The Elephant Princess: cast


Emily Robins as Alex Wilson

Landing the role of Alex Wilson in The Elephant Princess was a dream come true for nineteen year old Emily Robins. She was able to combine her two passions, singing and acting, in one show!

Emily was only eight years old when she caught the acting bug. Her first ever role played was as a munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz" at her local theatre. She enjoyed it so much she kept going and her roles only got bigger. She played the leading role, Annie in "Annie" and Wendy in "Peter Pan". When Emily was lucky enough to be a part of Les Miserables she found a new fascination with Opera.

Emily started Operatic tuition which led her to complete Singing and Theory exams and winning Singing competitions.

When Emily turned sixteen, she was over the moon when she won the role of Claire on the popular New Zealand Soap Shortland Street. Emily juggled both school work and adjusting to her first television role with success. During Emily's time on the show she was nominated for "New Zealand's favourite Television Personality" and she won "New Zealand's Rising Star".

After three jam-packed years Emily returned to her first love, theatre.

She was lucky enough to be a part of an Australian production of "Fiddler on the Roof" and Auckland Theatre Company's "The Crucible".

Miles Szanto as Kuru

Miles is a multi-talented young performer who began performing professionally in 1997 at the age of 6 years with the Janice Breen Showgroup in Carols In The Domain. He has since appeared in The Premier's Concerts 1997 — 2001 and The Australian Of The Year Concert in 2001. On stage he has appeared as a munchkin in The Wizard Of Oz for SEL/GFO in 2002, the following year playing the role of Dipper in Oliver for IMG.

He made his television debut in 2003 playing the role of Sam Keogh in Snobs, for which he was nominated for an AFI award for Best New Young Talent. He was a presenter for K Zone TV and AM TV in 2004 and for Studio Disney in 2005. He played the role of Marcus in series two and three of the award winning Love My Way. Miles has also appeared in numerous television commercials in 100% roles and as a voice over artist, also loaning his voice to The Kids Bible, an animated bible series in 2004.

Miles has studied at The McDonald College, Australian Theatre for Young People and Brent Street Talent Development High School in all facets of the performing arts. He has also trained privately with voice and dance. In 2008 he was accepted into and attended the prestigious Atlantic Theater School at NYU for their Spring Comprehensive acting program.

Maddy Tyers as Amanda

Maddy Tyers grew up in Melbourne, Australia always dreaming of a life as a movie star. From being the centre of attention as a toddler she always strived to improve her skills but never imagined that the day would come where she would land herself a dream role.

Maddy has been performing since the age of two, taking several dance and singing classes during her school years, she has had key roles in productions such as "Fame, "Annie", "Cabaret", "Macbeth" and "Alice in Wonderland".

Maddy's professional work includes a list of TV commercials such as "Go for your life", "Fox FM", "Coles Myer Giftcard" and "Commonwealth Games".

Maddy is extremely excited to be playing the co-lead role of Amanda in The Elephant Princess. Filming for seven months Maddy enjoyed the company of Emily (Alex), Sebastian (JB), Miles (Kuru) and Liam (Marcus). Not only has Amanda captured her heart but she helped Maddy get to play guitar and sing lead vocals in a super wicked rock band!

Maddy's favourite things to do are watching movies with her film buff dad, going on family beach holidays, listening to music and lazing about. She's not only interested in being a star on screen but has successfully finished year 12 and is planning on a studying Film and Television Production at university in the near future.

Sebastian Gregory as JB

Without any formal coaching, 18-year-old Melbourne actor/musician, Sebastian Gregory has had the best training one could receive... watching TV/movies.

A natural talent, after receiving his drum kit for his 10th birthday, he made his first of many guest appearances at hotels/clubs at age 11.

After featuring in his first music video clip at 13, he was discovered and signed to an acting management agency and has gone from strength to strength performing in numerous short films, TVC's, theatre (Wizard Of Oz), television (Neighbours, Blue Heelers) and is currently shooting as co-lead, his third feature film Accidents Happen alongside Oscar winner Geena Davis.

He had starring roles in thriller/drama movies Acolytes with Joel Edgerton (world premiere at the 2008 Melbourne International Film Festival) and Beautiful with Debra-Lee Furness, Peta Wilson, Asher Keddie & Tahyna Tozzi.

Accomplished drummer/guitarist/songwriter, he formed his own original band Menace at 13 who have since performed at all the major venues in Melbourne and were taken to London in 2006 by Xenomania Music where they were offered a recording contract. One of Menace's tracks is featured in episode seven of The Elephant Princess where Sebatian's bandmates also made a cameo appearance.

