Studio South Atlanta

Meghan Coyle first found her way to the stage at a young age through years of intensive training in Chicago’s competition dance circuit. With movement as her first language, she can often be observed motioning expression in order to reach the right words. After relocating to Georgia in 1999, Meg continued to choreograph, write, and perform in dance, chorale, and theater productions. She received dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia in 2005, going on to acquire a Masters in Social Work from UGA in 2011. Meg continued her education of human physiology and creative expression through several avenues, including pilates certification in 2012, yoga teacher training for anxiety, trauma and depression 2015-2018, and attends regular writing workshops locally and internationally to study prose, poetry, therapeutic journaling, and screenwriting.

Since 2003, Meg has served Georgia’s most vulnerable populations through community mental health programs, foster care and child welfare systems, hospital and patient outreach, and trauma therapy. Harboring an intimate awareness of the healing power of creative expression, Meg continually discovers the love for uplifting others to uncover their own natural gifts and talents, to help them hone their skills, and to facilitate access to a platform – no matter the size of the stage, page, or screen – for them to share and shine their light with others. 

Upon finding a love for the film industry, Meg has been fortunate enough to act in lead and supporting roles in independent feature films, shorts, commercials, television pilots, and has performed as stand-in, background, and print. Also enjoying the magic of storytelling behind the camera, Meg writes for screen and works with production teams. She is honored and grateful to have found a home with Studio South where she can continue to empower, inspire, and collaborate with other creatives. 

Website: IMDb.me/meghancoyle

Photo Credit: Brenda Allison

Francesca “Frankie” Petrino is a passionate storyteller with a love for human connection. She grew up in the world of theatre, where she received vocal, screen, and theater training, particularly with companies like Fusion Music Group, the Grove Theatre, Legacy Theatre, and more.

Alongside her love for theater, Francesca continuously turned to writing. She made her writing debut at only twelve years old, performing her story of “Ricky the Chicken” at the local Wadsworth Auditorium. Then, she published her first book at seventeen years old: a book of poetry entitled, The Sunshine Project.

Francesca later attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she chose to combine her passions by majoring in Dramatic Writing for Film and Television. Throughout her time at SCAD, she worked as a project manager, stage manager, event coordinator, guest service advocate, and an art teacher. She wrote a dozen short films, an episode of a stop-motion animated series, two feature films, two adaptations, one adapted pilot, one original pilot, one children’s book, and a second book of poetry.

Since relocating to the MetroAtlanta area, Francesca has been working as a screenwriter, content creator, production assistant, project manager – and more! She wears a lot of hats, assisting companies like RocketSlide films, Unvent Productions, and Studio South Atlanta. 

Theatre Credits: Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(the Grove Theatre Company), Paulette Bonafonte in Legally Blonde (the Grove Theatre Company), Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie (the Grove Theatre Company), Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Legacy Theatre), Ensemble in Titanic (Legacy Theatre Company)

Film/Television Credits: Lead in Heard (short film, Rohan Guha), Lead in Alani Nu commercial (SCAD student production, Genevieve Leto)

Website: https://fpetri20.wixsite.com/francescapetrino/about-me

Photo Credit: Anna Howard

Charles Maceo received his classical training with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of California, Irvine, where he graduated with the prestigious distinction of Honors in Acting. His acting journey was further honed through training at The Second City(Hollywood) in addition to distinguished Los Angeles-based instructors like Patrick Day, Diane Hill Hardin, and Jeff Seymour.
Charles earned his Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) card after being cast as Don John in the Connecticut Free Shakespeare production of Much Ado About Nothing. Other notable theater credits include the Orange County premiere of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars (as Red Carter) and Jerome Parker’s Ballad of Sad Young Men (as Greg) at Los Angeles’ acclaimed and award winning Company of Angels theater company.

Charles’ impressive television career spans nearly 40 different shows, including notable guest star roles in 68 Whiskey (produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer), FX’s Better Things (directed by Golden Globe winner Pamela Adlon), and The Bold and the Beautiful. He has also landed recurring roles on hit series like Grey’s Anatomy and For All Mankind. His diverse body of work also includes appearances in Big Little Lies (acting opposite Oscar-winner Laura Dern), American Crime Story: Versace (directed by Tony and Golden Globe Winner, Ryan Murphy), Star Trek: Picard, Shining Vale (acting opposite Golden Globe nominee Courteney Cox), and the pilot episode of CBS’ multi-cam comedy series FAM(produced by Emmy winner Aaron Kaplan).
Charles’ talents extend to national commercial work, with credits for major brands such as Toyota, McDonald’s, JCPenney, and Honda.

