DHX Television announces casting details for season two of Backstage, Family Channel and Fresh TV's popular tween series

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY HAS COMMENCED FOR SECOND SEASON

TORONTO, July 12, 2016 /CNW/ - DHX Television's Family Channel and Fresh TV Inc. announced today that production has begun on season two of the tween drama series Backstage. Following a group of elite teen performers at Keaton School of the Arts, the second season is filming in Toronto and will bring 30 new half-hour episodes of the drama, which airs internationally. The sophomore season will introduce a variety of new characters to each of the arts streams, with seven talented young actors joining the cast.

"We've seen how our audience gravitates toward our youth performers who showcase real talent and infuse unmatched energy, raw emotion and charisma into our series," said Michael Goldsmith, Vice President, Original Production, DHX Television. "The natural singing, dancing and artistic abilities of the Backstage cast make them stand out with our viewers and set the series apart – we're eager to add new faces that will inspire viewers."

Making their mark in the new season of Backstage are:

• Thomas L. Colford (Center Stage: On Pointe); plays Beckett, a strong and technically superior dancer who possesses a natural rebel-without-a-cause persona;
• Joshua Kilimnik (Odd Squad, Bruno & Boots: Go Jump in the Pool); plays George, a grade nine graphic design student with a wickedly smart intellect that shines through in his art;
• Stephanie La Rochelle (Heartland); plays Frances, a charismatic senior music student who becomes a mentor to the younger musicians;
• Sydney Kuhne (Dino Dan); plays Azadeh, a new student in the fashion design program who is determined to make her mark at Keaton;
• Robert Bazzocchi; plays Aidan, the epitome of heartthrob, chasing the spotlight on his quest to become a famous actor via Keaton's drama program;
• Corteon Moore; plays Matteo, a senior art student who believes creativity comes directly from the soul and proves to rival Keaton's resident art star student;
• Hailey Fauchere; plays Mindy, a freshman dancer who is eager to please and succeed, while leaving it all on the dance floor.

"We're thrilled to be adding seven talented new actors to the cast of Backstage," said Brian Irving, Producer, Executive Producer and partner at Fresh TV. "They are enthusiastic, keen and driven to leave their own mark on the series with their phenomenal artistic abilities."

Faced with new challenges, friendships, and even new students, the second season of Backstage opens on a new year at Keaton School of the Arts where the talented performers and artists will find themselves in fierce competition with other schools… and each other. With a huge multi-arts school competition on the horizon, will the pressure tear the students apart? Or bring them closer?

The new faces joining Backstage join returning season one cast members including: Josh Bogert (Miles), Aviva Mongillo (Alya), Mckenzie Small (Scarlett), Devyn Nekoda (Vanessa), Alyssa Trask (Carly), Colin Petierre (Sasha), Matthew Isen (Jax), Julia Tomasone (Bianca Blackwell), Romy Weltman (Kit), Kyal Legend (Julie) and Adrianna Di Liello (Jenna).

Backstage was commissioned by DHX Television, and is created by Fresh TV. The series' Executive Producers are Brian Irving, who also serves as producer; Lara Azzopardi, the series' co-creator, show runner, writer and director; Jennifer Pertsch, also co-creator; Tom McGillis and George Elliott. Directors for the series include top music video directors RT! (Snoop Dogg, Sean Paul, Shane Harte), Director X (Iggy Azalea, T.I., Drake), Wendy Morgan (Dragonette, Janelle Monáe) and Warren Sonoda (Johnny Reid, George Canyon), as well as Mario Azzopardi (Stargate SG-1, The Outer Limits, Degrassi) and Lara Azzopardi (I Am an Apartment Building, Rewind).

Backstage is internationally distributed by DHX Media.

Episodes from season one of Backstage are currently available for streaming on The Family Channel App. 

About Fresh TV Inc.
Fresh TV is a world leader in creating and producing live action and animated television that powerfully connects to the interests, influences of tween and teen audiences around the world. Founded by Emmy-winning producers Tom McGillis, Jennifer Pertsch, George Elliott and Brian Irving. Fresh productions include the Total Drama franchise, 6TEEN, Stoked, Grojband and the live-action series, My Babysitter's A Vampire, Really Me and the Disney XD movie Bunks.

This award-winning multi-media company set new audience delivery records when the Total Drama Island finale was the #1 telecast in Cartoon Network's history and the series itself served as the anchor to Cartoon Network's prime time comedy franchise HAR HAR THARSDAYS. Fresh TV's live-action series My Babysitter's a Vampire, based on their successful TV movie, ranked as the No. 1 U.S. cable show amongst kids 2-11 in its time period during its premiere season run on Disney Channel and met with record high ratings in season two.

Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and acquired series, movies and specials. Family is also home to F2N – an entertainment haven for teens that features high quality programs after 9 p.m. Family Channel subscribers have access to the Family Channel App, Family OnDemand and Family Online at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE DHX Television

For further information, artwork and to arrange set-visits please contact: Joanna Landsberg, Publicist, DHX Television, 416.977.7458, [email protected]