SIMONIE BIEBER
Simonie Bieber is a graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. She is the dance instructor and choreographer at St. Louis University high school, choreographing such productions as 42ND STREET, HELLO DOLLY!, and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Simonie also just recently choreographed BEAUTY & THE BEAST Spotlight Productions. For seven years, Simonie has taught ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical at Renee Johnson's Dance Studio where she is currently the Assistant Competitive Director. [TOP]

ANNA BLAIR
Anna Blair, an equity actress, has extensive experience directing and teaching children from the ages of 5-18.  She spent two and half years touring the US and Canada with Missoula Children's Theatre, where two tour actor/directors cast 50-60 local children, rehearse with them after school and perform a fully stages production at the end of the week.  For the past year she has directed the Theatre Kochavian program with the Jewish Community Center featuring children ages 5-9 in musical revue.  She also assists with the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis' after school program with inner city students. [TOP]

STEPHEN BOURNEUF

Stephen Bourneuf is happy to be spending time with family and friends in his hometown, St. Louis.  A graduate of S.L.U.H. and S.L.U., Stephen began performing locally at Six Flags over Mid America and the MUNY Opera.  After graduating he moved to NYC, eventually performing in eight Broadway shows including A CHORUS LINE, DREAMGIRLS and HELLO, DOLLY!, as well as many national tours and regional productions. 

Shifting to direction/choreography/teaching, credits now include: Director/Choreographer: JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT [2 KK nom’s – direction, choreography] and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (STAGES/STAGES Academy); THE FULL MONTY (American MT of San Jose); ALTAR BOYZ (Arvada Center – CO [Denver Ovation Award nom. – outstanding choreography], and Riverside Theatre – FL).  Director: GUYS & DOLLS, THE KING & I, and WEST SIDE STORY (AMTSJ); IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS and THE KING & I (Carousel).  Choreographer: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE FULL MONTY [KK nom. – choreography], A CHORUS LINE and ANYTHING GOES (STAGES); GREASE (Carousel); JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Maine State MT).  Associate Choreographer: CLASH OF THE CHOIRS (NBC); TRACEY ULLMAN: LIVE AND EXPOSED (HBO).  Stephen spent three years as resident Dir/Chor for Allan Albert Productions in NYC, creating musical revues for Hershey Park, and has also directed and choreographed revues in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and for Holland America and Commodore Cruise Lines. 

As an instructor, he’s taught Musical Theatre Dance, Ballet, Tap, and Choreography Workshops as well as Acting, Monologues, Scene Study and Song Interpretation for NJ’s PaperMill Playhouse, CA’s AMTSJ and high schools and colleges throughout the NY/NJ area. Upcoming Projects: Directing CRAZY FOR YOU (Maine State) and Dir/Chor BIG RIVER and JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT (Arvada Center).  [TOP]

BRIDGET KILLEEN BROWN
A professional actress for 15 years, Bridget has performed regionally in the plays of authors such as William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, Noel Coward and Beth Henley. On the New York stage, she has performed the title role in the play GINNY and "Grace Tranfield" in George Bernard Shaw's THE PHILANDERER, as well as many appearances on "All My Children," "One Life to Live," "Cosby" and "Saturday Night Live."  The author of several plays including A FREAKY LADY and IF I'M SO WONDERFUL, HOW COME I'M STILL SINGLE??? and the screenplays It Was Almost Like A Dream and Holli.

Bridget has an MA in Theatre and is a graduate of the two-year advanced training program for actors at the Esper Studio in New York, studying with legendary studio founder, William Esper, She is a trained teacher in the nationally renowned "Music Together" program, teaching music to children from ages infant to five. After teaching for years in the corporate world, Bridget is thrilled to return to her artistic roots having taught and performed children's theatre for many years. She is a member of Actors' Equity Association, AFTRA, and the Dramatists Guild of America. [TOP]

VICTORIA CARMICHAEL

Victoria completed her BM in vocal performance at Illinois Wesleyan University and MM at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  She taught voice, diction, ear training, and music appreciation courses for 5 years at St. Charles County Community College and was a section leader for the St. Louis Symphony Chorus for 5 seasons, a highlight of which was singing the role of “Ida” in the Symphony’s Millennium Gala performance of DIE FLEDERMAUS.  She lived in Wilmington, NC for 2 years where she taught at the Cape Fear Community College as well as singing with St. Andrew’s-on-the-Sound Episcopal Church and directing a local women’s choir. 

