'The 3rd State' Cast & Crew: Meet Gabriella, Mica & The Young Filmmakers behind this Indie TV Pilot
- Mary Jane
- Apr 9
- 9 min read
Independent sci-fi doesn't always mean big studios and massive budgets. Sometimes it means a 22-year-old director, a month-and-a-half casting scramble, and a former NASA spy base in the mountains of North Carolina.
The 3rd State proves that compelling sci-fi drama comes from vision, not budget size. The pilot episode, releasing July 29th, 2026, features a cast of talented actors—some discovered on Instagram, others after searching the entire East Coast—working alongside one of the youngest crews in independent television.
This is the story of how The 3rd State cast came together, and what happens when young filmmakers refuse to let budget constraints limit their ambition.
Table of Contents
Who Plays Gabriella in The 3rd State?
Alexandra Coble stars as Gabriella (Gabby), the 18-year-old protagonist of The 3rd State. She's the emotional center of the series—a young woman living alone in the isolated Appalachian town of Farpoint while her parents work at the mysterious FARO research facility.
When Gabriella discovers she can astral project, she begins unraveling a conspiracy involving consciousness manipulation. By the end of the pilot episode, her memories are erased, leaving her unable to recognize her best friend.
The Search for Alexandra Coble
Finding the right actress for Gabriella took serious effort. Creator and director Ethan Suess and producer Mary E. Fry spent a month and a half searching the entire East Coast.
They cast Alexandra right before shooting started. When her audition tape came in, the decision was instant—she was the one for the role.
At 21 years old during filming, Alexandra brought the exact combination of vulnerability and strength the character demanded. While she had more acting experience than some cast members, she still brought fresh energy to an indie production where everyone wore multiple hats.
Alexandra Coble's Background
Alexandra Coble had previous acting experience before taking on the lead role in The 3rd State. Her performance as Gabriella showcases her ability to handle complex emotional scenes—particularly the pilot's memory-erasure climax.
Beyond acting, Alexandra served as an Associate Producer on the project. This meant going beyond traditional cast duties to help the production succeed on a tight budget and timeline.
Key Takeaway: Finding Alexandra Coble after an intensive East Coast search proved that the right actor is worth the wait—her audition tape immediately confirmed she was perfect for Gabriella.
Aaron Westberry: From American Idol to Mica
Aaron Westberry plays Mica, Gabriella's best friend and a central character in The 3rd State. But before he was cast in the sci-fi series, audiences might have seen him on a very different screen.
American Idol Season 20
In 2022, Aaron Westberry auditioned for American Idol Season 20. He performed Sam Hunt's "2016" for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
His soothing vocals earned comparisons to artists like James Taylor and Adam Young of Owl City. He advanced to the Hollywood round, showcasing his musical talent on national television.
But music wasn't Aaron's only creative outlet.
From Stand-Up to Sci-Fi
Aaron Westberry is a stand-up comedian and online content creator from Greenville, South Carolina. Director Ethan Suess had been following Aaron on Instagram for some time, enjoying his comedy videos.
After writing the character of Mica, Suess realized Aaron could be perfect for the role. Through a mutual friend, Suess reached out.
Aaron auditioned and killed it. This was his first major film production role, and he was cast soon after.
Improvisation on Set
Aaron's comedy background became one of the show's secret weapons. Mica was always meant to have some humor, but Aaron brought something unexpected.
He improvised on set constantly, adding layers to the character that weren't in the script. His improvisations were genuinely funny and unique—the kind of moments that can't be written, only discovered.
At 24 years old during filming, Aaron balanced his natural comedic timing with the emotional depth required for Mica's arc. The cast and crew were consistently grateful for what he brought to the production.
Key Takeaway: Aaron Westberry's background in stand-up comedy and online content creation led to unexpected improvisations that elevated the character of Mica beyond what was on the page.
The Principal Cast of The 3rd State
Beyond Gabriella and Mica, The 3rd State features an ensemble cast bringing the world of Farpoint to life.
Main Characters
Alexandra Coble as Gabriella – The 18-year-old protagonist discovering her ability to astral project while uncovering a conspiracy at FARO.
Aaron Westberry as Mica – Gabriella's best friend who becomes central to the memory-manipulation storyline.
Annette Saunders as The Alien Lady – A mysterious mountain woman living in a makeshift teepee on top of a mountain. She moves stars around with a laser pointer and meditation at night.
Mike Yow as Curtis Young – Gabriella's father who works at the FARO research facility.
Jennifer Trudrung as Teresa Young – Gabriella's mother, also employed at FARO.
Supporting Cast
Henry DelBello as Lucas – A character whose role unfolds as the conspiracy deepens.
Jason Eller as Jimmy – Mica's comatose father.
Tom Chalmers as The Entity – A mysterious presence tied to the show's consciousness-manipulation themes.
Aurora Rivas as Young Gabriella – Portraying Gabriella at 3 years old in flashback sequences.
The full cast list is available on the show's IMDB page, where you can explore each actor's background and previous work.
The Young Filmmakers Behind The 3rd State
One of the most remarkable aspects of The 3rd State isn't just the cast—it's the crew. This
was a production led by filmmakers barely out of college (some of whom didn't even go).
Ethan Suess: Writer, Director, Producer
Ethan Suess was 22 years old during filming. He wrote and directed the pilot episode while also serving as producer and executive producer.
His background in visual effects and editing became crucial during post-production. After shooting wrapped, Suess put in the extra hours needed to finish the project to the best of his ability.
Suess also handled aspects of production design, construction, props, and sets.
Key Department Heads
Matteo Bonaddio served as Director of Photography at age 24. He also operated the camera and worked as an Associate Producer.
Kai'ana Ghassabian was the Art Director at age 21. She simultaneously handled prop master duties, costume master, set dressing, and construction.
This level of multi-tasking is common in low-budget filmmaking, where crew members often manage multiple departments out of necessity and passion.
The Associate Producers
Several cast and crew members earned Associate Producer credits: Kai'ana Ghassabian, Keri Suess, Matteo Bonaddio, Alexandra Coble, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Aaron Westberry.
These credits weren't honorary. These individuals went the extra mile beyond their traditional roles.
They drove the grip truck. They found locations and extras. They stayed up way later than asked and gave their all to make the project come to life—especially for very little money.
Why Youth Was a Strength
Having such a young crew could have been a liability. Instead, it became the production's greatest asset.
The set was energetic and freeing. While the crew included older professionals as well, the predominantly young team created an atmosphere of fun and collaboration.
There were constant laughs and giggles. People from all ages fit in seamlessly, creating one big creative family.
The youth of the crew wasn't a weakness to overcome—it was a strength that made the production possible.
Key Takeaway: The 3rd State's young crew (ages 21-24 for key positions) didn't face challenges from their age—instead, their energy and willingness to wear multiple hats became the production's superpower.
Making Sci-Fi on an Indie Budget
Building a science fiction series with alternate timelines, astral projection, and consciousness manipulation sounds expensive. The 3rd State did it for $35,000-$40,000.
The $35-40K Budget
For context, the average indie film budget ranges from $50,000 to several million dollars. The 3rd State operated on the lower end of that spectrum.
How do you create a convincing sci-fi world with that limitation? You build everything you can practically, and you get creative.
Building 30-Foot Sets
The production team built "underground tunnel" sets that were over 30 feet tall. They constructed the entire interior of the Alien Lady's mountain hut from scratch.
They also built a separate exterior set on top of an actual mountain. These weren't small-scale constructions—they were ambitious set pieces designed to sell the show's alternate-reality aesthetic.
Practical effects and sets often feel more tangible than CGI on indie budgets. The 3rd State leaned into this principle hard.
The PARI Center: A Real Spy Base
One of the production's biggest wins was securing access to the PARI Center in Pisgah, North Carolina. This isn't just any location.
The PARI Center is a former NASA and NSA spy base. The production had essentially full access to the facility, using its authentic Cold War-era infrastructure as the FARO research facility.
Shooting in a real former spy station gave the show an authenticity that no amount of set dressing could replicate. The location work appears throughout the pilot episode.
Visual Effects and Post-Production
While practical effects handled most of the heavy lifting, some sequences required visual effects. This is where Suess's background became essential.
