CAITLIN ALLEN    Drama Instructor

Caitlin recently graduated with a degree in Theatre Studies from Guilford College, where she appeared in many plays, including Trojan Women (Hecuba), Ah, Wilderness! (Lilly Miller), The Exonerated (Sunny Jacobs), and Marisol Heroines in 2005 and collaborated on the direction of Bonjour, la, Bonjour in 2009. Since graduation, Caitlin has continued to pursue her passion for teaching and the performing arts while at New Garden Friends School, where she worked as an extended care teacher. In addition, Caitlin has been heavily involved with the Gesundheit! Institute, a non-profit health care organization started by Dr. Patch Adams. She has been clowning around the world with Patch for years and is currently working with the Institute as a liaison to Maria’s Children, an arts rehabilitation center in Moscow, Russia. Caitlin is thrilled to be a part of Performing Arts Programs, and she looks forward to working with this session’s talented students.

LAUREN CAVANAUGH    Drama Instructor

Lauren received her MA in Educational Theatre at The Steinhardt School, NYU in 2006 and her BFA in Musical Theatre at The Hartt School, University of Hartford. She directed and co-wrote “Land of the Babydolls” which she produced at Nicu’s Spoon Theatre in New York City. She also directed “Lovers and Thieves”, at the Roy Arias Studio through Zenbaby Theatre Co., the theatre company she founded in New York in 2008. Her short play “Honey & Candy” was produced by the Gallery Players in Brooklyn, NY in 2009. The Thirteenth Street Repertory Company produced her play “Nunchuck Ninja Nuns” in March 2008, where it had a successful run of eight weeks. She enjoys her career as a playwright but finds teaching her most satisfying work. As a teaching artist, she has worked with Periwinkle National Theater, Arts To Grow, Wingspan Arts and Americorps through Pace University, using creative techniques to teach children Drama, Poetry, Literacy, ESL, Art and Music. She has developed several new plays with children for performance in New York City public and private schools. She is very enthusiastic about using elements of improvisation, playwriting, and creative play to enrich the educational experience of children in the Performing Arts Program.

SARAH CHAET    Drama Instructor

Sarah has loved theatre her whole life, and even received a degree for her passion. Concentrating in directing, Sarah graduated from the University of Rhode Island. She then completed internships in North Carolina and central California, working as assistant director on major theatrical productions such as Mrs. Warren’s Profession and the world premiere play Bloody Blackbeard at Triad Stage and White Christmas, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Les Miserables at the Pacific Conservatory for Performing Arts. Sarah also toured to California’s central coast schools as stage manager for adaptations of Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins and Francisco Jimenez’s The Circuit. Her family has long expected the transition to teaching, and she’s looking forward to teaching acting to children and young adults.

KRISTEN PALMER    Drama Instructor

Kristen Palmer is a playwright and arts educator recently relocated to this area from Brooklyn, NY.  She has over 15 years experience developing and teaching theatre and creative arts programs in Atlanta, New York City, rural Kansas, Seattle, Washington DC, Minneapolis, England and Virginia.  From 2005 – 2008 she was a full-time teacher at Brooklyn Free School, developing the elementary program there and leading a writing program for all students, and before that she worked as a Teaching-Artist and Program Manager with the Creative Arts Team in NYC. As a playwright, she has received a Jerome Fellowship, been a finalist for the O’Neill Festival and her plays have been produced in New York City, LA, Washington DC, Seattle and Poughkeepsie, NY.

She holds a MA from NYU where she studied Educational Theatre and a BA in Dramatic Arts from Bretton Hall College, in Yorkshire, England. 

