F.A.M.E Members
Basia Emano
Basia has more than 35 years experience in the entertainment industry under various roles including talent, manager, casting director, and most recently, Senior Marketing & Accounting Assistant at Broadway in Chicago. She has always been passionate about the Arts and Humanities and is thrilled to use her background and skills to give back to the artistic community through F.A.M.E.
Juan Free
Juan has been a graphic artist and musician for more than 20 years. He follows and appreciates all forms of art, and believes deeply that no one should ever be held back from their artistic dreams. Juan got involved with FAME to help and inspire others to pursue their artistic passions.
Mary Rita Mitchell
Mary Rita has been involved with theatre for decades. While an English teacher at Morton High School she spent 10 years as a member of the theatre department. Her experience includes directing, choreography, and set design. She also assisted in producing theatre workshops for younger students, and worked as a production assistant and sceneographer at Riverside-Brookfield High School. Additionally, Mary Rita spent 20 years with the Ballet Legere of River Forest. In her long career she has also worked with Pilsen's Cenacle Theatre Company and the Savoyaires of Evanston. Currently, she works as a production assistant with the Lira Ensemble, artists-in-residence at Loyola University of Chicago.
Mary Franke
Mary is a working actor, model, and spokesperson based in Chicago, where she is exclusively represented by Lily's Talent Agency. She teaches children's acting at Acting Studio Chicago. Mary is fiercely supportive of the performing arts industry, but understands the difficulties artists endure when pursuing a creative career. F.A.M.E. allows Mary to contribute to her chosen field and help artists pursue their dreams.
Marlon Cordero
F.A.M.E.'s Photographer
Born in Iloilo City, Philippines, Cordero began his photography career in 2007, by photographing his two young daughters. What started as a hobby soon turned into an interest in capturing special moments. In 2010, he started doing fashion photography and fell in love with it. Cordero still photographs all kids of life events including weddings, parties, and portraits of both adults and children. He is also an avid landscape photographer. Visit his Facebook Page at MCordero Photography and on Instagram at Marlon Cordz.
F.A.M.E. Mentors
Taylor Mallory
Taylor is a professional singer, songwriter, actor, educator, and looping artist. As a music artist, he’s been featured in the Wall Street Journal, JET, Windy City Live! and nominated for Best Male Vocalist for the Chicago Music Awards. His acting highlights include national print, radio, and commercial ads from Corona, Newport, McDonalds, Rocket Mortgage and many more. In 2018, He made his film debut on NBC’s Chicago P.D. as Darius Brown. Above all, Mallory uses his artistry as an entertainer to uplift and encourage those who have experienced childhood trauma and sexual abuse; his message is simple “You are enough and your healing starts with you. Embrace all of your different “selves!” In addition, Taylor is a proud SAG-AFTRA member and a vocal mentor for the F.A.M.E. foundation. He currently teaches a course entitled Professional Development for Vocalists at the Chicago High School of Arts and directs a 20 student rock band at the School of Rock—Oak Park. His artistic statement is simple: “My passion is my profession”
Taylor is a professional singer, songwriter, actor, educator, and looping artist. As a music artist, he’s been featured in the Wall Street Journal, JET, Windy City Live! and nominated for Best Male Vocalist for the Chicago Music Awards. His acting highlights include national print, radio, and commercial ads from Corona, Newport, McDonalds, Rocket Mortgage and many more. In 2018, He made his film debut on NBC’s Chicago P.D. as Darius Brown. Above all, Mallory uses his artistry as an entertainer to uplift and encourage those who have experienced childhood trauma and sexual abuse; his message is simple “You are enough and your healing starts with you. Embrace all of your different “selves!” In addition, Taylor is a proud SAG-AFTRA member and a vocal mentor for the F.A.M.E. foundation. He currently teaches a course entitled Professional Development for Vocalists at the Chicago High School of Arts and directs a 20 student rock band at the School of Rock—Oak Park. His artistic statement is simple: “My passion is my profession”
Brenda Pickleman
On-Camera & Film Coach
Brenda began her acting career more than 25 years ago and is currently one of Chicago's busiest and most prolific onscreen actors. Her credits include commercials, voice-over work and numerous TV appearances plus starring, co-starring, and supporting roles in movies such as 'Groundhog Day,' 'Looking for Lola,' 'Unconditional Love,' 'U. S. Marshals,' 'Hit and Run,' and 'Save the Last Dance.' Over the past 25 years, not only has she directed and produced films of her own, she has trained dozens of actors, many of whom are currently working in Chicago and LA. She continues her acting studies in LA, and brings the unique perspective of that city back to her Chicago acting workshops.
On-Camera & Film Coach
Brenda began her acting career more than 25 years ago and is currently one of Chicago's busiest and most prolific onscreen actors. Her credits include commercials, voice-over work and numerous TV appearances plus starring, co-starring, and supporting roles in movies such as 'Groundhog Day,' 'Looking for Lola,' 'Unconditional Love,' 'U. S. Marshals,' 'Hit and Run,' and 'Save the Last Dance.' Over the past 25 years, not only has she directed and produced films of her own, she has trained dozens of actors, many of whom are currently working in Chicago and LA. She continues her acting studies in LA, and brings the unique perspective of that city back to her Chicago acting workshops.
Scott Gryder
Scott is a three-time Emmy Award winning, professional entertainer in Chicago. Currently performing in the cabaret circuit and at local music venues, Scott specializes in character songs, with musical styles ranging from pop and cabaret to specialty numbers and show tunes; covering the works of local talents like Susan Werner, show music from Sondheim to Kerrigan & Lowdermilk, pop from stars such as Elton John, and many more. Referred to as a belting “super tenor” and a “one-man parade,” Scott blends a musical cocktail of the zingy warbles of vintage Judy Garland with the spirited enthusiasm of the cast of Glee, paired with the poise and show business charisma of Billy Crystal.
Scott is a three-time Emmy Award winning, professional entertainer in Chicago. Currently performing in the cabaret circuit and at local music venues, Scott specializes in character songs, with musical styles ranging from pop and cabaret to specialty numbers and show tunes; covering the works of local talents like Susan Werner, show music from Sondheim to Kerrigan & Lowdermilk, pop from stars such as Elton John, and many more. Referred to as a belting “super tenor” and a “one-man parade,” Scott blends a musical cocktail of the zingy warbles of vintage Judy Garland with the spirited enthusiasm of the cast of Glee, paired with the poise and show business charisma of Billy Crystal.
Jeremy Plummer
Jeremy is a director, choreographer and aerial creator with shows running all around the world that feature his unique blend of aerial artistry and live performance. His company C5 has had their work featured in 6 world premieres as a part of Chicago’s Dance for Life event. Jeremy combines dance and aerial arts creating a hybrid art form which is unique to the concert stage. Jeremy’s performance career has been extensive. Dancing with River North Chicago Dance Company, features in films such as Vanilla City, The Visitor and Road to Perdition. He is also a highly sought after dance educator and teaches across the US. Jeremy was honored to receive Chicago National Associations Artistic Achievement Award, the highest honor the organization gives out. As a creative director and choreographer he has worked with amazing talent all over the world. He directed the first- ever aquatic show at sea. It features world-class divers, gymnasts, synchronized swimmers and specialty acts. He has developed and created aerial shows and “living art” installments for cruise lines, special events, and corporate product launches. His unique creative thought process to a project brings creativity and uniqueness to everything he creates. He conceived and directed the first all aerial show for a Cruise Line helping propel Royal Caribbean to number one in the cruise entertainment industry. He has directed and choreographed over 15 shows and musical reviews, also numerous product launches and national sales meetings for Fortune 500 companies.
Jeremy is a director, choreographer and aerial creator with shows running all around the world that feature his unique blend of aerial artistry and live performance. His company C5 has had their work featured in 6 world premieres as a part of Chicago’s Dance for Life event. Jeremy combines dance and aerial arts creating a hybrid art form which is unique to the concert stage. Jeremy’s performance career has been extensive. Dancing with River North Chicago Dance Company, features in films such as Vanilla City, The Visitor and Road to Perdition. He is also a highly sought after dance educator and teaches across the US. Jeremy was honored to receive Chicago National Associations Artistic Achievement Award, the highest honor the organization gives out. As a creative director and choreographer he has worked with amazing talent all over the world. He directed the first- ever aquatic show at sea. It features world-class divers, gymnasts, synchronized swimmers and specialty acts. He has developed and created aerial shows and “living art” installments for cruise lines, special events, and corporate product launches. His unique creative thought process to a project brings creativity and uniqueness to everything he creates. He conceived and directed the first all aerial show for a Cruise Line helping propel Royal Caribbean to number one in the cruise entertainment industry. He has directed and choreographed over 15 shows and musical reviews, also numerous product launches and national sales meetings for Fortune 500 companies.
