ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS
Elevate your theatre journey to new heights at the Virginia Thespian Festival!
🌟 Immerse yourself in a realm of boundless possibilities, where workshops reign supreme and the magic of theatre comes alive.🌟
🎭 Ignite your passion with Theatre Performance workshops that unveil the art of captivating storytelling.
🎶 Find your rhythm in the world of Musical Theatre sessions, where every note resonates with your soul.
🎨 Unlock the secrets of Technical Theatre, crafting immersive worlds that transport audiences.
🎓 Embark on an enlightening experience with Theatre Education workshops, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow's stage.
📝 Dive into the craft of Dramaturgy and Playwriting, where imagination takes center stage.
Our festival is a haven of growth and transformation. For your students, it's a canvas of unique opportunities. For you, it's a platform of professional development unlike any other.
Step into a world where dynamic and exhilarating workshops are led by seasoned theatre professionals. From dancing and vocal mastery to auditions, improvisation, makeup, costuming, set design, lighting, stage combat and more, we cover it all. Theater games, team building, and immersive experiences await you.
Our 2025 Workshop Schedule can be found in our Eventsential App as an example of what types of workshops have been hosted in the past!
Elevate your craft, spark your imagination, and be part of the theatre magic. Get ready for the Virginia Thespian Festival – where workshops shape dreams into reality. 🌈🎬✨
🎶 Find your rhythm in the world of Musical Theatre sessions, where every note resonates with your soul.
🎨 Unlock the secrets of Technical Theatre, crafting immersive worlds that transport audiences.
🎓 Embark on an enlightening experience with Theatre Education workshops, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow's stage.
📝 Dive into the craft of Dramaturgy and Playwriting, where imagination takes center stage.
Our festival is a haven of growth and transformation. For your students, it's a canvas of unique opportunities. For you, it's a platform of professional development unlike any other.
Step into a world where dynamic and exhilarating workshops are led by seasoned theatre professionals. From dancing and vocal mastery to auditions, improvisation, makeup, costuming, set design, lighting, stage combat and more, we cover it all. Theater games, team building, and immersive experiences await you.
Our 2025 Workshop Schedule can be found in our Eventsential App as an example of what types of workshops have been hosted in the past!
Elevate your craft, spark your imagination, and be part of the theatre magic. Get ready for the Virginia Thespian Festival – where workshops shape dreams into reality. 🌈🎬✨
Look for updates in December 2025 with the schedule for 2026!
Check back here frequently for updates regarding guest artists
which will be added as information becomes available!
which will be added as information becomes available!
2026 HEADLINER GUESTS
De'Lon Grant De'Lon Grant is an actor, singer, director, and educator who spent five years on Broadway in the Tony Award winning hit Come From Away, and also stars in the live capture currently streaming on Apple TV+. He spent three years touring domestically and internationally in the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Jersey Boys.
Recent regional credits include: Annie, Wheelock Family Theatre; Our Town, Lyric Stage Boston; Come From Away, Cape Playhouse; The Glass Menagerie, Gloucester Stage Company; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Actors’ Shakespeare Project; Ain’t No Mo’, Speakeasy Stage Company. De’Lon cohosts the award nominated podcast Lemme Fix It! He is also an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. @thedelondotcom www.delongrant.com
Workshops: Act for the Song, Come From Away Talkback
Recent regional credits include: Annie, Wheelock Family Theatre; Our Town, Lyric Stage Boston; Come From Away, Cape Playhouse; The Glass Menagerie, Gloucester Stage Company; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Actors’ Shakespeare Project; Ain’t No Mo’, Speakeasy Stage Company. De’Lon cohosts the award nominated podcast Lemme Fix It! He is also an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. @thedelondotcom www.delongrant.com
Workshops: Act for the Song, Come From Away Talkback
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James Gray James is currently working with legendary designer Bob Mackie and conceived his Las Vegas Spectacular Dare...To Be Noticed! James is the choreographer for the world premiere production of the new musical The Pilot and The Little Prince - Cyber Musical; The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Oliver! at the historic Goodspeed Opera House (Best Choreography Nomination, BroadwayWorld); Annie at North Carolina Theatre Raleigh, starring Tony Award Winner Karen Ziemba as Miss Hannigan; the feature film Humor Me; Broadway Asia's tour for the international tour of The Sound of Music; the opening number for New York City Ballet at a 2022 gala; and a short jazz number for television host Amanda Kloots (The Talk, DWTS) filmed on the famous NYC Street Lot at CBS Studios, Hollywood. James directed The Producers at the ORB Theatre Tokyo. He directed and choreographed Big Fish at Hope Repertory Theatre, The Full Monty at The Skylight Music Theatre, and Peg O' My Heart The Musical at the June Havoc Theatre NYC, which won the MITF Best Musical Award. James staged the Emmy Award-winning Mel Brooks - AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Special at the Dolby Theatre Hollywood, televised on TCM and TNT, and choreographed a K-POP number on the last season of Madam Secretary (CBS) working with director Leslie Libman. Broadway and West End performance credits include The Producers – Broadway, Original London company, and the movie musical; The Royal Variety Performance in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, and the Original London Company televised on BBC; Young Frankenstein - original Broadway company, understudied and performed the role of "Igor"; and many more. James is coming for a special audition opportunity for the Open Jar Institute as well. @jamesnycgray https://www.jamesgrayofficial.com/
Workshops: Life of a Showgirl, Open Jar Auditions |
VTF 2026 Workshop Presenters
Irene Alby Professor and Coordinator of Theatre Performance at Montgomery College Department of Performing Arts, she formerly taught full-time at WVU School of Theatre and Dance, and the University of Toledo. New York credits include: Peer Gynt directed by Andrei Serban; The Dancing Fox (Mettawee River Theatre); Serban’s Benvenuto Cellini (NY Metropolitan Opera); and performing the award-winning Human Collision/Atomic Reaction by Montreal's The Other Theatre for the New Ohio Theatre's I.C.E. Factory Festival. Regional acting credits include performances with Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks; Bricolage Theatre; and The Glacity Theatre Collective. Directing credits include West Virginia Public Theatre’s A Christmas Carol; Love’s Labour’s Lost for Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks; and Jenny Schwartz's God's Ear for the Glacity Theatre Collective (which she helped co-found). She has an MFA in Acting from Columbia University School of the Arts.
Workshop(s): Visual Approaches to Storytelling, Decoding Shakespeare
Workshop(s): Visual Approaches to Storytelling, Decoding Shakespeare
Matthew Allar A native of Pennsylvania, Matthew Allar is a scenographer based in Williamsburg, Virginia. An Associate Professor of Theatrical Design, Matthew is the resident Scenic Designer for The College of William & Mary. Recent work includes production design for the New York premiere of East 14th and Joseph Haydn's Le Pescatrici for the Zempleni Music Festival, Tokaji, Hungary. Additional scenic design work includes productions of Shakespeare's R and J (Michael Sexton, dir.), All My Sons (Victor Pappas, dir.), Arcadia, Hair (Elizabethtown College), A Lie of The Mind, Marat / Sade, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cabaret (Cornell College), Top Girls (Albright College), You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Three Sisters, Songs For A New World (Eastern Univ.) and The Pillow of Kantan (Muhlenberg College), as well as the New York premieres of several works including Samuel IV, Playing House, and the Peccadillo Theatre Company's revival of All God's Chillun Got Wings. As a lighting designer, credits include the recent NYC productions of Baby With The Bathwater, Dancing at Lughnasa, You Never Can Tell and Studio 42's annual The Starving Artist's Ball. Additional credits include design work, both here and abroad, for several television networks including MTV, VH1, TV Land, Nick at Nite, Nickelodeon, and Noggin. A former Associate Director of Design for the New York Television Festival, and co-founder of both M.A.D. Inc., and Cabana Creations LLC, Matthew's education includes Muhlenberg College, The University of London, and New York University. Matthew has taught at Cornell College, Elizabethtown College, and Nazareth College, and is a Member of United Scenic Artists #829.
Esme Allen (she/hers) is a Boston-based actor, educator, and designer. Boston-area acting credits include Hurricane Diane (Huntington Theatre). Gloucester Blue, North Shore Fish (Gloucester Stage Company); Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Cherry Orchard, Middletown and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Actors’ Shakespeare Project); Muckrakers, Elephant Man and Amadeus (New Repertory Theatre), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Greater Boston Stage Co.); Dog Paddle (Bridge Repertory Theater) and Coriolanus (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Television credits include The Good Wife (CBS). She earned her MFA in Acting from The California Institute of the Arts. She is a Resident Acting Company Member with the Actors’ Shakespeare Project and teaches at Salem State University and Wheelock Family Theatre at BU.
Workshop(s): Be Bold: A Teen Actor Audition Workshop
Workshop(s): Be Bold: A Teen Actor Audition Workshop
Dallyn Vail Bayles is a professional actor, singer, recording artist, director, and educator. He performed the roles of the Phantom and Raoul on the Broadway touring company of The Phantom of the Opera, and starred in the national and international Broadway tours of Les Misérables. Dallyn has played leading roles in numerous regional theater productions nationwide. Recent stage credits include: Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd, Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, D’Ysquith Family in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Chauvelin in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre, Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, and Emile de Becque in South Pacific. He has also starred in several award-winning films, including: His Name is Green Flake (multiple best independent film awards), Elijah Able (upcoming mini-series), The Stranger (best film and actor awards), Lamb of God: The Concert Film, Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, and Emma Smith: My Story. As a concert soloist, Dallyn has been featured in productions at the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and other notable venues across the country with several distinguished performers and musicians, such as Stephen Schwartz, Frank Wildhorn, Rebecca Luker, Matthew Morrison, Sierra Boggess, Hayley Westenra, and The Tabernacle Choir (“Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast). He has recorded several albums with songs featured in films and popular music videos with millions of views. He currently works as a professor of theatre at Southern Virginia University. Dallyn holds an MFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory, and received his BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University.
