About Us

Paonessa Talent Agency, LLC is a boutique agency representing a broad range of ethnicities that is dedicated to seeking out, managing and guiding the careers of Chicago's best talent. We are SAG/AFTRA and Equity franchised with a strong Non-Union division. We provide individual focus to our talent to ensure they have the tools and training necessary for ultimate success in the business.

Paonessa Talent Agency, LLC works to meet our clients and casting directors needs. Our facility is equipped to do on-camera auditions and voiceover recordings.

Marisa Paonessa (President/Agent) is originally from Albany, New York and graduated with a BFA in Acting from State University of New York at Fredonia. She moved to Chicago in August of 1999 to start her career. Marisa has worked in promotional advertising, as a casting associate and tour manager for Chicago theatre. After realizing her passion for helping Chicago actors, she interned at a talent agency and was soon hired on as an agent. Her former clients urged her to start her own agency, and in January 2010 she opened her own doors. Marisa believes in cultivating personal relationships, giving individual attention and helping guide her talents' careers. When Marisa isn't working she's most likely dancing in her kitchen to Pat Benatar, cause love is a battlefield.

Samantha Siroky (Agent Associate) started with Paonessa Talent Agency as an intern in September 2010 and became an associate in January 2011. Originally from Orland Park, she moved to the city to pursue a career in the arts.  She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and has performed at theatres in the Chicago area. Samantha is very passionate about what she does, and is excited to contribute toward Paonessa Talent's inevitable success.  She dreams of some day seeing her actors on the critically acclaimed series, "Dexter."  Or "Drop Dead Diva."