Now back in her hometown of St. Louis, she enjoys singing with the Union Avenue Opera during their summer seasons.  Favorite roles she has sung with this company and other regional opera companies include:  Laetitia in THE OLD MAID AND THE THIEF, Phoebe in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeoman of the Guard. Mrs. Gobineau in Menotti’s THE MEDIUM.  Professor Carmichael also enjoys performing in recital and with her women’s trio Sweeter Music.  She is a recipient of the Artist Presentation Society awards for the 2007-2008 season. [TOP]

WENDI DICKEN
Wendi began her performance career at the age 4 of in Cincinnati, Ohio in such shows as THE SOUND OF MUSIC and PETER PAN. By the time she was 13, she founded the Heritage Community Theater in Cincinnati. 

Wendi studied dance at the Janet Carleton School in Cincinnati, voice with Joan Moynagh and Russell Hosler, and piano with Peg Styling. She holds degrees in vocal music performance from Miami University. She was privileged to work and study under such conductors as John Wabrick, Thomas Schippers and Margaret Hillis. 

Along with performances at Heritage Theater, she has performed with the Bigfork Repertory Theater in Montana, and Boris Goldovsky's Young Artists Opera Theater in New York.  She has performed principal roles in opera and theaters across the United States and Europe in such productions as LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, SUOR ANGELICA, WOZZECK, AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, BARNUM, OKLAHOMA, and BRIGADOON. Wendi has directed musicals for schools in the Cincinnati area as well as for the Flathead Valley Children's Theater in Montana.

MILLIE GARVEY
Millie Garvey is a professional Director/Choreographer who hails from St. Louis. No stranger to STAGES, she has acted in their productions of CHORUS LINE and OVER HERE, as well as choreographed the production of GIGI.

She has served as Resident Choreographer for The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois, and the Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the Lone Star Performing Arts Association in Galveston, Texas she choreographed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, MY FAIR LADY, BRIGADOON, PHANTOM, BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC, FORUM, CABARET, GYPSY, and the World Premiere of MONK-Y BUSINESS. Other World Premieres include a Children's Opera titled, JOSHUA'S BOOTS, and an Argentinean tango musical titled, CAMILA. For the past few years Millie has been associated with the Prather Family Theatres in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Arizona where she has directed and or choreographed WEST SIDE STORY, EVITA, KISS ME KATE, CAROUSEL, GEORGE M!, SUGAR, SUGAR BABIES, and CALAMITY JANE.

At Webster University she has done FLORA, THE RED MENACE, CAMILA, THE MIKADO, and COLE. She has done double duty in the productions of WORKING, SHE LOVES ME, KISS ME KATE, and ANYTHING GOES for Stephen's College and their summer theatre at Okoboji, Iowa . Her work has been seen internationally with The Tenth Pan Am Games' Opening Ceremony, and with live events for Mary Kay, EDS, IBEW, and Busch Creative Services. Two music video projects she choreographed for Southwestern Bell and Hopper Furs both won St. Louis Emmy Awards.

In St. Louis she has done professional productions for The Black Rep, Historyonics, Theatre Project Company, TNT, and STAGES. Also, she has choreographed for John Burroughs, Webster, Whitfield, and Forsyth Schools.

Millie lives in St. Louis with her favorite actor and love of her life, Whit Reichert. [TOP]

SHANARA GABRIELLE
Shanara Gabrielle is pleased to be teaching with STAGES!  After her graduating from Saint Louis' own Webster Conservatory  in 2001, Shanara has worked as a theatre professional in New York and  across the country.  She has also continued to teach in all areas of theatre arts and work as a vocal and acting coach. Shanara believes in the transformative powers of the creative arts as a performer and educator! As a coach and  educator, companies include: Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre, The Leadership Program, Yonkers Shakespeare Project, Hospital Audiences Inc., Epic Theatre Center, Irvington Recreation, The Center for Transforming Worship, and the Saint Louis based PrisonArts program. 

As a performer, NYC highlights include: Queenie in The Wild Party (Columbia STAGES), Eve in The Truth (Metropolitan Playhouse), Rose in Meet Me In St. Louis (Musicals Tonight), The American Girls Revue (Original NY Cast), Olivia in Twelfth Night (New Day Repertory), Emma in Lady was a Gentleman, Darla in War Bonds (Theatre for the New City), Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Heights Players), Horatio in Hamlet (Piper Productions), and the first national tour of In The Mood.  Regional Highlights include:  Ilona in She Loves Me (Guthrie Theater), Sonja in Their Playing Our Song (City of Maples Rep), Viola in Twelfth Night, Apothecary/Lady Montague in Romeo and Juliet (Great River Shakespeare Festival), Sarah in Guys and Dolls, Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor at (Northern Stage), Roxie Hart in Chicago, Shelby in The Spitfire Grill, Constanze in Amadeus (Arrowrock Lyceum), News In Review (Hollywood Playhouse), Forbidden Broadway, Smokey Joe's Café, Honk! (Arundel Playhouse). TV & Film Highlights include: NBC's Conviction, CBS's Guiding Light, and  independent films: Books & Beans, The Look, and Lucina.  B.F.A , Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Princess Grace Foundation Le Vine Theater Award, Actor's Equity Association. www.shanaragabrielle.com [TOP]

