Mike C. Manning Shines in Santa Monica Playhouse's "CLIMAX"!

Mike C. Manning and Rae Dawn Chong. Photo Credit: I.C. Rapoport

Mike C. Manning goes from competitive snowboarder in Disney's Cloud 9, to documentary producer, to stage actor in Lisa Phillip Visca's original show "CLIMAX" at California’s Santa Monica Playhouse. On stage, Manning is seduced by Rae Dawn Chong, known for her role on Broadway where she starred in "OH KAY" at the Lunt Fountaine Theatre and films such as Commando and The Color Purple. Chong is also daughter to Tommy Chong of That '70s Show and Cheech & Chong's projects.

"I love working with Mike," Rae Dawn says of Manning. "Not only is he talented, sexy and easy to look at, I love that he has chops. He listens, and he can play. Great acting is playful and easy and connected. He is a star!"

"CLIMAX," a show that unfolds like a cross between a soap opera and traditional theatre, is directed by duo Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, two staples in the Santa Monica theatre community.

Rae Dawn and Mike have electric chemistry, which has lead to consecutive sold-out shows and countless positive reviews from local Los Angeles critics.

The cast of "CLIMAX" includes George Eddington III, Jamie Gallo, Antonia Jones, Dennis Michael and Evelyn Rudie. The show is currently scheduled to run through November 1. For more information and to order tickets, visit santamonicaplayhouse.com.

Besides television and stage, Manning is a successful producer, helping to create the Showtime documentary Kidnapped for Christ, the upcoming documentary about the lives of homeless youth Lost In America, and the documentary An Act Of Love, which premieres next month at the Mill Valley Film Festival.

Feature Film 'Limelight' Announces Cast!

Paul Vandervort

Vandervort Entertainment announces the cast for new feature film Limelight, including Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire), Jenna Jameson (Private Parts) and Rachel True (Half & Half).

June 11th, 2015 – Los Angeles, CA - Production begins this week for Limelight, a beautifully gritty drama about fame, obsession, and vanity in Hollywood. The film follows small-town, social media obsessed narcissist Miles Chance (Paul Vandervort) and his journey to Hollywood in pursuit of fame.

The film is directed by up-and-comer James Cullen Bressack, who has already completed 10 feature films at the age of 23. His last two projects were a pilot with Eli Roth and a film starring Shannen Doherty and Tom Green. His film Pernicious goes to limited theatrical and VOD beginning June 19th.

In addition to writing the screenplay for Limelight, Paul Vandervort (Hollywood Miles) is both producing and acting in the project. Vandervort says of the film, “My goal with Limelight is to take the classic ‘small-town kid goes to big city’ scenario, but dig deeper to comment on the narcissism of Hollywood behind the scenes to tell a story that we really haven’t seen yet. To help with this, we are using a handful of actors against their normal ‘type,’ like Jenna Jameson in a serious, non-sexual role.”

The cast also includes: Timmy Deters (Bad News Bears), Sean Kanan (The Karate Kid, Part III) Mike C. Manning, (Disney’s Cloud 9), Teri Andrez (Sorority Row), David Chokachi (Baywatch), Dante Basco (Hook), Erin Sanders (Zoey 101), Bruce Vilanch (Get Bruce), Jason Brooks (Star Trek), Kirsten Nelson (Psych), Eddie Steeples (My Name Is Earl), Ciara Hanna (Power Rangers Megaforce), Najarra Townsend (Contracted), and Ryan Ahern (Argo).

Ammunition Theatre Company and Chhibber Mann Productions Present 'Forgotten In America' on June 22 to Benefit My Friend's Place and 'Lost in America'

On Monday, June 22nd, the newest force in LA’s growing theatre scene, Ammunition Theatre Company (Ammo) and Chhibber Mann Productions will host "Forgotten in America," a play reading and fundraiser for My Friend’s Place – a homeless youth resource center and day shelter in Hollywood – and the documentary film Lost In America. The fundraiser will be held at the Renberg Theatre of the LA LGBT Center.

As part of their philanthropic mission, Ammo partners each season with a charity, non-profit or social justice organization. This season, the company is partnering with My Friend’s Place. The event will also be co-produced by Chhibber Mann Productions, an up-and-coming production company in LA that aims to connect audiences to entertainment that matters, using art as a medium for creating social change.

Ammo’s Philanthropic Chair Karla Mosley explains, “Part of our mission is to create a new normal in the way artists engage with their community. California has the largest homeless population in the country and many of those people are living here in LA." Chhibber Mann Productions co-founder Mike C. Manning emphasizes, "40-50% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, and these youth need our help." Co-Founder Vinny Chhibber continues,"With this event we are using art to bring awareness to these truths so that, ultimately, they can change.” Lost in America is the newest in a line of political documentary films produced by the company, in addition to their scripted content.

Mike C. Manning and Allie Gonino Host Benefit To Support Homeless Youth Programs of Los Angeles LGBT Center

Mike C.Manning and Allie Gonino

On Saturday February 7, Mike C. Manning (Cloud 9, Youthful Daze) and Allie Gonino (The Lying Game) hosted a charity benefit in support of the homeless youth programs of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. It was also an opportunity to meet the Young Professionals Council and learn more about how the YPC helps support youth programs at the Center.

With a full house on hand, more than a quarter of the people in attendance made a large donation to help homeless children, signed up for tours, and/or became monthly donors to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Among the 230 "Have a Heart for the Center" attendees were Kristen Alderson (General Hospital), Brittany Underwood (Youthful Daze), Lachlan Buchanan (The Young and the Restless), Kyle Schuneman, former Congressman and producer Mike Huffington, and Allie Gonino's band members from The Good Mad. The event also featured a musical performance by Eli Lieb.

If you would like to donate to the Los Angeles LGBT Center and help homeless youth, please visit lalgbtcenter.org/donate_main.

Check out more photos from the event by Photographer Dylan Robinson below:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jen Lilley on 'Youthful Daze,' and What's Ahead for Theresa in 'Days of our Lives'

Jen Lilley. Photo Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Jen Lilley didn't start acting until attending the University of Virginia when she played the lead in an indie film called The Loss of Life. After that, she fell in love with acting and averaged six indie films a semester. In addition to acting, she is also a talented singer, dancer and comedian, performing in many improv casts, including the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Her many film and television credits include the critically acclaimed feature film The Artist, Disaster Date, Castle, Two and a Half Men, Rules of Engagement, Criminal Minds and iCarly. From 2011-12 she starred as Maxie Jones on ABC's General Hospital.

Lilley currently stars as mischievous bad girl Theresa Donovan on NBC's Days of our Lives, and will soon be seen as Natalie Cardin in Youthful Daze.

Serial Scoop recently caught up with Lilley to discuss her soap roles, and to find out more about her Youthful Daze character. Read our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: Serial Scoop named you as one of our top 10 Sensational Summer Performers as Theresa on Days of our Lives.
JEN LILLEY: What! Really? That's amazing! I’m having a blast on Days. I never knew how much I could love one job. I love it so much.

Jonathan Lipnicki, Jade Harlow & James Preston Join Hit Teen Soap 'Youthful Daze'

Jonathan Lipnicki, Jade Harlow and James Preston

Jonathan Lipnicki, Jade Harlow and James Preston have joined the cast of teen soap opera Youthful Daze for the show's upcoming third season.

Lipnicki will be a series regular and play the role of Tyler Dean, described as a mysterious drifter who takes a liking to Natalie (Jen Lilley).

"I'm really excited to be working with such great people. I have never done a project like this before," Lipnicki said. "I love taking challenging roles that people wouldn't expect me to do."

'Youthful Daze' Releases Season Three Trailer!

Hit teen soap Youthful Daze is currently airing its exciting second season, and the show has just released the Season Three trailer! The trailer features the additions of Jen Lilley as Natalie Cardin, currently starring as Theresa Donovan on NBC daytime drama Days of our Lives, Brittany Underwood (One Life to Live) as Sheila Edmundson, and Jade Harlow (Days of our Lives).

We also see the return of Mike Manning as Colin, and Drew (Bryan James) enjoying the company of Oliver (Easton Schirra) in ways that his boyfriend Tommy (Ethan Daniel Corbett) may not fully appreciate!

Production on Season Three is currently underway and the premiere is set for August 31. New episodes of Season Two are currently being released every Sunday night on www.youthfuldaze.com.

Watch the Season Three trailer below:

First Look: 'Days of our Lives' Star Jen Lilley on Teen Soap 'Youthful Daze!'

Jen Lilley in Youthful Daze.