CHRISTINE POLAND    Dance Instructor

Christine Poland began dancing with Jenny Rocha in 1995 and in 1998, became a founding member and the managing director of Rocha Dance Theater. During her years with the company, Christine has assisted the productions of Gaining Voice, Ponder Me, Not so Soft in NYC, RI, and Boston. She graduated with honors from Roger Williams University with a BA in Dance Performance Studies. Christine has performed with Sonia Plumb, Works/Laura Glenn, and Joseph Albano of Hartford, CT. After moving to NYC, she began performing for many small pick up companies getting exposure to the NYC dance scene. In 2005, she joined Hedi Latsky in Club Riot as “Valkeries”, this production took place at LaMama Experimental Theater. Performance credits include dancing for Monica Bill Barnes, Mary Fullam, Full Force Dance Productions, Guta Hedwig, Noel MacDuffie, Oil and Water Productions, Vanessa Paige and Angela Jones. Theatrical dance productions include Shirley and the Tropicana, Fishbowl, Her Mom’s Feet, and Queen Juniper all of which were directed by Christine Henry and choreographed by Jenny Rocha. She has also co-choreographed STUCK with Jenny. This piece has been presented at such events as Dancers Responding to Aids, Dixon Place, New Dance Group and Spoke the Hub. During 2000 – 2003, Ms Poland was a guest choreographer for Creative Arts Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Her choreography has also been in a silent film short by Christian Zuccoro, Serenity. In 2005, Christine had the great pleasure of dancing as the evil seagull for Gary Shore of RI in Ode his silent dance film. She has just completed a full season with Cornerstone Playhouse in Mystic, CT. 

JAIME MORANO    Dance Instructor

Jaime recently returned to CT after performing in the National Tour of "Magic Tree House: The Musical." Jaime attended the Hartford Conservatory as a Musical Theatre Major and later received a BFA in Theatre at Central Connecticut State University. She has been teaching theatre and dance throughout Connecticut since the age of 17. Jaime currently works as a performer at The Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Fairfield County and an acting teacher/choreographer at C.A.S.T. Children's Theatre. Jaime is very excited to share her experience and love of theatre with Performing Arts Programs!

Madge O’Toole has worked in Theatre as a Director, Actor, and Teacher for over 10 years in cities such as London, UK, NYC, NY, and Portland, OR.  Her work has developed and matured over the years in part to the training received by such artists as: Ben Whitely (musical director for CATS on Broadway), Japan’s NOH theatre traveling group, Richard Crawford (Cirque Du Soleil), and Nigel Hess (Musical Director for the Royal Shakespeare Co. UK).  She is currently the Drama Teacher at Memorial Middle School in Middlebury, CT and is excited to work with The Performing Arts Program for the first time this fall.

KIT NOVOTNY    Drama Instructor

ASHLEIGH HERNDON    Dance/Drama Instructor

Ashleigh Herndon graduated from Catawba College with a degree in Musical Theatre and minors in music and dance.  Some of her favorite professional credits include The Lost Colony (Jane Jones/ Dancer), Cinderella (Florabelle), Funny Thing Happened…Forum (Tintinabula), Where The Wild Things Are (Max), and Jesus Christ Superstar (dance ensemble). She also performed in three national tours with Theatre IV Children’s Theatre: Stone Soup, A Christmas Carol, and Thumbelina. Ashleigh has an extensive dance background and served as an assistant teacher with Success America Dance Convention and a teacher for Steppin’ Out Dance Academy in Salisbury, NC. Currently she teaches dance for Off The Floor Dance Productions in Woodstock, CT.

LENKA PICHLIKOVA    Drama Instructor

Lenka is an actress, director and teacher active in Connecticut. She studied dramatic arts at Charles University in Prague (MFA), and, in the US, acting with Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof and mime with Marcel Marceau.  Lenka teaches at SUNY Purchase and Fairfield University and has also taught at the STW School of Performing Arts and in the Youth Drama Program at SUNY Purchase. She has acted in numerous Off-Broadway and Equity Regional productions, was featured in twelve European films and over forty television roles, and most recently, appeared in featured roles in the independent films, "Apples" and  "Trophy Kids," as well as onstage in her one-woman show, "Katie Luther."  Lenka is well-known for her schools performances throughout Fairfield County and the New York suburban area.  She is happy to be working with Performing Arts Programs.

