Cory Dueger
Founder/CEO
Backed by a 30-year veteran, Cory Dueger who has done it all in the business from being an international model, talent agency owner, casting director, Founder and CEO of National Model and Talent Expos, Grand Strand Fashion Week, and co-founder of Gray Man Music. He is now giving back by offering his huge network of agents, casting directors, and industry contacts and personal connections to a select number of talent with Rise 2 Stardom.
This new and unique approach will lead to skipping many steps while navigating to become a top paid talent in all fields of entertainment from Acting, Modeling, Singing, Dancing, Influencer, and Sports Marketing Fields.
The entertainment business is so complex, so many new and established talent do not know how to properly break into the business. Talent that are selected stay on board throughout their entire career with specialized support and guidance, while also introducing talent of all ages to the most prestigious agents, casting directors, coaching and mentors. Rise 2 Stardom candidates can be from all ages and talent levels but must have the drive for star potential. Also being backed by E3, Entertainment Education Endowment, 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, endless opportunities await!
Meet the Team Behind the Spotlight
Focused on Talent. Powered by People. Built for the Future.
At Rise 2 Stardom, our success starts from within. Behind the scenes is a dedicated team of creatives, coordinators, and industry professionals who make every audition, callback, and success story possible. From client care to event logistics, our staff ensures that each contestant receives the attention, respect, and support they deserve.
Each team member brings a unique background in entertainment, media, or talent development—working with purpose to shape the future of rising stars. Whether they’re coordinating with mentors, guiding families through the process, or helping talent shine on stage or screen, our employees are the heartbeat of Rise 2 Stardom.
Michaela Hurd
Senior Talent Scout and Booking Director for Rise 2 Stardom
She began her career at age 17 with the nationally recognized Gately Poole Acting Studio, where she identified and developed emerging actors and models, later evaluating talent at major industry conventions in New York City and Los Angeles. Her work contributed to the early development of performers who went on to successful careers in film, television, and modeling, including Amanda Seyfried (Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!), Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries), Justin Bruening (All My Children, Knight Rider, Grey’s Anatomy), and Michael Alberti (Wildfire, All My Children).She now leads Rise 2 Stardom’s local booking and New Faces scouting initiatives, bringing a passion for discovering and guiding talent across the entertainment industry.
Rhonda Wall
Director of Marketing & Affiliate Operations
Engineers the operational and marketing systems that drive Rise 2 Stardom’s scalability. She designs and maintains end-to-end automation, CRM workflows, affiliate tracking, billing systems, and support infrastructure to ensure efficiency, data integrity, and consistent execution across all programs. With a background in customer experience architecture and systems optimization, she identifies process gaps, implements solutions, and ensures every participant moves through a structured, measurable, and well-supported pipeline.
Christopher Robbins
Talent Coach | Southeastern Talent Scout
With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Christopher Robbins brings unmatched energy, expertise, and vision to Rise 2 Stardom. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Union, Christopher has worked with Disney, Tokyo Disney, Columbia City Ballet, Hardrive Productions, and many more. His performance credits include Beauty and the Beast, The Grinch, The Nutcracker, and Legends in Concert, among other iconic productions.
Beyond the stage, Christopher has produced and choreographed national tours, major charity galas, and entertainment for theme parks and cruise lines—raising over $200,000 for community causes. His diverse career spans directing, stage management, and show development across the U.S. and abroad.
As Rise 2 Stardom’s official Talent Coach and Southeastern Talent Scout, Christopher specializes in helping dancers break into new areas of entertainment—whether it’s film, TV, commercials, or national stage productions. His passion is helping performers unlock their full potential and rise to the next level of their careers.
Bryce Russell
NYC Talent Scout | Actor | Director
From Broadway stages to nationwide talent searches, Bryce Russell has dedicated his entire career to discovering and developing the next generation of stars. With over a decade at the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA), Bryce currently serves as the Senior Director of Enrollment, traveling coast to coast to scout rising talent, lead masterclasses, and open doors for passionate performers.
A graduate of a top acting conservatory in New York City, Bryce’s early career was filled with powerful performances in both regional and Broadway productions—including Into the Woods, Les Misérables, The Music Man, and The Sound of Music. His love for the stage soon expanded to directing, with standout productions in New Orleans showcasing his artistic versatility.
Beyond the theater, Bryce made his mark in the world of global events—managing entertainment teams for Global Citizens and Love is Louder, where he helped bring to life unforgettable concerts alongside legends like Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Hugh Jackman, and The Roots.
But at the heart of it all, Bryce’s greatest passion remains the same: helping new talent find their voice and their path. Whether he's teaching, directing, or auditioning fresh faces for NYCDA, Bryce brings energy, experience, and an unshakable belief in the potential of every performer he meets.
Brad Cote
Technical Support Associate
With a background in customer experience and scalable systems, he removes friction behind the scenes, so artists feel supported and empowered to focus on their growth. A creative at heart, Brad is also a writer, voice actor, and founder of a mission-driven coffee company supporting animal rescues, blending technical precision with genuine creative empathy.