On Days of our Lives, Jen Lilley's Theresa Donovan spends her time hating Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves), and encouraging Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) to pursue his passion for drugs, alcohol, and hot sex with her! However, Youthful Daze fans will soon have the chance to see her in a different role. Lilley is joining the cast in the series regular role of Natalie Cardin, Oliver's (Easton Schirra) sister who cut all ties with her family and left town a few years ago.

Serial Scoop has a first look photo at Jen Lilley on Youthful Daze.  Check back soon for our exclusive interview.

Youthful Daze is available at http://www.youthfuldaze.com. Watch a brand new episode every Sunday night.

RELATED:
* Jen Lilley, Brittany Underwood Join the Cast of Teen Soap 'Youthful Daze'
* EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jessica Osgood Talks Teen Soap 'Youthful Daze'
* EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ethan Daniel Corbett on 'Youthful Daze' and Playing Tommy Dinato
* EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sarah Hester on 'Youthful Daze and the joy of playing bitchy Becca Malone
* EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mike C. Manning on His 'Youthful Daze' Character and Producing 'Kidnapped for Christ'

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Kate Logan on Religion, the Making of 'Kidnapped For Christ,' and Her Love For Documentaries

Kidnapped For Christ director and
producer Kate Logan.

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, Showtime will premiere Kidnapped For Christ, a powerful, award-winning documentary that chronicles the shocking truth behind Escuela Caribe, a controversial Christian behavior modification program in the Dominican Republic for "troubled" U.S. teenagers. Evangelical filmmaker Kate Logan hoped to document how a boarding school of this nature could help struggling youth. She soon discovered the school was subjecting teens to brutal punishment, humiliation, and abuse. One of the students she encounters is David, a 17-year-old sent to the camp after coming out to his parents as gay. With her faith tested at every turn, Logan struggles to help at least one teen escape from his horrific surroundings and reveal the truth about Escuela Caribe.

Serial Scoop spoke with Logan about the horror of Escuela Caribe, what it was like to question God and religion for the first time, what's next for her, and the power of having Lance Bass on her team. As Logan put it, "It's really meaningful to a lot of survivors of these types of programs to have celebrities speak up for them - it gives visibility and credibility to their suffering and hope that things will change." Read our exclusive interview with the brutally honest and fascinating Kate Logan below:

'Youthful Daze': Brand New Episode Available Now!

Drew, Tommy, and Mallorie

A brand new episode of Youthful Daze has been released online! Check out our Exclusive Interviews with Mike C.Manning, (Colin) Ethan Daniel Corbett, (Tommy) Jessica Osgood, (Mallorie) Sarah Hester (Becca), and a new interview with the creator of Youthful Daze, Bryan James! (Drew)

Youthful Daze is available at http://www.youthfuldaze.com/ You can watch the latest episode below:


Serial Scoop Youthful Daze Exclusive Interviews:
*Mike C. Manning
*Ethan Daniel Corbett
*Sarah Hester
*Jessica Osgood
*Bryan James
*Bryan James (Part 2)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Bryan James on the future of 'Youthful Daze,' Drew and Tommy, and Inclusive Storytelling (Part 2)

Youthful Daze creator and star Bryan James.

Serial Scoop recently spoke with Bryan James, the creator and star of popular teen soap Youthful Daze. In Part 1 of our 2-part interview, James revealed why he decided to tell the Drew and Tommy (Ethan Daniel Corbett) love story, the joy he feels playing Drew Castle, and how Oliver (Easton Schirra) may factor into Drew's romantic future. In Part 2, James shares exciting news about the future of Youthful Daze, how fans have reacted to the Drew and Tommy storyline, and why this is a romance that will be unlike any other seen on Daytime TV. As James put it, "There is no filter with me hesitating on a direction to go in because it's involving two men. Who gives a shit? It's 2014. Let's just tell some good stories."

Read Part 2 of our exclusive interview below.

'Youthful Daze': Brand New Episode Available Now!

Drew, Tommy, and Mallorie

A brand new episode of Youthful Daze has been released online! Check out our Exclusive Interviews with Mike C Manning, (Colin) Ethan Daniel Corbett, (Tommy) Jessica Osgood, (Mallorie) Sarah Hester (Becca), and a brand new interview with the creator of Youthful Daze, Bryan James! (Drew)

Youthful Daze is available at http://www.youthfuldaze.com/ You can watch the latest episode below:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Bryan James on 'Youthful Daze', Tommy and Drew's love story, and his love for 'All My Children'

Youthful Daze creator and star Bryan James.

