PRIVATE LESSONS (all ages)
Lessons are offered on a session basis beginning September 12;
mid-session enrollment is pro-rated.

Private Lesson Fees:
Instructor - $22 per ½ hour; $44 per hour
Master Instructor - $27 per ½ hour; $54 per hour

Current Instructor List
Acting/Monologues – John Moletress(Master Instructor)
.............................. Steve Reazor (Master Instructor)
.............................. Michael Shoeman (Instructor)

Voice – Deborah Stimson-Snow (Master Instructor)
........... Margaret Curry (Master Instructor)
........... Katie Pomon (Instructor)

Piano – Jason Schafer-Valerius (Master Instructor)
........... Katie Pomon (Instructor)

Guitar– Russ Ferrara (Master Instructor)
Flute – Sarah Fralich (Instructor)
Music Therapy – Julie Keller (Instructor)

Want to Register?
Visit www.tripac.org to download group and private registration forms, complete and mail with payment to: Tri-PAC P.O. Box 1325 Pottstown PA 19464

~OR~

Contact Steve Reazor at steve@villageproductions.org or by phone:
610.970.1199 to schedule a time to come in and register in person.

~OR~

Coming in for another class, lesson, rehearsal, or a show? Drop off completed registration forms with payment with the receptionist in the box office, or in the black Drop-off Box that is attached to the first desk on the second floor.

20011-12 INSTRUCTORS

Leena Devlin, Instructor/Facilitator
(Director of 2010 production of 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD), has been involved in all aspects of theater for more than 25 years, including numerous onstage roles such as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL and Maggie the Cat in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Leena did her undergraduate work at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, VA, and then went to New York and did a two year certificate program at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She has spent many years working at various community theaters, most notably serving on the Board at Barley Sheaf Players in Exton, PA. Through her theater career, she has functioned in almost every backstage role including stage manager, producer and director.

B.J. Ellis, Instructor, is the Executive Director of The N Crowd, a short form improv comedy troupe that produces a weekly improv show in Philadelphia. Since being cast the troupe at its inception in April of 2005, B.J. has helped the troupe perform over 200 times in the Philadelphia area. Although originally cast as a performer, B.J. has assumed several positions within The N Crowd over its history including the Assistant Production Manager, Company Manager, and Business Manager before taking over the reins of Executive Director in December, 2007. As Executive Director, B.J. handles the troupe's satellite bookings, updates the website, and maintains the financial records, publicity, and other logistical needs. Before his involvement with The N Crowd, B.J. was the director and host of Edinboro University's Deviant Behavior, a weekly short form improv troupe produced by University Players, the student lead theater club. Today, B.J. is widely regarded as one of the top short form specialists in Philadelphia.

Russ Ferrara, Private Guitar Instructor, began his musical career forty five years ago at age eight as a soprano soloist in the church based Pueri Cantores. He began guitar studies at age twelve and by the age of nineteen was performing a mix of blues, jazz, folk and instrumental guitar music at college and university coffeehouses. It was at this time that he developed an interest in classical guitar and set out on a course that would take him to Philadelphia for a twenty five year professional career. As a member of The Philadelphia Guitar Ensemble, Mr. Ferrara performed throughout the Eastern Seaboard, recorded a historically important album of music for four guitars and won a grant from the Pennsylvania Arts Council to perform new music for four guitars by Pennsylvania Composers. An artist's residency with the Philadelphia Guitar Ensemble at Drexel University led to an appointment which eventually became a full time teaching position which he held for ten years. Mr. Ferrara's eclecticism took him from the symphonic stage (Reading Symphony, University of Pennsylvania Contemporary Players) to jazz and rock recording sessions to medieval and renaissance music Swarthmore College Collegium Musicum, Pifarro). In the early nineties he pioneered the use of MIDI technology and synthesizers as applied to the guitar in a polyphonic setting and remains a leader among classical guitarists in the use of this technology. During his time at Drexel University, Mr. Ferrara developed a curriculum for guitar inspired by aerobics exercise classes. This curriculum proved to be highly successful in developing a strong technique for guitar players in a very short time. Mr. Ferrara has held teaching positions at East Stroudsburg University, Immaculata College, Eastern College, Bucks County Community College, and the University of the Sciences.