Workshop(s): Colors: A Psycho-Physical Approach to Acting
Workshop(s): Colors: A Psycho-Physical Approach to Acting
Stacy Blackburn holds an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theatre Training Program. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association for 27 years, Stacy is currently the Production Manager/Assistant Professor of Stage Management at Virginia Tech. Previous to joining VT, Stacy was the Academic Production Manager/Head of the BFA Stage Management program at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Stacy was also the Production Stage Manager for STAGES St. Louis for six years. Stacy has worked and continues to work for many theatres throughout the country, including Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (now The Rev), Florida Studio Theatre, Surflight, and the Sharon Playhouse. Stacy also serves as the chair of the financial oversight committee for the SMA.
Workshops: Creative Solutions for Stage Managers, When did that character move? Taking Blocking 101 for Stage Managers
Workshops: Creative Solutions for Stage Managers, When did that character move? Taking Blocking 101 for Stage Managers
Emily Blankenship-Tucker began her career as a professional performer when she joined the Jack Tale Players and Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre company in 2001. Today, she carries on that work as a member of the teaching faculty at Ferrum College, while continuing to perform, music direct, compose, and share directing and technical responsibilities. Her recent theatrical credits include Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (Ma Otter, Director, Music Director), Twelfth Night (Music Director), Nunsense (Sister Mary Amnesia, Music Director, Choreographer), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Director, Music Director, Choreographer), and Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn). Emily teaches classes in music, theatre, creative drama, and social dance; she leads and performs with Orchestra Appalachia, Ferrum College’s touring bluegrass and old-time ensemble and “house band.” Emily is also a founding member of the nationally touring “hot-folk” trio After Jack. She holds degrees from Alfred University and Union Institute & University, and an M.F.A.-I.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College.
Workshop(s): Creative Drama - Folk Tales, Storytelling, and You
Workshop(s): Creative Drama - Folk Tales, Storytelling, and You
Rachel Blankenship-Tucker is a graduate of Radford University’s Department of Theatre and Cinema. She joined the Jack Tale Players and Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre in 2010, and continues to work as a performer, stage manager, tour manager, social media designer, and member of the leadership team. In addition to her work as a theatre artist at Ferrum College, Rachel serves as the Artistic Director of Bluegrass Brass and performs with Orchestra Appalachia. Rachel is a founding member of the nationally touring “hot-folk” trio After Jack. When she is not performing, Rachel is an avid forager and wild mushroom enthusiast. In 2023, Rachel was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which recognizes strength of character and service to the community.
Workshop(s): Creative Drama - Folk Tales, Storytelling, and You
Workshop(s): Creative Drama - Folk Tales, Storytelling, and You
Savannah Bower is in her second year as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Costumes Technology and Costume Shop Manager at Hollins University. She is a costuming professional with over ten years of experience in theatres and organizations such as The University of Lynchburg, The Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theatre Company, and The American Shakespeare Center, as well as a member of IATSE with Local 55.
Workshop(s): Delectable Costume Design
Workshop(s): Delectable Costume Design
Richard Breen has been a professional actor since 1981 and has been teaching theatre since 1996. He has performed in six National Tours and worked in many Regional Theatres.
Workshop(s): Get Out of That Chair and Nail That Audition
Workshop(s): Get Out of That Chair and Nail That Audition
Anthony Brooks is a seasoned theatre director, designer, and educator with over 20 years of experience in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. A West Virginia native, he has directed and designed numerous productions for the Youth Summer Theatre Workshop at the Historic Apollo Civic Theatre, including Mary Poppins, Titanic, Big Fish, and The SpongeBob Musical.
Dedicated to arts education, Anthony has hosted and taught workshops at the Maryland Theatre Educators Association, Maryland State Thespian Festival, and the West Virginia State Thespian Festival. He has also served as an adjudicator and audio engineer for various show choir and theatre festivals in West Virginia and Maryland.
His experience extends beyond regional theatre—he has collaborated with professional acts such as Michael Minery’s Tapaholics, Maynard Ferguson, and the Beatlemania Tribute Band. While Anthony is typically behind the scenes, his performances have taken him to renowned venues like the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music Center, and even the great cathedrals of France, including Notre Dame.
Currently, Anthony is the Technical Director and Theatre Lecturer at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre artists.
Workshop(s): Costume Character Charades
Dedicated to arts education, Anthony has hosted and taught workshops at the Maryland Theatre Educators Association, Maryland State Thespian Festival, and the West Virginia State Thespian Festival. He has also served as an adjudicator and audio engineer for various show choir and theatre festivals in West Virginia and Maryland.
His experience extends beyond regional theatre—he has collaborated with professional acts such as Michael Minery’s Tapaholics, Maynard Ferguson, and the Beatlemania Tribute Band. While Anthony is typically behind the scenes, his performances have taken him to renowned venues like the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music Center, and even the great cathedrals of France, including Notre Dame.
Currently, Anthony is the Technical Director and Theatre Lecturer at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre artists.
Workshop(s): Costume Character Charades
Doug Brown As Department Chair, Doug brings over 21 years’ experience teaching at High Point University. He teaches multiple levels of acting in the department of theatre and dance, as well as directing and performing in the production season. Doug has directed over 20 productions during his tenure with the department. His directing credits include A Christmas Carol, Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Working by Stephen Schwartz, Periphery by Ed Simpson, These Shining Lives by Meanie Marnich, The Diary of Anne Frank by Wendy Kesselman, and The Amish Project by Jessica Dickey. Acting credits include Pa Joad from The Grapes of Wrath, Pozzo from Waiting for Godot and Joe Keller from All My Sons. Doug also enjoys nurturing and encouraging young aspiring artists and has worked extensively with the Lexington Youth Theatre directing multiple productions including Peter Pan, Beauty and The Beast, Annie, and The Sound of Music. Doug earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rockford University, a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, and certification to teach the Meisner Method of Actor Training from Larry Silverberg’s True Acting Institute.
Workshop(s): Beginning Meisner Techniques for Acting Students and Teachers.
Workshop(s): Beginning Meisner Techniques for Acting Students and Teachers.
Will Butler is an award-winning set designer, builder, and educator whose work can be seen on high school, collegiate, and professional stages throughout Middle Tennessee. After more than 15 years of experience, including 8 years in the classroom, he launched Butler Scenic Co. as a one-stop shop for design, construction, and educational services. In addition to his professional endeavors, he remains committed to teaching budding theatre artists how to design creatively and conceptually, as well as to train technicians how to properly and safely build sets. You can follow his work on Instagram @butlerscenicco. Workshops: http://www.butlerscenic.com
Workshop(s): Design Detective: Cracking the Code for a Smart Scenic Design, SketchUp 101
Workshop(s): Design Detective: Cracking the Code for a Smart Scenic Design, SketchUp 101
Dr. Doug Carpenter holds Vocal Performance degrees from UNLV (BM, DMA) and UCLA (MM). His doctoral document explored the application of pedagogy by Stanislavski, Meisner, and Chekhov in music performance and its scientific basis in neuroscience and psychology. His other studies included countertenor, jazz, improvisation, crooning, female belting, and Italian-American Music. An accomplished classical crossover artist, Doug has won the American Traditions (2011) and Lotte Lenya (2013) competitions. His extensive performance career spans principal roles on Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, commercials, voice overs, professional choral, and studio work. He has sung principal roles with regional opera companies, entertained on major cruise lines, and regularly performs as a soloist with symphonies worldwide. Selected Credits: Broadway: Nick/Righteous Brother (Beautiful, Carole King Musical). National Tour: Billy (Dirty Dancing). Regional: Papermill Playhouse - Cable (South Pacific), Goodspeed Opera House and Dallas Lyric- Joey (Most Happy Fella), Pasadena Playhouse - Lancelot (Camelot), Penn Shakes, Fullerton Civic Light Opera – Curly (Oklahoma), FCLO - Tony (West Side Story), Moonlight Amphitheatre – Chris (Miss Saigon), Venetian Hotel Casino – Gatsby (Baz), Music Theatre West – Billy (Carousel).
Workshop(s): Musical Theatre Audition Masterclass with Broadway Veteran Dr. Doug Carpenter
Workshop(s): Musical Theatre Audition Masterclass with Broadway Veteran Dr. Doug Carpenter
Sharon Fenwald Chadwick After over 30 years teaching theatre in high school and privately, Sharon is a professional teaching artist and member of Teaching Artist Alliance. Her workshops specialize in directing, stage management, Acting the Moment, Character Development through the use of movement and masks, RASA Boxes, and Paper (or Trash) Bag Costumes. Sharon is also a professional director, stage manager and actress. Some of her favorite acting roles include Grandma in The Addams Family, Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet, and Miss Hannigan in Annie. As a director, favorite projects include Footloose, Rock of Ages, Proof and Steel Magnolias. Sharon served as the Artistic Director, Director and Actress for Theatre West Virginia for 10 summers and is a professional member of the Educational Theatre Association. Sharon is currently the Nevada Thespian State Co-Director, and is also a member of EdTA’s State Advocacy Alliance and serves on several national committees to further excellence in educational theatre.