KRISTI GUNTHER

Kristi Gunther is excited to be a part of the STAGES community, and even more excited to be home and making theater in St. Louis! She is a recent graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Her favorite directing credits include: THE CRUCIBLE (NYU), TAMING OF THE SHREW (NYU), THE WINGED MAN (NYU), and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Piper Theater Company). Currently she is Assistant Directing A CLOCKWORK ORANGE at HotCity Theater Company, and also teaches acting for COCA. [TOP]

KATIE HAYES

Katie Hayes is very honored and excited to be a part of the team at STAGES Performing Arts Academy.  She started her career in southern California, dancing for Disneyland and cheering for the LA Rams while receiving her Associates Degree with an emphasis in Musical Theater from Cypress College and continuing to Long Beach State with a BFA in Dance.  She was chosen to continue her education in a specialized program encompassing all aspects of Musical Theater through the Disney Entertainment Arts Program/South Coast Rep, while performing on the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose.  She has appeared at venues such as the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater, The Fireside Dinner Theater, Music Theater West, Downey Civic Light Opera, La Mirada Civic Light Opera and the El Capitan Theater.  She has performed as a Singer/Dancer through Anita Mann Productions, on Holland America and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  She has also performed in Japan for Tokyo Disneyland, Sanrio Puroland and Huis Ten Bosch. 

After leaving Southern California she moved to New York City to continue pursuing her career where she studied under scholarship at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center and CAP 21: Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.  Other experience includes the role of the “Company” waitress for a year on The Guiding Light, a national Tour of Blues Clues Live, the Live Premier of Moulin Rouge at the Ziegfield Theatre, and as the Teaching Artist/Choreographer for Camp Broadway in NYC. 

Katie is a member of AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association and is now happy to be teaching and sharing her knowledge of the stage her students at STAGES Performing Arts Academy as well as her own two young children.

LAUREN HUNSINGER

Lauren Hunsinger is thrilled to be a part of the teaching staff at STAGES Performing Arts Academy! Lauren grew up here in St. Louis but in 2001 moved to Nashville, TN to attend Belmont University where she received her Bachelor of Musical Theatre degree.  For the past 3 years, Lauren has lived with her husband just outside of Philadelphia, PA were she performed for Sight & Sound Theatres. She has worked professionally in television and film while living in Los Angeles during 2009 where she also became an active member of AFTRA.   Lauren is excited to be near family and working in the theatre community here in St. Louis! 

ELLEN ISOM
Ellen Isom is an accomplished performer, choreographer and dance instructor.

She received her B.A. in Dance from Webster University and continues her dance training in Chicago. You may remember her from many STAGES' productions.  Her favorites include: 42ND STREET, CABARET, BRIGADOON, CRAZY FOR YOU, MY FAIR LADY, ON THE TOWN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, A CHORUS LINE, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and HELLO, DOLLY! 

Ellen has also danced locally with Webster Dance Theatre, MADCO, and the Alexandra Ballet. In Chicago, Ellen performed with several modern dance companies, in dinner theatre productions and at the Goodman Theatre. 

She danced around the world aboard Royal Viking and Royal Cruise Lines where she also served as assistant choreographer.

 Ellen's choreographic credits include: SNOOPY!, THE SPIT FIRE GRILL, INTO THE WOODS, NO NO NANETTE,  BATBOY-THE MUSICAL, A NEW BRAIN, NINE, BYE BYE BIRDIE. 

Ellen has been teaching dance for over twenty years. She is an adjunct professor at Webster University, she teaches dance at Visitation Academy, and is also on faculty at several area dance schools. She has had the unique opportunity of teaching students of all ages and all levels and she looks forward to this semester at the STAGES Performing Arts Academy. [TOP]

MAGGI KONKEL
Maggi Konkel graduated from Webster University with a BFA in Dance and a BA in History. Following college, she lived in Chicago where she trained on scholarship with Giordano Dance Center, Melissa Thodos and Dancers, and River North Dance Chicago. She performed regionally with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago II, and as a freelance artist with Melissa Thodos and Dancers and Chicago Arts Project, among others. She also performed onboard Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas and served as Dance Captain to the cast.

