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 Years Teaching at CTC: 14 Favorite Play or Musical: Far too many to narrow it down to one, but the very first play I saw at the age of two was Oklahoma! Favorite Food: Chicago-style deep dish pizza Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I performed at and taught a workshop for the National Black Theatre Festival. |
Breana C. Venablé - Resident Teaching Artist.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 Years Teaching at CTC: 2 Favorite Play or Musical: Tina - The Tina Turner Musical Favorite Food: Wings with Bleu Cheese (I'm from Buffalo and I'm very pick about my wings) Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I got to be Judy Blume's assistant on "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" production What do you love about teaching? I enjoy walking along students as they discover new aspects of themselves and their art. |
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 Years Teaching: First year Favorite Play or Musical: Little Shop Of Horrors Favorite Food: Steak n Potatoes Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Can breakdance What do you love about teaching? Just loves working with kids. It keeps me young! |
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 Years Teaching: 2 years Favorite Play or Musical: Our Town Favorite Food: Pistachios and cheeseburgers Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I have been to over 100 concerts What do you love about teaching? I love getting to work with students on performance |
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 Years Teaching: 4 teaching, more including sub or camp Favorite Play or Musical: Come From Away Favorite Food: Dessert - mainly fresh strawberry cheesecake Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Fun Fact - I went to 10 schools during my K-12 education. (military family) What do you love about teaching? Love seeing the moment that a concept "clicks" in a student's brain. That moment is priceless - the look on their face, the smile, the straightening of the spine and walking a little taller. And I was a part of that! |
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 Years Teaching: 2 Favorite Play or Musical: Oklahoma! Favorite Food: beef jerky Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Trace does live music singing Rat Pack-style repertoire What do you love about teaching? Making kids laugh throughout the lesson plan so I can watch wheels turn while smiles crack open |
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 Years Teaching: 4 Favorite Play or Musical: Amadeus!!! Favorite Food: I love most foods… but not you olives… Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I have grown out my hair and cut it off to donate 5 times What do you love about teaching? Getting to share what was given to me with the next generation of theatre, while continuing to grow in my own explorations and understanding of theatre and theatre education. |
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 Years Teaching: 2 Favorite Play or Musical: Play: Streetcar Named Desire | Musical: The Outsiders Favorite Food: Spaghetti with Chicken Parm Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I've done professional lighting work. I can kip up, and do the jump through the leg thing. What do you love about teaching? Building relationships, and growing a community of uplifting theatre goers. |
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 Years Teaching: 11 years (2013-2018, 2023-present) Favorite Play or Musical: Carousel Favorite Food: Sugar Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Tommy has SIX dogs, a Green Cheeked Conure, two teenage sons, and a husband of 20 years. What do you love about teaching? Helping others reach their full potential. |
Tammy Fox Tammy Fox has been a Teaching Artist and choreographer for 25 years. She trained in NY city at Broadway Dance, Alvin Ailey and Dance Space. Tammy graduated from UNCG and moved back to NY where she performed and choreographed for Post Concert Dance Company at CW Post University and had works produced with Dance Space Studios. She has taught locally with Charlotte Ballet, Matthews Playhouse and toured with Olympian Svetlana Boguinskia as a choreographer. For 8 years she served as Artistic Director at Gaston Dance Theatre. She has choreographed and directed many Musical Theatre productions. Tammy has been with CTC for 4 years as a Teaching Artist and choreographer for OnStage and MainStage shows.Teaching Areas: Musical Theatre Conservatory, Saturday Dance Years Teaching: 4 Favorite Play or Musical: West Side Story Favorite Food: Italian Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Proficient at Sign Language What do you love about teaching? I love to see my students grow in technique and confidence! |
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 Years Teaching: 2 Favorite Play or Musical: Les Misérables Favorite Food: Chicken Fried Steak Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I grew up riding dirt bikes. What do you love about teaching? I love seeing my students grow as performers. |
Shannon Hynes Pronouns: She/HerShannon is a senior at UNCC. She is a communications major and a children’s literature / childhood studies minor. She has theater experience through an internship at the CTC over the summer and through high school plays. Teaching Areas: Class Assistant Years Teaching: First year Favorite Play or Musical: Mama Mia! Favorite Food: Hot dogs Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I can walk on stilts! What do you love about teaching? I love working with kids and see them learning new things for the first time! |
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 Years Teaching: 3 Favorite Play or Musical: The Lion King Favorite Food: Wings Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Likes to sketch and write in her free time What do you love about teaching? Being able to see the students grow and have their lightbulb moment. I love learning as well from my teaching experiences. |
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 Years Teaching: First year Favorite Play or Musical: Shrek the Musical Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Loves to knit and crochet What do you love about teaching? I love seeing students grow and become confident with themselves and the material that we've been working on. |