Workshop(s): Rasa Remix: Emotion in Motion, Beyond the Mask, Controlled Chaos: A Stage Manager's Toolbox
Workshop(s): Rasa Remix: Emotion in Motion, Beyond the Mask, Controlled Chaos: A Stage Manager's Toolbox
Tony Cimino-Johnson Cimino-Johnson (CJ) is a Tony Nominated, award winning Theatre Educator, Director, and Arts Administrator. Spending over twenty years in public education, his alumni have been on Broadway, in National Tours, and in film and television.
Workshop(s): Conquer the College Audition: Coaching + Strategy for Success
Workshop(s): Conquer the College Audition: Coaching + Strategy for Success
Ian Claar is a lighting designer and staged violence/intimacy choreographer and has been involved in theatre and the performing arts for almost 20 years. He is an Advanced Actor/Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) and is the Managing Director of the Noble Blades stage combat troupe. Ian is a proud Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and Stagehand of IATSE, Local 22.
Workshop(s): The Ground Will ALWAYS Be There, Basics of Theatrical Firearms Safety, Basics of Theatrical Intimacy, Rapier and Dagger Basics, The Fight that Goes Wrong
Workshop(s): The Ground Will ALWAYS Be There, Basics of Theatrical Firearms Safety, Basics of Theatrical Intimacy, Rapier and Dagger Basics, The Fight that Goes Wrong
Dr. Edward Cohn, originally from New York, is an Actor, Director and Theatre Professor. He earned his Masters in Theatre from New York University and his Ph.D. in Theatre from Bowling Green State University. He has acted and directed in New York, London, and throughout the US. He teaches classes in Acting, Musical Theatre, Creative Dramatics, Devised Theatre, Dramatic Literature, and Theatre for Social Change, as well as workshops in Stage Combat and Drama in Ministry. Recent professional credits include Detective Dufonte in Recipe for Murder, Julian March in 42nd Street, Arthur in Camelot, and Frederick in A Little Night Music.
Workshop(s): Stage Combat - Epee
Workshop(s): Stage Combat - Epee
Curtis Craig Professor of Sound Design, Penn State University. Sound and Media Designer, Composer, winner of three World Stage Design expositions. Designer of more than 150 off-broadway and regional theater shows.
Regional design credits include Resident Sound Designer at Dallas Theater Center, and guest designs for Denver Center Theater, Seattle Rep, People's Light and Theatre Company, Detroit Public Theatre, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Clarence Brown Theater, Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, Arkansas Repertory Theater, New York Fringe Festival, Watertower Theater and Seaside Music Theater. Past Sound Commissioner of USITT and winner of the Gold Medal in Sound Design at World Stage Design Calgary (2023), Silver Medal in Taipei (2017), Gold Medal in Sound Design at World Stage Design (2009) Seoul, South Korea. Leon Rabin Award for Outstanding Sound Design for The Collected Works of Billy the Kid, nominated for a Barrymore Award and a Wilde Award for his sound design and composition for Skeleton Crew. His recordings with the Grammy award-nominated contemporary music ensemble, Voices of Change, include Harold Blumenfeld's song cycle Mythologies. His recording work also accompanies the Garland Press book Walt Whitman and Musical Modernism. Member Audio Engineering Society (AES), United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT), and National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).
Workshop(s): Non-Performance Careers You Might Not Know About
Regional design credits include Resident Sound Designer at Dallas Theater Center, and guest designs for Denver Center Theater, Seattle Rep, People's Light and Theatre Company, Detroit Public Theatre, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Clarence Brown Theater, Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, Arkansas Repertory Theater, New York Fringe Festival, Watertower Theater and Seaside Music Theater. Past Sound Commissioner of USITT and winner of the Gold Medal in Sound Design at World Stage Design Calgary (2023), Silver Medal in Taipei (2017), Gold Medal in Sound Design at World Stage Design (2009) Seoul, South Korea. Leon Rabin Award for Outstanding Sound Design for The Collected Works of Billy the Kid, nominated for a Barrymore Award and a Wilde Award for his sound design and composition for Skeleton Crew. His recordings with the Grammy award-nominated contemporary music ensemble, Voices of Change, include Harold Blumenfeld's song cycle Mythologies. His recording work also accompanies the Garland Press book Walt Whitman and Musical Modernism. Member Audio Engineering Society (AES), United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT), and National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).
Workshop(s): Non-Performance Careers You Might Not Know About
Ronda Craig Ronda began working part time for Penn State School of Theatre in 2003. In 2013 she became a full-time staff member as the Operations Coordinator and began teaching as part of the stage management program. Ronda teaches first year seminar, theatre practicum and intro to stage management for non-stage managers.
Ronda holds a BFA in Theatre. She began her career in Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Theatre Center where she was the Accounts Payables Manager and House Manager. During her time in Dallas she also worked for Undermain Theatre as a Stage Manager and House Manager before transitioning to Southern Methodist University as the Operations Coordinator for Meadows School of the Arts.
Workshop(s): Stage Management - Upping Your Game
Ronda holds a BFA in Theatre. She began her career in Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Theatre Center where she was the Accounts Payables Manager and House Manager. During her time in Dallas she also worked for Undermain Theatre as a Stage Manager and House Manager before transitioning to Southern Methodist University as the Operations Coordinator for Meadows School of the Arts.
Workshop(s): Stage Management - Upping Your Game
Rebecca Crocker is a Ferrum College Theatre Department alumna, graduating with her B.F.A. in Theatre Arts in 2002. She then received her M.F.A. in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. She enjoys being the “sewist of all the things” for mainstage productions at Ferrum and has directed many shows, including Macbeth, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Crimes of the Heart, and Antigone Now. Rebecca is the head puppet designer for the department and teaches courses such as Puppetry and Oral Interpretation, Voice and Diction, StageCraft, and Theatre Appreciation.
Workshop(s): Creative Drama - Folk Tales, Storytelling, and You
Workshop(s): Creative Drama - Folk Tales, Storytelling, and You
Charlie DelMarcelle is a proud faculty member at West Chester University who has been working with students of all ages and abilities throughout the region for over 25 years. He is a multiple Barrymore Award (the Philadelphia region’s Tonys) winning actor who has performed professionally at: Walnut Street Theatre, Arden Theatre Co., Theater Horizon, Delaware Theatre Co., Inis Nua, Lantern Theatre, Azuka Theatre Collective, Act II Playhouse, Commonwealth Classic Theatre, and White Box Theatre. Charlie serves as the camp director of the Pennsylvania Theatre Institute, West Chester University’s summer arts camp program which serves elementary and high school students.
Workshop(s): Acting with Ease: Doing More by Doing Less
Workshop(s): Acting with Ease: Doing More by Doing Less
Julia Devine Assistant Professor of Practice (Directing & Acting) in the Theatre Department at Virginia Tech, Julia Devine is a director and interdisciplinary theater artist whose work intersects with music and film, exploring ritual and the space between. Recent creative projects have journeyed to the moon, and have mapped climate disaster and human migration. Her original adaptation of The Water Station by Ōta Shōgo received funding from the New York State Council on the Arts. She’s co-founder of the art pop collective Famous Letter Writer and a financial coach for artists with Minerva Financial Arts. She received her MFA in Acting from A.R.T./MXAT Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University.
Workshop(s): Off-Script: Make Your Own Mini Masterpiece!
Workshop(s): Off-Script: Make Your Own Mini Masterpiece!
Kearston Dillard-Scott prides herself on not only having a true passion for lighting but also having an incredible enthusiasm for theatrical education. Her 20+ years of experience in lighting include Assistant Lighting Designer at the Virginia Opera in Norfolk, VA, the Atlanta Ballet in Atlanta, GA and most recently, the lighting designer for the pilot MTI production of The Prince of Egypt at Rock Ridge High School. She is a master lighting programmer with in-depth experience on various consoles. She has even worked on several film productions, as Art Director and even Assistant Stunt Coordinator. Her deep understanding of lighting, rigging, projections, sound, and video shines through in her Barbizon role of the past 7 years as Outside Sales Associate, dedicating herself not only to helping venues enhance their lighting but also educating individuals to better utilize lighting to help tell a story. She was recently promoted to Senior Sales Associate, a role that signifies not only her years of service with Barbizon but also her dedication to her role in being a mentor to her coworkers. Besides being a wife and a mother, she enjoys video games, singing, and doing art with her collection of art stationery, to include over 500 Sharpie markers.
Workshop(s): Yes You Can: Lighting People of Color For Everyone
Workshop(s): Yes You Can: Lighting People of Color For Everyone
Jessi DiPette is a frequent performer and full-time arts marketing professional. Jessi was awarded Best Leading Actress in a Musical for a full season as Sibella (LTVB & LTN's A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder), and Best Solo Song Performance for "Ordinary Days". She serves as Marketing Director for the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach, a regional theater dedicated to new works and emerging artists. In addition to performing, she loves to create, and was the writer/director of the ZFringe Audience Favorite "Second Chance Spotlight" cabaret. You can catch her anytime on Netflix in Squid Game: The Challenge or on Amazon Prime in the upcoming season of Beast Games! @jessidipette
Workshop(s): Self-Marketing as a Performer, The Reality of Reality TV, Crafting a Cabaret
Workshop(s): Self-Marketing as a Performer, The Reality of Reality TV, Crafting a Cabaret
Dylan Dowling is Sales Associate at Parlights Inc and has been with the company for four years, designing and selling rentals, fixtures, dimming, rigging, and control systems.
