Meet The Team
We are passionate, we are proud and we are dedicated.
Our core values guide everything we do.
But the truth be told, it is the genuine love for our clients that is the reason why we are able to love what we do.
We want them to succeed and, most of all, we want them to be happy.
Managing Director & Senior Agent
Russell Smith
With over 20 years of professional experience as a successful creative and performer in the industry, Russell’s career includes; Dance Captain for the UK Arena Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (released in the cinemas by Universal Pictures), Dance Captain for Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre, London/UK Tour/Piccadilly Theatre, London), Dance Captain for Rock of Ages (UK Tour), Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales, London), Grease the Musical (Piccadilly Theatre, London), and Fame the Musical (European Tour),
As a performer, Russell received job offers from renowned casting directors such as David Grindrod, Pippa Ailion, Jill Green, Debbie O'Brien and James Orange.
Russell worked as a teacher for colleges such as Laine Theatre Arts, Italia Conti Academy, Urdang Academy, Millennium Performing Arts School, D&B, Bodywork Company Dance Studios, Central School of Ballet and many more.
Choreography credits include the original London cast of Ushers: The Front of House Musical (Arts Theatre), Miracle on 34th Street (UK Tour), The Wedding Singer, A Little Night Music, The Marriage of Figaro, The Snow Queen and Assistant Choreographer for Dirty Dancing - Live on Stage (Piccadilly Theatre, London & Original French Cast in Paris).
Russell is a member of the Personal Managers Association and Equity.
Company Associate
Richard Johnston
Since training at Laine Theatre Arts, Richard has professionally worked in the Musical Theatre & Dance industry with top creatives such as Stephen Mear,
Will Tuckett and Jason Gilkison through shows such as Top Hat the Musical, Will Tuckett's Nutcracker and BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Richard is Associate Casting Director at Pippa Ailion Casting and has most recently finished working on two new major feature films -
Disney's Snow White & Wonka for Warner Brothers.
In addition to film & TV, he works on the following shows;
Moulin Rouge! (Piccadilly Theatre), The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), Get Up, Stand Up! (Lyric Theatre), The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales & UK Tour), Come From Away (Phoenix Theatre), Tina, The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (UK Tour),
Hello Dolly (Adelphi Theatre), Legally Blonde (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre), Dreamgirls (UK Tour).
Richard previously worked as Casting Associate at Stuart Burt Casting and for several other casting offices such as The National Theatre, Jill Green Casting,
Debbie O'Brien Casting and Victoria Roe Casting.
Richard is a probationary member of the CDG - Casting Directors' Guild.
Agent
Robyn Tempest
Yorkshire born and bred, Robyn trained at the London School of Musical Theatre, before going on to achieve success in the industry with productions including Calamity Jane, Singin' in the Rain, Summer Dreaming, An Evening of Dirty Dancing, Euroboat the Musical, Puttin' on the Ritz and a wonderful three years as leading lady Grizabella in CATS the Musical.
Robyn has a long-running history with Russell Smith Associates Ltd, as she was formerly represented by Russell for almost seven years, before joining the team as an Agent's Assistant. Since then she has gone on to set up her own list at the company as an Agent.
Robyn is a member of the Personal Managers Association and Equity.