With experience in VFX and editing, Suess personally handled post-production work. He put in the extra hours needed to bring the show's more surreal elements to life.
The combination of practical sets, authentic locations, and targeted VFX work allowed The 3rd State to punch well above its budget weight.
Key Takeaway: The 3rd State achieved its sci-fi vision through practical 30-foot sets, access to a former NASA/NSA spy base (the PARI Center).
Watch The 3rd State Pilot
Ready to see what this young cast and crew created? The pilot episode of The 3rd State releases on July 29th, 2026.
The best part? It's completely free to watch. The episode will be available on YouTube in multiple languages—English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin.
Watch at: the3rdstate.net/watch
You can also explore behind-the-scenes content and learn more about the production process at the3rdstate.net/bts, where a feature-length documentary reveals how this indie production came together.
For more information about the cast, crew, and production details, visit the show's IMDB page or the main website at the3rdstate.net.
Follow the show on social media for updates:
Instagram: @the3rdstate.show
TikTok: @the3rdstate.show
X (Twitter): @the3rdstate.show
Frequently Asked Questions
What actors are in 'The 3rd State' TV show?
The main cast includes Alexandra Coble as Gabriella, Aaron Westberry as Mica, Annette Saunders as The Alien Lady, Mike Yow as Curtis Young, Jennifer Trudrung as Teresa Young, Henry DelBello as Lucas, Jason Eller as Jimmy, Tom Chalmers as The Entity, and Aurora Rivas as Young Gabriella.
Who is Gabriella from 'The 3rd State'?
Gabriella (Gabby) is the 18-year-old protagonist of The 3rd State, played by Alexandra Coble. She lives alone in Farpoint while her parents work at FARO and begins experiencing memory issues that lead her to discover a reality-altering conspiracy.
Who is Alexandra Coble?
Alexandra Coble is an actress who stars as Gabriella, the lead role in The 3rd State. She was 21 years old during filming of the pilot episode and also served as an Associate Producer on the project.
Is Aaron Westberry in 'The 3rd State' TV show?
Yes, Aaron Westberry plays Mica, one of the main characters in The 3rd State. This was his first major film production role.
Who is Aaron Westberry?
Aaron Westberry is an American singer, stand-up comedian, and actor from Greenville, South Carolina who plays Mica in The 3rd State. He previously appeared on American Idol Season 20 in 2022, where he advanced to the Hollywood round.
Who directed 'The 3rd State' pilot episode?
Ethan Suess directed the pilot episode of The 3rd State. He turned 22 years old during filming.
Who wrote 'The 3rd State' pilot episode?
Ethan Suess wrote the pilot episode of The 3rd State.
Who is starring in 'The 3rd State' TV series?
The series stars Alexandra Coble as Gabriella, Aaron Westberry as Mica, and Annette Saunders as The Alien Lady, along with an ensemble cast including Mike Yow, Jennifer Trudrung, Henry DelBello, Jason Eller, Tom Chalmers, and Aurora Rivas.
How old were the crew/cast while filming 'The 3rd State'?
The crew was notably young. Creator/director Ethan Suess was 22 during filming, DP Matteo Bonaddio was 24, Art Director Kai'ana Ghassabian was 21, actress Alexandra Coble was 21, and actor Aaron Westberry was 24.
Who produced 'The 3rd State' TV series?
The 3rd State was produced by Ethan Suess and Mary E. Fry. Ethan Suess also served as Executive Producer. Several cast and crew members earned Associate Producer credits for going above and beyond their traditional roles.
When does 'The 3rd State' pilot release?
The pilot episode releases on July 29th, 2026, and will be available free to watch on YouTube at the3rdstate.net/watch.
Where can I watch 'The 3rd State'?
You can watch the pilot episode free on YouTube starting July 29th, 2026 at the3rdstate.net/watch. The episode will be available in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin.
How popular is 'The 3rd State' TV show?
The 3rd State is an upcoming independent series building momentum through grassroots marketing ahead of its July 29th, 2026 release. The pilot will be available free on YouTube.
The 3rd State proves that compelling sci-fi doesn't require a massive budget—just vision, dedication, and a team willing to drive the grip truck at 2 AM. Watch the pilot free on July 29th, 2026 at the3rdstate.net/watch.
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