Workshop(s): Basics of Fixture Placement and Color Selection, Color Mixing Lighting Fixtures: Strategies
Workshop(s): Basics of Fixture Placement and Color Selection, Color Mixing Lighting Fixtures: Strategies
Richard Dunham is chair/artistic director of the Dept. of Theatre at Radford University and is known primarily for his lighting and scenic designs. He was the lead scenic/lighting designer and Head of Design for The University of Georgia for nineteen years before coming to Radford. Previous university appointments have included Vanderbilt and the University of Central Florida. He is active in the national leadership of USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Design and Technology) and is a Fellow of the Institute.
Richard's professional credits include numerous regional and stock productions throughout the East Coast. Notable credits include: the Brunswick Music Theatre (Maine State Music Theatre), The Disney Institute, Music Theatre North, The Springer Opera House and Atlanta Lyric Theatre. He has also designed scenery and lighting for a number of New York regional and Off and Off-Off Broadway theatres including: Circle Repertory Theatre, Theatre Three, Broadhollow Productions, The Jean Cocteau Rep., and Directors' Theatre.
He is author of two well-received lighting texts, Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals (3rd edition is in production) and Stage Lighting: Design Applications and More, as well as a number of feature articles and reviews for theatre trade publications. In addition to performance venues, he also designs architectural and landscape lighting where he as earned the LC Lighting Certification (LC). His website can be found at rdunhamdesigns.com.
Workshop(s): Why Lighting Paperwork: Why it Matters
Richard's professional credits include numerous regional and stock productions throughout the East Coast. Notable credits include: the Brunswick Music Theatre (Maine State Music Theatre), The Disney Institute, Music Theatre North, The Springer Opera House and Atlanta Lyric Theatre. He has also designed scenery and lighting for a number of New York regional and Off and Off-Off Broadway theatres including: Circle Repertory Theatre, Theatre Three, Broadhollow Productions, The Jean Cocteau Rep., and Directors' Theatre.
He is author of two well-received lighting texts, Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals (3rd edition is in production) and Stage Lighting: Design Applications and More, as well as a number of feature articles and reviews for theatre trade publications. In addition to performance venues, he also designs architectural and landscape lighting where he as earned the LC Lighting Certification (LC). His website can be found at rdunhamdesigns.com.
Workshop(s): Why Lighting Paperwork: Why it Matters
Dirk Durossette has been designing scenery and teaching design, and drawing and rendering for the theater for the past 15 years in and around the Philadelphia region. Off -Broadway-The Outgoing Tide and Any Given Monday. He has designed for Amaryllis Theater Company, Azuka Theater (Barrymore Nomination-Skin and Bone), Act II Playhouse (Any Given Monday-World Premiere), Enchantment Theater Company (National Tour-Harold and the Purple Crayon), Theater Exile, 1812 Productions (First Day of School-Philadelphia Premiere), Delaware Theatre Company, EgoPo, Freedom Theater, Flashpoint Theater, InterAct Theater Company, Lantern Theater (Barrymore Nomination- Skylight), Luna Theater, Painted Bird Productions (A Few Small Repairs-World Premiere), Theater Horizon, Portland Opera (Maine), The Wilma Theater ( Leaving- Associate Designer-American Premiere), Temple Theaters, Temple Opera Theater, University of the Arts, Drexel University, Lawrence University (Wisconsin), Peabody Institute (Baltimore), West Chester University, Villanova University, The University of Memphis. He teaches design at The University of the Arts, Rowan University, and Villanova University. M.F.A Temple University.
Workshop(s): 3D Printing and Modeling for Theatrical Models Using Tinker CAD and Vectorworks
Workshop(s): 3D Printing and Modeling for Theatrical Models Using Tinker CAD and Vectorworks
David Dwyer is the theater program coordinator at Southern Virginia University, where he teaches technical theater classes and serves as the set and lighting designer and technical director. David is also a professional scenic designer with over 300 designs to his credit, and a scenic artist for television and film with United Scenic Artists Local 829.
Workshop(s): Painting the Set: Bringing Film Environments to Life!
Workshop(s): Painting the Set: Bringing Film Environments to Life!
Irving Dyson Jr. Irving Dyson Jr. is a dedicated teaching artist with over ten years of experience in the performing arts. His notable performance credits include the National Tour of Peter Pan 360, HBO’s The Deuce, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in both San Francisco and on Broadway.
As a teaching artist, Irving has led masterclasses and workshops across New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, working with programs such as the Leadership Program (serving Title I schools throughout NYC), the Gathering (a 21st Century Grant program), StageDoor Manor, Norwalk Academy for the Performing Arts, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. His diverse teaching settings have allowed him to connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering environments where creativity and confidence thrive.
Irving’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every individual possesses a unique voice and artistic potential. Known for his energetic and thoughtful approach, he inspires students to build resilience while exploring authentic self-expression.
Workshop(s): TV/Film Masterclass (Single Cam vs. Milti-Cam), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Mock Audition, Improv/ The Commercial Audition, Harry Potter Movement Workshop - Wand Dance
As a teaching artist, Irving has led masterclasses and workshops across New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, working with programs such as the Leadership Program (serving Title I schools throughout NYC), the Gathering (a 21st Century Grant program), StageDoor Manor, Norwalk Academy for the Performing Arts, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. His diverse teaching settings have allowed him to connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering environments where creativity and confidence thrive.
Irving’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every individual possesses a unique voice and artistic potential. Known for his energetic and thoughtful approach, he inspires students to build resilience while exploring authentic self-expression.
Workshop(s): TV/Film Masterclass (Single Cam vs. Milti-Cam), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Mock Audition, Improv/ The Commercial Audition, Harry Potter Movement Workshop - Wand Dance
Jefferson Farber is a proud graduate of Millikin University's former Department of Theatre and Dance, now the School of Theatre and Dance. He hails from Indianapolis, Indiana. As an actor, his stage credits include appearances at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Barrington Stage Company, Constellation Theatre Company, Synetic Theatre, and the Dramatist's Guild in New York City. He worked a season working for the Civic Light Opera of the South Bay Cities in California and spent three seasons at the Colorado Festival of World Theatre. On television, Jefferson has been seen in the made for TV movie Killing Kennedy on the National Geographic Channel and in sesaon 2 of the Netflix streaming hit House of Cards, as well as numerous commercials. Jefferson was the 2025 recipient of the Alpha Lamda Delta Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award at Millikin University. He teaches movement, acting, and play analysis.
Workshop(s): Creating Theatre With Every Breath: An Introduction to Margolis Method
Workshop(s): Creating Theatre With Every Breath: An Introduction to Margolis Method
Bailey Ferguson is an Outreach Advisor with AMDA College of the Performing Arts, where she works with students nationwide on audition techniques and next steps toward college training in the performing arts. She holds degrees in Dance and Business Management and has experience teaching, directing, and choreographing across multiple dance genres and musical theatre. After transitioning from performing to arts education and outreach, Bailey is passionate about guiding and supporting young artists through mentorship, education, and access to professional training opportunities.
Workshop(s): Broadway Jazz
Workshop(s): Broadway Jazz
Ray Ficca is a graduate of both Georgetown University and the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and is a founding member of the NCDA’s Actors Repertory Theatre company. Ray has been acting professionally for 38 years, appearing in more than 150 productions on stages nationwide, including Wayside Theatre, Totem Pole Playhouse, Olney Theatre, Charter Theater, Theatre on the Hill, Metro Stage, Round House Theatre, 1st Stage, Imagination Stage, Keegan Theatre, and the Hanna Theatre. He has appeared in numerous films, most recently Hallmark's A Biltmore Christmas among many other features, commercials, industrials and independent shorts. He served as the producing artistic director of Totem Pole Playhouse, a professional AEA theater located in Pennsylvania, from 2008 to 2013. He is a proud member of the Actor's Equity Association and served as co-chair of its Washington, DC Equity Liaison Committee for seven years. Ray has also served as chair of the Theater Departments at Calvert Hall College and Iona Preparatory School.
Workshop(s): Directing for the Stage, Working on a Film Set as an Actor
Workshop(s): Directing for the Stage, Working on a Film Set as an Actor
Daniel Gordon serves as chair of theatre and dance at Winthrop University. As a professional theatrical lighting and scenic designer, he has designed for the Cuban Classical Ballet, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, and the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival and its annual Shakespeare by the Sea productions, which has provided free Shakespeare in the park to south Florida for the last 33 years. He is active with the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) and the National Association of Schools of Theatre, currently serving on its board of directors.
Workshop(s): Stage to Screen: Breaking into Film
Workshop(s): Stage to Screen: Breaking into Film
Charlene Gross Charlene Gross's designs for theatre, dance, and opera have been seen on and off Broadway in New York City, across the country, and on the West End London stage. Theatre credits include the Florida Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, The Sands Casino (Atlantic City), Ohio Light Opera, The Public Theater (NYC), Ingenuity Festival, Cleveland Museum of Art and The Manhattan Theatre Club. Designs for dance include GroundWorks, Joyce SoHo, The Yard, Juilliard School, Dance Space & Kunningham Studios. Charlene is an Associate Professor of Costume Design and Heads the Design & Technology BFA at Penn State University’s School of Theatre in the College of Arts & Architecture. She is a proud member of USA Local 829.
