Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts

Faculty

Rodney Bean

Rodney is a Calvin College graduate. As a dancer, he's performed with Opera GR, Createive Arts Repertoire Ensemble, the GR Ballet, InSync Dance Theatre, and the GR Symphony. He also performs industrial and commercial work. Rodney teaches Ballroom Dancing abd will choreograph the SRT show Really Rosie

Neva James

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, Jazz and Ballet, plus a new choreography class.

Mary Kron

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, and will direct the SRT production of Holes.

Rhonda Lehan

Rhonda Lehan has a BA in theatre from GVSU. She works both on stage and backstage with many area community and educational theatres, including GRCT's own Summer Repertory program. Rhonda joined GRCT's faculty in 2004, teaching acting for grades 2-7 and Kidsplay Kamp

Mary Lohman

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 adult Ballroom classes this summer.

Gary Mitchell

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 and adults. This summer he is the SRT playbill sales coordinator.

Angela Peavey

Angela Peavey teaches acting and dance for grades K-6. She's perfomed with Disney, done freelance and independant films and radio commercials. Angie has studied at Second City but started studying acting right here at GRCT. She is teaching Kidsplay Kamp, sond and dance for Junior TADC.

Malinda Petersen

Malinda Petersen received her BFA from Drake University. She's taught children the fine art of theatre in South Dakota, California, and Michigan, and has performed at Jewish Theatre and Actors' Theatre in Grand Rapids. Malinda teaches youth acting classes and Kidsplay Kamp.

Ed Nelson

Ed Nelson is a veteran of most community theatre stages in the area. Ed's been active in children's theatre and especially with GRCT's Traveling Troupe. He's also performed as a club singer in San Francisco and New York. Ed teaches youth musical theatre classes and Kidsplay Kamp.

Mary Beth Quillin

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. This summer she is the director and acting teacher for the Theatre Arts Day Camp.

Lea Sevigny

Lea Sevigny has a BS in Theatre Education and a Master's in Education! She's directed, stage managed, acted, and volunteered in almost any capacity in area theatres. Lea teaches youth acting and performance classes and is ont of the Phase II directors this summer. She is also the SRT make-up coordinator.

Don Smith

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 and adults.

Susan Strohmer

Susan Strohmer earned her BA in Technical Theatre and Costume design from WMU. She's designed costumes for GRCT, Circle, Heritage Theatre, and Jewish Theatre GR. On the GRCT faculty for 8 years, she teaches acting for grades 4-12 and costuming workshops.

Christopher Weaver

Christopher Weaver has a BA in theare from Oberlin College. He taught elementary school drama for two years in North Carolina before moving to GR. For the last 6 years, Christpher has taught acting for grades 2-12 and performance classes here at GRCT. This summer, Christopher will teach acting for the Junior TADC.