection, and genuine fun.

Justin Mendler
Production Assistant
Justin is a performer and theatre artist who graduated from the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program at the University of Windsor in 2023. He is deeply interested in technique-driven performance and enjoys exploring the physical and technical demands of storytelling on stage.
Justin brings a strong movement background to his work, including extensive martial arts training, stage combat, weapons training, and a third-dan black belt in tae kwon do. During his time at Windsor, he served as Fight Captain for multiple productions and received professional training in fight direction. Justin is passionate about supporting young performers as they develop confidence, discipline, and a deeper understanding of their craft, and is excited to continue growing as an artist and collaborator.
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Taylor Hill
Administration
Taylor Hill is thrilled to be a part of the exciting journey at CastBound Studios. A graduate of Queen’s University’s Stage and Screen program, Taylor’s focus was stage management while exploring various other aspects of technical theatre, as well as film and television. She is the former Artistic Director of Studio 013 in Kingston. Currently Taylor is working in the wardrobe department as a Head Dresser at Drayton Entertainment. One of Her passions is bringing theatre to young audiences and creating opportunities for young theatre artists on stage and behind the scenes. Some of her favourite shows she has worked on are TYA productions including: Balloon Trees & The Seven Seas (5th Co.), Alice In Wonderland (Guild Festival Theatre), Cinderella: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment).

Lianne Henry
Props & Costume Design
Lianne is a seasoned theatre enthusiast who is excited to embark on CastBound Studio's next theatrical adventure. With a rich history spanning 40 years in community, professional, and educational theatre, she's worn many hats - from acting and directing to crafting props and costumes. Alongside her talented partner, Stephen Hill, Lianne has co-directed successful Theatre Camps for over a decade and is ecstatic to pass the torch onto her gifted offspring. As a 30-year veteran educator with a Drama specialization in the Toronto District School Board, she has shaped countless young minds, fostering a love for the stage. Lianne brings an abundance of experience, and unwavering enthusiasm to CastBound Studio's 2026 Season.

Stephen Hill
Set & Lighting Design
Stephen (the one on the right) graduated from the University of Windsor Acting program far longer ago than he would care to mention. Since then he has acted and directed for many companies including Stage West, Theatre Aquarius, and The St. Lawrence Stage Company. Steve discovered very early on that it is helpful in paying the rent to be multi-dimensional so he also has worked in scenic and lighting design. He has stayed away from the wardrobe department after the incident where he stapled one of the actors into their costume. Some of his proudest theatrical moments came during the over twelve years he spent co-directing summer youth programs in Brockville, Markham, and Richmond Hill with his exceptional partner Lianne Henry. He is very excited to play a small part in the creation of this next generation of theatrical endeavors!