Patti Garver, Instructor/Facilitator, has a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling and a B.S. in Business/Liberal Arts from Neumann College in Aston, PA. She has also obtained certificates in psychodrama/constellation therapy, holistic assessment, energy awareness training and spiritual mentorship. She has counseling experience in both private and hospice settings. In addition, she has studied voice, dance, and piano and has performed with many local theater and singing organizations. She is currently a member of the acclaimed Valley Forge Chorus of Sweet Adelines International and is in the process of writing a children's play. She also teaches adult classes at Neumann College. Her belief is that creativity and the creative arts offer a path to selfexpression, intuition, imagination, and inner awareness, which can lead to a more functional, joyful, and meaningful life.

Tony Giruzzi, Instructor, has been involved in theater for over 20 years. He is a graduate of the University of The Arts in Philadelphia with a BFA in Performing Arts, and is a professional singer and actor. Tony has also taught classes at the Upper Main Line YMCA and theater camp for Village Productions. When not in front of an audience, he serves as a producer and builds props and sets. Currently Tony is working for Village Productions and 11th Hour Theater Company in Philadelphia as Props Master.

Aaron Gould (Director of 2010 production of A NIGHT OF DAVID IVES ONE-ACTS) has worked on over 150 productions in over 20 different theaters, in nearly every capacity. He began his directing career in 1996 as assistant director of THE SHADOW BOX at Forge Theatre in Phoenixville. Since then he has directed at Forge Theatre and at Dramateurs productions of PROOF by David Auburn, DINNER WITH FRIENDS by Donald Margulies, HOT L BALTIMORE and TALLEY’S FOLLY by Lanford Wilson, THE REAL THING by Tom Stoppard, ALL IN THE TIMING by David Ives, and BEYOND THERAPY by Christopher Durang. In 2007, he directed Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS and in 2008 directed ASSASSINS by Stephen Sondheim. For Village Productions, he directed a script-in-hand production of Neil Simon’s JAKE’S WOMEN and in 2009 directed SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION at the Tri-PAC. 

Rick Horner, Instructor, is 57% of Whipsuit, a Philadelphia improv duo, and has been involved in countless improv projects in and around Philly. Rick is an Instructor and House Team Director for Philly Improv Theater's Activity Book. Rick also runs the Incubator, a weekly improv gymnasium for all improvisers in Philly and the surrounding area to meet, socialize and play together. Rick studied at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and has taught classes and workshops in Philadelphia and at Bucks County Community College.

Ken Kaissar, Guest Instructor (Director of 2010 production of NOISES OFF) holds a BFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University, an MFA in playwriting from Columbia University, and has served on the artistic staffs of The Goodman Theatre, the Florida Studio Theatre and the Rattlestick Theater. Ken’s directing has been seen in New York City at The Culture Project, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, The American Globe Theatre, Theatre Row, and The Epiphany Theatre Company where he recently directed a new production of A DOLL’S HOUSE. This past year he was commissioned by Columbia University to adapt THE CANTERBURY TALES to the stage.

Deedee Mann, Instructor, is a graduate of Wright State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. Her degree included training in acting, choreography, dancing, kinesiology, pedagogy, and singing. Dance styles included ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. She is continuing her vocal training through private instruction. As a resident member of the tap and percussive company, Rhythm In Shoes, in Dayton, Ohio, she taught 4 year olds to 64 year olds. While touring with Rhythm In Shoes, she also had the opportunity to teach in middle schools and high schools across the country. Although teaching classical ballet is one of her favorites, she loves encouraging her students to explore creative and abstract movement using props such as scarves, exercise balls, rhythm sticks, and story lines with colorful and zaney characters, She supports students through positive encouragement and revels in their amazement and surprise.

Scott Minor, Instructor, graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater. Scott is originally from CA and has performed and directed children’s theater in many states throughout the country. Scott is passionate about teaching drama, particularly Shakespeare, to children in order to help them build life skills that will serve them in every future endeavor. In 1999, Scott founded his own theater company, Developing Stages, teaching Shakespeare performance to children as young as 9 and has been doing it ever since. Last Spring, Scott performed in his first show with Village Productions: A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING. Other performing credits include Littlechap in STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF!, Frederick in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Robert in COMPANY, Al in A CHORUS LINE, Jesus and Judas in  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Neville in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. Scott lives in Pottstown with his wife Becky and their three boys, Riley, Gabriel and Benjamin.

Neal Newman, Guest Instructor (Director of 2010 production of RAGTIME) holds an MFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University and an MA in Education from Cabrini College. Over the past 40 years, has directed extensively in classical, Shakespeare, modern theater, musicals, and opera. He trained as an actor at California State University, and trained in Shakespeare at ACT of San Francisco, where he directed A CRY OF PLAYERS, and THE CRITIC, and acted the title role in RICHARD II. He trained as a director at Carnegie Mellon (AH WILDERNESS), and the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. He directed many Off-Broadway productions in New York (DANCE ON A COUNTRY GRAVE, CRADLE WILL ROCK, ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD); ran a summer stock company (ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, TAMING OF THE SHREW); and directed five seasons of Shakespeare in the Park in Philadelphia (MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, HAMLET, HENRY IV). Opera productions include many by Gilbert & Sullivan, BOHEME, and CARMEN. He was a New York Critic for Show Business Magazine for 7 years, and continues as a record producer.  Mr. Newman has taught and directed at The Walnut Street Theater, Fordham University (TIME OF YOUR LIFE, FIGARO); University of the Arts (SEAGULL, CRUCIBLE); Cabrini College (CABARET, 2 GENTLEMEN OF VERONA); and the UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (MIKADO). 

Kathryn Pomon, Private Voice Instructor, is a native of Pottstown and a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University with degrees in Bible and Vocal Performance. She has studied piano for 14 years and voice for 12 years. As a teenager, Kathryn competed in the Word of Life Teens Involved Competition and placed first in the vocal soloist division and second in the drama division during the National competition in Schroon Lake, NY. While in college, Kathryn traveled with the University Chorale and performed around the United States, Poland, Czech, and Germany. In 2002, Kathryn also has recorded and traveled with the PBU. In addition, she has performed in various oratorios such as Messiah, Elijah, Brahm’s Requiem, and Haydn’s Creation. Kathryn has composed/arranged for piano and voice. She has also orchestrated excerpts of Debussy's Des pas sur la neige for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon (2008), Clementi's Sonatina Op. 36, No. 1 for string quartet (2008), Stravinsky's Ragtime for piano (2008), and Debussy's En Sourdine for full orchestra (2008). Kathryn has performed in many plays and musicals, with principal roles in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (Dianna), and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde). More recently, Kathryn has performed at venues such as The Kelch House in Bristol as well as Hibachi at Penn’s Landing singing jazz standards. Kathryn teaches First Grade and Music (K-8) at at Beulah Baptist Christian Day School. 

Steve Reazor, Instructor, has a Master’s Degree in Theatre/Communications from Indiana State University and has worked professionally with ISU Summer Stage, Rainbow Dinner Theatre, Lexington Shakespeare Festival, Mt. Gretna Theatre, and Lexington Children’s Theatre, where he also directed and taught classes. He has performed, written or directed over 100 shows from Paducah, KY to Phoenixville, including directing such shows as STUART LITTLE, HONK!, 101 DALMATIONS: KIDS, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, and AS YOU LIKE IT. He also thoroughly enjoys teaching his fourth grade class with the Wyomissing Area School District where he conducts summer theater workshops and directs junior high productions. Favorite stage appearances include Charlie in THE FOREIGNER, Harpo Marx in MINNIE’S BOYS, and the Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ. 

Nancie Sanderson, Instructor (Director of Senior Follies), has a BFA in Musical Theater Performance from University of the Arts as well as an extensive body of work that includes national tours, regional, and local theater, and is an American College Theater Festival / Irene Ryan nominee. Her performance techniques are drawn from many technical masters including Meisner, Linklater and Alexander. Additionally,  Nancie has performed with musical actors including Anna Christy, Jose Llana, Joy Franz and Chuck Wagner. Nancie also is a private vocal and acting coach to students of all ages. Performance credits include National tour - Encore Attractions MY WAY; Regional Theater - The West Virginia Public Theater, Fairy Godmother in CINDERELLA; at The Prince Music Theater, Cookie in ANYONE CAN WHISTLE and Ensemble in CANDIDE; at La Commedia, Tzeitel in FIDDLER,  Elsa in SOUND OF MUSIC, Ginger in WHOREHOUSE, and Wicked Witch in WIZARD OF OZ. Other: Rebecca in RAGS, Woman 1 in PUTTING IT TOGETHER,  Anna 1 in SEVEN DEADLINE SINS, Fraulein Schneider in CABARET Aunt Blanche in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, Amanda in THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Nancie looks forward to giving each performer the tools needed to present dramatic, comedic and musical material naturally and without fear.

Jason Schafer-Valerius, Private Piano Instructor, has been an active musician for over 30 years and returned to graduate school at West Chester University in 2005, studying piano with Dr. Richard Veleta. There he performed on many honors recitals, and graduated with a Masters in Music in Piano Performance in 2008. Jason was one of only two WCU graduate students invited that year to join the local chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda as music honorary. Jason was raised in Manhattan, Kansas, where he was named the outstanding musician of his graduating class in high school, studying piano with Dr. Robert Edwards at Kansas State University for several years. Jason was a piano competition winner in both high school and college, performing in honors recitals and receiving the KSU faculty honor of Outstanding Student Musician for each of his four consecutive undergraduate years. While majoring in Piano Performance, he also minored in Vocal Performance, assisting as substitute conductor for the KSU Concert Choir and performing the role of Ferrando in several performances of a college production of Mozart’s COSE FAN TUTTE. After receiving his BM in Piano and Vocal Performance, he continued to study music composition at KSU, and has composed pieces for voice, choir, chamber instruments and ensembles. Some of his compositions won state competitions and went on to compete at the national level. Jason continues to perform in and around West Chester, and currently balances his full time job with private instruction.

Mike Shoeman, Instructor, is an instructor, actor, and Life Coach specializing in the actor's personal and career development. Most recently he completed the theatrical production of ALMOST, MAINE with Village Productions, which was directed by Brian Drillinger of the prestigious Larry Moss Studios in Los Angeles, CA. Mike created and produced AMERICAN ACTOR, the first fully interactive reality show, last year for New Century Television. Serving as Producer for Cultivating Intuition for Actors, Mike has enjoyed working with instructor Scott Evans and Mike Lemon Casting. After realizing one of his greatest dreams, that of facilitating successful dramatic acting workshops for the mental health industry, Mike brings the lessons and stories learned from those experiences to his Will to ACT programs. In addition to teaching with Village Productions, Mike has taught through Stage Coach Schools, Totem Pole Playhouse, Cumberland Valley School of Music and the Harrisburg Opera Company. Mike has guest lectured for The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, The Institute for Spiritual Entertainment of Los Angeles, and through Mike Lemon Casting. He has an extensive performance resume that spans 20 years acting in all genres: Drama, Sketch Comedy, Shakespeare, Improv, Farce, Film and Musicals. He is an acting coach who employs the Meisner Technique and original forms of Creative Improvisation.

Mary Lee Slemmer, Instructor, has had a passion for music, singing, and movement that has led her to a life of teaching, directing, and performing. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moravian College and continued studying voice and music education, earning her Master’s Equivalency Certification through study at Villanova University, West Chester University, Southeastern Massachusetts University, The Aspen Choral Institute in Aspen, Colorado, and in private lessons. Her love of dance and music led her to summer dance camps in Massachusetts and West Virginia where she concentrated on English Country Dancing, Contra Dance, and piano accompaniment of English Dance. She is a professional soloist at St Peter’s Church in the Great Valley in Malvern, PA. Other professional experience singing soprano includes St. Martin–In-The-Fields Church in Chestnut Hill and The COLLEGIUM MUSICUM of the University of Pennsylvania. Mary Lee has taught extensively in the public schools, most recently in the Perkiomen Valley School District, Collegeville, PA. Her experience also includes directing the Preparatory Chorus of the Bel Canto Children’s Chorus, Red Hill, PA. Since childhood, the sound of children singing beautifully has remained her inspiration, and singing and dancing to delightful music, her desire.

Janet Stimson (Visiting Artist, Director of 2009 production of HONK!), is a veteran singer and actor of stage and television. Ms. Stimson began performing and directing in the 1960's with her sister Deborah where they ran a barn theater called The Patch. She studied drama at The University of Washington and dance with Karen Irving at The Cornish School of Allied Arts. In voice, she worked with Roberta Manion and George Fiori of The Seattle Opera. Janet turned pro when she played daughter Chava with Kurt Kazner in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in the 70's. She played Eliza Doolittle opposite Noel Harrison (Rex Harrison’s son) in MY FAIR LADY and Nimue to Howard Keel's King Arthur in CAMELOT. Other roles include Kate Hardcastle in SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER (Conservatory Theater, Seattle, WA), Mona Kent in DAMES AT SEA and Polly Peachum in THREE PENNY OPERA (Skid Road Theater, Seattle, WA), Vera Claythorne in TEN LITTLE INDIANS (Tacoma Actor’s Guild, Tacoma, WA), Mrs. Jaffet in NOAH’S FLOOD (Seattle Opera), and Lady Larkin in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Wade James Theatre, Edmonds, WA). Apart from performing and directing, Janet has composed many songs with collaborators Deborah Snow and Karen Janes amongst others, and her Penny Songs are available through Alberta Keys Publishing. Over the years, Ms. Stimson has directed several children's shows as well as many Opera in Miniature productions. Most recently, Ms. Stimson was the director for Village Productions’ A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING in Fall 2007.

Deborah Stimson-Snow, Artistic Director, Group Instructor, Private Voice Instructor, has been instrumental in bringing musical productions to our region and supporting the development of Village Productions and the Tri-PAC. She attended the Music Academy of West in Santa Barbara, received a Bachelors of Music from the University of Washington, and a Masters Degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Her vocal awards include first place in local and regional National Federation of Music Clubs competitions, first place in the New Jersey National Association of Teachers of Singing competition, and third place in the East Side Music Festival of Seattle. She has served as Stage and Music Director for a multitude of productions and has appeared in numerous roles in operas, oratorios, and musicals. Examples of her work include, in the opera arena, directing and adapting Humperdink’s HANSEL AND GRETEL, Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO and THE IMPRESARIO, Menotti’s THE TELEPHONE and numerous operatic scenes. Debbie has directed a variety of Broadway musicals as well, including SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, THE FANTASTICS, FREE TO BE YOU AND ME, ROMANCE ROMANCE, OLIVER!, QUILTERS, and a Gershwin and Porter Review. Debbie was Director of Music for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County and for the Media Chamber Chorale for many years. She also has conducted major choral works such as Faure’s REQUIEM, Dvorak’s MASS IN D, Rachmaninoff’s VESPERS, and Haydn’s CREATION. She has taught Music Appreciation and Piano at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia for many years, and maintains a private voice studio in Blue Bell, PA.

Latasha Whitmore, Instructor, is a graduate of Messiah College with a degree in Theatre Arts. Latasha spends most of each year performing as a professional singer/dancer. In one of her most recent shows, she could be seen “pony-ing” her way around North America and Japan on the International Tour of HAIRSPRAY. She just returned from, Arizona where she played the role of Charlaine in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN. Other past professional credits include, AIDA (Nehebkah/Aida), SEUSSICAL (Bird Girl), BIG RIVER (Betsy), and RAGTIME (pas de deux dancer) to name a few. Latasha is also an accomplished dancer and, when not performing, she keeps busy by teaching dance and theatre classes for several studios throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

STAFF

Marta Kiesling, Executive Director

Deborah Stimson-Snow, Artistic Director

Rebecca Shoemaker, Operations Manager/Registrar

Leena Devlin, Production Manager

Gina Stango, Marketing Director

Carcheri Gingrasso, Tech Director

Beth McGee, Box Office Manager

Betsy Scott Chapman, Public Relations Manager

Linda Powell, Office Administrator

Phil Richards, Facilities Manager

 

Private Lesson Registration Form: click here

Instructor and Staff Bios: click here

Policies and School Calendar: click here