Staff & Faculty

Director of Education

David Connolly

David is the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Director of Education for their Youth Academy, and proud Co-Chair of their EDI Committee. He is also an active Disability and Inclusion Advocate who is deeply committed to changing the statistic of being the only male amputee to have performed on Broadway. He is a recipient of The Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence and active member on the DEI Committee of the International Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance. For the past four years, David has curated and moderated a Disability Inclusion Panel at BroadwayCon in New York City and has proudly served as a peer assessor for The Canada Council for the Arts.

As an Educator, David has been an Adjunct Professor and Advisor to the Musical Theatre Performance Programs at Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, Sheridan College, Randolph College, VanderCook College and most recently, the Hopkins Centre for the Arts at Dartmouth College.

Marketing & Development Associate

Christian Rose

Christian was born and raised in Waterloo, just down the street from the St. Jacobs Playhouse. After getting enrolled in guitar lessons at age 10, to follow in his brothers’ footsteps, he quickly developed what would become a lifelong passion for the arts. With a love for performing, Christian took every opportunity he could to get on stage as he grew up, including playing in the band for WCI’s renditions of FAME and Footloose. He directed several variety shows through high school, and it has always been his goal to get others involved with the arts and the community he loves.

Administrative Assistant

June Sung

June Sung is a South Korean transgender actor and filmmaker. She finds artistic satisfaction in telling stories through various types of visual mediums but specifically through forms of performance. June’s focus in her storytelling is to explore intersectionality and how it impacts every aspect of her life and aims to highlight this in her work. June recognizes the power that art and performance can have when it connects with someone that is treated unfairly due to their identity. She has directed various short films as well as performed in the University of Waterloo’s IMMOLATION in 2024 and is excited to continue her journey with being involved in the theatre community!

Director/Choreographer of The Musical Theatre Company

Chad McNamara

Director/Choreographer of The Musical Theatre Company

Chad McNamara is Director/ Choreographer, College Educator and Performer best known for creating and originating the role of Rooney Doodle on the Juno and Gemini nominated series, The Doodlebops. As a Doodlebop, Chad recorded 3 albums with Universal Music and toured across North America playing sold out shows at Madison Square Garden and LA’s Staple Centre.

Chad recently served as Program Coordinator and Artistic Director of the musical theatre program at St. Lawrence College from 2018-2024. Director/Choreographer: Let’s Dance and Let’s Bop (Terra Bruce Productions – World Premieres) Anne & Gilbert (Island Theatre Festival, PEI), Sirens of Song, Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, 9 to 5, Disenchanted, Bitter Girl, The Musical, American Idiot (Stephenville Festival) Regional: In Common, a new musical, The 25th… Spelling Bee, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, Rent, Crazy for You/ Fight Choreography, Be More Chill (Canadian Premiere) Selected Theatre/Performer: Rock ‘n Roll Legends, Canadian Legends, Damn Yankees, Hairspray, Sister Act, Legally Blonde (Drayton Festival) La Cage Aux Folles (Neptune Theatre) Ryan Evans in High School Musical (Canadian Premiere/Neptune Theatre) Plaid Tidings (Magnus), Happy Days, The Musical (Canadian Premiere/Stage West) Mamma Mia (Mirvish). Selected TV: Doodlebops (3 seasons (Disney/CBC), How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria (CBC), Bomb Girls (Bravo), Walt Disney Christmas Parade (ABC), The Ron James Show (CBC), The Today Show (featured performer/NBC). Chad is a proud member of Canadian Actors Equity and ACTRA.

Musical Theatre 201

Christine Watson

Teaching: Tuesday Musical Theatre 201

Christine Watson is a performer, choreographer and dance educator from Kitchener Waterloo. Christine is extremely passionate about teaching and enjoys sharing her love of the arts, while being a mentor and inspiration to today’s youth. Select credits, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Grease, West Side Story, Rock of Ages, Joseph…, Mamma Mia, All Shook Up, Footloose, Spamalot, The Wizard of Oz, 9 To 5: The Musical (Drayton Entertainment); Rock of Ages (Fallsview); Spamalot (Theatre Aquarius); Dance Legends (The Grand); A Chorus Line (Rose Theatre). Choreography credits include, Assistant Choreographer for Kinky Boots, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Jack and the Beanstalk (Drayton Entertainment); Bye Bye Birdie, The Full Monty, The Sound of Music, RENT (KWMP). Christine is also the senior choreographer for the renowned youth pop choir, KW Glee.