Damien Bodie as Vashan

Damien Bodie found passion in acting through school productions from the age of nine, turning professional at twelve. Damien instantly landed the title role in Ben And The Alien Invasion, a role on the fourth series of Banjo Patterson's The Man From Snowy River, and a lead role in the magical dragon fantasy The Balanced Particle Freeway. Following years Damien had a role in the Jonathan M Shiff Productions' Ocean Girl along with Crash Zone Series 1 & 2, Short Cuts, Guinevere Jones, Bootleg, Saddle Club, Marshall Law, Blue Heelers, Fergus McPhail, and feature films such as Hating Alison Ashley and the recent remake of Stephen Kings Salem's Lot. Meanwhile finishing his year 12 studies and performing in Sandringham Secondary Collages stage productions.

Damien then played an ensemble lead in the international hit Aussie Drama Neighbours for a two year period which brings us to Damien's most recent role in The Elephant Princess where he adopted inch long black nails for the role of the evil Lord Vashan.

Emelia Burns as Diva

Emelia Burns always knew she wanted to be an entertainer. She began her training at the age of 10, and since then has studied at various establishments throughout Queensland; recently completing an Advanced Diploma in Film, television and Theatre Acting.

In the ensuing years, Emelia has performed in numerous commercials, educational videos and award winning short films, as well as singing in various bands throughout Queensland. She continued to do small roles in various television series until 2006 when she landed her break as a supporting lead in the American feature film, The Comdemned, starring Vinney Jones and WWF wrestling legend Steve 'Stone Cold' Austin.

Emelia has since had a guest role in Channel Nine's Sea Patrol, and has relished the role of Diva in The Elephant Priness.

Emelia continues to follow her passion for singing and acting.

Brett Climo as Omar

From children's television to radio, from Australian drama to Australia theatre, Brett Climo has enjoyed success in a variety of performance formats. Over his career, he has gained extensive experience in television, film, theatre, radio and voice over work.

Brett has worked on many of Australia's most loved dramas including A Country Practice, Sons and Daughters, all 3 seasons of The Man from Snowy River, Blue Heelers, Water Rats and more recently The Elephant Princess and City Homicide.

Brett has performed with Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Playbox and Jigsaw Theatre and has worked extensively in films such The Book of Revelation, directed by Ana Kokkinos, Lost & Found, Wild Poppies and Midnight Espresso.

His performance as Omar in the 26 part live action children's television series The Elephant Princess brought him another valuable chance to work alongside some of Australia's best cast and crew as well as the unique experience of co-starring with an elephant!

Richard Brancatisano as Caleb

Richard Brancatisano is a major Australian musical and acting talent. From a diverse background of musical theatre, film acting and musical performance, Richard has cut his teeth on Australian dramas such as Home and Away, White Collar Blue and Forensic Investigator. He reached international recognition for his role Xander in the series Power Rangers.

For The Elephant Princess Series 2, Richard's character Caleb will adopt his musical talents — a testament to his skill and ease in the musical arena.

Richard is enthusiastic about his lead role in one of Australia's leading children's television brands. With music, martial arts and acting alongside one of New Zealand's proven talents, Emily Robins, this is a role he is looking forward to sinking his teeth into!

Georgina Haig as Zamira

Georgina Haig was a student of the prestigious performing arts school, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Since graduating in 2008, Georgina has been snapped up by film and television productions around Australia.

Her lead roles in Australian productions Road Train and Wasted On The Young paved the way for her role in Australian Prime Time drama smash hit, Underbelly 2: A Tale of Two Cities.

Playing Zamira in The Elephant Princess Series 2 represents a change in pace for Georgina; her first teenage television role. With presales in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy and the UK, Georgina recognises the show as a great chance to establish her international profile.

Eka Darville as Taylor

Brought up in Northern New South Wales, Eka Darville is a multi-skilled performer. Having to choose between a life in acting, music, university and even politics early on, Eka's passion and enthusiasm drew him into whatever challenged him most at the time.

Acting was a natural choice for Darville; a nuanced and natural performer, he has had varied roles in productions such as Blue Water High, Power Rangers R.P.M., Spartacus, and Nim's Island.

An accomplished African and classical drummer and with a talent for mixing sound, Eka has also forged a name for himself on the international DJ scene and has played in shows all around Australia, Europe and America.

Eka is looking forward to his role in The Elephant Princess Series 2, which combines his love of both music and acting in a lead role of an international teenage hit series.