KATHLEEN MAHAN    Drama Instructor

Nick Checker, graduate of the University of Connecticut (BFA), has written a number of independent films that have been produced and shown in cinemas and made successful film fest rounds throughout the country. Nick has also written a controversial historical play, "Elegy For An Icon," that premiered at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT -- and was later adapted for use in an Emmy award winning documentary, "Mystic Voices." In addition, he wrote a play that was published by Eldridge Publishing, Florida -- "Kangaroo Court," a dark satire where animals put humans on trial. The play continues to be produced in various sectors of the country every year.
 
Most recently Nick wrote the screenplay for the award winning film, "The Curse Of Micah Rood," which stars Ron Palilo formerly of the old "Welcome Back Kotter" TV series. Firesite Films premiered the film at Niantic Cinemas in Niantic, CT last December and it has been shown a number of times at cinemas and at prestigious film festivals. The next screening is at Olde Mistick Village Cinemas on October 30th, 2008.
Nick has performed in numerous plays and independent films and also teaches writing and acting to students in an age range including children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens. He takes pride in the knowledge that a number of his students have gone on to utilize the crafts of writing and acting in their own pursuits.

Aaron has been annoying his friends, family and neighbors with his loud banging on the piano ever since he was tall enough to reach the keys.  It’s only been recently that this enthusiasm has resulted in a bachelor’s degree from Clark University with a degree in Music Composition and Theory.   During his time there he studied under John Aylward and Matt Malsky and was the music director of several shows, including a student written production.  He has twice attended the VCCA sponsored Etchings Music Festival in Auvillar, France and the soundSCAPE Festival in Maccagno, Italy.  He looks forward to studying at the California Institute of the Arts in the Fall, and aspires to one day share his love for music by teaching full time. 

Emily is so thrilled to be apart of the PAP community! She is currently enrolled at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, where she is in the BFA Acting program and is enjoying every minute of it. She was apart of PAP’s Performing Arts Youth Collective for two years which helped solidify her love for the theater.  She has been apart of various theater productions throughout CT, and when she is not performing on stage, she tries to see as many shows as possible!

STACEY CURTI    Drama Instructor

Stacey Curti has had a dedicated career in the performing arts, with over 20 years experience as a performer, instructor and manager. Originally from California, she grew up performing in children’s theater and community theater, started choreographing productions and teaching acting classes at the age of sixteen, and continued her love of the performing arts by earning a BA in Drama from the University of California at Irvine. After relocating to the east coast, she worked in arts management for several years as the Programs Manager for New York City Dance Alliance, the Company Manager for New York City Theatrical Events, and then the Managing Director of The Play Group Theater in White Plains, NY. She currently directs and choreographs children’s theater productions for Crystal Theatre in Norwalk, CT and is excited to join the Performing Arts Programs team this fall.

Stephanie is an actress, singer and dancer who has performed in the Boston area and throughout Western Massachusetts. She has attended Berklee College of Music in Boston for voice and Circle in the Square Theater School in NYC for Musical Theater. She has also received her Associates in Early Childhood Education and taught preschool for the last four years in Western Mass. Some of her favorite roles have been Nellie in South Pacific, Mrs. Walker in The Who’s Tommy, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Marion in The Music Man and Sally in Cabaret. Stephanie is excited to share her great love and joy for the theater with her students.

Brad has received a BA in Performing Arts/Theater from Eastern Connecticut State University, he's performed in productions throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York City. Recently Brad has become interested in improv and looks forward to continue studying this new passion. He is excited begin sharing his knowledge and love of theater to his students.