Caterpillar Program

David Cotton

David is a music teacher with the WRDSB. He shares his passion for the arts with his Kindergarten to grade 6 students on a daily basis. Select performing credits include: Drayton Entertainment: Pharoah in Joseph, Danny in Grease, Tony in West Side Story, Link in Hairspray, Chad in All Shook Up, Chuck in Footloose, Marius in Les Misérables, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, Troy in High School Musical, 9 to 5, Shear Madness, Featured in Backstage Pass (web series). David was also a part of the North American tours of Godspell and Camelot. Other theatre: Sky in Mamma Mia!, Baptiste in Evangeline, Mr. Philips in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), Pharaoh in Joseph… (Theatre Aquarius), Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre), Warner in Legally Blonde (Neptune Theatre), Cliff in Cabaret (The Rose Theatre), Joseph in Joseph… (Stage West), Jack in Snow White 007 (Ross Petty Panto), Young Bill in First Wives Club (Marquis Entertainment). Select Film and Television: Principal role in Let It Snow (Netflix), Handmaids Tale (MGM/Hulu), Motives and Murders (Cineplex). When not teaching or performing, David can be found spending time with his wife, sons and dog.

Magic, Juggling and Puppets Oh My!

DJ Carroll

Teaching: Magic, Juggling and Puppets Oh My!

DJ Carroll is a director, performer, and magician with over 30 years’ experience in stage combat, improvisation, magic, juggling, special effects makeup and interactive comedy. For 24 of those years, DJ was a high school drama teacher and special education specialist with degrees in both Theatre and Education. He owns and operates the magic and entertainment company, Theatricks, and has led The Battle of Ontario Magicians, The Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival, as well as the Blythe and St Jacobs Harry Potter Festivals. He was the Shakespearean Teacher of the Year at the National Shakespeare Festival for 2010 and 2011, and is the proud recipient of a Waterloo Region Arts Award for Performing Arts.

Acting 101 and Acting/Improv 101

Eric Craig

Teaching: Saturday Acting 101 and Acting/Improv 101

Drayton Entertainment: The Prom, Evita. Other Theatre (selected): Paradise Square (Original Broadway Cast); Matilda (1st National Tour/Toronto Company); Sunday in the Park with George (Eclipse Theatre); Intimate Apparel (Winnipeg Jewish Theatre); The Secret Garden (Theatre Calgary); Fun Home, Pride and Prejudice, Les Misérables (Arts Club); Hamlet (St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival); Fiddler on the Roof, Beauty and the Beast (Stage West); The Hobbit (Grand Theatre); The Last Five Years (Angelwalk); Edges, Retold (Musical Stage). TV/Film: The Handmaid’s Tale, Workin’ Moms, Good Witch, Reign, 12 Monkeys, Murdoch Mysteries; voice work on Cyberchase, Peg+Cat and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Most importantly he’s a very proud husband and dad.

Acting 101

Eric DaCosta

Teaching: Tuesday Acting 101

Eric has been touring the world for the last four years in Hanna Moscovitch’s award-winning show, Old Stock. Previous credits include: Jersey Boys, Annie, Honk!, Snow White: the Panto, Peter Pan: the Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Key Change (Globe Theatre Regina); and Hollywood Hits (Stage West Calgary).

Musical Theatre 101 & 201 and Family Music Theatre

Jason Franco

Teaching: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Musical Theatre 101 & 201

Jason is a choreographer / performer / instructor with over 35 years of professional experience. Ever since his first time onstage in ‘The King and I’, dance and theatre have always been a huge part of his life. He studied dance, voice and acting at various studios in Toronto as well as in NYC.

His work as a performer has taken him to many places around the world including The Charlottetown Festival, PEI (‘Anne of Green Gables’), London England’s West End (‘Casper – The Musical’) and NYC, in Chet Walker’s (‘Fosse’ / ‘Pippin’) company ‘8 and ah 1’ as well as dancing with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Locally, Jason has performed for 8 wonderful seasons with Drayton Entertainment (from 2000’s ‘Damn Yankees’ to 2016’s ‘Cinderella – the Panto’). Choreography credits include ‘Shrek’ for KWMP’, revue shows for Paramount Parks, ‘Annie’ & ’Can Can’ for TUTS, and ‘Legally Blonde’ at the Randolph Theatre in Toronto. In addition to these, Jason has choreographed productions for many secondary schools in Vancouver. Working with young and developing talent is one of Jason’s passions and he has been able to do so as an instructor at various studios including Harbor Dance Centre (Vancouver), the Randolph Academy (Toronto), Danse 1,2,3 (Montreal), Element Dance Arts (Cambridge) as well as being on the faculty of Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! (Vancouver) since 2004.

