Xzandria Armstrong
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his Warner Robbins native is unquestionably on the rise and quickly becoming one of Atlanta’s most sought after casting directors for film and television. Xzandria Armstrong, 29, is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She, along with her identical twin sister who also works in the industry, were pretty much destined to work in some capacity in the world of entertainment. Their mother, a theater major herself, not only encouraged their creative genes, but also supported them. “I remember one time I was in high school, and Tyra Banks was having tryouts in L.A., and it was the last tryout, and my mom was like ‘if you wanna go for it, go, let’s go for it…“ Xzandria recollects. “I was like… well mom, it’s this weekend, and my mom goes, ‘well let’s get on the plane.’” She chuckles as she recalls that moment. While enrolled at Kennesaw State University, Xzandria began working as an extra for various projects around Atlanta, but it was her involvement with Tyler Perry Studios that enabled her to connect with individuals behind the scene. She was ultimately offered the Extras Assistant Casting position for the 2010 film, “For Colored Girls,” directed and produced by Tyler Perry. “That kind of role just paved the way for me as far as casting. Acting has always been my first love, but it’s just something really special about seeing people’s dreams come
true, and being a part of that.” Since working as the Extras Casting Assistant, Xzandria has worked with various artists such as Terri Vaughn, Roger Bobb, and of course, she continues to work with Tyler Perry. Xzandria’s career did not happen without hitting a few bumps in the road. She has recently overcome a life-changing ordeal that would probably leave most feeling downtrodden. But through the tears, heartache, and pain, Xzandria chose to view her experience differently. She went through a season of loneliness after the seven- year long relationship with the man she thought she would one day marry. That relationship came to an abrupt end, leaving her, and her 3-year old daughter without a home, and living in a shelter. In the midst of this ordeal, Xzandria was afforded the opportunity to fulfill one of her dreams when she was accepted for a teaching position in China. Her stay overseas was short -lived, as she had to return home to her daughter, who was being cared for by her parents while she was away. But the trip to China was more than a dream come true. It also yielded a financial blessing that allowed her and her daughter to move into their very own place. Xzandria is certain that it was God who got her through those hard times. She is now settled back in Atlanta, and has already received several requests to serve as Casting Director for upcoming television and film projects. ■
20 UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS
MAY/JUNE 2015