By Mia Smith-Johnson
On the weekend of November 11th 2023, models and actors wowed premier, international agents at the Cays Conference, garnering over 400 callbacks!
We can certainly say that this is one for the history books! The CAYS Scouting Conference, 2023 brought out Nassau’s top models and talents to Atlantis, Paradise Island, where this extraordinary event unfolded in The Grand Ballroom of the Atlantis Resort and Casino. The CAYS Conference proved to be a giant of its kind as such an event has never taken place here in the Bahamas on such a large scale.
Models could be seen walking the long hallways of the Grand Ballroom; excitement, and anxiety erupting within them. Photographers and media dispersed throughout the room, on the neatly-laid red carpet, and in the callback rooms so as not to miss a moment. Among them were photographers: Donovan Lynch, Alden Chisolm, Jervin Munroe and Darrington Ricardo, Leo Newman, Tito Collie, Keith Bullard, Allan Clare, Duke Wells – founder of BahamasB2B.com, OurNews and Tourism Today with red carpet host Marlena Leonard.
Saturday, November 11th – Modeling Auditions – Walk and Pose were the order of the day. These statuesque models strutted confidently down the T-shaped runway, executing each move with precision. As each one took to the stage – identified by sticker numbers adorning their upper chest – it was apparent that they did not come to play, but to WORK! Resulting in an overwhelming amount of callbacks from unexpecting agents. Some models amassed up to 7 callbacks from local and international agents vying for their attention.
On November 12th – Acting Day – imagine an entire room, filled to the brim with actors of all ages. I stumbled upon a small boy practicing a Nike monologue. He ran through his lines with conviction and enthusiasm in his face, and you knew he believed it. At the end of the day, our spirited hosts called back what seemed to be the entire room, for interviews at a separate location. Agents were enamored by the amount of talent only we as Bahamians knew existed on such a small island.
Stephanie Nihon, Founder of The CAYS Conference and owner and producer at LFD Productions, was instrumental in bringing this all to fruition; gathering a production team that spread throughout Nassau and the United States. She is the producer and writer for her Film production, Goombay Kids, which also inspired the idea for The Cays Scouting Conference. Mama D-Lo, a popular character, appeared dressed in full regalia to mingle with the crowd before showtime. The Cays received impressive sponsor support in its ‘year one’ from The Islands of The Bahamas, Bacardi, Grey Goose, Comfort Suites, Signarama, ALIV, and more. The VIP Mixer did not disappoint, the who’s who of the industry gathered at The Dilly Club at Marina Village, sponsored by Grey Goose, to celebrate the inaugural event. The evening was topped off by a lively and captivating junkanoo performance. The visiting, distinguished guests were wowed by the pulsating sounds of the drums and cowbells.
“I am truly blown away by the talent we have in this country. It has always inspired me but to see these performances in front of the top agents in the world who represent the most recognised celebrities, is incredible recognition and just shows this talent should not be hidden away but showcased globally.”
Stephanie Nihon – The Cays Producer
I can still hear the screams and excitement of the many kids and adults present on November 12th, all ranging from ages 6 to 56. I could say that age was nothing but a number, as they all commanded attention once they stood before the judges, leaving no crumbs behind. Hosts Jaquay ‘Das Quay’ Adderley and Chad Ryan Moore did an amazing job keeping the excitement alive with fun games, prizes, surprises, and the voice of the Master of Ceremonies – Dennis ‘Kool Aid’ Lockhart – booming in the background. As presenters like Stephanie Nihon and Karen Lee shared their knowledge and insights about the industry, the crowd sat with starry eyes and open minds, taking in every bit of knowledge being bestowed upon them. It was obvious how seriously each person took their craft. It was obvious how hungry every individual present was to take in all this weekend had to offer and leave knowing they were all winners to have been present at such a notable event.
Karen Lee, author of the critically acclaimed book ‘Model U’, who headed Scouting at Elite Models in NYC for 18 years, and also discovered Stephanie for Elite as a young Bahamian girl at a similar scouting conference at the Atlantis Resort, had this to say:
“The Cays Model, and Actor Conference was a top-notch event!
Stephanie Nihon and her team produced an excellent event!”
Some of the best scouts, managers, and agents from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Atlanta were pleased and excited to see so much talent in both the modeling and acting world coming out of the Bahamas, and they can’t wait to return!
What a wonderful spectacle to see locals arriving in droves, some, with angst in their eyes. What, to so many, seemed to be an impossible dream was finally within reach. Many participated in both days, identified only by numbers set high on their chest. I snuck from my position at the entrance and watched in amazement. Curious to know what could possibly be playing out in the minds of those participating I reached out to Travis Clarke – Model and Actor – for a little insight on what it felt like to be a part of this prestigious event. He said:
Travis Clarke –
“This experience with The Cays has been instrumental in helping me to know and understand, not only Industry standards but also what I’m really made of. This experience completely shifted my mindset from what I thought I should have been doing to now, knowing what I should be doing. The CAYS provided me knowledge and surety, that if something doesn’t happen one time, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road, it just means that it’s not your season. That’s a significant part of the industry, you can be chosen today or the next time they see you but at least you get to leave your imprint on their minds. The CAYS experience has been an eye opener. I feel reformed and ready to further my career, equipped with the tools I need to progress and that’s all due to The CAYS experience.”
Agents and attendees of the conference described their experience as follows:
Kwok Chan from Ford Models –
“Thrilled to have attended the Cay Conference this weekend. The event was well-organized and highly educational for aspiring talents. Stephanie’s commendable efforts in giving back to her community were truly uplifting. Looking forward to the ?next event!”
Joy Pervis from J Pervis Talent Agency –
“I was blown away with the talent pool at The CAYS! So many talented kids and adults in one event. Stephanie presented a first class production which was professional, organized, and enjoyable for both the participants and scouts. It is apparent she truly cares about the models and talent and wants them to succeed and grow their career in the entertainment industry. I would highly recommend The CAYS and look for signing some great talent!”
Victoria Kress at A3 Artists Agency –
“Had an incredible experience this weekend at the Cays Conference. The talent was some of the best I’ve seen in a long while. The event itself was of the highest professional value and flawlessly executed. What I was most touched by was the care and love the Event Staff had for every single person participating in the event and their dedication to helping others achieve their dreams. It was clear that this was a labor of love for all involved. I look forward to working more with many of the talents I saw this weekend and am thankful for an opportunity to meet them in this wonderful environment.”