Actors / Teachers
Olivia Simone,
Founding Director
Founder and Principal Director of ‘Off The Beaten Track Productions’, Olivia Simone, studied at NIDA and has a successful career in theatre, TV and film in Australia. She developed OTBT in Australia 10 years ago, to provide work opportunities for starting-out actors, with a vision to deliver an innovative and uncommon acting experience to her students. Her professional acting credits include: Australia-wide tour with the Bell Shakespeare Company in lead roles, Viola in Twelfth Night, Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and TV roles on; All Saints, Dance Academy, Winners and Losers and Love My Way. She produced and stared in “The Girl Who Loved the Beatles”, which toured from Sydney to LA. Most recently she performed in the production of “Ruben Guthrie” at the Matrix theatre in West Hollywood, where she was nominated for ‘Best Actress.’
She is currently living in Los Angeles. Her most recent short film Azzurro, that she wrote, produced and stared in, has been touring festivals world wide and awarded Best International Short Film at The Santa Monica Film Festival. She is currently planning to film feature film ‘Rosa’, in Australia and Southern Italy, in homage to her Italian Heritage. Her other projects are in the FILM/TV section.
Iman Nazemzadeh
"I love teaching kids and inspiring them to come out of their shells, develop confidence and have fun."
After graduating from Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of the Arts in 2004, with an emphasis in acting, Iman began his professional career as an actor in Los Angeles. Just before his arrival to LA, he was cast in "Sin City" as well as landing a recurring role on NBC's "LAX.” His professional endeavor continued making guest and recurring appearances on shows like, "24," "CSI: Miami," "Judging Amy," "The Closer," "General Hospital: Nightshift," "NCIS," and most recently “NCIS: Hawaii.”
In 2009 he produced the comic short film, "Not Necessary," which screened at the Illinois International Film Festival and Action On Film Festival, winning Best Comedy Short at both festivals. In 2014 he wrote and directed the short film “Still Here,” which opened at The Palm Springs International Short Film Festival and won Best Short Film Director at Noor Iranian Film Festival. Iman continues to train as an actor while working professionally.
Kate Shean
Katee Shean was born and raised in San Jose California. At a very young age she developed a passion for dancing, and started her training. She was the top female on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, and went on to tour with major artists like Taylor Swift, JLo, and Rihanna. She was able to fulfill her dream of dance and perform all over the world. She then took her understanding of emoting and storytelling with her as she discovered a love for another creative field; acting. She has trained with leading coaches such as Lesly Kahn and Co., Michael Woolson, Howard Fine Studios, Groundlings, and more. Katee has worked on many television shows and films, and continues to hone her craft daily. She has also been fortunate to help in casting offices and really get a behind the scenes look on how to approach self tapes and auditions. Katee also earned her Bachelors Degree in Education from Chapman University. She loves working with the younger generation, and being able to help them on their creative journey. She is looking forward to being a part of the Off the Beaten Track Summer Camps and can’t wait to start working with the kids.
Erica Hanrahan
Erica's is a long time veteran of TV, Theatre, and Film. Her recent TV and Film credits include The United States of Al, Lotte, Dream Job, Alexa & Katie, The Office, Rules of Engagement, How I Met Your Mother, Body of Proof, and ‘TilDeath. Her theatre credits are extensive and include Sweat with MRE starring Tony winner Jennifer Holliday, LaMirada Theatre’s production of Matilda as Mrs. Woormwood and Cabaret as Fraulein Kost (Ovation Nomination). Other recent credits include The Beggar Woman in South Coast Rep's production of Sweeney Todd, Aldonza opposite Richard White in Man of La Mancha, Tanya in Mamma Mia, Desiree in A Little Night Music, Pam in Baby, (Desert Theatre League Award), and Heather in I'm Still Getting My Act Together and Taking It On The Road... (Directed by and starring Gretchen Cryer). Erica is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
Jonathan Brett
Mr. Jonny is really excited to be working with Off The Beaten Track Productions to bring acting education to your amazing performers. Having spent most of his life as a professional theatre, film and television actor, Jonny has had the good fortune to direct Children’s Theatre productions for many different companies, including Jaxx Theatricals, Parker Anderson Enrichment, STAR Education, The Youth Academy for Dramatic Arts, and Broadway Kids LA. From Improvisation to Musical Theatre, Acting-to-Camera to Sketch Comedy Writing, Mr. Jonny has always loved the joy that comes from a performer finding their passion and expressing themselves through their own artistry. He can’t wait to have the chance to help more young people find their passion and grow into the seasoned performer they were meant to be!
Charlotte Munson
Charlotte is thrilled for the chance to be working with the next generation of artists! An LA based artist with professional credits spanning across the country, including Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Coachella Valley Repertory, Salt Lake Acting Co, Skylight Theater Collective, Cape May Playhouse, Musical Theatre of CT, Clarence Brown Theatre, Vermont Stage, Saint Michael’s Playhouse, Lost Nation Theatre, New London Barn Playhouse, BigFork Summer Playhouse, NE Shakespeare Ensemble, and Pop Opera Project. As a playwright, her work has been produced in LA and NYC. Emerson College BFA, Musical Theatre. MFA Acting, UTK.
Daniel J. Silva
Hola, Daniel is a Spanish American actor who grew up between Madrid, Barcelona and Northern California.
Daniel attended The Municipal School of Dramatic Arts in Madrid where he brought to life plays such as Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET and LA VIDA ES SUEÑO by Calderón de la Barca.
Daniel was selected By Oscar Mayer to lead a 3-month nationwide publicity tour that took him to many regions and festivities of Spain such as “La Tomatina de Buñol” and the Running of the bulls in Pamplona.
He came to southern California where he has worked on several festival running films: HEADS WILL ROLL, COYOTE and HOTTEST MAN IN THE WORLD,
TV Episodics like MY CRAZY EX, TOSH.O and numerous commercials for Spain, France, and the U.S market.
He has performed on long-form improv shows for the Teatro Arenal of Madrid and the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Daniel has trained with some of the finest American schools and teachers including Larry Moss, Jason Alexander, UCB, Stan Kirsch Studios and Killian´s workshop. Daniel is part of the Spanish improv troupe: "Impromundeando" performing improv shows all over Los Angeles.
Julia Hirsh
Julia loves creative play, and believes it is a vital part of being an artist and a human! Whether through acting, movement or song, storytelling helps build empathy and development. Julia has taught with New York City Children’s Theater, Cirque du Soleil, and coaches privately. Julia loves working with young people, as we follow where our ideas take us and find the fun!