Faythe Kelly Pronouns: She/TheyFaythe Kelly is originally from St. Petersburg, FL and moved to North Carolina to receive her BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University (go phoenix)! Since graduating, they have been working across the country professionally as a performer. Favorite credits include A Chorus Line (Bebe), Cinderella, and Dirty Dancing at Flat Rock Playhouse, Elf at North Carolina Theatre and Legally Blonde at Actors Playhouse. Faythe is very excited to be working with the CTC team and can’t wait for this year! Teaching Areas: On Call/Swing Teacher Years Teaching: This is my first year! Favorite Play or Musical: Fun Home Favorite Food: Pad Thai Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I have 15 tattoos! What do you love about teaching? I love working with and learning from the younger generations! I feel so grateful to be able to give to students what so many of my teachers gave to me. |
Melissa Lozada Pronouns: She/HerMelissa is a professional singer, actor, and dancer. She graduated with a degree in Psychology and Musical Theatre from UNC Greensboro. She has performed with CTC in Elephant & Piggie's We're in a Play!, and will be in Diary of a Wimpy Kid this season. Other credits include The Last Five Years (Old Courthouse Theater), Sister Act (Matthews Playhouse), and Beauty and the Beast (Porch Productions). Teaching Areas: Creative Drama - My Spotlight Years Teaching: 1 Favorite Play or Musical: Hadestown Favorite Food: Sushi/Mexican food Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I have a collection of over 200 four leaf clovers! What do you love about teaching? Sharing the excitement of the arts with kids of all ages! |
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 Years Teaching: 6 Favorite Play or Musical: Rent Favorite Food: Sushi Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I crochet! What do you love about teaching? Seeing students light up when they perform |
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 Years Teaching: Off an on since 2017 Favorite Play or Musical: Favorite Play: Doubt | Favorite Musical: Hadestown Favorite Food: Trader Joes Spicy Mochi rice nuggets Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I have a motorcycle license What do you love about teaching? I love those moments of discovery when I am teaching. Those moments when someone 'gets it'- whether it is me or those whom I am teaching, are truly magical and drives the joy of teaching. I also love the moments when the students make me smile and laugh b |
Stuart Ranson Pronouns: He/Him/HisStuart moved to Chicago to pursue improvisation after graduating from the College of William and Mary. While in Chicago, he studied and worked at the Annoyance Theater, iO (formerly Improv Olympic), and the Second City, where he was a member of their National Touring Company and resident stage understudy. Stuart was a founding member of music improv troupe Baby Wants Candy, worked in New York with the People's Improv Theater and Magnet Theater, and was a cruise ship entertainer for Norwegian Cruise Lines before moving to Charlotte to work with Charlotte Comedy Theater and his own non-profit, House of Yes. Teaching Areas: Improv (Launch and Advanced) Years Teaching: 2 Favorite Play or Musical: Into the Woods Favorite Food: Pizza Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I am a certified yoga teacher at the 200 hour level. What do you love about teaching? My teacher Martin DeMaat told me "your class teaches you how to teach them." I love learning with each new class how to modify my teaching/curriculum to reach THAT cohort in the most effective and impactful way. Adaptation and pivot are fundamental tools |
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 Years Teaching: My First Year Favorite Play or Musical: Wicked Favorite Food: Pizza Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I have spent significant time in 40 of the 50 states. What do you love about teaching? I love seeing the youth find pride and joy within themselves. |
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 Years Teaching: 3 Favorite Play or Musical: Rent Favorite Food: Pasta Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I like to cook What do you love about teaching? Watching my students grow into confident performers. |
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 Years Teaching: 10 Favorite Play or Musical: Endgame Favorite Food: Tacos Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: We have three dogs and two cats. What do you love about teaching? I love seeing students surprise themselves. |
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 Years Teaching: 4 Favorite Play or Musical: Come From Away or any August Wilson play! Favorite Food: Ice cream or anything with peanut butter! Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I played trumpet for 8 years and originally went to college to study music! What do you love about teaching? Everything! The smile on a student's face when they finally realize how proud they are of themselves is unmatchable! |
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 Years Teaching: 2 Favorite Play or Musical: Ragtime Favorite Food: Pizza Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I’ve worked at Disney World 4 times. What do you love about teaching? I love watching students soar, especially when they surprise themselves! But you cannot beat a group of kids crushing harmonies and feeling the energy of making music together. At CTC, I especially love the genuine camaraderie amongst peers. |
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 Years Teaching: 3 Years Favorite Play or Musical: The Phantom of the Opera Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Part of her iris in her right eye is green. What do you love about teaching? She loves seeing kids become more confident in themselves and what they can achieve! |
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 Years Teaching: 3 Favorite Play or Musical: Into The Woods Favorite Food: Flourless Chocolate Cake Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: Gift wrapping aficionado What do you love about teaching? I love the "ah ha" moment when a student makes a breakthrough. |
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 Years Teaching: 6 Favorite Play or Musical: Lion King, Dream Girls Favorite Food: chocolate cake Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I'm a pretty good cook! What do you love about teaching? I love watching students' eyes light up when they feel particularly accomplished about something they've learned. Whether it's mastering a dance, memorizing lines, or grasping a concept I'm teaching, it's all about helping them make those crucial connect |