Amber Early
Model | Actress | Talent Development Advocate
Amber Early’s passion for the entertainment industry ignited at just 3 years old, performing in musical productions throughout her childhood and teen years. After a brief hiatus, she reignited her career at 24 with the guidance and mentorship of industry veteran Cory Dueger. With Cory’s coaching and connections, Amber secured representation from two top Atlanta agencies—launching her into a new era of professional success.
Amber’s growing résumé includes featured roles in television and film, as well as a high-fashion magazine cover that propelled her into the world of editorial modeling.
Her talents extend beyond performing—Amber has also worked behind the scenes, assisting with casting and serving as a judge for major dance competitions across the East Coast.
Amber’s journey embodies the Rise 2 Stardom mission: empowering rising talent with the mentorship, exposure, and real-world industry access to turn passion into a professional career.
Meet the Industry Scouts Guiding the Way
Real Experts. Real Connections. Real Results.
Rise 2 Stardom isn’t just about talent—it’s about access. Our scouts are top agents, managers, and casting professionals from major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. These are the people who open doors, offer feedback, and spot rising stars.
Every scout you meet through Rise 2 Stardom has a track record of launching successful careers in modeling, acting, singing, dancing, influencing, and sports marketing. Many of them have discovered talent who’ve gone on to sign with Ford Models, star in major films and series, walk in New York Fashion Week, or land national brand deals.
This isn’t theory—it’s connection to people who matter.
Amber Wright
Terri Land
Jenni Lubo
Jeremy Sickles
Kiesha NeToine
Sofia Morrow-Schap
Lynsee Gonzales
Freddie Hendricks
Madeleine Stengel
Nicole Mallozzi
Matthew Prescott
Chris McClure
Linda Rutledge
Jamaal Clowers
Ross Silver
Doris Stinga
Talia Sperendio
Oliver Aldape
Barry Shapiro
Elizabeth Perrin
Rachel Payne
Marc Soper
John DeGrazio
David Elliot
Lindsay Worsham
Ally Beans
Paul Blascak
Becca Mikesell
Michael Good
Mallory Levy
Our Network Opens Doors
From Hollywood agents to top modeling agencies around the world, these are the industry pros who have attended our events—and helped launch the careers of tomorrow’s stars.
- Abrams Artists Agency, LA & NYC
- APM Model Management, NYC
- Alpha Tyler Casting, ATL
- Archetype Management, LA
- Babes 'N Beaus, ATL
- Benz Model & Talent Agency, FL
- Brandon Advertising, Intl.
- BMG Model Management, NY, ATL & CHI
- CBS Casting
- CESD, LA & NY
- Charleston Sound Studio, SC
- Cinq Deux Un, Japan
- Click Model Management, ATL, NY, & PA
- Coast to Coast Talent Group, LA
- Dan Talent Group, TN
- Daniel Hoff Agency, NY & LA
- DDO Artists Agency, NY & LA
- Directions USA, NC
- Lily's Talent Group, Chicago
- Eisenberg/Beans, NY
- Scout Modeling Agency, LA
- HOP Models & Talent, ATL, TX, CHI
- Manikin Agency, Jacksonville
- DNA Model Management, NYC
- East Coast Entertainment, US
- Evolution Talent Agency, ATL & CLT
- Ford Models, Worldwide
- Front Management, MIAMI
- Funny Faces Today, NYC
- Futch-Mullins Casting, SC
- IAMT, NY
- IMG Agency, NY, LA, Paris, London, Milan, Sydney
- ITA, LA
- J Pervis Talent, ATL & LA
- Jaded Records, ATL
- Jive/RCA records, NYC
- JLA Talent, LA
- Joffrey Ballet, NY
- Karen Greer Models & Talent, FL
- Kipperman Casting, NY
- Link Talent Group, LA
- Shirley Hamilton Talent, Chicago
- Carolina Talent, NC
- Watersound Entertainment, NJ
- Millie Lewis, Charleston
- Herman Lipson Casting, NY
- Marilyn’s Agency, NC
- MMG, NY
- Muse Model Management
- NY Nathalie Models, Paris
- Next Model Management, Worldwide
- New York Model Management, NYC
- Nola Productions, Miami
- Osbrink Agency, LA
- Q Model Management, LA & NYC
- Red Model Management, NYC
- Runways Talent Group, Miami
- Slamm Model Management, Atlanta
- Small Group Models, NY Sony/BMG, NYC
- TalentWorks, LA & NYC
- VNY Model Management, NYC
- Wilhelmina Model Management, LA, MIA & NYC
- 1 Model Management, NYC
- 301 Model Management, MIA
- Jag Models, NY
- FT45, New Orleans
- After Eden Productions, TX
- Don Buchwald and Associates, NY
- State Management, NY
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your journey to success starts here. Apply today and take the first step toward your dream career.