Meet the Artists

Nikki Amico

Nikki Amico (she/her) is an actor and teaching artist currently based in NYC. She grew up in the DC area and graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama. While at NYU, she studied musical theatre, screen acting and completed intensive training in commedia dell’arte and clown. She has built and implemented creative curriculum for theatre classes, camps, and virtual programs. She is passionate about bringing theatre to unusual spaces and has performed in productions for young audiences everywhere from schools to parking lots. Recently, she helped found Soft Brain Theatre Company and performed in The Raven by Carlo Gozzi at The Chain Theatre. She takes a process-oriented approach to teaching and seeks to uplift learner ideas while nurturing the development of creativity, confidence, and collaboration.

Jamie Askey

Jamie Askey is a NYC-based performer, teacher, and choreographer with a BS in Biology. Her favorite performing credits include HBO’s Gilded Age, Cinderella, Mamma Mia, and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars at Sea. She has enjoyed choreographing musicals nationally such as Annie, Seussical the Musical, and Bye Bye Birdie. Jamie has taught and judged international competitions for dance and loves to focus on technique in order to provide a safe and healthy future for the dancer.

Amy Bateman

Amy Bateman has performed on the national tours of Kanye West, Michael Bublé, and at the Newport Jazz Festival as a member of Marc Ribot's Young Philadelphians. She has toured the United States several times, toured China, and is a member of several orchestras in New York City. She began her professional career when she was 11 years old as concertmaster for the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Sean Bell

Sean Bell is a New York based actor. He prides himself on a multidisciplinary approach to his work, which includes on-camera, straight theatre, musical theatre, dance, and vocal performance. He has been a teaching artist at dance studios and colleges across the country, serving both on faculty and as a guest, teaching musical theater performance, acting, and dance. He is a concert performer as well. Originally from New Jersey, Sean has been a NYC resident since 2006 and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.

Rachel Berkman

Rachel Berkman is an NYC-based singer, actor, and Teaching artist originally from Middletown, NY. Rachel is a graduate of The University Of The Arts and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre. Rachel has a great love for working with children. She has worked for multiple teaching artist organizations where she realized how imaginative and creative those little artists can be. She has done shows with her bands in NYC at Venues like Groove, The Red Lion, etc, as well as done many shows in the Hudson Valley and Philadelphia area where she did a Cher review. She was also in the newly released films Kings and Love You Right. She most recently released her debut single called By My Side. You can find her song on all streaming platforms. For more info about Rachel visit https://www.rachelberkman.com

Jessie Bittner

Jessie Bittner (she/her) is a singer, actor, teaching artist, and multi-instrumentalist based in NYC, originally from Appleton, WI. She began studying violin at age four, gradually expanded her studies to include piano, French horn, and ultimately focused on voice and acting. Jessie is a proud alumni of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she studied Vocal Performance and Musical Theatre with Jane Dutton and Ray Fellman.

She considers herself a multi-hyphenate artist with experience in theatre, opera, choral work, music directing, and training in a variety of instruments. Some recent performance
credits include The Light in the Piazza (Margaret), Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Spring Awakening (Anna/Frau Bergmann), and The Magic Flute (Second Lady). She was also a recent finalist of the American Pops Orchestra’s Next Generation Vocal Competition at Lincoln Center. Jessie is creating avenues to intersect her art with her advocacy for mental health awareness and body neutrality. She offers private voice, violin, and piano lessons, working one-on-one with students to provide accessible arts education. Jessie is beyond grateful to be joining the Inside Broadway team.

jessiebittner.com

Brad Bradley

Brad Bradley has a BFA from the University of Southern California, has taught theatre all over the country and choreographed a number with 100 kids for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2018). Broadway credits include Billy Elliot, the original casts of Spamalot, Annie Get Your Gun, Thou Shalt Not, People in the Picture, Steel Pier and A Christmas Carol. Brad starred as Patsy in the 1st national tour of Spamalot. NYC and Off-Broadway: I Am Harvey Milk, Chita: A Legendary Celebration, Ernest in Love. Recent regional theatre highlights include; Mr. Wormwood in the regional premiere of Matilda, Aaron in the Stephen Schwartz-supervised production of Prince of Egypt, Igor in Young Frankenstein and Bert in Mary Poppins. At age 12, Brad was a back up dancer for Michael Jackson in the Pepsi commercial. His podcast Broadway's Backbone is available on Soundcloud and iTunes. www.bradbradleyofficial.com IG-Brad2ley

Justin Braun

Justin Braun is a NYC-based director originally from Los Angeles, CA. Justin is a graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy’s (LA) musical theatre conservatory and holds an MFA in directing from the University of Memphis. He has toured the country with Missoula Children’s Theatre as a director, working with different schools and theatres in fifteen states. Justin recently directed the Memphis premiere of Be More Chill on the University of Memphis’ Mainstage. In 2017, Justin had the honor to work with Harold Prince and Susan Stroman as their creative team intern on the Broadway musical Prince of Broadway, a retrospective of Harold Prince’s career. www.justinbraundirector.com

Chris Brown Valenzuela

Chris Browne Valenzuela is a Chilean actor, singer and educator based in New York City. An engineer in a previous life, he is a Circle in the Square Theatre School graduate that has most recently been seen leading Arpilleras at Secret Theatre, originating the role of Cooper in the new Jerjian & Block musical Safe & Sound, and starring in Angélica Herrera's Saguaros at JACK. In his native Chile, Chris performed in the National Premiere of Les Misérables alongside international star Homero Pérez Miranda. As well as a performer, Chris is an acting teacher specializing in mask work, a discipline he has taught in conservatories such as Circle in the Square Theatre School and the Terry Knickerbocker Studio. 

Chris Carver

Chris Carver is new to New York City, having recently moved here from Los Angeles. While in LA, Chris was considered one of the top children's acting coaches and worked with companies such as Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. Many of the kids you see working on shows today were coached by Chris. Chris also served as Artistic Director of MASQ Entertainment where he directed over 50 award-winning productions throughout the west coast. Chris was named "Los Angeles' Best Director of the Decade" by Broadway World in 2020 for his work in the theater. Chris is also an accomplished actor, the LA Times named Chris one of the top ten young actors to watch for his work in the play Baby with the Bathwater. Credits include: Our Town... But Wilder (Off Broadway Premiere). LA favs: The Lost Plays of Tennessee Williams (LA Weekly Award), Women Over the Influence (w/ Julie Arenal), The Dying Gaul (LA Stage Scene Award), The Magic Hour (w/ Ed Asner), Baby with the Bathwater (ADA Award), and Falling Upward (Ray Bradbury Prod.). East Coast: original casts of Psycho the Musical and The Legend of Lydia. Regional: The Heidi Chronicles, A Chorus Line, Gypsy, and Greater Tuna (Best Actor- GTL); TV/Film: Parents Just Don't Understand, The Majestic, Surviving Gilligan's Island, and American Dreams. DIRECTOR- Fav's include AfterGLOW (Best Dir of the Decade- BWW), Psycho the Musical (7 BWW Awards), Hair (w/ Julie Arenal), Xanadu (The Strawberry Bowl), Footloose (The Strawberry Bowl), The Women, Stage Door, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (World Premiere). christopherglynncarver.com

Nicole Colbert

Nicole Colbert is a director/choreographer, writer, and educator. She is artistic director of Nicole Colbert Dance/Theatre, a company dedicated to creating a platform for multicultural and multigenerational performers to explore the intersection of dance and theatre. She has shown her work extensively in NYC, New Orleans, and internationally in Denmark and the UK. She holds an MA in Theatre from Brooklyn College and in Dance from the Trinity/Laban Conservatory in London. She studied acting at HB Studio and specializes in movement for actors. She is an Adjunct Lecturer in English at CUNY and a theatre critic for offoffonline.com. Nicole is thrilled to join the faculty at Inside Broadway!

David Couter

David Couter is a theatre artist who believes in the raw power of master storytelling. He is originally from Chattanooga, TN and received his BFA in Theatre from the University of Memphis. As a performer, he has worked in London and all across the US and Canada. His writing has been performed in Dubai, Edinburgh, Memphis, New York City, Seattle and Seoul. When not performing David can be found reading, exploring the outdoors and spending time with friends and family. www.davidcouter.com

Tori Crow

Tori Crow is proud to be on the roster at Inside Broadway! A versatile theatre artist, Tori has experience in writing, composition, acting, singing, dancing, and circus arts, and is the associate producer for New York Theatre Barn's Choreography Lab. She can be seen on stage often as part of the company of Love Creek Productions. Before moving to NYC, she worked on and off stage in theaters throughout Seattle, including four years as an intern at SecondStory Repertory learning about set design, stage management, and theatre administration. Tori is a proud graduate of AMDA NY and a current student at Berklee College of Music. toricrow.com

Alia Cuadros-Contreras

Alia Cuadros-Contreras (she/they) is an actor, singer, dancer, poet, writer, among many other things! She recently graduated from New York University with a B.F.A. in Drama and a minor in child and adolescent psychology. Since graduating, she is excited to have been in various readings and workshops of new musicals, including SCOUTS (Con Limon Productions) and Charlotte Lucas is 27 and Not Dead (Piper Theatre). Offstage, she loves to spend her time helping children discover and express themselves through the arts. She has assisted special needs dance classes, taught children's music classes, and led physical acting classes for high schoolers. She feels deeply fulfilled by seeing how children and young adults gain confidence, self-understanding and the freedom to exist fully as themselves through the arts.

Diana DiMarzio

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Diana DiMarzio has appeared on theatrical and concert hall stages around the world. She was last seen on Broadway in the Tony-nominated musical The Visit starring Chita Rivera and the late Roger Rees. She also starred on Broadway as the Beggar Woman in the critically acclaimed Tony Award winning revival of Sweeney Todd opposite Patti LuPone. She can be heard on both Broadway cast recordings. She recently reprised her role as Beggar Woman at the Michigan Opera and in Munich, Germany (cast recording). She has toured extensively in many national tours, has performed regionally at Williamstown Theater Festival, The McCarter, Ahmanson and ACT and has sung with multiple symphony orchestras. She has a passion for teaching and is enthusiastic about passing on her knowledge of music and theater through Inside Broadway. 

Michelle Dowdy

Michelle Dowdy booked a starring role on Broadway the day after she graduated from high school, and has never looked back! She is known as the youngest actress to ever play everyone’s favorite denizen of Baltimore – Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. More recently, you may have seen Michelle touring the country as the Mistress of the House, Madame Thenardier, in the National Tour of Les Misérables. She has also appeared in the Off-Broadway productions of Marvelous Wonderettes, and Night of the Living Dead (original concept recording available now!!) MAC Award winner (2017 Piano Bar Entertainer of the year). Star of The Girlie Show: Circus & Burlesque (Chicago, Portland) Her acclaimed debut album, A Brass Act is available on iTunes. You can find her on social media @howdymissdowdy

michelledowdy.com

Danny Durr

Danny is a singer/dancer/actor/choreographer. He moved from Cumberland, MD to NYC to further pursue his career as a performer and teaching artist. While in Maryland, he studied dance at Frostburg State University. Upon graduating, he was appointed Artistic Director of the YDance program at the Riverside YMCA. Danny served as the instructor for Beginner-Advanced Dance classes, as well instructing group fitness classes and dance classes for people with disabilities. He has also served as an instructor/choreographer for Life Fitness, Allegany College of Maryland, The Cumberland Theatre, and Brenda’s Body Shop.

Since moving to New York, Danny has taught dance at Josie's International School of Dance, Perfect Fit, and TMPL. He was also a company member of Awaken Dance Theatre created by Rebekka Nodhturft. A company that aims to make bold statements on social and political issues through dance.

Danny has directed/choreographed at such theatres like Arizona Broadway Theatre, Broadway Palm, The Post Playhouse, Millbrook Playhouse, The Wick, Stage Door Theatre, The Mac Haydn, The Cumberland Theatre and several others.

Danny is exciting to be a teaching artist for Inside Broadway, which brings the magic and profession of Broadway to public school students throughout New York. 

Taurean Everett

Taurean is returning for his second year with Inside Broadway! "It is up to me to be the change I would like to see, and Inside Broadway is the perfect platform not only to give back, but to give something special to the students that they can carry with them the rest of their lives." His Broadway credits include Mamma Mia! (Broadhurst Theatre), Miss Saigon (Broadway Theatre), and The Cher Show (Neil Simon Theatre). His national tours and regional credits and concerts include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (first national tour); Thoroughly Modern Millie Concert (The Actors Fund/Minskoff Theatre); Guys and Dolls Concert (Carnegie Hall); and Audrey 2 (in drag) in Little Shop of Horrors (Berkshire Theatre), just to name a few. He has also been seen on the red carpet of the 2019 Met Gala accompanying Billy Porter, as well as a fashion model on Season 18 of Bravo’s Project Runway.

Desmond Fernandez

Actor, voiceover artist, director, and a hilarious story-teller, Desmond is very excited to begin his new journey with the team at Inside Broadway! Desmond earned his B.F.A. in Acting at Otterbein University. Now, as he navigates his artistic career in New York, he is thrilled to be able to share the joyful education of theatre with diverse groups. As a firm believer of full circle moments, all those hours of singing and dancing to “Let it Go” with his little nephews really paid off! For more on Desmond, visit www.desmondfernandez.com

Laura Galindo

Laura Galindo is a musician, actor, writer based in NYC, who last May graduated from NYU with a BFA in Drama. This past summer, she made her professional debut with her band at Ars Nova’s ANT FEST with her musical Annie Aspen’s Musical Space Spectacular! She is a Victory Theatre LabWorks resident for the 2019-2020 season. Her band plays around NYC at an assortment of venues and her EP Tastes Like Dreams is available on all platforms.

Brandon Garegnani

Brandon Garegnani is a NYC-based actor, writer, and teaching artist. He holds an MFA in Acting from UNC, Chapel Hill (NC) and a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. As an actor, Brandon has worked at The Actors Theatre of Louisville, PlayMakers Repertory Co, Little Theatre of the Rockies, New York Shakespeare Exchange and played David Geffen in The Lennon Report (2016). Since moving to NYC, he has pioneered his own work, most recently writing and performing in Scribbles, the award-winning web series. In addition to Inside Broadway, he also works as a teaching artist with SAY (The Stuttering Association for the Young) and Stages on the Sound, coaching playwriting, filmmaking, stop motion animation, and Shakespeare performance. He is happiest making messes, dreaming up stories and exploring the human condition. Learn more at www.brandongaregnani.com

Christopher Gillard

Producer, engineer, and award-winning composer and vocalist, Christopher has been making and recording music and audio since the days of reel-to-reel and cassette. He earned a B.S. in Media Production from Florida State University and is an alum of the Recording, Radio, and Film Connection.Christopher serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the Institute of Audio Research in New York City. A formally trained vocalist, Christopher also plays guitar and bass.

Haley Hannah

Haley Hannah is thrilled to be joining the team at Inside Broadway!  She has performed on Broadway in Bring It On: The Musical, which was nominated for 2 Tony Awards, and was directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler. National tours include A Bronx Tale (Assistant Dance Captain, U/S Rosina), Flashdance the Musical (U/S Alex), and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Swing); all choreographed by Tony award-winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo.  Regional favorites include Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera Chicago), the role of Annette in Saturday Night Fever (Ogunquit Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Cutman: A Boxing Musical (Goodspeed Opera House), A Christmas Story (Fulton Theatre), and playing the role of Virginia in Ben, Virginia, and Me: A Liberace Musical (Acorn Theatre, NYC).  Haley had the opportunity to back up sing for both Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers on ABC and has also appeared as a back-up dancer for Akon and Lonely Island on Comedy Central and MTV.  Her teaching, master class and judging credits include Joffrey Musical Theatre Summer Intensives, Broadway Connection, Beyond the Stars, and Power of Dance. @haleyhannah25. www.haleyhannah.com

Ariana Haylock

Ariana has always been an avid supporter of the arts. Originally from Norfolk, VA, she graduated with her BFA in Acting from Western Carolina University and has most recently studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. In addition to acting, she’s also a director, filmmaker, teacher, and uses movement as a tool for storytelling.

David Holbert

David Holbert is a New York-based actor and freelance teaching artist from Cleveland, Ohio! David graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in 2019 with Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre. Recent credits include: Broadway: The Lion King; Nat. Tours: The Color Purple; Regional: Babes in Arms, Mamma Mia!, Hunchback of Notre Dame, In the Heights, Hair; TV/Film: The Good Cop, The Good Fight. davidholbert.com

Meghan Horrigan

Meghan Horrigan is a professional performer based in New York City. She pursues her dreams by teaching, singing, and learning everyday! Some of her favorite roles include Sr. Mary Amnesia in Nunsense, Erato in Xanadu, and Meg in Little Women. She is overjoyed to be working with Inside Broadway to bring art and inspiration to students in New York!

Abdu Hytrek

Abdu Hytrek is a NYC-based actor who recently made his Lincoln Center debut with the Criminal Queerness Festival's 2022 production of the new play Courage Rebirth by Muleme Stevens. Other recent credits include Borders at the York Theater (Off-Broadway), Nino in Amelie (Chaberlee Theater), By Association (MPAACT Theater), Animals Out of Paper (Theater Wit) and The Realm (Other Theater Company). He also has taught acting and musical theater in both Chicago and NYC for the past 5 years partnering with various theater programs aimed at making the arts more accessible for all communities.

Roberta Inscho-Cox

Roberta Inscho-Cox (she/hers) is a director, choreographer and intimacy choreographer. She holds her MFA in Directing from University of Memphis where she directed The Spitfire Grill, I and You by Lauren Gunderson and A Feminine Ending by Sarah Treem. Originally from California, she worked at Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) as an Outreach Director for their School Play in a Box program for 7+ years, and directed some of their Mainstage musicals such as Annie, James and the Giant Peach, and Once Upon A Mattress, to name a few. You can check out Roberta's virtual episodic production of Troilus and Cressida on IGTV @atwasmedia. 

Maddie Larson

Maddie is so excited to be returning to Inside Broadway! She is a professional singer and actor who grew up in the Bay Area and has now been in NYC for four years. Maddie has worked as a teaching artist for almost a decade with companies such as Berkeley Playhouse, Bay Area Children's Theatre, California Shakespeare Company, and Wingspan Arts. She spent an entire season understudying and performing for Bay Area Children's Theatre in productions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Puppeteer), Elephant and Piggie's We Are in a Play (Squirelle), Judy Moody (Judy), and the award-winning Beautiful Oops! (Alligator). Maddie is also a classically trained pianist and private vocal coach. Arts education has always been so important to her and she is so thrilled to be part of this incredible organization!

Jasmin Malave

Jasmin has over a decade in NYC, but originally comes all the way from sunny Arizona! Her artistic credits run the gamut from acting, voice-over, tech, costuming, and choreography for 50+ shows. Trained at the Atlantic Acting School, she is also an active member of The Story Pirates where they celebrate the words and ideas of children through improv, sketch comedy, and a podcast. Over the last 4 years she has had the privilege of teaching various arts programs at schools all over NYC, and is THRILLED to be making her debut with Inside Broadway! More at JasminMalave.com

David McDaniel

David has been in NYC for the last 12 years performing and directing. David has spent the last 11 summers directing musicals at Belvoir Terrace, an all-girls arts sleep-away camp located in the Berkshires, where he is also the head of the Theatre Department. David has been directing youth theatre since receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Hartt School in 2006. David has toured the country performing for children in Harry the Dirty Dog and Foodplay. He made his Off-Broadway debut in the limited holiday run of Dear Edwina. For more info about Belvoir, visit www.belvoirterrace.com

Adam B. McDonald

Adam Boggs McDonald is an actor, singer, and dancer based in NYC. Born and raised in Las Vegas, he attended the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. He graduated with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2018. As a performer, Adam’s life mission is to create original roles in musicals that celebrate Black Excellence, Racial Equity, and Equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. His latest works included Smokey Joe's Cafe, Painted Alice, Welcome to America, and A Symphony for Portland. Adam is thrilled to continue his work for Inside Broadway and bring his passion for the arts to young artists!

Braddon Mehrten

Braddon is proud to be a 4th generation Californian; now transplanted to New York City for the past 30+ years, he is definitely a New Yorker. With a BFA from the United States International University in San Diego California, Braddon has had an extensive and varied career in both the theatre and academic life. Touring Europe & the United States as an actor in countless productions: West Side Story to My Fair Lady, Cabaret to Oklahoma, to his work with Inside Broadway in the inner-city schools of New York City, he just never stops. As the artistic director of Simply Elementary Inc, he brought his own personal focus on helping kids find their inner strength and overcoming the obstacles of their lives. As a teaching artist for Inside Broadway, Braddon is thrilled to be able to bridge the worlds of theatre and academics to help children and even children at heart live up to their promising potential.

Danielle Medici

Danielle was born and raised in the Bronx, New York and has been training in dance for 16 years. She found her love for dance at Performer's Edge Dance Academy located in the Bronx, NY. Later, she trained at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway Dance Center where she received a certificate of excellence under the training program, Peridance, Unique Soulz under director Megz Alfonso, and multiple California studios with The Hollywood Summer Tour run by Menina Fortunato. With this training, she is experienced in jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater, lyrical, tap, west-African, ballet, Horton, and Graham. 

Danielle’s professional credits include: 2015 NYFW's iconic "Target Style in Vogue", featured dancer in music videos for artists like: Boa Kwon, Natalie Eve Lyons, J. Grace, Frankie J., Danielle Cohn and Lexee Smith, A Westchester Knicks Dancer at the Westchester County Center for 2016-2018 basketball seasons, MTV’s TRL, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade choreographed by NappyTabs, The Forever Freestyle 12 performing with C-Bank, and dancer for Gina Gunz at SOBs. Today, Danielle is a member of hip-hop company Rhythm City Entertainment under Director, Alonzo Williams. 

Jacob Minter

Jacob Minter is an award-winning Composer/Musician/Singer/Actor originally from Vermont. An alumnus of Ithaca College's School of Music (B.M. Composition; 2015), Jacob has worked as an actor and music director regionally in New England (Young Singers' Chorus of Vermont, Commons Group, Lost Nation Theater, Palace Theatre) and New York (Kitchen Theatre), and working as a teaching artist in the NY Metro area since 2016.

Other credits include Composer, Piano/Conductor & Music Director for the Off-Broadway award-winning Gaybraham Lincoln: The Musical (Thespis Festival 2016; Best Score), and scoring the shorts A Christmas Moose (Minneapolis Film Fest 2015; Best Animated Short) and The Art Of Adjustment (Desert Rocks Film Fest 2016; Best Short) as well as other stage and film works. Most recently, Jacob won grants for several artist's residencies in Europe, collaborating with and serving schools and municipal arts programs in Iceland (Nordanbal 2017), Finland (RaumArs 2018), and Slovakia/Hungary (BridgeGuard 2019).

Jake is thrilled to be with Inside Broadway and happy to be back to teaching!

Adriana Nocco

Adriana Nocco is a 2019 graduate of Circle in the Square Theatre School (Musical Theatre Track), and a 2016 graduate of Bryn Mawr College (B.A. in English, minor in Theatre). She has also completed training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London). In NYC, Adriana has performed at Feinstein’s/54 Below, Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, Don’t Tell Mama, 53 Above, and the Triad, and has an extensive background in theatre, musical theatre, cabaret, and concert performance alike. In addition to being a well-seasoned performer, Adriana is a writer, producer, and director. Among her many virtual pandemic projects, a highlight was spending quarantine time co-creating/writing/starring in a musical theatre webshow called “Tunesday: A Virtual Cabaret” (@tunes_day on Instagram). Adriana is the Director of Operations of an independent film and theatre company called First Fire Studios, LLC, through which she writes and produces original work (www.firstfirestudios.org). She is also a published writer whose work, such as “No One Wants A Pit Musician’s Autograph,” has been cited in novels, gone viral on the Internet, and been reposted/circulated by celebrities such as Lea Salonga.

Christopher Noffke

Christopher Noffke is an award winning choreographer/director/performer/educator.  He subs at STEPS on Broadway and is on staff with Man In Motion NYC! Recent directing and/or choreography credits include Guys and Dolls and Grumpy Old Men (Plaza Theatricals, ), Death Of A Shoe Salesman (Hudson Guild Theatre/NYTF), And Then There Were None and Assassins (Associate Dir/The Secret Theatre), and a NYC Reading of Dan Furman’s The Proust Virus.  He was named Best Director for It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and Best Choreographer for Gypsy and The Wedding Singer by DCMetroTheatreArts in 2014 and 2015.  He has directed for Riverside Center for the Performing Arts (The Wedding Singer, Chicago, Footloose, Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Hello Dolly starring Sally Struthers, Full Monty, Dreamgirls, White Christmas, and more), Secret Theatre, Kentucky Rep (Little Women, Yes, Virginia, Oliver, Santaland Diaries), The Navigators, Naples Dinner Theatre, (Chicago, Dames At Sea, Cabaret, Pirates Of Penzance, Victor/Victoria, Funny Girl, Tommy, Bye Bye Birdie) Priscilla Beach Theatre (Dames At Sea), Northern Lights Playhouse (My Fair Lady, My Way, Chicago, Honkey Tonk Angels), and Pines Dinner Theatre (Altar Boyz)!