Maggi is an adjunct faculty member at Webster University. Additionally, she has taught at Northwestern University, Giordano Dance Center, and numerous studios throughout the St. Louis and Chicagoland areas. [TOP]

JULIE KRIECKHAUS
Julie Krieckhaus is a native of St. Louis and received her BA in 1976 from Webster University where she completed the Theatre Conservatory program with an emphasis in directing  Julie has been teaching and directing in the St. Louis area (and elsewhere) for over 20 years.  She has been Director of Education for the Muny First Stage, Coordinator of Theatre Programs for CASA (St. Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts), and Director of the Creative Dramatics Workshop at Webster University.  Her directing credits include THE UGLY DUCKLING and RIP VAN WINKLE for Theatre Project company, EAR YOUR HEART OUT, HOLD ME! and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM for CASA, several scenes for the Equity Actor’s Showcase and two operas for young people; the St Louis premiere of Green Eggs and Ham and The Storyteller, produced by the St. Louis Symphony Children’s Choir. 

Most recently Julie was the drama director at Crossroads School where she directed three Shakespeare productions, seven musicals and five full length straight plays as well as teaching theatre classes and tap.  For the past 19 years she has had the privilege of teaching Music and Movement to developmentally disabled pre-schoolers and elementary age children at Good Shepherd School for Children.  Taking a break from teaching, she just finished a summer of stage managing for Union Avenue Opera. [TOP]

ELISE LABARGE

Elise LaBarge received a dual BA in Music; French and International Studies from St. Louis University in 2002.  In 2006, she completed her MM in vocal performance at Washington University where her studies included vocal pedagogy and four semesters of a singing actor's workshop.  She currently leads educational outreach workshops and residencies for Union Avenue Opera during the academic year and teaches private voice lessons to high school students. 

As a performer, Elise sings in Union Avenue Opera's children's operas during the year, and has appeared in many of the company's main stage summer productions.  She also has  performed in regional and local musicals, operettas and operas with Muddy River Opera, Overdue Theatre, Chicago Folks Operetta, and Washington University Opera, New Line Theatre and Lyrico.  In the summer of 2008, she will appear with Muddy River Opera, McLeod Summer Playhouse and Union Avenue Opera. [TOP]

LAURA LIVINGSTON

Laura Livingston joined STAGES Performing Arts Academy in the spring of 2008 and she is currently pursing her BA in Dance. At the age of three she began her studio training in ballet and classical jazz. Laura brings her skills to the classroom with over 8 years of teaching experience in all forms of dance from beginning to advanced levels. In addition to teaching and dancing, Laura had the opportunity to perform as a St. Louis Rams Cheerleader from April 2006 through April 2008. [TOP]

JACQUELINE MASEI
Jacqueline is an Independent Teaching Artist. She recently moved to St. Louis from Phoenix, Arizona where she was and actress and Associate Artistic Director of the nationally recognized Playback Theatre Company, Essential Theatre. Jackie directed homeless and abused teens for Free Arts of AZ in 2002-2003.

Since relocating to Missouri Jackie teaches in Theatre for Social Change techniques, Playback Theatre, traditional acting technique and improvisation for Girl Scouts of St. Louis, Prison Performing Arts, The Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma, St. Louis ARC (Adult Retarded Citizens), The Center for Women in Transition and Metro Theater Companies Young Voices Summer theatre program for teens and ongoing after school programs serving youth in St. Louis city schools.

Jacqueline is a fellow of the 2005 Regional Arts Commission's Community Arts Training Institute. [TOP]

Kim Miller received her BA in Art and Art History from the University of Iowa, where she began her dance training and performed with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane dance company in their production, "The Last Supper at Uncle Tom’s Cabin/The Promised Land."  She has taught all levels of tap dance since 1989.  

After moving to St. Louis in 1991, she has enjoyed teaching tap classes and workshops throughout the area. Her choreography has been performed at Washington University, where she currently teaches, and can be seen in "Rhythm and Dance," a production she performs in as part of the dance team, American Feet, for Springboard to Learning and Young Audiences of St. Louis.  Kim is interested in the history of tap and in the preservation and re-creation of some of the dances and styles of the masters of the art form.   She is a current member of the International Tap Association (ITA) and was a representative for the state of Missouri for many years.  In addition to tap dancing, she performs and teaches juggling and belly dancing, and is a member of the International Jugglers’ Association and of the St. Louis Juggling Club. [TOP]

TOM MURRAY
Tom Murray is the Chairman of the Fine and Performing Arts Department of Christian Brothers College High School.