Musical Theatre 101 & 201 and Family Music Theatre

Julie Lumsden

Julie Lumsden is a proud member of the Manitoba Metis Federation, with Scottish and German settler ancestry, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty One territory. She is a classically trained soprano, actor, musical theatre performer, audiobook narrator and Juno Award nominee.
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Julie holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music. She has also completed the Opera in the 21st Century cause at the Banff Centre. She has enjoyed 5 seasons at the Shaw Festival and is currently in her first season at the Stratford Festival.  Julie has also been grateful to join companies such as: the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Manitoba Opera, Edmonton Opera, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Neptune Theatre, ARC Stage, Rainbow Stage and many more!

Props Making

Kevin Lucas

Teaching: Props Making

Kevin Lucas began his journey with Drayton Entertainment in 2008 as a props builder. In 2011, he rose to the position of Props Master, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. Over his 15-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the visual world of the theater’s productions. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative craftsmanship, Kevin ensured that every prop added depth to the performances on stage. His contributions were integral to the success of countless productions, making him a respected and valued member of the Drayton team.

Caterpillar Program

Sarah Vance

A creative powerhouse, Sarah is a choreographer and triple threat performer from Waterloo Ontario. Her most recent credits include: choreographing the world premier of the musical Chris. Mrs, at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Toronto and appearing in Season 2 of the hit tv show Reacher, on Amazon Prime.

With a love for theatre, Sarah has established herself as an industry elite in the musical theatre world. Select theatre credits include: Spamalot – Rehearsal Swing (Stratford Festival), Grease the Musical – Associate Choreographer (Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Toronto), Joseph, Hairspray, Grease, Elf the Musical, All Shook Up, Spamalot, High School Musical (Drayton Entertainment), Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Canada Rocks! (Charlottetown Festival), Crazy For You (Theatre Calgary/Citadel Theatre), and Beauty and the Beast, Music Man (Capitol Theatre).

In between theatre contracts Sarah has also accumulated impressive credits in the film and television industry. FILM/TV credits include: American Gods (Starz) The Next Step (FAMILY), Assistant Choreographer The Moblees – Season 2 (CBC), Assistant Choreographer Ukelele U – Pilot Episode (CBC), Warrior (NBC), CARRIE (SONY), One Starry Christmas (CTV), Canadian Country Music Awards (CBC), Warehouse 13 (SYFY), Reign (CW), In the Tall Grass (Netflix), The Next Star (YTV), King of the Camp (YTV), SYTYCDC (CTV).

Along with working in the entertainment industry, Sarah graduated from York University with an Honours Science Kinesiology Degree and is a Registered Kinesiologist. During her studies she was a member of the NBA Toronto Raptors Dance Pak for four seasons, dancing in front of 20,000 fans.

When not performing, Sarah can be found spending time with her sons, husband and puppy. She continues to share her passion for dance while teaching and choreographing at studios across Canada

Acting 201 and Adult Improv

Shannon Taylor

Teaching: Acting 201 and Adult Improv

Shannon is a Stratford based actor. She began her career at age 16 playing Liesl in the Sound of Music at the Stratford Festival. Shannon spent most of her childhood training in the performing arts and working as a camp counsellor. She received her BFA from TMU, has trained as an actor at the Citadel/Banff Theatre Program, and was a member of the Birmingham Conservatory in 2014.

Shannon has spent seven seasons as an actor at the Stratford Festival. Favourite Stratford productions include: King Lear (Goneril), Mother’s Daughter (Mary), The Crucible (Elizabeth Proctor), Shakespeare in Love (Viola) and The Diary of Anne Frank (Margot Frank). She has also performed at Mirvish, Crow’s Theatre, Soulpepper, Grand Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, National Arts Centre, Citadel Theatre and more.

Shannon also teaches for the Stratford Festival education department and the Ivey Business School. She is passionate about education, and learning from younger generations in the arts.