Chris O'Neill

Originally from Boston, Chris is a New York City-based actor and singer. A recent graduate of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio Acting Conservatory, he also holds a BFA from Emerson College and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.

Most recently seen Off-Broadway at New World Stages, Chris has also toured as a musical theater actor and loves the opportunity to bring the arts across the country, especially in the capacity of working with children and performing theater for young audiences. Favorite roles include The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Jacques in As You Like It, and Don in The Universal Language.

An improv actor as well, Chris has performed in venues throughout New York, working with UCB, Improvisation News, and IRTE. He’s taught sketch writing for IN Studios and has had his work performed by teams across the city.

As a singer, Chris has performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, The Kennedy Center, and as a soloist at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. His vocal style is self-described as a strange combination of Billie Joe Armstrong, Bernadette Peters, and Taylor Swift.

www.chrisoneillofficial.com @mrchrisoneill

Jay Paranada

Jay Paranada is a multi-disciplinary artist born and raised in Seattle, WA. He was most recently seen in the Broadway First National Tour of Aladdin as Iago. Other notable credits include The Baker in Into The Woods, The Engineer in Miss Saigon, Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls. He has worked extensively in the development of new musicals, including Daniel Green/Lezlie Wade’s The Remarkable Journey of Tianguo (dir. Darren Lee, ad. Alan Muraoka), Huey Lewis and the News’ Heart of Rock and Roll (dir. Gordon Greenberg), Henry Kreiger/Willie Real’s Ninja (dir. Bill Condon) and labs with Prospect Theater Company, New York Musical Theatre Festival, BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, NYU Grad Writing and Musical Theatre Factory. 

He is a conservatory graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University. He’s the proud father to his 5 year old daughter Lily and husband to Scott. He is honored to be returning as a teaching artist for Inside Broadway and believes in the power of arts education to move lives. More info at www.jayparanada.com and social platforms @jayparanada.

Joseph Perez-Caputo

Joseph Perez-Caputo is a stage and film actor, writer, and martial artist, who has written screenplays for independent films and was hand chosen to write a screenplay for a United States Marine about his Vietnam service. He recently returned from London where he studied in West End On-Demand’s West End Academy Intensive, a three week West End Musical Theatre audition and performance preparation boot camp.

Joseph graduated from the University of Bridgeport in 2016 Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Martial Arts Studies, and is a cross-trained martial artist and physical performer. As a child, Joseph began his martial arts journey with Shotokan Karate through the Naugatuck YMCA, Boxing through Joe Triano’s Golden Gloves program, and Hamzy Ketsu-ka under Sensei Troy Bond Sr. of Bond’s School of Self-Defense.

Through U.B., Joe gained two years of Haidong Kumdo fencing training under Master Albrand Jo of HMK Kumdo of NJ, two years Tai Chi ‘Chuan under Sifu Zegibe and Sifu Schwindt MD of the NYC based CK Chu Tai Chi school, and three years of Judo training under Coach Chris Angle of Classical Judo Institute in Stamford CT, all while also cross-training in school workshops and open mats for Muay Thai, Xingyiquan, Wing Tzun, and Taekwondo, as well as Master Chris LaCava’s Hapkido seminars. Joseph attained a SAFD certification for Unarmed Combat through the school of Neutral Chaos Combat, currently trains with Jared Kirby and the New York Combat for Stage and Screen.

Today, Joseph teaches Chowakai Karatedo-Harmony by Karate, as an apprentice to John P. Mirrione. Joseph is a 1L Evening Division student at New York Law School, with a long-term intention of studying entertainment law. His goal is to de-romanticize the “starving artist” and help change policies, systems, and contracts to ensure New York City becomes a more equitable, accessible, and financially safe environment to be a working artist.

Joseph is also the founder and Proprietor of First Fire Studios, LLC, which seeks to platform storytellers of all crafts, embrace original and revitalizing content, and empower artists by putting them in the driver’s seat of their own careers, financially and creatively. First Fire’s mission is to gather together communities and tell representative stories with a social impact and financial reinvestment into the communities and topical issues in which the stories are inspired by or subject of.

Maranda Folmer Quinones

Maranda began her ballroom career 24 years ago teaching children for Arthur Murray’s in Longwood, FL. Not long after that, she was fortunate enough to dance the Viennese Waltz, among 20 other couples, in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics. She then went on to earn her ballroom certifications with the ISTD, (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) which is recognized worldwide. While still living in Florida, she taught for Stetson University’s Royal Ballet Company, The World Dance Arts Foundation, founded by Andrew and Ana Smart, Starlight Ballroom, Paradise Ballroom and started her own “Out” dancing program for same sex singles and couples. In 2005, she moved to New York and began teaching at Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport. During her 8 years at DS, she became Studio Manager, head of the teacher training department and choreographer for both professional shows as well as pro-am. In 2009, Maranda and her then partner Franklin Ayala won 1st place in the Triple Threat Category (Hustle, Salsa, Swing) at IHSC and the New York Hustle and Salsa Congress. That same year, Maranda and Werner Figar performed together at the IHSC’s professional show. In 2012, Maranda then began her new journey with Dance With Me Studios, co-owned by Dancing with Stars Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy and Tony Dovolani. Over her 6 years there, she managed DWM Ridgefield, DWM Fort Lee and DWM Midtown which was Top Studio in the company during her tenor. She became Social Dance Director and travelling resident coach for all 11 locations across the country. In 2014 she was chosen as a core dancer in the show SWAY: A Dance Trilogy staring Dancing with the Stars Tony Dovolani, brothers Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy, Peta Murgatroyd and American actress Zendaya.

Thalia Ranjbar

Thalia Ranjbar is a Persian- Salvadoran-Canadian multidisciplinary artist presently based in New York City. With her focus being in theatre and film, Thalia is a screenwriter, librettist, director, and choreographer with a passion for elevating and developing stories that include voices of queer and BIPOC communities. She is a recent graduate of New York University where she earned the distinction of Master of Fine Art from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Immediately after, Thalia was 1 of 12 international participants selected for the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project, where she received mentorship from Crag Carnelia, Andrew Lippa, Lindy Robbins, and Autumn Rowe. Previously, Thalia received her Honors Specialization in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, where she avidly studied theatre and dance as well. Thalia’s theatrical writing has been developed and presented by Feinstein’s 54 Below, Rattlestick Playwright’s Theatre, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Melodye Redding

Melodye is a believer that dance can improve your mood, revitalize your day, boost your self-confidence and therefore change your life! From a young age Melodye has been involved in both performing and teaching dance. Some performing highlights for her in the last few years include being a member of ALMA NYC and performing in GYPSY of the Year with the cast of Come From Away. When it comes to teaching she has enjoyed training and teaching multiple genres including Musical Theater, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet and more to dancers of all ages. Her choreography and classes are a reflection of her passion to help everyone find freedom, strength, expression, and community through dance! She is super excited to be a part of the Inside Broadway family and is truly looking forward to investing in and working with their amazing programs, schools, and students. 

Elizabeth Robbins

Elizabeth Robbins (she/her/hers) is an NYC-based actor, writer, stage manager, and teaching artist. Originally from Madison, WI, she has worked with educational theater programs across Wisconsin and NYC to inspire empathy, creativity, and collaboration in the next generation of artists. Teaching credits include work with the Children's Theater of Madison, Creative Muse, Skyline Theatre Company, and the Imogen Foundation. As a performer, she specializes in revitalizing classic works for contemporary audiences, and developing new work for children and adults alike. She is also the co-founder of Inkblot Theater Co., whose productions of her radio adaptations of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women can be heard on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. BFA NYU Tisch.

Torrey Rodriguez

Torrey Nicholas Rodriguez has had a repoire with Inside Broadway for over 8 years. Graduating from Mercy College with a B.A in History, Torrey has worked with students ranging from 6 to over 65 with Inside Broadway . With several years of experience working with multiple theatre programs: (Salesian High School - Director) ( Local Celebrity Theatre - Director) (City Island Theatre Group - Director).Torrey has worked on many different musicals locally and with students ranging from High School to Kindergarten. When he is not working with Inside Broadway, Torrey spends the other half of his year working with Irvin Simon Photographers, a leading organization in school portraits. Torrey is excited to be working with Inside Broadway this year, and hopes to see you at one of his next shows with Inside Broadway.

Logan Rowland

Logan Rowland (he/him) is a singer/actor/musician/dancer from Pittsburgh, PA. He started acting at the age of 9, and landed his first Broadway gig at the age of 12 in The Addams Family (U/S Pugsley). Since then, he has done many Off-Broadway productions such as Little Miss Sunshine (Dwyane Hoover) and regional productions like Treasure Island (Jim Hawkins). After graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre, he has continued to audition, explore a passion in music, and for teaching the next generation of talented artists.

@logan_rowland

www.loganrowland.com

Rachel Sabo-Hedges

Rachel (she/her they/them) is an actor and director with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University. She has a deep and innate love for storytelling and has only expanded that love through Inside Broadway! Rachel has found passion in lifting up new voices and since being in New York has been a part of many new works and new development projects (Morbin' Time: Parody Musical, Ships: The Musical Trilogy, Forget I Said Anything). Rachel also enjoys trying new foods, running, and tap dancing!

@rachelksabohedges

rachelsabohedges.com

Michael Schloegl

Michael Schloegl is a New York City based artist.  He is one of the founding members of Vital Theatre Company in NYC.  He works regionally and internationally as a director-choreographer (Footloose, Grease, The Wizard of Oz, Bring it On!, Legally Blonde, Nunsense 2).  Michael has performed throughout the United States and Europe in shows such as; West Side Story, Oklahoma, The Will Rogers Follies, and A Chorus Line.  He is also a costume designer, playwright, and children's book author/illustrator for, The Chrismouse Series.  With his production company, Already Cast Productions, he has toured throughout the East Coast with his interactive educational show, History Time Henry.  As a theatre and dance educator, Michael has taught a wide spectrum of performers from professional to elementary students.