DARLENE VILLANOVA    Drama Instructor

Christin L. Goff is originally from Newport, Rhode Island which is where she began her stage career at age four in the Newport Players Guild production of The Trojan Women.  Since that time she has performed at several community theaters in the New England area, including The Powerhouse Players in Connecticut, Quannapowitt Players in Massachusetts, and The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theatre and 2nd Story Theatre in Rhode Island.  She graduated magna cum laude (2004) from Rhode Island College where she dual-majored in theater performance and elementary education, and in 2008 completed a six-week intensive at the Atlantic Acting School in New York City.  Some of her favorite roles have been Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Catherine Sloper (The Heiress), Barbara (Major Barbara), Jessie (’night Mother), and Maggie (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof).  She lives in Cranston, Rhode Island with her family and pets and is very excited to be working with Performing Arts, Inc.

SARA KESSLER    Dance Instructor

Sara is a native of Colchester, CT. She is a 2010 graduate of Dean College where she majored in Dance. While at Dean, she served as president of the Residence Hall Association and the hip-hop dance team “Break tha Silence.” She was a leader in many student productions including the Dean Choreographer’s Showcase, the annual Dean at Patriot’s Place Event, dance team shows, and the Break the Silence Fashion Show. Her performance experience includes the Albano Ballet Company of America production of the The Nutcracker, and the Pioneer Valley Ballet productions of Firebird and Sleeping Beauty. Sara has taught several local dance teams and has served on the faculty of other dance studios and municipal after school programs. 

LAUREN ANNALDO    Drama Instructor

Lauren is currently attending St. Lawrence University and is looking forward to finishing her senior year with a BA in Performance and Communication Arts and a minor in Gender Studies.  During her time at SLU, she has worked with students teaching them acting skills and educating them the importance of the arts. Lauren was able to work alongside professional actors such as the winner of the 2008 Best Playwright, Clay McLeod Chapman. She has recently directed the annual murder mystery, The Deadly Brief Case and a 10 minute play, I Know Your Crazy, Taj say’s so. She hopes to continue to work and be involved with theater while also working with children professionally.

JACQUELINE SEREBRANI-KESNER    Drama Instructor

I am an interdisciplinary arts educator, drama specialist, theatre director, playwright and writer. In addition to teaching, curriculum development and private consultation, I have lead artist-in-residency programs Off-Broadway, in regional theatre, for public and private schools and universities. My work spans cross-cultural populations including students with learning differences. Much of my work also focuses on social issues that have deep significance for students at all strata of society. I am currently Director of Creative Arts Enrichment, an interdisciplinary arts company that provides residency programs, teaching training and individual and group consultation/workshops. I am also a Creative Director at Auracana; a film, television and digital marketing/content development company. I received my bachelors from SUNY/Loughborough University UK, and a Master’s degree from Emerson College, Boston, MA. I believe students of all ages learn best through a thoughtfully guided process that ignites their interest in learning. When a teacher carries an enthusiasm and interest, so too will their students.  I strive in my work to wake people up, to really see…to live fully, to love learning completely, from the inside out.

KACEE STAITI   Drama Instructor

Kacee graduated from Stonehill College with a BA in Communications and a minor in Elementary Education, where she was actively involved with the Stonehill Theatre Company (both on and off the stage). Kacee has experience as a performer, assistant director, assistant stage manager, props master, sound/light board operator, and costume coordinator. She has taught acting classes for the Operatunity Performing Arts Center and The Orpheum Academy, and serves as a member of the Executive Board for The F.U.D.G.E. Theatre Company of Boston/Wakefield. She was recently nominated for two “Distinguished Achievement and Special Honors” awards from the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres for her supporting role in The F.U.D.G.E. Theatre Company’s production of the musical I Love You Because, (a Boston area premiere production) and for her work as Co-Props Master for a production of Bat Boy: The Musical. Some of Kacee’s favorite performance credits include: Into the Woods (Little Red Ridinghood), The House of Blue Leaves (Bananas Shaugnessy), Urinetown (Little Sally), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Protean). Kacee is excited for the opportunity to share her enthusiasm and love for theatre as a teacher with Performing Arts Programs.