Workshop(s): Design with a Glue Stick
Workshop(s): Design with a Glue Stick
Katie Harvey is a NYC based performer, creative, and teacher. Her performing resume includes Off Broadway, National /International tours, Regional theatre, and Cruise ships. Currently wrapping up this Halloween season as Janet in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, other favorite credits include: Bayside the Musical (Off-Broadway), The Addams Family (2nd National tour / Asia Tour), Broadway’s Christmas Wonderland (Tokyo Theatre Orb), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Flashdance (Alex Owens), Matilda (Mrs Wormwood), The Producers (Ulla), Grease (Rizzo), The Prom (Angie Dickerson), Rock of Ages (Waitress #1). She has also choreographed and assistant directed several US regional theatre productions. Along with performing, Katie has an extensive teaching background spanning 20 years bringing her triple threat experience into the classroom. She’s taught various master classes across the world, working with students in Tokyo and Singapore, as well as at home in the US. Katie loves live theatre so much and is excited to share her knowledge and passion with her students. Katie is currently on both the Dance and Musical Theatre faculty at AMDA NY.
Workshop(s): Broadway Jazz, Acting a Song
Workshop(s): Broadway Jazz, Acting a Song
Tom Haughey serves as the faculty technical director and sound design mentor for all shows produced by the Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Through more than two decades of experience in both professional and academic settings, he has developed a broad range of technical skills that allow him to bring a unique perspective to the classroom and stage. He teaches courses, such as stagecraft, sound design, scenic construction and rigging, scenic design and AutoCAD. Thomas' professional experience in scenic design and production includes work for Wilmington Drama League, Elizabethtown College, The University of Connecticut, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Beaver College (now Arcadia University), The People's Light and Theatre Company, and ESPN, as well as numerous seasons of one-a-week summer stock in New Jersey. He is a member of The United States Institute for Theatre Technology. He has been recognized with certificates of merit for sound design and technical achievement from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), region 2. Thomas has also been published with his work in the museum studies minor in Anthropology and Sociology, most recently including Roaring in Secret, Panel by Panel, WCU 150th celebration, 50 years of Earth Day and Faces of the Berlin Wall.
Workshop(s): Backstage and eSET: USITT Support for HS
Workshop(s): Backstage and eSET: USITT Support for HS
Aurora Held-Dodd is a Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, and experienced educator who brings her love of the arts into the classroom and strives to make theatre and dance accessible to everyone in her classes, regardless of major or degree of experience. She designed and launched the Marietta College dance program and oversees its development, course development, and annual performances.
Before coming to Marietta College, Aurora was a regular stage manager for the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham, Massachusetts; directed An Enemy of the People at Monomoy in 2014, and choreographed South Pacific and Twelfth Night that same year. Her favorite directing credits include Marathon and My Attic Wife at Ohio University, Mary Poppins for Ohio Valley Summer Theatre, and Into the Woods at Marietta College. Other favorite credits include Rent, The 39 Steps, and Arsenic and Old Lace.
Aurora has held a wide variety of positions in theatre, dance, opera, and music, working in the front and back of the house in multiple capacities. As a performer, her educational experience is rooted in nearly twenty years of touring as a dancer, actor, and voice-over artist performing for K-12 school systems throughout Ohio and West Virginia.
Aurora brings her unique perspective to each course she teaches and draws from her time both onstage and behind the scenes to make each course engaging, relevant, and transferable through practical application. Her research interests are in automation for stage management and storytelling, and expression through movement.
Workshop(s): How to Ace the Dance Call, from Beginner to Advanced.
Derek Hess serves as the Associate Artistic Director for The Rustic Mechanicals, West Virginia’s only professional Shakespeare troupe. A “homegrown” talent within the organization, Hess’s journey with the Mechanicals is a testament to the troupe’s dedication to cultivating regional artists, having risen from a high school student in their Apprentice Troupe to a central leadership role in the company. Hess first joined the organization as a member of the Rustic Mechanicals Apprentice Troupe while attending Bridgeport High School. His early dedication to the company’s mission of making Shakespeare accessible to modern Appalachian audiences laid the groundwork for his future leadership.
As Associate Artistic Director, Hess plays a pivotal role in shaping the artistic vision of the troupe alongside the founding members. His work spans acting, directing, and education, ensuring the sustainability of the company’s "Shakespeare for All" ethos. In 2025, Hess returned to his roots to direct the Rustic Mechanicals Apprentice Troupe’s production of Shakespeare’s Love's Labours Lost, mentoring the next generation of young West Virginia actors. A versatile performer, Hess has been a featured cast member in major tours, including the 2024 Lend Me Your Ears tour of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
Hess is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College (Class of 2023), where he majored in Theatre Arts. During his time at WVWC, he honed the directing and leadership skills he now utilizes with the Mechanicals. Notably, for his senior capstone project, he co-directed and starred in Sam Shepard’s True West, playing the dual roles of Austin and Lee. His collegiate credits also include the role of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls. Beyond the Mechanicals, Hess has performed with Theatre West Virginia, notably appearing as Roy Lee Cooke in the outdoor drama Rocket Boys (2018).
A native of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Hess has been a dedicated advocate for the arts and mental health awareness in his community since his youth. His career exemplifies the potential for artists to build sustainable, impactful, creative lives within the Appalachian region.
Workshop(s): Speak the Speech: Unlocking Shakespeare's Language
As Associate Artistic Director, Hess plays a pivotal role in shaping the artistic vision of the troupe alongside the founding members. His work spans acting, directing, and education, ensuring the sustainability of the company’s "Shakespeare for All" ethos. In 2025, Hess returned to his roots to direct the Rustic Mechanicals Apprentice Troupe’s production of Shakespeare’s Love's Labours Lost, mentoring the next generation of young West Virginia actors. A versatile performer, Hess has been a featured cast member in major tours, including the 2024 Lend Me Your Ears tour of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
Hess is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College (Class of 2023), where he majored in Theatre Arts. During his time at WVWC, he honed the directing and leadership skills he now utilizes with the Mechanicals. Notably, for his senior capstone project, he co-directed and starred in Sam Shepard’s True West, playing the dual roles of Austin and Lee. His collegiate credits also include the role of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls. Beyond the Mechanicals, Hess has performed with Theatre West Virginia, notably appearing as Roy Lee Cooke in the outdoor drama Rocket Boys (2018).
A native of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Hess has been a dedicated advocate for the arts and mental health awareness in his community since his youth. His career exemplifies the potential for artists to build sustainable, impactful, creative lives within the Appalachian region.
Workshop(s): Speak the Speech: Unlocking Shakespeare's Language
Katie Higley was in 22 musicals before graduating high school and continues to love musical theater to this day! She is the co-founder of Grow With Shows, a musical theater education company dedicated to helping every student shine through inclusive, confidence-building training musicals. She has composed music to over 30+ training musicals, is a former American Idol contestant, TEDx speaker, and homeschooling mom of four. With a degree in Commercial Music, Katie works as an artist development coach, producer, and composer, and is the owner of The HeART Collective at iVibeAlive Studio, a creative arts school in Payson, Utah. She is honored to attend the Virginia Thespian Festival, where Grow With Shows training musicals are being used this year!
Workshop(s): Beyond the Lead: Ensemble Magic, Musical Theater Songwriting Masterclass: Songs Are the Story
Workshop(s): Beyond the Lead: Ensemble Magic, Musical Theater Songwriting Masterclass: Songs Are the Story
Tammy Honesty is an Associate Professor of Scenic Design at West Virginia University’s School of Theatre & Dance. Her work has been featured in the World Stage Design digital gallery, the USA-USITT Prague Quadrennial Gallery Exhibit (alongside her student’s work), and USITT. Her notable scenic designs include An Evening with Groucho for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (broadcast on PBS), Merchant of Venice at Cleveland Play House, and the world premieres of This is Tom Jones! and Family Ties at the Human Race Theatre Company. In 2022, she designed the set for the Off-Broadway world premiere of The Memory Exam at 59E59 Theatres with Oberon Theatre Ensemble.
Tammy currently serves as Treasurer for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and is a proud member of USA Local 829 as a scenic designer.
In 2019, she led a Kent State student team in painting a nearly full-scale, 3D-printed replica of Pio Fedi’s Liberty of Poetry, exhibited at the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Tammy also co-authored The Fake Food Cookbook: Props You Can’t Eat for Theatre, Film and TV. Her second book, The Fake Food Cookbook Volume 2: Props You Can Eat for Theatre, Film and TV, is now available.
Workshop(s): Can I Have a Career in Technical Theatre and Not Be a Starving Artist? YES!
Tammy currently serves as Treasurer for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and is a proud member of USA Local 829 as a scenic designer.
In 2019, she led a Kent State student team in painting a nearly full-scale, 3D-printed replica of Pio Fedi’s Liberty of Poetry, exhibited at the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Tammy also co-authored The Fake Food Cookbook: Props You Can’t Eat for Theatre, Film and TV. Her second book, The Fake Food Cookbook Volume 2: Props You Can Eat for Theatre, Film and TV, is now available.
Workshop(s): Can I Have a Career in Technical Theatre and Not Be a Starving Artist? YES!