Michael-Anthony Souza

Michael-Anthony is a performer, director, and creator proudly residing in Harlem. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University/Tisch School of the Arts where he studied acting at The Atlantic Theatre Acting School and musical theatre at CAP21, he went on to perform abroad at the Old Vic in London and around the world as a lead vocalist with Royal Caribbean. Along with touring the country with TheatreWorksUSA, Michael-Anthony has performed works with FringeNYC (Standby: The Musical), The Movement Theatre Company (And She Would Stand Like This), The Atlantic Theatre Company (Books Cook), and Westchester Broadway Theatre (Sister Act).  

Michael-Anthony became a teaching artist with the NiteStar Program in 2012 and then went on to direct full musicals at CK Kids American Dance and Drama Camp for the past eight years. In 2017, he joined Toes for Dance in Canada as a teaching artist, showcasing and guiding works in the process. In 2019, he was the associate director for T. Adamson’s The Straights at JACK Theatre in Brooklyn, NY and during the pandemic, he joined the writing team at The After Image Theatre Company. This past spring, Michael-Anthony signed on as 1st AD for Not Looking: The Series and most recently assistant directed Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors with The Boomerang Theatre Company.  Michael-Anthony enjoys being apart of the Inside Broadway Team.

www.michaelanthonysouza.com 

Erin Spears Ledford

Erin is thrilled to begin her third year as a Teaching Artist with Inside Broadway. As a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, Erin began her career performing in theaters throughout the United States. On the National Tour of Oliver Erin performed the role of Mrs. Sowerberry and went on as the Understudy to Nancy. Her favorite regional credits include Anita in West Side Story, Meg Brockie in Brigadoon, and Bomballurina in Cats. Erin played herself in the Japanese nationally televised reality show Broadway Dreams in collaboration with Japanese pop sensation AKB48. One of her favorite appearances was in The Muse Machine Alumni Concert at The Players Club in NYC, hosted by Susan Blackwell. Erin has combined her years of performance experience with her passion for performing arts education in order to inspire the next generation. As a teaching artist with Inside Broadway, Erin strives to enrich the future of her students by using theater to teach self-confidence, teamwork, patience, and creativity.

Vanessa Spica

Vanessa is an Actor, Singer, Teaching Artist, and voice teacher born and raised in NY. Vanessa has performed in new works, readings, and concerts with Prospect Theatre Company, The Second Act Series at 54 Below, Astoria Performing Arts Center, New York City Children's Theatre, The National Arts Club, and Rockwood Music Hall. Her favorite regional credits include Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank. Recently, she toured the country with Camp Broadway working as both a teaching artist and performer. She has worked with New York City Children's Theatre as both a teaching artist and performer as well. Vanessa has trained extensively in classical voice, holds a B.A. in Theatre from Queens College, and has studied intensively at Broadway Dance Center and HBStudio. She is extremely devoted to working with children in the realm of musical theatre, and is especially passionate about creating a safe and fun environment for children to discover and hone their love for music and theatre. She is absolutely thrilled to be working with Inside Broadway! http://www.vanessaspica.com

Kevin Taylor

Kevin is a proud Non-Binary performer and teaching artists (They/Them pronouns) based in NYC. Originally from Mesquite, TX, they hold a Bachelor of Music in musical theatre and a minor in directing from Oklahoma City University. Before graduating college, they were the after-school coordinator for theatre arts in six Oklahoma City public schools. New York Credits include Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter to Broadway (Lunt-Fontane Theatre), Stonewall: The Opera (World Premiere with New York City Opera), Bruise and Thorn (2022 New York Time’s Critic Pick), and have danced with Broadway Bares directed by Jerry Mitchell for the past three years. Kevin is also a passionate vogue dancer being trained by Ballroom Icons such as Cesar Valentino, Luz Yamaoto, and Omari Oricci. They also made history as being one of the first non-binary brides featured on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress. When not performing they spend their time volunteering and cultivating the LGBTQIA+ youth in NYC.  Kevin’s mission is to always provide a safe space for all students to come in exactly as they are. They strive to allow the potential of one’s true self and talent to always shine through.

Bianca Teresi

Bianca Teresi is a professional actor, musician, writer and teaching artist. She graduated from University of the Arts with her BFA in Musical Theatre in 2015, and since has worked in professional theatre all over the country. Some of her favorite credits include Shrek (Mama Ogre/Dragon), Les Misérables (Fantine), and Spamalot (Lady of the Lake). She has been a teaching artist for over 5 years. She has taught with various companies such as; Anselmo Music Academy, The Broadway Originals, School of  Rock, and now is thrilled to be working with Inside Broadway. It is her personal mission to inspire young artists by approaching her students with empathy and a passion for the arts.  

Britton Williams

Britton Williams, MA, RDT, LCAT, is a registered drama therapist, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and psychoanalytic candidate. She currently works in private practice in New York City and in acute care with adults and adolescents at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Britton has published and presented on: the impact of assumptions,biases, and stereotypes on individuals, relationships and communities; creative and embodied approaches to self-assessment; and developing a relational-role theory framework and protocol. Additional practice and research interests include: ethics, client-centered care, de-escalation tools, and self-care.