Marlee Carpenter

Marlee Carpenter is our Programming and Education Director and a Lead Acting Coach at Toledo Talent. They are also a local working actor represented by Heyman, Wink, and Talent Fusion.

An American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) graduate, their film & TV credits range from the Lifetime Network to the indie horror circuit, including an award-winning lead performance at the Midwest Fear Festival. As Co-Creative Producer of Bucketnaut Productions, Marlee also writes and directs their own projects, actively creating opportunities for artists in the Northwest Ohio community.

Their broad range of performance skills — from multiple dialects to music and dance — makes them a versatile and well-rounded resource for students at any level.

Charles Wetzel

Charles Wetzel is a Lead Acting Coach at Toledo Talent and the Vice President of FilmToledo, where he plays a key role in growing the region’s film and media industry.

With a background in film production and talent development spanning almost 20 years, Charles has credits ranging from print work for Bank of America to stand-in work on 20th Century Fox’s Eeanie Meanie, to key roles in award winning local indie films like The Lifeguards and A Heartfelt Change. Charles is deeply involved in supporting local creatives behind the scenes by and expanding opportunities for actors and filmmakers in Northwest Ohio.

Passionate about community-building through film, Charles brings both experience and advocacy to everything he does.

Hanna Gerlica

Hanna Gerlica is our Events and Community Outreach Director as well as a Lead Acting Coach and Modeling Instructor. She is represented by both NexGen and Wink Talent.

A former student of our programs, she has already booked multiple SAG projects, including high profile brands like Head & Shoulders and upcoming Film/TV roles. As a model she has also already walked in multiple regional runway shows—even acting as an ambassador for Michigan Fashion Week.

Hanna’s relentless passion for the industry as a whole gives her a well-rounded perspective, making her a very versatile resource with a fresh, up-to-date, perspective to share!

Ashton Dominique

Ashton Dominique is the current President of Toledo Talent Inc.—and an acting coach when she has time. She is currently signed with the Toledo local agency NexGen Talent. 

Despite her young age, Ashton’s credits already include commercial work for companies like UTMC, Purdue Global, and a role in an ABC special, as well as work on multiple award-winning indie films—including Anthony Wright’s upcoming indie feature: The Moonshine Crew.

Ashton’s early frustration with finding her way into the industry led her to assist in pioneering a pathway for others. By seeking out other experienced and successful individuals in our area she has helped lay a foundation for new talent looking to make their mark on the mid-west. 

Dale Dobson

Dale Dobson is an acting coach at Toledo Talent.

A working SAG-AFTRA actor signed with Talent Fusion and Wink, he has over 30 years of experience in film, television, and theater. A Michigan native, Dale began his career on Detroit-area stages and has since accumulated an extensive screen résumé including appearances on Comedy Central’s Detroiters and feature film credits across multiple streaming platforms including Amazon Prime and Tubi. On stage, he has taken on leading roles in productions of Cabaret, My Fair Lady, and Driving Miss Daisy, among many others.

A versatile character actor, published writer, and natural storyteller, Dale brings a wealth of real-world industry experience to every class.

Chloe Smallwood

Chloe Smallwood is an acting coach at Toledo Talent with extensive experience in the local theater communities, as well as the commercial world. Her strong foundation in stage performances helps her students bridge the gap between theatrical training and professional on-camera opportunities. Passionate about performance in all its forms, Chloe guides actors in developing versatility, memory, confidence, and industry-ready skills.

Leigh Yenrick

Leigh Yenrick is an acting coach at Toledo Talent and a working stage and screen actress signed with Heyman Talent. A BGSU Musical Theater graduate, her film credits include The Lifeguards (streaming on Amazon Prime) and several award-winning short films, while her stage work spans Toledo Rep, the Free Shakespeare Co., and numerous other companies. Leigh’s training encompasses Meisner technique, Shakespeare, on-camera study, stage combat, and an extensive movement background including over a decade of ballet and multiple styles of dance. A Toledo native and published poet, she brings both professional depth and a genuine love for the craft to every class!

Anthony James Reyes

Anthony Reyes is a working local working actor turned part-time producer, and one of our Volunteer Videographers. 

A recent graduate of Full Sail University, his credits include a variety of small commercial projects and a supporting role in the upcoming SAG film The Toast. His experience as a military veteran and private security contractor also makes him an excellent resource for intense action scenes and ensuring everyone remains safe on set.

Anthony’s love for our region’s film scene has led him to regularly volunteer his technical expertise—and artistic flair—for a variety of our local indie/student film projects.

Zillian Black

Zillian Black is our Treasurer, primary Volunteer Coordinator, and a Volunteer Videographer.

With over 20 years of IT expertise, “Zill” now owns his own commercial production company, Blackbeard Media, through which he helps generate Commercial and Indie Film opportunities for local talent. His credits include a variety of Corporate Social Media Campaigns and Website Designs, commercials for Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” stores, as well as gaffing/grip work on projects such as the SAG Feature Film “Method” and a variety of smaller indie projects like The Lifeguards and Chasing Eden.

Zill’s technical expertise and commitment to growing the industry are a core part of what keeps Toledo Talent at its best—and how this website even exists. (4th wall break)