On Camera Acting and Director of The Drama Company

Stacy Smith

Teaching: On Camera Acting
Director of The Drama Company

Stacy Smith(she/her) is a Genie nominated performer, educator and coach. She has been a professional actor for over 25 years, working in theatres throughout the country and has worked extensively in television and film, with recurring roles on TV in “Rookie Blue” as Zoe Shaw and Sex & Violence starring Olympia Dukakis. Other select film/tv credits include: Law & Order Criminal Intent(Toronto), Monica’s News, Accused, Frankie Drake Mysteries, The Handmaids Tale, Designated Survivor, Murdoch Mysteries, The Detail, Sebastian, Flight of The Butterflies, Blackbird, Jessie Stone, Robson Arms, Relative Chaos, Blessed Stranger, Single Mom, Marion Bridge, Secrets Of Autumn, Wake, Running Into Edna, October 1970, Call Me Fitz, A Town Without Christmas, Heart of A Stranger and The Daily Blade. Theatre experience includes shows with Drayton Entertainment, Theatre Aquarius, Neptune Theatre, Here For Now, Ships Company, Theatre New Brunswick, Atlantic Theatre Festival, Luna Sea, Off The Leash and Mermaid Theatre. Presently faculty includes Fanshaw College, Acting For Screen and Stage and Theatre Aquarius Theatre School. Other teaching experience includes St. Claire College, The Stratford Festival, Neptune Theatre School, Mohawk College, The Ivey Business School, Dalhousie University, The Foundation for Education, Huron Waves Festival as well as Stacy Smith Coaching which offers online on camera classes and personalized coaching. Stacy is a member of the association of acting coaches and educators.

Improv 101 & 201 and Caterpillar Program

Stephanie Pitsiladis

Teaching: Improv 101 & 201 and Caterpillar Program

Stephanie made her professional debut in the Mirvish production of Hairspray in 2004 where she was the first Canadian to perform the role of Tracy Turnblad. She has revisited the role across the country multiple times with the Charlottetown Festival, Drayton Entertainment, Rainbow Stage, and Mayfield Theatres.
Stephanie also founded and ran a successful semi-professional theatre program from 2007 – 2011 and coached the Laval Liberty Improv team which competed in the Canadian Improv Games.

Other credits include: Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Man of La Mancha, Steel Magnolias, Snow White: The Panto, Aladdin: The Panto, The Gefilte Fish Chronicles, The Importance of Being Earnest, History of Rock and Roll: Stars and Stripes, Class of ’63: A Rockin’ Reunion, My Fair Lady, The Christmas Express and Kinky Boots.

Musical Theatre Vocal Instructor and Musical Director of the Musical Theatre Company

Steve Lavoie

Musical Director of The Musical Theatre Company

Drayton Entertainment: Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (selected): Ghost the Musical (Starvox), Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius), Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La Mancha, Damn Yankees, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The Who’s Tommy (Scarborough Music Theatre), Les Misérables, Ragtime (Etobicoke Musical Productions). In addition to music directing, Steve is an audition and rehearsal accompanist in and around the GTA. Find him online on YouTube or visit theaccidentalaccompanist.com.

Aaron Walpole

Aaron’s theatre credits include Les Miserables (Broadway/Toronto/Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway/Japan/ Stratford Festival), Kinky Boots (Tour/Japan), Camelot, Guys ’N Dolls, Anything Goes (Stratford Festival), Grease (Citadel Theatre), Rock of Ages (Drayton Ent., Mirvish and Mayfield), Rocky: The Musical, Man Of La Mancha, The Drowsy Chaperone, West Side Story, You’ll Get Used To It: The War Show (Drayton Ent.), Damn Yankees, One Hit Wonders, Sweet Charity (Stage West). Aaron has also appeared in many film and TV productions over the years and has a self-titled album through Sony/BMG Canada. Enjoy the show!