In addition to his duties at CBC, Tom has directed for the Baden Arts Players in North St. Louis and the Archangel Players in South St. Louis, the West End Players Guild in the Central West End, the Kirkwood Theatre Guild, The New Jewish Theatre, The Intergenerational Theatre at the JCC, Clayton High School and the Kirkwood/Crestwood Youth Theatre.

Tom also has a flourishing acting career, with appearances at the MUNY, STAGES ST. LOUIS, Historyonics, The New Theatre and Theatre Factory. He has toured nationally with companies of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, MY FAIR LADY, GUYS AND DOLLS, EVITA and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. He was formerly a National Councilor for Actors’ Equity Association and currently serves as Vice President on the AFTRA board for the St. Louis local. [TOP]

BEN NORDSTROM

Ben Nordstrom is a professional actor, director, and teacher based in the St. Louis area.  As an actor, he has been seen locally at STAGES St. Louis, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Echo Theatre Company, HotCity Theatre, New Jewish Theatre, Spotlight TEEN, the Sheldon Concert Hall, and over 20 productions at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.  He received the 2006 Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for his work as Ren in FOOTLOOSE at STAGES.  The following year he was KKA nominated again and named the RFT’s Best Musical Actor for the role of Bobby Strong in URINETOWN the Musical at the Rep.  Ben has appeared Off-Broadway and regionally at Great Lakes Theater Festival, Alley Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse and Riverside Theatre.  Locally, he has been seen and heard on many local commercials and radio voice-overs.  Ben directed STAGES’ production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (2006 KKA - Outstanding Production for Young Audiences), which he again directed this season at Saint Louis University.  He also directed 2 original plays for Spotlight TEEN, featuring the students of Missouri Hills, a treatment facility in north St. Louis.  Ben teaches musical theatre and acting workshops at the STAGES Academy and is also a private audition coach.  He earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory. [TOP]

KRISTEN NORDSTROM

Kristen Nordstrom is a professional dancer, choreographer, educator and director.  As a dancer she has appeared at the MUNY, Kansas City Starlight, STAGES St. Louis and Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in such shows as PROMISES, PROMISES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, GUYS AND DOLLS, SEVEN BRIDES for SEVEN BROTHERS, and THE MUSIC MAN.  As a choreographer/director, her work has been seen at STAGES St. Louis, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Ozark Actors Theatre, Orpheum Theatre (Boston, MA) and Webster Dance Theatre among others.  She choreographed the 2007 Kevin Kline Award winning production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at STAGES.  She holds a BFA in Dance from Webster Conservatory.  Kristen resides in Ballwin with her husband, Ben and their son, Samuel.

[TOP]

LORI BARRETT-PAGANO

Lori Barrett-Pagano earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Washington University in St. Louis.   She has been teaching voice lessons for over 10 years, including time as adjunct voice faculty at Washington University and currently teaches private voice in her home.  She has also taught several Musical Theatre Camps through the Kirkwood/Webster YMCA summer programs. 

Lori enjoys singing numerous styles of music and has performed with Musical Theatre, Operetta and Opera Companies as well as oratorio work and being a worship leader at her church.  Locally, she has performed with The MUNY, Union Avenue Opera, SIUE Summer Showbiz and Washington University Opera.  Regional credits include work with The Minnesota Opera, North Star Opera, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and The Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company.

PAUL PAGANO

Paul Pagano, a native of St. Louis, received his BA in Drama from Washington University and MA in Theatre Education from Fontbonne University.  As an actor, Paul has had the opportunity to work with STAGES, the Guthrie Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Hey City Theatre, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, HotCity Theatre, and many others.  In that time, he has been blessed to work with Anne Bogart, Dan Goggin, and Gregory Hoffman.  As an instructor, Paul has taught at COCA, the Utah Shakespeare Festival Teen Acting Intensive, and (of course) STAGES Performing Arts Academy.  Paul is also a member of the Performing Arts faculty at St. Louis University High School.  When not on stage or in the classroom, Paul’s favorite role is being husband and father to wife, Lori, son, Xavier, and daughter, Kalia. [TOP]

LISA M. RAMEY
Lisa has been performing in St. Louis for a number of years. Her most recent professional credits include HELLO, DOLLY! and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at STAGES ST. LOUIS and Nehebka in AIDA at The Muny.  Upcoming roles include a new production of WHITE CHRISTMAS plus SNOOPY!!! and CRAZY FOR YOU at STAGES.

While tap is her specialty, she has studied all forms of dance throughout her training at Beutell Dance Center, the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), and Kari James Dance Network.  Additionally she has studied voice with Nance St. James and acting with Susie Wall.

Lisa has also studied tap with the acclaimed St. Louis tap legend Robert Reed and was part of the St. Louis Hoofers Club which toured the U.S. under his direction. She is excited to continue her relationship with the STAGES Performing Arts Academy. [TOP]

KRIS RAMSEY
Kris Ramsey has been performing, studying, and teaching improvisation for over 12 years. He received his degree from Saint Mary's University in Theatre & Speech and has performed and directed various styles of improvisation with Comedy Sportz St. Louis, CITY Improv, Laughs on the Landing, and New Madrid's Fault--which performed limited engagements at the prestigious Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York City. [TOP]

JANA RAMSEY
Jana has worked as an Area Supervisor for the Rockwood School District since August of 2000. She supervises eight of the District’s Adventure Club programs (elementary school), and the 3 Zone programs (middle school).

In addition to working for Rockwood, Jana has been performing improv since 1999. She has worked at Comedy Sportz, CITY Improv, and Laughs on the Landing. 

Before beginning her career with Rockwood, Jana was a lead preschool teacher and then director of the daycare center, Bows 'n Bullfrogs. She has taught improv to children and adults, as well as coached the speech team for Immaculate Conception Grade School. Jana was the educational director at CITY Improv in Union Station, owned and operated her own summer camp, "Camp LottaWatta," for five summers, and was a "Tracker" for the Missouri Division of Youth Services. 

Jana has her BA in Theatre/Communications/Education from Central Methodist University, and is a certified speech and theatre teacher. [TOP]

MELYNDA JANE RICHARDSON
Melynda is the Vocal Music Director at Pattonville High School. In addition to three choirs, she also teaches General Music, Class Piano, and Music Theory. Melynda serves as the Musical Director and Pianist for the spring musical at PHS.  She received her B.M. in Music Education from Southwest Baptist University where she also minored in Theatre.  Her favorite acting experiences include playing the Witch in INTO THE WOODS (SBU), Naomi in NAOMI IN THE LIVING ROOM (SBU), Miss Prism in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (SBU). 

Melynda was an Education Intern at STAGES Performing Arts Academy for the Summer 2004 sessions and has since taught group voice and musical theatre classes.  Growing up in St. Louis Melynda studied piano, voice, and violin, as well as tap, jazz, and ballet. She continues to be involved with music and theatre in the community.  She is currently working on her Masters in Music Education at UMSL. [TOP]

Neal Richardson is a magna cum laude graduate of Belmont University and holds a Master's of Music degree (piano and music theory) from Baylor University with doctoral studies in piano and music theory at University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music. As a musical director at the university level, Neal has enjoyed his work at Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (JOHN & JEN, CABARET, STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW, and BABY) and at Northern Kentucky University (LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, NUNSENSE, THE FANTASTICKS and others). He is very pleased to teach at Webster University where his credits include THE SPITFIRE GRILL, OKLAHOMA!, NO, NO, NANETTE, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, PIPPIN, 42ND STREET, VIOLET, LUCKY STIFF, NINE, RUTHLESS: THE MUSICAL, INTO THE WOODS, A NEW BRAIN and ROGDGERS AND HART: A CELEBRATION. Other teaching opportunities at Webster University include History of American Musical Theatre, Music Appreciation and Music Theory. Neal also teaches voice and musical theatre classes at STAGES Performing Arts Academy and the Webster Community Music School. 

Neal was the composer & lyricist for three original musicals produced by The Imaginary Theatre Company: MY FATHER'S DRAGON, THE BOX WARS and HANSEL AND GRETEL: THE NEXT GENERATION. As a freelance arranger with Hal Leonard, he is responsible for the vocal selections of SPAMALOT, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, BROOKLYN, JERSEY BOYS, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, GREY GARDENS, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE PIRATE QUEEN, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE LITTLE MERMAID as well as many other arrangements for solo piano. His choral music is published by Yelton-Rhodes. 

Neal serves Samuel United Church of Christ as organist/choir director and is cofounder of Early Music Saint Louis. He is editor-in-chief of Africanus Editions, a publishing house producing monographs of music by African-born composers of the Baroque and Classical eras by African-born composers of the Baroque and Classical eras.  [TOP]

JOE SCHOEN

Joe is ecstatic to join the faculty of STAGES Performing Arts Academy! He holds degrees from Webster University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Mr. Schoen has performed with the Muny, Goldenrod Showboat, Six Flags-St. Louis, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and a number of community theatres in the St. Louis area. Musical and Vocal Direction credits include Royal Caribbean Productions, Mustard Seed Theatre, Fontbonne University, Six Flags-St. Louis and countless schools and community theatre productions.