Bryan James is the creator and star of popular teen soap Youthful Daze. He recently spoke with Serial Scoop about why he decided to tell the Drew and Tommy (Ethan Daniel Corbett) love story, the joy he feels playing Drew Castle, and how Oliver (Easton Schirra) may factor into Drew's romantic future. He also reveals that his storytelling has been inspired by Beverly Hills, 90210 and All My Children. Read Part 1 of our exclusive interview below:

New 'Kidnapped For Christ' Trailer Released, Award-Winning Documentary Premieres on Showtime July 10

On Thursday, July 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, Showtime will premiere Kidnapped For Christ, a powerful, award-winning documentary that includes Mike C. Manning and Lance Bass as executive producers. Kidnapped for Christ chronicles the shocking truth behind Escuela Caribe, a controversial Christian behavior modification program in the Dominican Republic for "troubled" U.S. teenagers.

Initially hoping to document the positive effects a boarding school like this could have on struggling youth, evangelical filmmaker Kate Logan is granted unprecedented access and allowed to live on campus for the summer.

Once there, Logan’s eyes are opened to the truth beneath the sunny facade of this remote reform school—kids being taken by force in the middle of the night, rumors of physical abuse, and staff imposing arbitrary and degrading punishments on the young students—and encounters students who change her life.

'Youthful Daze': Brand New Episode Available Now!

The Cast of Youthful Daze

A brand new episode of Youthful Daze has been released online! Check out our Exclusive Interviews with Mike C Manning, (Colin) Ethan Daniel Corbett, (Tommy) Jessica Osgood, (Mallorie) Sarah Hester (Becca), and a brand new interview with the creator of Youthful Daze Bryan James (Drew) coming soon!

Youthful Daze is available at http://www.youthfuldaze.com/ You can watch the latest episode below:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mike C. Manning on His 'Youthful Daze' Character and Producing 'Kidnapped for Christ'

Photo Credit: Brian To/WENN

"People fall in love all the time and sometimes those people happen to be two girls or two guys. That’s it. Deal with it."

Mike C.Manning doesn’t mince words. He is passionate in his beliefs and that’s one of the reasons why he is making a difference in the world. He also has a great sense of humor as you will find out. In a new interview with Serial Scoop, Manning talks about playing the role of Colin on teen soap Youthful Daze, his personal reasons for becoming involved with the award-winning documentary Kidnapped for Christ, and his motivation for staying in such great shape.

SERIAL SCOOP: Hi Mike, I am a big fan of your work. In a short time, you have done so many different projects. How did you become involved with Youthful Daze?
MIKE C.MANNING: First off, thank you. One of the producers, Paul Vandervort, who also plays Brad, is a good friend of mine. One day we were surfing and he said, “I might start working on a web series that I think you’d be interested in. Want me to send it your way?” I watched the first season and saw potential for expansion in Season 2.

Award-Winning Documentary 'Kidnapped For Christ' Coming to Showtime July 10th

On Thursday, July 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, Showtime will premiere Kidnapped For Christ, a powerful, award-winning documentary that chronicles the shocking truth behind Escuela Caribe, a controversial Christian behavior modification program in the Dominican Republic for "troubled" U.S. teenagers.

Initially hoping to document the positive effects a boarding school like this could have on struggling youth, evangelical filmmaker Kate Logan is granted unprecedented access and allowed to live on campus for the summer.

Once there, Logan’s eyes are opened to the truth beneath the sunny facade of this remote reform school—kids being taken by force in the middle of the night, rumors of physical abuse, and staff imposing arbitrary and degrading punishments on the young students—and encounters students who change her life.

'Youthful Daze': New Episode Available Now!

Watch the love story of Drew and Tommy!

A brand new episode of Youthful Daze has been released online. Look out for our exclusive interviews with Bryan James (Drew), Ethan Daniel Corbett (Tommy), Sarah Hester (Becca), Jessica Osgood (Mallorie), and Mike C Manning (Colin), coming soon!

Youthful Daze is available at www.youthfuldaze.com. You can watch the latest episode below!

Sunday Nights Are Made For 'Youthful Daze'

Sarah Hester as Becca with Mike C Manning as Colin

A new trailer for teen soap opera, Youthful Daze, has been released online.  Watch it below: