Meet The AGT Casting Team

Brian Updyke

Casting / Co-Executive Producer

E-Mail: [email protected]
Instagram: @bupdyke1

I first started on America's Got Talent in 2008 and in the years since, I've helped cast, produce and create opportunities to shine for countless performers. And to this day I still feel excited about finding new talent each year and giving them this huge platform to showcase their talent.

John Piermarini

Casting Producer

As the Senior Casting Producer and Supervising Producer, I manage the AGT casting team. With nearly a decade of experience casting and producing acts on the show, I still get excited encountering new and remarkable acts from all over the world.

Instagram: johnashimself00
E-Mail: [email protected]

MAXWELL BARNES

Comedy Scout

MAXWELL BARNES is a Los Angeles-based writer/performer originally from Charleston, South Carolina. A UCB-trained improviser, he studied at NYU Tisch's Atlantic Acting School before transferring to the University of Michigan. Maxwell has built a wide online following on Instagram and TikTok where he's best known for character-based sketches and his ongoing series sharing Los Angeles bathroom codes. He performs regularly with his improv team, Temporary Hires, and hosts a monthly stand-up show in LA called 5 After Five.

Instagram: maxwellisonline
TIkTok: maxwellisonline
Temporary Hires (improv team): temporaryhires
5 After 5 (standup show): 5afterfive

Luke Swinney

Senior Casting Producer

Hi, I'm Luke! I've been a casting and talent producer for the past decade, and I'm extremely passionate about giving people the opportunity to show their talents to the world. I believe that everyone has an interesting story and I love getting to tell those stories on our stage. Send me your talent no matter what it is, I'd love to take a look!

Instagram: lukeswinney
E-Mail: [email protected]

Benny Cumella

Music/Casting Producer

Hey there! My name’s Benny Cumella, and I work in casting and music here at America’s Got Talent.

I’ve spent over a decade in the music industry, beginning my career as a touring musician and even competing on a televised singing competition when I was younger. As a lifelong musician and Berklee College of Music graduate, I take pride in bringing an artist-first approach to discovering and nurturing talent.

My background is rooted in the music business and A&R (Artists & Repertoire), where I’ve developed an ear for recognizing talent and seeing someone’s true potential. Having been on both sides of the audition process, I know how much it means to have someone genuinely believe in what you do.

Incredible talent can come from anywhere, and I’m always excited to hear what someone has to offer. Whether you’re an established artist or someone who’s never performed outside their bedroom, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, consider this your sign. Feel free to contact me through either of the options below.

Instagram: bennycumella
E-Mail: [email protected]

Wendy Saatjian

Casting Producer

E-Mail: [email protected]