BRIAN CUNNINGHAM

CEO + SCREENWRITER

Brian Cunningham is a Houston, TX native, Nikki Pederson Talent alumni, and CEO and Screenwriter at NPT Network. After completing his training at NPT, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in screenwriting. Brian has worked as a writer and production manager for multiple production companies, including Echobend Pictures and Supply & Demand, gaining experience on large-scale productions and pitching projects to studios and streaming platforms such as Tubi and Netflix.



Brian’s industry knowledge has been a major asset to NPT, especially in writing original comedic scenes each year for the annual Invitational Showcase in Los Angeles. He is also a talented coach and director, guiding actors through performance, professionalism, and career preparation while helping them grow with confidence both on and off camera.

RAINI RODRIGUEZ 

ACTING COACH AND TV + FILM ACTOR

Raini is a Bryan, Texas native, NPT Network alumni, and acting coach at NPT Network, as well as an award-winning television and film actress. She is best known for her role as Trish on the Disney Channel original series Austin & Ally and as Maya Blart in Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. She has also appeared on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Disney XD’s I’m in the Band, and played Tess in the feature film Prom. She won Best Young Television Actress at the 2013 Imagen Awards.

Raini’s extensive experience in both television and film gives her valuable insight into what it takes to succeed on camera. Her real-world industry knowledge makes her a perfect fit for the LA Invitational coaching team, where she helps actors strengthen their performance skills, build confidence, and prepare for professional auditions and career opportunities in the entertainment industry.

EMILY CUNNINGHAM

ACTING COACH

Emily is a native Houstonian and Acting Coach at NPT Network who has called Los Angeles home for the past 12 years. She studied theatre at Texas Tech University before moving west, where she trained in TV and film acting and audition technique with Stan Kirsch Studios and Leslie Kahn. Her first film credit was opposite Seann William Scott in Balls Out: Gary the Tennis Coach (2009), and she continues to pursue both television and film work alongside commercial projects.

In addition to on-camera work, Emily has performed in numerous theatrical productions across Texas and California, with favorite roles including HurlyBurly (Donna), The Man Who Came to Dinner (Lorraine Sheldon), and Come Back, Little Sheba (Marie Buckholder). She also worked in commercial casting with Stuart Stone Casting and for eight years served as a musical theatre director with the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts in Beverly Hills, teaching music, dance, and acting to young performers.

DANI DAVIS

STYLIST + TALENT SCOUT

Dani Davis partners with NPT as a stylist and talent scout. She is a former model with over 20 years of experience in the modeling and talent industry. Driven by a passion for helping performers grow and present their best selves, Dani is also an award-winning makeup artist who has worked alongside some of the world’s leading photographers. Her background in styling, image development, and industry expectations gives students valuable insight into what it takes to stand out in competitive markets.

Each year, Dani provides styling and image consulting as part of NPT’s training programs and travels with the team to Los Angeles during Showcase season to support the LA Invitational Team. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and deep understanding of professional presentation make her an incredible asset to our

Carter Crisp

ACTING COACH + VIDEOGRAPHER

Carter Crisp is an acting coach and videographer at NPT Network, as well as an actor and filmmaker known for his outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and genuine love for connecting with others. From a young age, Carter’s natural charisma and curiosity drew him toward storytelling and performance, where he found his true passion in front of the camera. After graduating high school in 2024, he began working professionally in film production while continuing his acting training at NPT.

In addition to coaching, Carter supports the studio through videography and post-production, helping capture classes, events, and student performances for marketing and training purposes. His greatest joy comes from being on set, collaborating with others, and bringing stories to life both in front of and behind the camera. Carter is passionate about helping students build confidence, sharpen their skills, and feel excited about the creative process.

CAITLYN Petereit

ACTING COACH

Caitlyn Petereit is a College Station native and NPT Network alumni from the 2023–2024 program, bringing both professional training and firsthand student experience to her work as an Acting Coach. Her background in performance has shaped a teaching style rooted in authenticity, emotional connection, and truthful storytelling. Caitlyn is especially passionate about grounded, dramatic acting, helping students access real emotion and build strong on-camera presence.

At NPT Network, Caitlyn works closely with students to strengthen scene work, character development, and confidence in performance. She is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where young actors feel challenged, encouraged, and prepared for the demands of film and television. As someone who has recently walked the same path as many of her students, Caitlyn brings relatability, empathy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a young performer.

Caitlyn ROBERTS

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Caitlyn is the Social Media Manager at NPT Network and an NPT alumni with experience in performance, production, and marketing, bringing both creative insight and real-world industry perspective to the team. She has worked in film, television, and stage in both Los Angeles and Houston, giving her a strong understanding of the professional acting landscape and the demands young performers face as they grow in their craft.

At NPT Network, Caitlyn supports social media strategy, event and class coverage, and promotional content, helping to highlight student achievements while strengthening the studio’s brand presence. Her approach blends creativity with strategy to connect with aspiring actors and their families. She is passionate about helping actors feel confident, prepared, and truly seen as they pursue careers in film and television, and is proud to give back to the community that helped shape her own journey.

Meet our Founder

NIKKI PEDERSON

FOUNDER OF NIKKI PEDERSON TALENT

Nikki Pederson serves as Executive Director of NPT Network. With over 20 years of experience discovering some of the industry’s leading actors and models, Nikki has built extensive relationships across both the entertainment and fashion industries. Her expertise in talent development and industry connections has made her a respected leader in nurturing the next generation of performers.



She founded Nikki Pederson Talent, which was later acquired by Brian Cunningham and rebranded as NPT Network. Nikki continues to guide the studio’s vision and strategy, ensuring students and alumni have access to professional training, career opportunities, and a supportive community as they pursue success on stage, on camera, and in the fashion world.