[August 22, 2011] Former Ashley student to join new boy band Tweet Aug 22, 2011 (Star-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- For 15-year-old Cole Rassin, everything seems to be happening at once. The former Ashley High School student just finished starring as the lead character in a sold-out local performances of "Footloose" the musical, and today he's moving to Los Angeles to join a newly formed boy band, envisioned as a pop group in the tradition of 'N Sync and The Backstreet Boys. Cole was discovered by producer Johnny Vieira of J.O.T.S. Entertainment after posting videos of himself singing and playing the guitar on YouTube. The quartet doesn't yet have a name, but Vieira is working with a major record label on a recording contract for the band, said Cole and his father, Steve Rassin. Cole is the guitarist and bass of the group's four-part harmony. "My wildest dreams are coming true," said Cole, who developed his performing skills in part by taking drama classes at Myrtle Grove Middle School and music classes at Codington Elementary School. He played the character of Ren, the part made famous in the 1984 film by Kevin Bacon, in the Thalian Association Children's Theatre production of "Footloose" the musical, held at the Community Art Center's Hannah Block 2nd Street Stage. The sold-out show ended Sunday after adding an additional Saturday matinee to accommodate the demand. Cole also recently had a part in an advertising campaign for K-Swiss Tubes shoes with Danny McBride and Jillian Michaels. Cole's aspirations have been influenced by family members. "My dad got me a guitar for Christmas when I was 8, and I started taking lessons at 9," Cole said. Steve Rassin, who works for Monarch Mortgage, performs in local theater productions (most recently in "Annie") and was formerly part of the local improv troupe Comically Impaired. He recently worked on an episode of the locally filmed TV show "One Tree Hill." Cole's mother, Mary Rassin, can play instruments and his brother, Creed Rassin, 10, is also a performer. Mary Rassin is moving with Cole to Los Angeles where he will rehearse with the other three members of the band. "It's very surreal but it feels right," Steve Rassin said. "We're really excited about it and really happy for Cole and very, very proud of him." Cole said while he is happy to be getting farther along in his career, he's also already looking forward to visits home. "It's definitely bittersweet having to leave Wilmington, but I'm not moving there for good," Cole said. "I'll be back eventually." And he has other big plans for his future in the entertainment industry. "I definitely want to be in films, and I want to be on Broadway," he said. Cece Nunn: 343-2310 On Twitter: @StarNewsOnline ___ (c)2011, Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.) To see more of the Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.), or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.starnewsonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]