An experienced acting teacher, Charles spent over a decade teaching young actors across Los Angeles, and even led acting workshops in Suwon, South Korea. He is thrilled to bring his expertise to the students of Studio South.

A recent transplant to the Atlanta area with his wife and kids, Charles is excited to expand his acting career both in Los Angeles and within the thriving Southeast market. He has been a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association for over 15 years.

Website: IMDb.me/charlesmaceo

Photo Credit: Brian Jones Photography

Michael Mau taught English literature and creative writing for most of his life. His short fiction has appeared in Black Warrior Review, New Limestone Review, Portland Review, and other places. His story “Pal,” a finalist for the Bristol Prize, is also a featured episode in the fiction podcast Michael created and produced, A Blind Play. Creep him on IMDb for more information about his life in the entertainment industry.

SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Board Member/ WGAEast Writer/Producer

IMDb.me/michaelmau

With 20+ years experience behind the microphone, Cassie has had a  diverse career in voice over working in commercials, animation, video games, apps, and audiobooks.   

A Hoosier native, Cassie grew up performing in dozens of theatre shows throughout central Indiana, getting her first professional job while a kid in a production of Annie featuring JoAnne Worley. Pausing her theatre work to pursue her degree in Psychology from Taylor University, Cassie couldn’t shake the performing bug and spent subsequent years performing in regional and dinner theatres, on cruise ships, and in stage shows in NYC.  

While living in NYC, she caught the attention of a prominent voice over agent who convinced her that Los Angeles would be a better fit for her voice type, so she spent the next 13 years in the Los Angeles voice over market working in animation for companies like Warner Bros, Disney, Nickelodeon, as well as commercially for top brands like Apple, McDonalds, JC Penny’s, UPS Store, to name a few.  

When Cassie isn’t behind the microphone in her Atlanta-area home studio, she loves to work on her newest obsession of helping entrepreneurs with their marketing strategy, enjoying her friends, and hanging out with her family!  

Website: cassieboydbaker.com

Photo Credit: Work Play

Classically trained, Nadiyah has played roles from Shakespeare to the nosy neighbor in indie films, performing on stages across the southeast singing songs by artists from Pattie Labelle to Adele.

Jackie Zwick began her entertainment career at the age of 17 as a local television host and announcer on BCTV in Connecticut. She moved on to radio newscasting and broadcasting with her own live show at WSHL just outside of Boston. After earning an undergraduate degree in Marketing Communication and Psychology, Jackie sought a Master’s Degree from Northeastern University while taking on-camera classes from inspiring Boston-based coaches. 

Upon her arrival to Georgia in 2006, Jackie quickly graced the stages of South Atlanta in shows like “A Christmas Carol” and “A Few Good Men.” She was “discovered” by Casting Director Ann Wittenberg on the feature film “Lawless,” starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, and Mia Wasikowski. After catching the film “bug,” Jacqueline started making waves in the Atlanta market, securing jobs in background, featured, stand-in, supporting and principal roles on network dramas, independent films, television pilots, national commercials, print jobs, and feature films. She has trained with some of the best in the business, including local writer/director/actor Steve Coulter, voice-over actor/agent/producer Brian Bremer, and Executive Producer of The Walking Dead, Greg Nicotero.

Jackie has dabbled in casting, as well. Gaining experience as a Casting Assistant with New Life Casting, she worked on short films like “Paula Peril” (directed by Jason Winn, of Red Box feature “Fat Boy Chronicles” & Lifetime movie “The Assault”) and blockbusters like Ant-Man (the first Marvel film to shoot at Pinewood Atlanta Studios – now Trilith Studios). Her tenacity and research skills scored meetings for the company with film moguls like Billy Bob Thornton. With a creative streak still very much alive, Jacqueline began writing, producing and directing her own short films, including “Through the Eyes of a Child” and “TWIST.” She created a production company (Henge Films) and started casting and producing independent projects, including “Life’s A Dance” and “By the Campfire.”

Jackie’s main passion of scouting and developing talent led to the establishment of her own acting studio in 2011. Her students have booked commercials, independent films, feature films, television shows, traveling stage productions, live runway shows, print and voice-over jobs. Her track record with acting students actively seeking and securing representation is over 90%. When not living the “set life,” Jackie can be found tending to her family’s 7 animals on “the farm” and hanging out with her amazing husband and three kids on the boat, at the beach, in the pool, or on the tennis court. She can also be found playing “Momager” on occasion with her own burgeoning performers. With emerging opportunities in the ever-growing film & television industry and flourishing studio productions just down the road, Jackie is excited to continue scouting and developing talent with the next generation of working actors.

Website: IMDb.me/jacquelinemariezwick

Photo Credit: Mike Colletta Images