MEET THE TEAM
Dominick Raffaele
Founder / CEO
Dominick (he/him) is a dynamic leader, talent manager, and creative producer with a passion for entertainment and innovation.
As the founder and CEO of RAFCO Talent Management, Dominick has built a reputation for discovering and nurturing exceptional talent, guiding their careers across commercial, theatrical, and digital media platforms. With a sharp eye for emerging opportunities, he collaborates with a wide range of clients, from actors and models to major brands.
Dominick’s experience extends beyond talent management—he’s a visionary producer and artist with an impressive portfolio of theater productions. His credits include critically acclaimed shows such as Rock of Ages, Heathers, Legally Blonde and the innovative cabaret events at 54 Below, Green Room, and Chelsea Stage and Table. Dominick was also the producer of the first ever amateur production of Mean Girls directed by members of the Original Broadway Cast. Always pushing the creative envelope, Dominick aims to shape the future of talent management and theatrical production.
Michelina Smith
President / Theatrical Manager
Michelina (she/her) is a Rhode Island-raised, NYC-based director, talent manager, and arts administrator who holds a BA in Theatre Directing and English from Fordham University. ​​
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Michelina graduated summa laude from Fordham University at Lincoln Center with a B.A. in Theatre Directing and a B.A. in English. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Performing Arts Administration at New York University to deepen her expertise in the arts and entertainment sector.
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Michelina prides herself on her “people-first” approach to talent management, believing that actors should be treated as “people” first and “artists” second. She is a firm advocate of mental health awareness, and is dedicated to cultivating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for her clients to thrive.
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Learn more about Michelina at michelinasmith.com
Gabriella Vitale
Brand & Communications Manager
Gabriella (she/her) is an innovator at heart with a strong foundation in arts, media, and entertainment management. She earned her BA in Arts Management with minors in Theatre and Finance from Indiana University, before completing an MA in Media, Communications, and Critical Practice at the University of the Arts London.
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Raised in Boston in a theatrical family, Gabriella grew up at her local community theatre and developed an early passion for creative talent. Her early passion became the catalyst for landing her first internship at Boston Casting at just 16 years old. She went on to spend her summers at agencies and casting offices in Boston and New York, building both industry knowledge and a relentless work ethic.
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During the pandemic, Gabriella co-founded an influencer marketing agency, curating a roster of over 30+ lifestyle creators worldwide. Later, her move to London marked a shift to the brand side, where she deepened her understanding of how consumer culture and talent intersect to shape meaningful campaigns. Committed to innovation and shaped by international experience, Gabriella seeks to redefine how talent and consumer culture intersect in today’s ever-evolving media landscape.
Maia Kraskouskas
Theatrical Assistant
Maia (she/her) is a NYC and Boston-based actor, scenic designer, and talent managerial assistant with a multidisciplinary background in the performing arts. She holds a BA in Theatre Performance with a minor in Film and Television from Fordham University (’26), where she has cultivated a deep understanding of storytelling both onstage and behind the scenes.
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Maia began her journey as an actor, but quickly discovered a passion for every aspect of production—including scenic design, carpentry, and talent management. Whether building set pieces in the shop, supporting clients through the nuances of the entertainment industry, or taking the stage herself, Maia brings curiosity, care, and a collaborative spirit to every role she takes on.
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As a talent management assistant at RAFCO, Maia is passionate about empowering artists, fostering supportive creative environments, and learning from every client interaction. Her approach is grounded in empathy, organization, and a genuine love for the craft.