GREG SCHWEIZER
Greg Schweizer received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Webster University . He has performed all styles of music as director, conductor, arranger, composer, organist, pianist, soloist, teacher and voice coach. He has served as an adjunct professor at Webster University in St. Louis and is currently a choral director at the St. Louis Symphony Music School.

He is also currently the music director for the Missouri Athletic Club Apollo Men's Chorus , one of the oldest all male choruses in existence in the United States , the founder and director of the Camerata Singers and has been music director at a number of churches, both Catholic and Protestant. He is currently the Music Director at Visitation Academy and Our Lady of Sorrows Church in St. Louis . He has conducted members of the St. Louis Symphony and St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, the St. Louis Municipal Pops Orchestra as well as been conductor, accompanist and arranger for Broadway star Ken Page , directing a performance at the American Theatre in St. Louis and directing two performances in Tampa, Florida, Ohio State and Milliken Universities along with performances with Mr. Page at the St. Louis Municipal Opera.

He was the pianist and conductor for the VP Ball Orchestra and pianist for the Variety Club Telethon and a performance with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra . He also performed with Vikki Carr in I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road at the West Port Playhouse in St. Louis . He has conducted all styles of music - from Bach to Copland to Broadway musicals and Rhythm and Blues. He is a much sought after accompanist and performing musician as well as voice coach. He has accompanied such greats as Donald O'Conner, Bernadette Peters, Georgia Frontierre, Lou Rawles, Tommy Tune, Kathy Rigby, Rita Moreno, Harry Bellefonte, Andrea McArdle and a host of other local performers. As organist, he has performed with the St. Louis Bach Society in their performance of G.F. Händel's Saul.

He has written and performed music for two exercise videos for Martha Rounds produced in St. Louis, been a vocalist for Chicken of the Sea Tuna , and has traveled around the United States and Canada performing in various venues. Greg has also recently had a number of his arrangements performed on Ken Page’s new double CD, “Page by Page,” and he is now listed in the Biltmore Who’s Who for 2008.

He and his wife Diane and two sons, Matt and Eric live in South St. Louis County. [TOP]

JEANA SMITH
Jeana (Haege) Smith is thrilled to be joining the teaching staff at STAGES Academy. Jeana has been teaching dance and musical theatre to children ages 3-18 for the past thirteen years.

Jeana began dancing and singing at 4 years old. At the age of 9, she moved to New York City to perform the role of the Balloon Girl and the Understudy to Baby June and Baby Louise in the Broadway revival of GYPSY starring Tyne Daly. In 2001, Jeana received her BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Millikin University. After college, Jeana moved back to NYC to dance on scholarship at Broadway Dance Center. During that time, she had the incredible opportunity to tour the country assisting jazz dance legend, Frank Hatchett.

Jeana is currently a teacher and the Head of the Musical Theatre Department at the Professional Dance Center in South County. She has been honored with numerous awards for her choreography at dance competitions both regionally and nationally. Musical Theatre is Jeana's first love and she is so excited about sharing her passion and knowledge with the students at STAGES Academy. [TOP]

MARTY STROHMEYER
Marty Strohmeyer has been teaching speech and theatre and directing at Visitation Academy and Chaminade College Preparatory School for ten years. He holds a BS in Education with a specialization in performance and is currently working on a masters in education with an emphasis in storytelling.

He began directing children in 1992 when he developed and taught children's theatre classes for Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation department for four years. He has acted and directed for various church, school and community groups. Some directing highlights include JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT for the Archangel Players, the opening show for the National Catholic Youth Conference held in the TWA Dome, and TRACERS, a Chaminade production that received first place in the St. Louis district and second in the state of Missouri. Mr. Strohmeyer is the co-founder and artistic director of St. Louis' newest production company for young performers, Shooting Star Productions.

Honors include the 2001 Independent Schools of St. Louis Teacher of the Year, the Emerson excellence in teaching award, and he received best performance awards during his undergraduate work. He is a member of the speech and theatre association of Missouri . He regularly presents teaching and theatre techniques at their conferences and he has presented at numerous teacher conferences across the United States. [TOP]

LARA TEETER

Lara Teeter has performed, directed and choreographed for major regional theatre and opera houses nation-wide. He is currently an Associate Professor and Head of the Musical Theatre Program at the Webster Conservatory for Theatre Arts here in St. Louis. Other academic achievements include the Charles B. Levitin Chair in Music Theatre for the Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University; Assistant Professor for  the Music Theatre Certificate program at Northwestern University; and Full Professor in the Theatre and Dance Department at California State University at Fullerton.  Lara also served as the Artistic Director of Light Opera Works in Evanston, IL, from 1999 to 2004. Lara has been appearing on the MUNY stage for many years in such shows as Singin’ In the Rain, The Wisard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, and White Christmas. He was nominated for a Tony Award and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance in the 1982 revival of the Rodgers and Hart classic ON YOUR TOES performing the role of Junior Dolan, originally portrayed by Ray Bolger in 1936. Other Broadway credits include THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and SEVEN BRIDES for SEVEN BROTHERS. Other roles performed in prominent theatres include Jamie Lockhart in THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, Steven Kodaly in SHE LOVES ME, and Henry Higgins in MY FAIR LADY. National Tours include the role of Don Lockwood in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Will Parker in OKLAHOMA!, and the Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Lara has performed at Lincoln Center with the New York City Opera as Silas Slick in NAUGHTY MARIETTA, and as Herman in THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. In the summer of 2000, Lara made his Carnegie Hall debut performing the role of Henry Higgins in a tribute to the work of Lerner and Loewe, and in the fall of 2001, he made his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut performing the role of Steve Sankey in Street Scene. Directing credits include MY FAIR LADY for Opera Pacific, The PIRATES OF PENZANCE for San Bernardino Civic Light Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Dayton Opera, JACQUES BERL IS ALIVE AND LIVING IN PARIS for the Hollywood Cinigrill, and THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS for the Fullerton Civic Light Opera. Recordings include the original Broadway cast recording of the 1982 revival of ON YOUR TOES, the Gershwin Trust/Library of Congress first ever recording of Gershwin’s Lady Be Good, and the Grammy Award nominated recording of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

Lara and his wife, Kristen, are the proud parents of Charlie, Elizabeth (both 6 1/2) and Katherine (2 1/2). Moving to St. Louis this year has made their family dreams come true and they are beyond thrilled to become part of the ever growing STAGES family! [TOP]

KATY TIBBETS

Katy is a professional actor and teacher based in the St. Louis area.  After moving to New York City, Katy toured across the United States as well as the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon’s Rugrats, A Live Adventure.  Regionally, she has worked with such theatres as Pennsylvania Centre Stage, Great Plains Theatre Festival, Second Street Playhouse, Eighty-Eights and Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 

Katy has been a resident instructor with the Performing Art Academy in Springfield, MO and taught musical theatre workshops for the Missouri Fine Arts Academy.  Most recently, Katy assisted Ed Reggi with the COCA Theatre Company and is thrilled to join the STAGES Performing Arts Academy.  Katy holds a BFA from Missouri State University. [TOP]

LARA TUREK

Lara Turek is a native of St. Louis, MO and received her B.F.A. in Dance from Webster University.  While in college Lara performed with the Webster University Dance Ensemble and participated in several student choreographed works.  She has worked with St. Louis production companies including, Terry Thompson Productions, performed with Legends in Concert (Branson, MO), and Variety!  Music, Memories, & More (Grand Rivers, KY).  She was given the honor of showcasing an original work of choreography in the American College Dance Festival’s Gala Concert (Central Region, 2005). 

Since December of 2005 she has been active as a Radio City Rockette performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for the last two seasons.  In addition to teaching at STAGES Performing Arts Academy, Lara has taught a variety of dance disciplines to many different age levels.  She is looking forward to her first semester with STAGES Academy.   [TOP]

KIM WYLIE

This is Kim Wylie's eighth year teaching at Webster University.  When she's not teaching, Kim writes for museums and publications across the country.  She's had seven plays published, some of which have been produced internationally--most recently in Ireland, Bosnia and Oman.   She lives in Webster Groves with her Technical Director/Lighting Designer husband John Wylie and their two energetic children. [TOP]

NATALIE WISDOM

Natalie is a recent graduate of the Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has performed in numerous productions at STAGES St. Louis including, BYE BYE BIRDIE (sad girl), HIGH SOCIETY, A CHORUS LINE, SHE LOVES ME, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, BIG, CABARET, GREASE, and SNOOPY (Sally).

Some other credits include Liesl in the SOUND OF MUSIC at Broadway Palm West Dinner Theatre in Arizona, and Minnie Fay in HELLO DOLLY at The Little Theatre on the Square in Illinois. Teaching credits include two years at On Your Toes Dance Studio and various classes and camps at STAGES Academy. She has also taught workshops for DuFrenne Academy of Dance and Windsor High School's Colorguard Team. [TOP]

Milt Zoth received his MFA from Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts.    He has worked with The Repretory Theatre of St. Louis, Hot City Theatre, Arrowrock Lyceum Theatre, The New Jewish Theatre, Muddy Waters, St. Louis Shakespeare and St. Louis Actors' Studio   Milt is currently the Artistic Director of St. Louis Actors' Studio and is an adjunct professor for St. Louis University.[TOP]