Kherington Payne, a top 10 finalist on this season’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” has landed a major role in the upcoming remake of the ’80s classic “Fame.”

The 18-year-old contemporary dancer will play Alice, a character originally slated to be a ballerina but now recast as an aspiring contemporary dancer from New York.

Payne, from Orange County, auditioned and won the part after being approached by a talent agency while on tour with the cast of “SYTYCD.”

“Fame” follows an ensemble of characters who are all trying to succeed in the entertainment industry.

The original 1980 movie won two Academy Awards, for best original score and best song (“Fame”).

The remake will be directed by Kevin Tancharoen, who has worked on videos for Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson and also directed Britney Spears’ Onyx Hotel tour.

Besides Payne, the cast includes Thomas Dekker (“The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), Kay Panabaker (“Summerland”) and Naturi Naughton (formerly of pop group 3LW).

The film will begin shooting in December, for a September 2009 release.

Related posts:

1. Actors Cast in ‘Yellow Submarine’ Remake
2. SYTYCD Canada: Nico Archambault Crowned Winner
3. ‘Poltergeist’ Remake May Have Its Director

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