Mandolin Noelani Burns
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Creative producer, casting assistant, movement director, and choreographer with experience spanning film, editorial, music video, and live performance. Experienced in talent discovery, audition coordination, performer communication, creative development, and production support. Professional performer with extensive firsthand experience navigating auditions and production environments, bringing a unique understanding of both talent and creative teams. Highly organized and adaptable, with experience in artist relations, studio operations, event production, contracts, and creative administration.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
STUDIO MANAGER
LA DANCE PROJECT · STOMPING GROUND LA
Los Angeles, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Manage studio operations serving professional dancers, choreographers, companies, and creative teams.
- Coordinated rentals, scheduling, client communication, and administrative systems to ensure smooth studio operations.
- Supported front-of-house operations for performances and special events, enhancing guest experiences.
- Served as primary point of contact for artists and renters, facilitating clear communication and promptly addressing inquiries.
- Work within a high-volume creative environment with exposure to hundreds of artists and live performances annually.
Casting Assistant · Talent Coordinator
Independent Projects & Professional Collaborations
09.2022 - Current
- Coordinated talent outreach, reviewed submissions, and managed audition scheduling and performer communication to streamline casting processes.
- Evaluated headshots, reels, and artist materials to select talent that aligned with project creative goals.
- Partnered with directors and choreographers during casting, rehearsals, and productions to ensure alignment with artistic vision.
- Selected performers for various projects for original short films, music videos, and live performance works.
- Conducted talent searches, reviewed submissions, held auditions, and selected performers.
- Cast four original films, three professional music videos, original choreographic works, and multiple live performance projects.
- Assisted casting processes for professional dance, film, music video, and performance projects.
Teaching Artist · Movement Coach
Freelance
2022 - Current
- Develop and teach movement workshops for singers, actors, and performers.
- Coached actors in movement for camera, emphasizing physical storytelling and naturalistic movement.
- Developed pop-star performance workshop enhancing choreography, stage presence, and preparation for music videos and live performances.
- Taught contemporary dance, improvisation, and choreography, fostering students' creative processes.
- Teaching experience includes Serendipity Dance Studio, Fired Up Dance Academy, Stomping Ground LA, and Centre National de la Danse in Paris.
- Currently pursuing certification in Intimacy Coordination.
Director · Producer · Movement Director
Freelance
Los Angeles
09.2021 - Current
- Directed performers for camera, emphasizing authenticity, physical expression, and emotional clarity to elevate narrative impact.
- Led creative development and production for film, music video, editorial, and movement-based projects, ensuring cohesive vision and execution.
- Collaborated with directors, photographers, performers, designers, and production teams to align creative direction and enhance project outcomes.
Professional Dancer · Choreographer
Freelance
2019 - Current
- Professional contemporary dancer with extensive experience auditioning, rehearsing, and performing with internationally recognized choreographers and companies.
- Collaborated closely with directors, choreographers, photographers, and production teams, contributing to successful production execution.
- Mastered audition preparation, callbacks, rehearsal environments, performer communication, and creative collaboration to enhance performance outcomes.
CO-FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CRAWLSPACE LA
Los Angeles, CA
01.2022 - 03.2026
- Co-founded and operated an independent performance venue, rehearsal studio, and community arts organization from the ground up.
- Produced and curated 100+ performances, concerts, screenings, and community events.
- Researched emerging artists while managing booking, programming, scheduling, and production logistics to enhance event quality.
- Managed social media, promotional campaigns, community outreach, and creative partnerships.
- Secured sponsorships and in-kind donations from local businesses and beverage partners, increasing financial support for events.
- Created and managed artist contracts, rental agreements, waivers, and administrative systems.
- Produced recurring fundraising events that raised funds for nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, strengthening local arts.
- Facilitated coordination of volunteer teams to ensure successful execution of public events.
Education
BFA - in Dance, Minor in Film & Movement For Camera
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS
Los Angeles, CA05-2023
Skills
- Audition Coordination
- Casting Networks
- Talent Research
- Headshot & Reel Review
- Movement Direction
- Creative Direction
- Production Coordination
- Scheduling
- Event management
- Contract & Waiver Preparation
- Microsoft Excel
- Slack
- Social media management
- Visual Branding
- Artist Relations
- Artist Communications
Selected Press
- THE NEW YORK TIMES - Featured for performance work connected to the FIFA World Cup
- LOS ANGELES TIMES - Featured for community arts programming through CRAWLSPACE LA
- LA DANCE CHRONICLE - Multiple features highlighting original choreography and community arts organizing
Production Collaborations
- The Blanket
- Lilach Orenstein
Selected Venues
- REDCAT
- Highways Performance Space
- The Moore Theatre
- New York Live Arts
- Centre National de la Danse, Paris
Projects
- Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil | zoe | juniper in collaboration with Xiu Xiu
- GAY TIMES Cover Shoot featuring Dua Selah | Movement Director
- FIFA World Cup Live Performance | Performer / Creative Collaborator
- FREE ALL NIGHT LONG | Highways Performance Space
- Lovers Piece | Highways Performance Space
- Night of the Falling Stars | Annalee Traylor
- Betty | Taylor Donofrio
- Harley | DAT & Eliza Sapphia
- UNWELL | Co-Director with Lawrence Haymes
- HARLEY | DAT & Eliza Sapphia
- ONE ROOM APARTMENT | Remy Jean
- ANY CREATURE | Makai Colvin
- Monger | Barak Marshall / REDCAT
- Bardo | Toru Shimazaki / REDCAT
Selected Collaborators
- zoe | juniper
- Xiu Xiu
- LA Dance Project
- Barak Marshall
- Toru Shimazaki
- Rosanna Gamson
- Mamie Green
- Gigi Todisco
Timeline
STUDIO MANAGER
LA DANCE PROJECT · STOMPING GROUND LA
03.2023 - Current
Casting Assistant · Talent Coordinator
Independent Projects & Professional Collaborations
09.2022 - Current
CO-FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CRAWLSPACE LA
01.2022 - 03.2026
Director · Producer · Movement Director
Freelance
09.2021 - Current
Teaching Artist · Movement Coach
Freelance
2022 - Current
Professional Dancer · Choreographer
Freelance
2019 - Current
BFA - in Dance, Minor in Film & Movement For Camera
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS