Meet Our Teaching Artists
Children's Theatre of Charlotte is proud to work with some of the finest theatre arts educators in the country. Their personal creative drive and professionalism in our classrooms inspire young people to excel on stage, and in life. Our team includes theatre and education professionals who create challenging and fun lessons for students. If you have any questions about our Teaching Artists, please contact EG Engle, Director of Education.
Karen Steele - Resident Teaching Artist Pronouns: She/HerKaren graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. She has taught theatre education, dance, and music to children and adults for many years. While in Charlotte, she has worked for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, the Afro-American Cultural Center, Arts Teach, Blumenthal Performing Arts, and Community School of the Arts. She is also a professional singer, dancer, and actor. Karen believes that the class experience at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte helps children of all ages sharpen their theatre skills! Teaching Areas: Side-by-Side, My Spotlight, Acting Adventures, Young Explorers, Create-a-Play Teaching Since 2012 |
David Barnaba Pronouns: He/HimDavid Barnaba has been involved in music for as long as he can remember. He's been teaching piano lessons since we has 16. Dave has been an elementary music teacher in Cabarrus County for 25 years! In addition, he has worked at CTC in Various roles since 2011! Teaching Areas: Varies Teaching Since 2011 |
PJ Barnes Pronouns: He/HimPJ Barnes is super excited to join the CTC family this year! PJ graduated with a BA in Theatre with a concentration in performance from UNCW in 2010. Since then he's been able to direct and choreograph shows all across the country. Along with theater and stage production he has over a decade of experience teaching Hip Hop dance, which he loves to incorporate in his choreo. He's taught acting for the camera as well, and has produced several feature films, short films, and web-series. PJ also runs a sketch comedy troupe, is on an improv team, and has years of experience doing stand-up comedy! Teaching Areas: Triple Threat, Rising Stars, Center Stage, Broadway Bound Teaching Since 2025 |
Haven Bradam Pronouns: She/HerHaven Bradam is from Dayton, Ohio and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2019. Haven has a Masters in Elementary Education, Masters in Public Administration, Bachelors of communication with a major in theater and a double specialization in children’s theater/puppetry and acting/directing and an Associates in Theater Performance. Haven acting career started when she was 9 years old and took her first theatre class. From that moment on she was hooked into performing. Teaching Areas: Creative drama: My Spotlight and Acting Adventures Teaching Since 2024 |
Danielle Burke This will be Danielle Burke's third year teaching with Children's Theatre of Charlotte.She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Arizona. After graduation, She spent 6 years performing in Chicago where her favorite performances were Once Upon a Mattress and Tomfoolery, An Evening with Tom Lehrer. She then spent 7 years teaching both Choir and Theatre in San Antonio Texas. While there, she was the Music Director on such shows as Grease, Seussical, Sleeping Beauty, Dear Edwina and the Director for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Legally Blonde. Since moving to Charlotte, She has performed on stage with Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, and Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Most recently, she has been the director for the Onstage program directing 42nd Street, Bye Bye Birdie and Children of Eden.Teaching Areas: MT Company, Rising Stars, Triple Threat Teaching Since 2022 |
Trace Casanova Pronouns: He/HimTrace Casanova has been teaching children of all ages since 2020. He started with the Mr.MusicMan Company teaching preschoolers about instruments, music theory, and dancing to fun songs. Trace has taught Summer Camp at CTC for 2 years and is a frequent performer in their season. Teaching Areas: Swing Teaching Since 2024 |
McKenzie Coleman Pronouns: She/HerMcKenzie Coleman is an elementary general music teacher who loves choral singing. Outside of the classroom, she directs the Opera Carolina Academy Chorus and sings as a member of the Opera Carolina Chorus and One Voice Chorus. McKenzie got her Bachelor of Music Education from Norfolk State University and has lived and made music in Charlotte since 2015. Camps Taught: Performance Camps Teaching Since 2025 |
Leslie Cossor Pronouns: She/HerLeslie began her training at Children's Theatre of Charlotte, continuing in private training, master classes, and at UNCSA, UNCC, with graduate work at Guildford School of Acting (GSA), located in Guildford, UK. Leslie has worked locally, regionally, off Broadway and with Cirque Du Soleil. She specializes in voice in movement based in Fitz-Maurice and Linklater voice work, Laban, Bartenieff and Alexander movement techniques, and Yat and Meisner acting techniques. Teaching Areas: Broadway Bound and Acting Co Teaching Since 2022 |
Olivia Edge Pronouns: She/HerOlivia Edge has worked as a professional actress and teacher for 25 years. You may have seen her frequent the stage performing at Theatre Charlotte, CPCC, and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. She is a cast member of Charlotte Squawks, and a middle school teacher. Olivia is a graduate of Vanderbilt University where she earned degrees in theatre, English, and History. She is also the proud mother of two amazing teens. Camps Taught: Primary Camps Teaching Since 2019 |
Michael Eubanks Pronouns: He/HimMichael is a middle school and high school theatre teacher for Covenant Day School in Matthews, NC. He has an undergraduate BFA in Acting from East Carolina University, and a Masters of Theatre Education from the University of Houston. Michael has also studied at the Lincoln Center(NYC), the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (London) and the Actors Studio of Chicago(Chicago), and is excited to rejoin the CTC family! Teaching Areas: Theatre Lab Teaching Since 2024 |
Tommy Foster Pronouns: He/Him/HisTommy has been acting for over 30 years and studied here at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte before finishing high school at the University of NC School of the Arts. He earned his BFA in Musical Theatre from University of Michigan, and his MFA in Classical Acting from Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting. He’s performed in regional theatres up and down the East Coast, internationally on cruise ships, on television, in commercials (for Nickelodeon & Food Lion), and won a Bistro Award from Backstage for his cabaret work. He also works as a professional director/choreographer, dialect coach, fight choreographer, and maintains a studio of private students. In addition to CTC, he’s directed and taught for Carolina Actor’s Studio Theatre, Old Courthouse Theatre, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Davidson Community Players and is formerly an Assistant Professor at Catawba College. He teaches Shakespeare, Musical Theatre, Voice & Speech, Dialects, Mask, and Clown. Teaching Areas: Acting Styles: Shakespearen Text, Broadway Styles Teaching Since 2015 |
Gabrieal Gonzales Pronouns: He/HimGabrieal Gonzales is a professional opera singer and has been teaching general music for 21 years (K-12). He graduated from Texas Tech University with a vocal performance degree and Masters in Music. He holds teaching licenses in both Texas and North Carolina. He's musically directed for CTC, including Mean Girls Jr.(2024), CATS Jr. (2023) for Onstage and Tomás and the Library Lady. He is continuing a new music program for CMS at Piney Grove Elementary. Teaching Areas: Rising Stars/Broadway Bound Teaching Since 2024 |
Kiesha Jennings Pronouns: She/HerKiesha is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who enjoys working with the youth. She started out as a self-taught dancer before adapting into the professional world. She has choreographed for local shows, studios, and theater companies and travels in the dance competiton dance scene as part of the events production team. As she steps into her new role as Director of MyGym Kids Fitness Bl she hopes to the bridge gap of artistic dance and creative play within the community. Teaching Areas: Creative Movement/ Tiny Toes Teaching Since 2023 |
Brandon Johns Brandon J Johns is an actor, singer, and music director that has been working in theatre, on and off stage for almost 20 years. He has a BA in Trumpet Performance from Virginia State University. After graduating, Brandon toured with Virginia Repertory Theatre on Tour, performing in 40 of the 50 states. He also taught General Elementary Music in Virginia for 2 years. Brandon has been seen as an actor in many shows at CTC including Annie, Shrek, and Elephant and Piggie's We Are In A Play!
Teaching Areas: Foundations Broadway Bound Teaching Since 2025 |
Noah Marcum Pronouns: He/HimNoah Marcum is thrilled to be back at CTC for another summer! During the year, you can find Noah teaching theatre at Castle Heights Middle School in Rock Hill, SC. He loves coffee, video games, and his cats, Levi and Pancake! Camps Taught: Early Childhood Camps, Primary Camps, Performance Camps Teaching Since 2023 |
Madia Medico Madia Medico is a passionate theatre educator with five years of classroom experience in the public school setting. Madia has been a teaching artist at CTC for about six years now and has worked summer camps, SOTT, and OnStage. Madia can be seen around CTC house managing in addition to teaching this year!Teaching Areas: Tech Team, Makeup, Acting Studio, Auditions Teaching Since 2020 |
Shawnna Pledger Pronouns: She/HerA teaching artist, actor and activist. Shawnna has been working with diverse groups of young people for over 20 years. She has worked with students around the world (England, Ireland, Canada, the U.S.A. and beyond) creating theatre. She has a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Oregon, studied devising and physical theatre at the Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theatre and holds a Masters Degree in Educational Theatre from N.Y.U. with a focus on Applied Theatre. Shawnna has worked as a teaching artist and Actor at theatres across the country such as San Diego Rep, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, C.A.S.T., Theatre Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, Paperhouse Theatre, and the Actors Theatre of Charlotte. Teaching Areas: An Actor Prepares Teaching Since 2017 |
Jennifer Poarch Pronouns: She/HerJennifer is excited about spending the week with funny, creative and successful campers. When she is not at CTC, Jennifer enjoys performing, directing, choreographing and teaching all over the United States. Camps Taught: Primary Camps, Performance Camps, Teen Studios Teaching Since 2019 |
Sarah Provencal Pronouns: She/HerSarah is a theatre director, educator, actor, intimacy choreographer, and sound designer. After getting her MFA in Theatre Pedagogy at Virginia Commonwealth University, she worked and trained in London, England and then found herself in Charlotte where she taught for Winthrop University for 8 years. She has directed for many theatres in and around the Charlotte area. She is currently a theatre arts teacher at Northwest School of the Arts. Camps Taught: Primary Camps, Performance Camps, Teen Studios Teaching Since 2016 |
Titus Quinn Pronouns: He/HimTitus is a theatre teacher, director, and actor. He went to Winthrop University and studied a theatre education. He is currently the theatre director at Fort Mill High School. He has also worked at CTC for over seven years both in house management and the education department. Camps Taught: Primary Camps Teaching Since 2021 |
Ericka RossEricka Ross is excited to join the teaching staff with CTC. She is a graduate of UNC- Chapel Hill (BA) and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (MA) and has performed on stages across the US and London, UK. Ericka first joined the CTC family as a performer in 2009 and has been in several shows such as Drama Club, Alice in the Palace, Narnia the Musical and School of Rock. Ericka also teaches with GAP Initiative and has several shows opening into the Spring of 2025. She is excited to assist her students in personal and artistic growth for their amazing futures.Teaching Areas: Center Stage and Acting Studio Teaching Since 2025 |
Kimberly Saunders Pronouns: She/HerKimberly is an English professor at Central Piedmont Community College. She recently directed The Last Five Years at Old Courthouse Theatre as well as The Innocents with Post Mortem Players. This summer she will be performing in OCT's Ten-Minute Play Festival where her short play Toute Mort will also be featured. Camps Taught: Primary Camps Teaching Since 2025 |
Kyle Garrison Shawell Pronouns: He/His/HImKyle Garrison Shawell is a versatile artist, excelling in choreography, performance, and dance education. With formal training from prestigious institutions such as the University of Arts, Theatre West Virginia, and Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, he studied under esteemed mentors like Milton Myers, Ronen Koresh, and Ruth Adrien. Kyle teaches at Open Door Studios, enriching students with his dynamic movement style. His choreographic work spans jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, and Horton-based modern dance, with standout productions including Once on This Island, The Wiz: The Golden Road, and Annie at Children’s Theater of Charlotte. As a guest teaching artist across North and South Carolina, Kyle’s dedication to dance education is furthered by his pursuit of a Master of Arts in Dance Education at UNC Greensboro. Recently named an A+ Fellow for North Carolina Schools, Kyle continues to impact the dance community significantly. Teaching Areas: Musical Theater Dance Teaching Since 2023 |
Chester Shepherd Pronouns: He/HimChester Shepherd is an actor and director, and the co-founder of Shepherd Shakespeare Company. He has an MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University. Acting credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (ATC), Jackie and Me (CTC), and Much Ado About Nothing (Paperhouse Theatre). Directing credits include As You Like It (SSCo) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (ATC). Teaching Areas: Pre-Pro Teaching Since 2016 |
Miles Thompson Pronouns: He/HimMr. Miles is a current M.P.A. student at UNC Charlotte, where he also received his B.A. in Theatre Performance. He wears many hats including actor, director, stage manager, advocate, and educator! Some of his favorite performing credits include Schoolhouse Rock Live! (CTC), Danny, King of the Basement (CTC), A Soldier's Play (Free Reign), and Young Frankenstein (Matthews Playhouse). He is excited for another amazing year here at Children's Theatre of Charlotte and can't wait to make magic with you! Thank you for supporting the arts! Teaching Areas: Tiny Toes, Creative Movers, OnStage Prep, Swing Teaching Since 2022 |
Megan Tsurumaki Pronouns: She/HerMegan holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Hailing from Orlando, FL, Megan spent many years music directing and directing educational and professional productions at Orlando Family Stage, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and she served as Director of Outreach at the Winter Park Playhouse for nearly a decade. She especially loved her stint as Performing Arts Department Chair at Maret School in Washington, DC where she taught choral music and conducted at really fun venues like the White House and the National Cathedral. Megan is currently the theatre director at Gaston Day School and most recently music directed the 2024 OnStage production of Children of Eden at CTC. Teaching Areas: Advanced Technique: Auditions Prep (spring)/ OnStage MD Teaching Since 2024 |
Breana C. Venablé.jpg) Pronouns: She/HerBreana is a May 2018 graduate of Hollins University where she received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Playwriting with a concentration in Dramaturgy. She was a 2022 Creative Renewal Fellowship finalist which allowed her to go on an experimental journey of exploring multiple artistic mediums of storytelling to usher creative expression and ancestral healing through theatre. She is currently workshopping her newest work, an Afro-futuristic memoir play titled Unpacking Pt 1. Teaching Areas: Theatre Lab. New Works. Create A Play. Acting Studio. Rising Stars Teaching Since 2024 |
Morgan Wakefield Pronouns: She/HerMorgan is a professional choreographer and actor! Having choreographed performers of all levels and ages, Morgan has also performed with CTC in Narnia: the Musical, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Allie Kazan and the Magic Mansion. Other credits include Julius Caesar (Mark Antony), A Chorus Line (Judy), and Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel). Teaching Areas: Sub, Onstage Prep Teaching Since 2023 |
Julie Weir Pronouns: She/HerJulie holds a BA in Musical Theatre from James Madison University and an MFA in Classical Acting from Shakespeare Theatre Company. As an actor, she has performed across the country with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, The Barter Theatre, Folger Theatre, and numerous other regional theatres and tours. She is grateful for the opportunity to wear many hats at Children's Theatre of Charlotte including Teaching Artist, actor, and OnStage director. Teaching Areas: Acting Company Teaching Since 2023 |
Pamela Phifer White Pronouns: She/HerPamela is an arts educator with over 35 years of experience teaching dance, music, and theater to youth of all ages. A Charlotte native, she was formally trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance. Her passion for performance continued at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she danced and choreographed for the Opeyo Dance Troupe and earned her B.A. in Communication Studies. While Pam worked for a time in office administration, she would continue to pursue her creative passions during off hours and weekends. Her love for the arts and working with youth grew into a full-time career in arts education, working with organizations like Afro-American Children's Theater, NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and co-founding Portraits of Color, Inc. (1993-2003). Pam has been a teaching artist at Children's Theatre of Charlotte since 2019, working with School of Theatre Training (SOTT), OnStage, and Summer Theater Camps. Teaching Areas: Rising Stars Teaching Since 2020 |
