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Hi, My name is Christine

I am an expert in sourcing, casting and developing talent across a variety of mediums including commercial and branded content, theatrical and film projects. 

It's my passion to follow, research and support tastemakers such as actors, fitness experts, entrepreneurs, influencers, celebrities and models over different mediums.​

I am driven by my purpose to connect people.

Deeply important elements of my personal self that are undeniably present in my professional work: I am a queer immigrant living in the United States and I grew up in Northern Ireland during the troubles.

A few other things....

Fitness fanatic // Reformed Night Owl to Morning Lark // Work in NYC- live in NJ // Cat-mum // proud wife of @vtirella

Browse the site to learn more about my casting and content skills.

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I believe in the power of  creative collaboration

I work in Casting, Content and Talent development

For almost ten years, I worked in "conventional" casting; providing casting services in the entertainment industry.

Then I took a step back. What was really important to me? What was my purpose and passion?

The answers were immediate and clear. I want to:


  • Connect talent with opportunity;

  • Package and deliver the best options to my creative collaborators;

  • Develop content that inspires and empowers

I have experience with editorial, developing and producing panels, webinars and materials for Backstage.  

I believe that passionate, empowered, informed casting and content makes for the most compelling storytelling. Take a look at my work and let's Collaborate together. 

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Casting Experience

Christine is an experienced Casting Director and Talent Management Specialist based in New York.


Projects include: Annie (Non-Union National tour), Cats (Non-Union National tour), Spongebob The Musical (First National Tour), Waitress (Non-Union National tour), Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief (Broadway/National Tour), Elf the Musical (National Tours), Sound of Music (National Tours). Christine also aided in the casting for the Broadway production of Chicago The Musical (Broadway/National Tour), Hadestown (Broadway), Goodspeed Opera House, AIDA Cruise Lines, RCCL and Celebrity Cruises. Off-Broadway projects include A Clockwork Orange (New World Stages), As You Like it (Classic Stage Company), Curvy Widow (Westside Theatre), Stuffed (Westside Theatre), Dirty Dancing (National Tour). TV Credits with Stewart/Whitley include Freaky Friday (Disney Channel); Full commercial, voiceover and industrial resume available upon request.


Before joining the Stewart/Whitley Team, Christine spent three years at Harriet Bass Casting, as a Casting Associate, working primarily on regional Equity theatre and Off-Broadway theatre/projects. Clients included: Portland Center Stage, Alliance Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Syracuse Stage and Dallas Theater Center. During this time, she also worked as a Freelance Casting Director at Telsey + Co. where she assisted in casting a number of pilots and commercials.


Christine started her career freelancing with Paladino Casting where she worked on various international and national commercials, live and promotional events such as the opening of Lexus Fashion show 2013, as well as television projects ranging from reality television to scripted material such as Team Umizoomi (Nickelodeon) and Taxi Brooklyn (TF1/CBS).  

Christine holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons), from Queens University, Belfast; a Diploma in Acting from LAMDA, London, and an Associate Acting Degree from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York.

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Producer/On-Air Host

I believe in creating content that feeds the mind, moves conversations forward and connects people. As a producer and host for Backstage on Panels, workshops and media events, I have been engaging the acting and filmmaking community to help facilitate important conversations and inspire the next generation of emerging creators.

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How to Get Voiceover Work + Break Into User-Generated Content | Casting Director Tips
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Backstage

How to Get Voiceover Work + Break Into User-Generated Content | Casting Director Tips

Learn how actors can get cast in voiceover and user-generated content (UGC) from Casting Director and Backstage Casting Specialist Christine McKenna-Tirella in this episode of the Actor’s Toolkit, a video series that provides expert advice on how to navigate career growth both online and in person, and gives you the inside scoop on how to prepare for the biggest trends in the business today. McKenna-Tirella outlines the voiceover equipment, Backstage profile tweaks, and acting résumé basics you’ll need to get voiceover work. She also explains what user-generated content is, what to expect in auditions, and how you can get started—particularly if you have a prominent following on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. We also speak directly to Backstage members to give them personalized feedback on their Backstage profiles. In this session: 02:04 - Voiceover 02:44 - Recording for best sound 03:45 - Voiceover equipment 04:39 - Voiceover demos 05:45 - User-generated content 06:32 - What is User-generated content? 07:27 - Filming from home 37:37 - Negotiating rates for voiceover work 43:02 - Voiceover classes 44:24 - Voiceover recording software 47:06 - Getting into voiceover More Resources From Backstage: How to Build a Home Voiceover Studio: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/set-home-voiceover-studio-1757/ Your Guide to the Perfect Self Tape: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/guide-perfect-self-tape-1758/ Looking for more remote learning opportunities? Check out The Slate! https://www.backstage.com/magazine/series/the-slate/
Panel- Recorded Live for Backstage, May 14th 2020. How to Create, Produce and Pitch your own Work.
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Christine McKenna-Tirella

Panel- Recorded Live for Backstage, May 14th 2020. How to Create, Produce and Pitch your own Work.

In the industry today, artists wear many hats. Join this panel of experts for a discussion on how they made their own work and what they did to produce, develop and pitch their material. From learning how to get started on creating your own projects, to crafting a PR strategy, and building a roadmap to deal with challenges along the way, this panel will inspire you to work on your own content and take control of your digital footprint as an artist! Naomi McDougall Jones, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Actress, Author, Speaker, and Activist Naomi wrote, produced, and starred in the 2014 indie feature film, Imagine I'm Beautiful, which took home 12 awards on the film festival circuit including 4 Best Pictures and, for Naomi, 3 Best Actress Awards and The Don Award for Best Independently Produced Screenplay of 2014. Jamie Monahan, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Director, Producer and Actress Jamie has successfully produced, cast, directed, written, and starred in a number of award-winning projects. Her latest project Legacy is a finalist for the Sundance 2020 Episodic Makers Lab. Lindsay Glickstein, Founder of Starlicity, Talent Manager and PR for Celebrity and Influencer Talent Lindsay Glickstein founded Starlicity, a talent management and publicity firm specializing in celebrity and influencer talent. She also has a background working in television development and production, casting, branding, digital marketing and public relations. Christine Mckenna-Tirella, Backstage Casting Specialist and Casting Director Before joining Backstage, Christine worked in casting across a variety of mediums including Commercials, TV, Film, and Theatre at the high-profile offices of Stewart/Whitley Casting, Harriet Bass Casting, Telsey+Co, and Paladino Casting. Follow @backstagecast #casting #creators #filmmaking #screenwriting #producing #acting #influencer #backstage #womeninfilmmaking
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I want actors to feel empowered

Coaching and workshops

Newly graduated? Transitioning from another career? New to the business completely?

I take on select clients once a year for a special donation based consultation.100% of the proceeds of this special one-on-one sessions will go to “Fred’s Team” for MSK Cancer research.

I regularly hold free panels and workshops for details:

Female Performer
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Press and Features

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My feature in The Irish Times "Wild Geese" Column

Listen to my work on "In the Envelope" Podcast

My Perspective on Casting during Covid-19

Queen's University University Alumni Feature

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Get in touch

Interested in working with me? Contact me for my full casting and development resume.
I am available for media bookings and hosting opportunities as well as coaching sessions- specify your interests in the subject title and let's connect.

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