OUR EDUCATION STAFF

GRCT's faculty members are all professionals: artists passionate about sharing their chosen discipline. Classes and teachers are carefully matched to give the students the best instructor for their age/skill level.

Rodney Bean is a Calvin College graduate. As a dancer, he's performed with Opera GR, Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble, the GR Ballet, InSync Dance Theatre, and the GR Symphony. He also performs industrial and commercial work. Rodney teaches Ballroom Dancing.


 

Shannon Bean is a Cornerstone University graduate. As a dancer she has trained locally for 15 years, competed in tap five years, trained in ballroom, and has assisted in choreography at Civic. Shannon teaches Beginning and Intermediate tap classes for teens/adults.

 

Laura Fisher graduated from Stephens College with a BFA in theatre, and went on to work in the entertainment department of Walt Disney World for the next several years. Laura joined GRCT's faculty in 2002 and teaches acting for grades 2-7, plus make-up workshops.




 

Melissa Fortino earned her theatre BA from GVSU. She joined GRCT's faculty in 2003, and also works as a free-lance talent in acting, voice-overs, and stage managing! She teaches acting for grades 2-7.


 

Neva James received her formal dance training in NY with world-renowned Alvin Ailey. She's performed with East coast touring companies, on television, and was a featured instructor at Indiana University Northwest. Neva teaches Hip-Hop and Jazz for teens and adults, and directs the Performance Dance Troupe.

 

Mary Kron has a BFA in Acting/Directing from CMU. She's been active in the GR theatre community since 1982, directing, acting, stage-managing and is GRCT's Education Director. Mary teaches musical theatre, acting and performance classes, besides directing every chance she gets.



 

Sarah LaJoye received her Bachelor's degree in Theatre Performance from Michigan State University. She is a freelance talent who has stage-managed, choreographed, and performed locally with many different theatre groups. Sarah is teaching voice to grades 4 and 5.

Mary Lohman is a former professional dancer with Grand Rapids Ballet and UICA Dance Collaborative. Her varied experience ranges from classical ballet to musical theatre and commercial talent work. Mary teaches Ballroom, Ballet and Yoga.
 

Gary Mitchell has appeared in numerous area community theatre productions and won the 2000 Grand Award for his leading performance in Conversations With My Father. An instructor at GRCT since 1998, Gary teaches characterization, scene analysis, and performance for High School students and adults.

Ed Nelson is a veteran of most community theater stages in the area. Ed has been particularly active in children's theatre and especially with GRCT's Traveling Troupe. Ed teaches acting & musical theatre for ages 4 through grade 5.
 

Angela Peavey teaches acting and dance for grades K-6. She's performed with Disney, done freelance independant films and radio commercials. Angie has studied at Second City but started studying acting right here at GRCT!
 

Malinda Petersen earned her B.F.A. in theatre performance from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She has taught children the fine art of theatre in California, Minnesota, South Dakota and Michigan. She has also acted on local stages. Malinda joined the GRCT School in 2000 and enjoys teaching at all levels.

Mary Beth Quillin has a Performance/Directing BA from GVSU. She's appeared on every stage in GR, worked as a stage manager and director, and with GRCT's Traveling Troupe since 1995. Mary Beth teaches acting for grades 4 -adult, as well as performance classes.


 

Mary Rademacher has a BA from MSU in Telecommunications and Musical Theatre. A professional singer and entertainer for 25 yrs, she's choreographed countless productions, as well as coaching drama and voice. Mary teaches musical theatre & voice.


 

Lea Sevigny has a BS in Theater Education and a Master's in Education! She's directed, stage-managed, acted and volunteered in almost any capacity in area theaters. Lea teaches youth acting and performance classes.


 

Emilee Smith-Meyering graduated from NYU, and has performed locally and nationally with her Dad and mentor, Don Smith! Emilee has taught and choreographed in both GR and Northern Michigan. She teaches youth acting & musical theatre and adult tap.


 

Amy Persons is thrilled to be back in the Grand Rapids area after living in New York City for the past ten years. She has toured nationally with Grease, They're Playing Our Song, and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber starring Michael Bolton. She teaches musical theatre at Aquinas College, and voice for grades 6 through adults here at GRCT.

 

Don Smith has acted and danced on stage, film, and television (for 10 years with his own show). He's danced with Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Buster Brown and Honi Coles in his long career and teaches Tap for teens/adults.




 

Susan Strohmer earned her BA in Technical Theatre & Costume design from WMU. She's designed costumes for GRCT, Circle, Heritage Theatre, and Jewish Theatre GR. On the GRCT faculty for 10 years, she teaches acting for grades 4-adult, plus costuming workshops.

Christopher Weaver has a BA in theatre from Oberlin College. He taught elementary school drama for two years in North Carolina before moving to GR. For seven years, Christopher has taught acting for grades 2 - 12 and performance classes here at GRCT.