Moriah Joy (she/they) is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Minor in English. They are the Artistic Director and Founder of Joyful Art Productions. They were previously on the Board of Directors for the Little Theatre of Norfolk and Spotlight Hampton Roads. They have written, directed, choreographed, and performed in numerous shows around the country. For more information on upcoming productions follow them on Instagram @joyfulartproductions.
Workshop(s): Solo Performance, Theatre Games
Workshop(s): Solo Performance, Theatre Games
Ashleigh Junio is a teaching artist who holds a dual Masters Degree in Musical Theatre Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from NYU, where she was also a member of the voice faculty and a Singing Voice Specialist associated with the NYU Langone Voice Center. She is a current voice and acting faculty member of of Broadway Artists Alliance of NYC, and has also worked as a voice teacher for Cap 21/Molloy University and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. As a professional performer, she appeared in the National Tours of Elf (u/s Deb) and Tikki Tikki Tembo (Woman 1), and her regional credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Princess Puffer), Godspell (Joanne), Grease (Jan), Parade (Mrs. Phagan), Twelfth Night (Maria), The Children’s Hour (Karen), The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek (Pace), and performances at New World Stages, Birdland, and The Joyce Soho. Additionally, Ashleigh holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the New School University and is a graduate of AMDA. Oh yes, and she's a HUGE musical theatre nerd who loves sharing the art form with the talented students of the Virginia Thespians organization!
Workshop(s): Healthy Broadway Belting
Workshop(s): Healthy Broadway Belting
Jenny Lamb is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Movement at Penn State, professional actor, singer, musician, physical theatre artist, director, playwright, movement director and intimacy choreographer. BFA from Shenandoah Conservatory, MFA from Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre.
Workshop(s): Movement - What the Body Can Convey
Workshop(s): Movement - What the Body Can Convey
Greg Lloyd is an award-wining Director, Fight Director, and Actor who specializes in Stage Combat, Acting, and Musical Theater Performance & Directing, with over 125 professional production credits. He received the MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University and is a Certified Teacher of Stage Combat with the Society of American Fight Directors who holds black belts in Hapkido, TangSooDo and Kabuto. In addition to being an educator and director for CNU, having received the Kennedy Center-American College Theater Festival’s Meritorious Achievement Award for Excellence in Directing for Brighton Beach Memoirs and When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder, and is the Resident Fight Director for the Virginia Stage Company and the Virginia Opera. Recent professional acting credits include King Arthur in Spamalot, Mark Rothko in Red, McKean in 1776, Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, the Governor in Man of La Mancha, Owen in The Foreigner, and Capulet in Romeo and Juliet. Recent Fight Direction credits include Fat Ham, Henry V, The Hobbit, The Valkyrie, Pagliacci, The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet, Fences, I Hate Hamlet, Lucia de Lammermoor, Il Trovatore, and Don Giovani. For Theater CNU, Gregg has directed Pippin, Spitfire Grill, Noises Off, Once Upon a Mattress, When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder, Brighton Beach Memoirs, I Hate Hamlet, HMS Pinafore, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Adding Machine, Be Aggressive, and many more.
Workshop(s): Ouch! That's Gotta (Not) Hurt, What Are Colleges Looking for in Auditions and Portfolios?!
Workshop(s): Ouch! That's Gotta (Not) Hurt, What Are Colleges Looking for in Auditions and Portfolios?!
Ahmad Maaty has taught and performed throughout the United States and internationally. Ahmad has had the opportunity to work with companies and events such as The Bats Acting Company and Les Shakespeare in NYC, the Asia Cup Games in Doha, Qatar, locally with Silk Road Dance Company, The Hub Theater, Workhouse Arts Center, Monumental Theater Company, Constellation Theater Company, Acting For Young People, Arlington and Fairfax County Public Schools, Prince William Little Theatre, Fauquier Community Theatre, The Academy of Russian Ballet, and the Northern Virginia Youth Ballet. In addition to this he had the privilege of being a finalist at the Actors Studio (NYC) from 2012-2013, and has trained with various studios, institutions, and companies including with the extraordinary faculty at the Ailey School, and locally with Synetic Theater. Ahmad is a member of George Mason University's School of Theater faculty. His work has been recognized by the Helen Hayes, Youth American Grand Prix, the Brandon Victor Dixon Awards, The Jimmys, and the Cappies. His students have gone on to study with highly competitive arts programs across the country and abroad, and his work has been performed all along the East Coast on stages including the National Theatre and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Ahmad was a finalist at the Actors Studio (NYC). He was named 2019's Best Actor in a Community Theater Production and 2018's Best Choreographer in a Small Professional Theater by BroadwayWorld and was a Helen Hayes Nominee for best choreography for his work in Pippin (2018), Spring Awakening (2023), and American Psycho (2024) with Monumental Theatre. Ahmad is a proud GCM alum from the class of 2005. www.ahmadmaaty.com
Workshop(s): Broadway Theatre Dance
Workshop(s): Broadway Theatre Dance
Clark Mantilla Sharing his love for musical theater with the world, one duet at a time! Clark On Stage is the online persona of Clark Mantilla, a proud musical theatre alumni of NYFA College of Film, Media and Performing Arts. Now based in New York City, he recently took on the role of The Baker in Into The Woods, with prior performances in RENT as Roger and Les Misérables as Feuilly/Ensemble in the Philippines.
With over 525,000 subscribers on his YouTube channels—'Clark On Stage' and 'Clark In Studio'—Clark makes musical theatre and pop duets accessible for fans and vocalists alike. Experience his passion live at NYC cabaret venues like 54 Below or during his interactive live-streamed sing-alongs, where he takes requests and shares the joy of music in real time. Check out his duet-ready videos and sing along with him!
Workshop(s): Clark on Stage: Sing It Live!
With over 525,000 subscribers on his YouTube channels—'Clark On Stage' and 'Clark In Studio'—Clark makes musical theatre and pop duets accessible for fans and vocalists alike. Experience his passion live at NYC cabaret venues like 54 Below or during his interactive live-streamed sing-alongs, where he takes requests and shares the joy of music in real time. Check out his duet-ready videos and sing along with him!
Workshop(s): Clark on Stage: Sing It Live!
Alyssa Melder Alyssa Melder is an NYC-based actor most recently seen in Friends! The Musical Parody Off-Broadway and Jenna in one of the first pre-release productions of Waitress (MT). She is a proud producer and co-facilitator of Clark On Stage- Live Productions.
Alyssamelder.com
Workshop(s): Clark on Stage: Sing It Live!
Alyssamelder.com
Workshop(s): Clark on Stage: Sing It Live!
Nollie Moore In his nearly three decades of teaching in Columbia, Missouri, Nollie has instructed singers at every level of study. Under his leadership, his singers have established a tradition of successful collaborations and acclaimed performances with mid-Missouri arts organizations, in regional theaters across the nation, and on Broadway.
Moore is active as a professional tenor singing regularly with regional orchestras, for which he has sung leading roles in Die Fledermaus, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, and Carmen. His classical solo work includes Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Mozart’s Requiem and Verdi’s Requiem. He made his Carnegie Hall debut as the featured soloist in A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass by Tim Sharp and sang the same work at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. He can be seen regularly on Missouri’s professional regional theater stages where his work includes Forever Plaid, Oliver, The Music Man, 1776, Crazy for You, and Annie. As musical director Moore’s work includes The Secret Garden, Assassins, Into the Woods, White Christmas, and Godspell.
Workshop(s): Vocal Masterclass
Moore is active as a professional tenor singing regularly with regional orchestras, for which he has sung leading roles in Die Fledermaus, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, and Carmen. His classical solo work includes Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Mozart’s Requiem and Verdi’s Requiem. He made his Carnegie Hall debut as the featured soloist in A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass by Tim Sharp and sang the same work at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. He can be seen regularly on Missouri’s professional regional theater stages where his work includes Forever Plaid, Oliver, The Music Man, 1776, Crazy for You, and Annie. As musical director Moore’s work includes The Secret Garden, Assassins, Into the Woods, White Christmas, and Godspell.
Workshop(s): Vocal Masterclass
Topher Morris is the Chairperson of the Salem State University Theatre and Speech Communication Department. During his time at Salem State, he has served as a Technical Director, Sound Designer, and Scenic Designer and is a Professor of Design and Technology. He has worked for American Players Theatre, Santa Fe Opera and Tibbits Opera House. He earned his MFA in Technical Production for Theatre from the Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) at The University of Delaware. He is an ETCP certified Theatrical Rigger and a proud Veteran of the Armed Services.
Workshop(s): Make It Move: Adding Moving Scenery to Your Design, Basic Counterweight Rigging
Workshop(s): Make It Move: Adding Moving Scenery to Your Design, Basic Counterweight Rigging
Jeffrey Todd Parrott now calls Virginia home, after previously living in both Chicago and NYC! As Assistant Professor of Acting at Longwood, he teaches all performance curriculum and has directed productions of 12 Angry Jurors and Little Women the Musical. As an actor, he was most recently seen as “The Baker” in Into The Woods at Virginia Theatre Festival. Other credits include: Peninsula Players, Saint Michael’s Playhouse, Asolo Repertory, Orlando Shakespeare, Northbrook Theatre, Mad Cow Theatre and more. TV: Chicago Med (NBC) EDUCATION: BFA in Music Theatre (Elon University); MFA in Acting (The Theatre School at DePaul University). He has served as the College Rep Chair for Virginia Thespians, and is a proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. Follow him at @professorparrott for more!
Workshop(s): How to Practice Acting Alone
Workshop(s): How to Practice Acting Alone
Giuseppe Ritorto is a theatre artist and educator whose work spans performance, design, and direction. The child of Italian immigrants who became chefs, Giuseppe often jokes that his first exposure to drama came from “watching my parents debate the ingredients of their marinara sauce while Pavarotti blared in the background.” His artistic interests include Political Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, New Works, and exploring the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the performing arts. With over a decade of professional experience, Giuseppe has worked as a performer, lighting designer, sound designer, musical director, and technical director. He holds a B.A. from Catawba College and an M.F.A. from New York University. Among his favorite productions are Pippin, The Rocky Horror Show, and Head Over Heels.
Workshop(s): Perfecting the College Musical Theatre Audition
Workshop(s): Perfecting the College Musical Theatre Audition
Darrell Rushton is a Fight Director, Certified Teacher and Theatrical Firearms Instructor with the Society of American Fight Directors, and a member since 2000. He is also a member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers, Actors Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
He received his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and has also been a guest artist at Oklahoma University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Rider University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and West Virginia University, and has taught at regional Stage Combat Workshops around the country as well as the National Stage Combat Workshop.
His acting TV and Film appearances include One Life to Live, All My Children, and Saturday Night Live in New York and Traffic, Runaway Bride, and Shot in the Heart in the DC/Baltimore area. Regional Theatre appearances include The Woman in Black, Hairspray, Jekyll and Hyde, Bye, Bye, Birdie, Taming of the Shrew and Brigadoon.
At Frostburg State University, Darrell teaches Directing, Acting, Stage Combat, Physical Comedy and Musical Theatre History.
Recent credits include directing Loves Labors Lost at Cumberland Theatre, A Few Good Men and Evil Dead, the Musical.
Workshop(s): Tricks and Shticks (oh why physical comedy is FUNNY!), Knife to Meet You!
He received his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and has also been a guest artist at Oklahoma University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Rider University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and West Virginia University, and has taught at regional Stage Combat Workshops around the country as well as the National Stage Combat Workshop.
His acting TV and Film appearances include One Life to Live, All My Children, and Saturday Night Live in New York and Traffic, Runaway Bride, and Shot in the Heart in the DC/Baltimore area. Regional Theatre appearances include The Woman in Black, Hairspray, Jekyll and Hyde, Bye, Bye, Birdie, Taming of the Shrew and Brigadoon.
At Frostburg State University, Darrell teaches Directing, Acting, Stage Combat, Physical Comedy and Musical Theatre History.
Recent credits include directing Loves Labors Lost at Cumberland Theatre, A Few Good Men and Evil Dead, the Musical.
Workshop(s): Tricks and Shticks (oh why physical comedy is FUNNY!), Knife to Meet You!
Allen Sanders is in his sixth year on faculty at Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts as the Advanced Sound Design Instructor. He holds a BA in theater from UNCG, and has had a 25+year career including regional theater, 15 national tours, and mixing sound on Broadway. Past work includes: Resident Sound Designer at Flat Rock Playhouse, FOH mixer for A Little Night Music on Broadway (which was a Tony Award nominee for Best Sound Design), Technical Director/Production Manager at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke VA, Head of Sound at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte NC, FOH mixer on First National Tour of Dirty Dancing, FOH mixer on First National Tour of Cash, Ring of Fire, vacation cover for FOH mixer on First National Tour of Newsies, FOH mixer on National Tour of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Fantasticks, Babes In Toyland, and others.
Workshop(s): Sound Design - QLab Tips and Tricks
Workshop(s): Sound Design - QLab Tips and Tricks
Lane Savadove is Head of Acting and Directing at Rowan University in New Jersey, and the founding Artistic Director of EgoPo Classic Theater in Philadelphia, now in its 30th season. He's directed over 50 shows for EgoPo, Off-Broadway, regionally, internationally and for National Public Radio. Resident director of the National Cultural Center of Indonesia (1996-7), Artistic Director of Jean Cocteau Repertory (2004-5), Associate Artistic Director the Living Theater (1989-90). Independence Foundation Fellow, Drama League Directing Fellow, Shubert Fellow, Henry Luce Fellow, TCG Leadership recipient. Works include: Beckett's Company (NPR and 6 cities), world premiere of Tennessee Williams' House Not Meant to Stand (Southern Rep.), and world premiere of John Guare's 10-hour Lydie Breeze Trilogy. 2017 Barrymore award for his staging of Chekhov's Seagull. MFA in Directing from Columbia Univ. and BA from Haverford College. Previously, Directing faculty at NYU, National University of Indonesia, and Loyola-New Orleans.
Workshop(s):
Workshop(s):
Dr. Ronda Scarrow is an Associate Professor in the Theatre, Art, and Graphic Design and Animation Department at Longwood University. She currently serves as the Program Coordinator for Theatre, Theatre Education, and Liberal Studies. Currently she is the University Representative to the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). She has over 30 years of classroom instruction on the middle school, high School and collegiate levels in Speech, Theatre and Education fields. She is a lifetime member of the Virginia Theatre Association, a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and The University of Richmond (Virginia) has honored her twice for her outstanding commitment and contribution to Education as Outstanding Educator in Visual and Performing Arts at Virginia’s Governor’s School. Her research interest are: • Student-centered learning • Classroom engagement • Teacher presentation skills
Workshop(s): A University Theatre Life!
Workshop(s): A University Theatre Life!
Heidi Jo Schiemer is currently the Costume Shop Manager and Program Coordinator for Theatrical Design and Technology at Elon University. Before arriving at Elon, she has been the Resident Costume Designer and costume shop manager at Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, and has toured nationally and internationally with union and non union theatrical tours.
Workshop(s): Body Agency for Actors in the Costume Shop
Workshop(s): Body Agency for Actors in the Costume Shop
Victoria Scrimer is a theatre scholar and practitioner. She received her Ph.D. in theatre and performance studies from the University of Maryland. She is the author of several articles and book chapters on theatre theory and political performance. Most recently, her essay on the performative dimensions of “zombie” democracy will appear in The Figure of the Monster in Global Theatre. Her new book Staging Change: Toward a Theatrical Theory of Activist Performance critically examines activists’ relationship with dramatic form within a twenty-first century media landscape. Victoria is on the board of the Comparative Drama Conference and currently serves as the co-editor of their annual issue of the journal, Comparative Drama.
Workshop(s): Writing a Ten-Minute Play, Do Your Thing! Devised Theatre How-To
Workshop(s): Writing a Ten-Minute Play, Do Your Thing! Devised Theatre How-To
John Shirley holds key roles in the production staff of The Rustic Mechanicals, West Virginia's professional Shakespeare troupe.
Dramaturg: Shirley frequently serves as the Dramaturg for the troupe's productions. This role involves in-depth research to provide historical and textual context, helping the director, cast, and creative team understand the play's background and language to inform the staging and performance. He is credited as the Dramaturg for major productions, including the tragedies Macbeth and Hamlet, and the historical play Julius Caesar.
Director of Education: Shirley has also been identified as the Director of Education for the Vintage Theatre Company, which is the home of The Rustic Mechanicals. This indicates a role in the troupe's commitment to theatrical education and outreach.
Actor: In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, he has been listed as a performer, playing the role of Antonio in a production of Twelfth Night.
John Shirley's contributions as Dramaturg and Director of Education are essential to the Mechanicals' mission of making Shakespeare's classical works relevant to modern Appalachian audiences.
Dramaturg: Shirley frequently serves as the Dramaturg for the troupe's productions. This role involves in-depth research to provide historical and textual context, helping the director, cast, and creative team understand the play's background and language to inform the staging and performance. He is credited as the Dramaturg for major productions, including the tragedies Macbeth and Hamlet, and the historical play Julius Caesar.
Director of Education: Shirley has also been identified as the Director of Education for the Vintage Theatre Company, which is the home of The Rustic Mechanicals. This indicates a role in the troupe's commitment to theatrical education and outreach.
Actor: In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, he has been listed as a performer, playing the role of Antonio in a production of Twelfth Night.
John Shirley's contributions as Dramaturg and Director of Education are essential to the Mechanicals' mission of making Shakespeare's classical works relevant to modern Appalachian audiences.
Danielle Sirinsky holds a BFA in Musical Theater Performance from the University of Michigan. Originally from Chicago, Ms. Danielle has taught, performed, and choreographed throughout the Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia areas. Ms. Danielle was with The Loudoun School of Ballet in Leesburg, Virginia for twelve years as the Director of The Rising Stars Department, and at Dance Academy of Virginia for two years as one of the Directors of Programming. She is currently a full time musical theatre instructor and choreographer at Not Just Dance Theatrical Arts Studio in Chantilly. Her Broadway and Tap Choreography has won numerous awards at National competitions. She loves to assist actors, singers, and dancers navigate their training needs as they prepare for college auditions through her private coaching. Ms. Danielle lives in Leesburg, VA with her husband, two teenagers, and two kitties, and is thrilled to be a part of the VTF guest artist team!
Workshop(s): Musical Theatre Dance Technique, Tap Basics for Musical Theatre Performers
Workshop(s): Musical Theatre Dance Technique, Tap Basics for Musical Theatre Performers
Brian Smallwood worked for 10 years in New York City as a Technical Director and Production Manager and is an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer.
He holds an MFA from Yale School of Drama. He has taught at Arizona State University, The University of Nevada Las Vegas and is currently Associate Professor/ Production Manager at James Madison University.
Read his book Productivity Through Wellness for Live Entertainment and Theatre Technicians.
Workshop(s): OSHA and Theatre, Budgeting Fundamentals
He holds an MFA from Yale School of Drama. He has taught at Arizona State University, The University of Nevada Las Vegas and is currently Associate Professor/ Production Manager at James Madison University.
Read his book Productivity Through Wellness for Live Entertainment and Theatre Technicians.
Workshop(s): OSHA and Theatre, Budgeting Fundamentals
Mysti Stay is currently the Program Coordinator for the Design, Technology and Management program at Montclair State University as well as the Head of Stage Management. When not at the university, Mysti is a professional Stage Manager and has worked on various productions Off- Broadway, National Tours, various events and regional theaters.
Workshop(s): Standby, Go! Calling a Musical with No Musical Experience.
Workshop(s): Standby, Go! Calling a Musical with No Musical Experience.
Gwyneth Strope is a graduate of the M.F.A. playwriting program at Hollins and the producing manager for the Hollins Theatre Institute. Based in Roanoke, Gwyneth holds a B.A. in theatre from James Madison University with concentrations in performance and teaching artistry. In addition to her work as an arts administrator, she writes and performs new works that envision, embody, and embolden the stories of women. Her most recently produced plays are In Bloom (Tesseract Theatre in St. Louis & Hollins University) and Chrysalis (Hollins University). She is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.
Workshop(s): Making the Cuts: A Revision Workshop
Workshop(s): Making the Cuts: A Revision Workshop
Christine Suddeth (she/her) is a professional performer and serves as the Admissions Associate and an Expert Performance Coach at Broadway Artists Alliance of NYC. She is a graduate of Pace University’s BFA Musical Theatre program and was most recently seen on the First National Tour of TINA: The Tina Turner Musical (Toni/ understudy Rhonda). Christine has a true passion for vocal health and has conducted vocal research entitled “Students’ Experience with Vocal Injury in Undergraduate Performing Arts Training Programs,” which was published in the highly esteemed Journal of Voice. Learn more at broadwayartistsalliance.org
Workshop(s): Nailing the College Audition Process: “Smart Lists,” Repertoire, Prescreens, and More!
Workshop(s): Nailing the College Audition Process: “Smart Lists,” Repertoire, Prescreens, and More!
Brigid Tamas is a VCUarts graduate with a BFA in Scenic Design for the Theatre. She works as a scenic technician and has held positions as an assistant technical director, scenic designer, paint charge, and carpenter.
Workshop(s): Perspective Drawing for Scenic Design
Workshop(s): Perspective Drawing for Scenic Design
Dan Toot is Assistant Professor of Theatre at Brevard College, teaching Acting, Theatre History, Music Theatre Performance, History of American Musical Theatre, Stage Combat, and Shakespeare. He earned his BFA from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford and his MFA in Acting from UNC Chapel Hill. An Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) and member of the National Alliance of Acting Teachers (NAAT), he has worked as an actor and teaching artist across the country for companies including The Hartford Stage, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Virginia Theatre Festival, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, and many others. At Brevard, he has served as Director for No Exit, Vanities: A New Musical, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], Macbeth, The Spitfire Grill, [title of show], and The World Over; Sound Designer for Eleemosynary, Cosmic Theories of a Romantic’s Heart, Karl the Magnificent, and The Glass Menagerie; Music Director for Next to Normal, and is the Resident Fight Director choreographing for Macbeth, Karl the Magnificent, Legacy of Light, Comedy of Errors, and Talley’s Folly. In addition to teaching, he continues to perform and find ways to integrate both the Brevard College community, and the broader Western North Carolina community into robust and joyful Arts education. www.dantoot.com
Workshop(s):Intro to Stage Combat: The Basics and Essentials
Workshop(s):Intro to Stage Combat: The Basics and Essentials
Elena Velasco is a theatre artist whose work encompasses performance, activism, and community engagement. An associate member of Stage Director and Choreographers Society and Helen Hayes-nominated artist, her directing and choreography credits include Convergence Theatre, Synetic Theater, GALA Hispanic Theatre, 1st Stage, Keegan Theatre, NextStop Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Imagination Stage, Kennedy Center’s New Visions New Voices Festival, and Central Square Theatre in Greater Boston. Ms. Velasco was the Founding Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre, a theatre for social justice collective that mobilized community action.
A commissioned playwright and theatre researcher, she has contributed to publications for Routledge and Intellect Books, and has served on panels for Boston Conservatory, George Mason University, Hollins University, Montgomery College, and Theatre Washington. Ms. Velasco is an associate professor of theatre and movement at Bowie State University and a 200-hr certified yoga instructor. www.elenavelasco.net
Workshop(s): Yoga and Mindful Movement: Sustainable Practices for the Performer
A commissioned playwright and theatre researcher, she has contributed to publications for Routledge and Intellect Books, and has served on panels for Boston Conservatory, George Mason University, Hollins University, Montgomery College, and Theatre Washington. Ms. Velasco is an associate professor of theatre and movement at Bowie State University and a 200-hr certified yoga instructor. www.elenavelasco.net
Workshop(s): Yoga and Mindful Movement: Sustainable Practices for the Performer
John Waldron - A theater instructor, director and tour guide in the DMV for over 25 years. John received his BFA in theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University. John is a tour guide with US Ghost Adventures telling spooky tales in Washington DC and Baltimore, Md.
John works with Stagecoach Theatre Company in Ashburn, Va. and Columbia Center For Theatrical Arts in Columbia, Maryland. John lives in Elkridge Maryland with his wife Maria.
Workshop(s): Spooky Improvisation
John works with Stagecoach Theatre Company in Ashburn, Va. and Columbia Center For Theatrical Arts in Columbia, Maryland. John lives in Elkridge Maryland with his wife Maria.
Workshop(s): Spooky Improvisation
Aubrey Whitlock is the Director of Education Programs at the American Shakespeare Center, where she joyfully combines her passions for Shakespeare and pedagogy. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from UC Santa Cruz, an MA in Teaching from Chapman University, and an MLitt and MFA in Shakespeare & Performance from Mary Baldwin University. A former English and Drama teacher, she has also worked as an actor, stage manager, director, and dramaturg. Aubrey co-created The Hurly Burly Shakespeare Show! Podcast, and continues to champion accessible public scholarship through initiatives like Lights ON Blackfriars, The Inside Plays Series, and ASC’s No Kidding Programs, making Shakespeare and the magic of the Blackfriars Playhouse more approachable for all.
Workshop(s): Shakespeare & Stage Directions, Shakespeare & the Technology of Cue Scripts
Workshop(s): Shakespeare & Stage Directions, Shakespeare & the Technology of Cue Scripts
Jason A. Young is the Founding Producer & Artistic Director of The Vintage Theatre Company, which is the home of The Rustic Mechanicals, West Virginia's only Shakespeare troupe.
He co-founded The Rustic Mechanicals in 2013 because, at the time, West Virginia did not have a professional Shakespeare troupe, and he wanted to fulfill the need for quality performances of Shakespeare's works.
The Mechanicals focus on the accessibility of Shakespeare's plays for modern audiences by utilizing dynamic and extreme casting techniques paired with Shakespeare's staging conditions, touring multiple shows annually.
A native of southern West Virginia, Jason is an experienced freelance actor and director with a résumé boasting over 60 directed productions and more than 30 acting roles since 2000. He also serves as a key leader in the state theatre community as the former Executive Director of the West Virginia Theatre Association and a current board member and area director for the West Virginia Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association.
In addition to his directorial and production roles, Jason is also an actor in the troupe, often starring in the shows, such as portraying Macbeth alongside his partner, Sarah Young (who plays Lady Macbeth), and playing the character of Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
He is committed to providing high-quality theatrical education and entertainment in Appalachia.
Workshop(s): Speak the Speech: Unlocking Shakespeare's Language, Carve (It) Like A Dish Fit for the Gods: Editing Shakespeare's Monologue & Plays, Shakespeareoke, The MacBeths
He co-founded The Rustic Mechanicals in 2013 because, at the time, West Virginia did not have a professional Shakespeare troupe, and he wanted to fulfill the need for quality performances of Shakespeare's works.
The Mechanicals focus on the accessibility of Shakespeare's plays for modern audiences by utilizing dynamic and extreme casting techniques paired with Shakespeare's staging conditions, touring multiple shows annually.
A native of southern West Virginia, Jason is an experienced freelance actor and director with a résumé boasting over 60 directed productions and more than 30 acting roles since 2000. He also serves as a key leader in the state theatre community as the former Executive Director of the West Virginia Theatre Association and a current board member and area director for the West Virginia Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association.
In addition to his directorial and production roles, Jason is also an actor in the troupe, often starring in the shows, such as portraying Macbeth alongside his partner, Sarah Young (who plays Lady Macbeth), and playing the character of Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
He is committed to providing high-quality theatrical education and entertainment in Appalachia.
Workshop(s): Speak the Speech: Unlocking Shakespeare's Language, Carve (It) Like A Dish Fit for the Gods: Editing Shakespeare's Monologue & Plays, Shakespeareoke, The MacBeths