AJ Bridel

Drayton Entertainment (Select): Lauren in Kinky Boots, Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan in Peter Pan: The Panto. Other Theatre (selected): Claire in Chris, Mrs., Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages (More Ent.), Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), leading roles in several Ross Petty Pantos, Lauren in Kinky Boots (Mirvish). Film/TV: Odd Squad (TVO Kids), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Private Eyes (Global), Voice of Pipp Petals in My Little Pony (Netflix), Caillou (Peacock) Insta and tiktok @ajbridel

Andrea Macaset

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Andrea originated the role of Anne Boleyn in SIX on Broadway after appearing in the same role at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, The Citadel Theatre and The Ordway Center of Performing Arts. Andrea recently played Mimi in the Stratford Festival Production of Rent. She is a graduate from The Canadian College of Performing Arts whose other credits include Canadian productions of Heathers: The Musical, Avenue Q, Miss Saigon and Prairie Nurse. On TV and Film, you may recognize her from Propose We Never See Each Other… (Bed Bugs film); Ratatouille: The Musical (BCEFA); and Guest Performer appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Good Morning America, and the Today Show @andrea.cesyl.

Andrew Scanlon

Drayton Entertainment: Captain Hook in Peter Pan: The Panto, Barry Glickman in The Prom, Dusty in The War Show, The Padre in Man of La Mancha, Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Kinky Boots, Rocky: The Musical, Out of Order, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Snow White: The Panto, Footloose, Les Miserables. Other Theatre: Kinky Boots (Mirvish, First US National Tour, Tokyo & Osaka, Japan), Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 To 5 (Capitol Theatre), Vice Principal Panch in Spelling Bee (The Grand), The Beadle in Sweeney Todd (Neptune) Reginald in Screwball Comedy (Stage West, Calgary Critics Award Nomination), Leo in Dogbarked (The Globe), Director of Stealing Sam (Alberta Theatre Projects). Thanks to the TH gang, Alex, David and the entire Drayton Entertainment family.

Anisa Tejpar

Anisa Tejpar (she/her), a Dora Mavor Moore Award winner, hails from Toronto and is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School. She has showcased her talent in performances of various choreographers including Guillaume Côté, Matjash Mrozewski, John Neumeier, Ginette Laurin, Mauro Astolfi, Peggy Baker, Robert Derosiers, Robert Glumbek, Roberto Campanella, D.A. Hoskins, James Kudelka, Christopher House, Hanna Kiel, and William Yong. Anisa has performed with esteemed dance companies such as Toronto Dance Theatre, Zata Omm, ProArteDanza, Against the Grain Theatre, and Human Body Expression.

Anisa is recognized as an Intimacy Coordinator and Director, with a particular focus on dance and dancers. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet BC, and various film and television productions. Furthermore, Anisa serves on the Board of Directors for Canada’s National Ballet School as well as their Foundation Board. She has also made significant contributions to Dancing with Parkinson’s, where she has served as a choreographer and director for their Intergenerational Dance Project, which aims to connect youth and seniors through dance.

Barbara Assiginaak

Composer, musician and educator Barbara Assiginaak is Anishinaabekwe (Odawa, Ojibwe and Potawatomi; Mnidoo Mnissing, Giniw dodem) is rooted in the oral/aural traditions of singing, drumming and the pipigwan/bbigon (cedar flute) since early childhood, during which time she also began learning about plant medicines passed down through the women in her family. The child and grandchild of residential school survivors, Barbara is also the direct descendant of hereditary chiefs who fought in the Indian Wars and in the War of 1812 and who also signed major treaties in Ontario. Barbara is also classically trained in piano (ARCT diploma), with a Bachelor of Composition degree from the University of Toronto, followed by studies at the Glenn Gould School (Composition, Piano Performance, Accompaniment and Chamber Music), at the Musikhochschule in München, Germany (Meisterklassen Diplom in Komposition, Aufbaustudium) and Centre Acanthes (France). She is currently Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Composition at the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University. She regularly performs her own songs and compositions with other musicians, and often as a soloist with leading orchestras and conductors.

Chris James

Chris James is a talented martial artist. He has trained in Muay Thai, Kali, Capoeira, Boxing, Judo, and is an instructor in Commando Krav Maga. Proficient in a number of edge weapons, short and long gun tactics & disarms, and unarmed combat, Chris has used his training in stunts, stage combat, and fight directing to choreograph action on stage and screen. Always looking to pay it forward, he also started an in-school stage combat workshop in 2019 for high school arts programs all across Ontario.
Always striving to create a unique aspect to each moment, he can reveal the truth behind any instance using any object or action.

Darren Burkett

Darren is so thrilled to be here at Drayton Youth Academy! As an actor himself, national/international credits include performing in Matilda (1st National Tour) and Angelina Ballerina (International Tour). He has also performed across Canada with such companies as The Ross Petty Panto, Stage West, Drayton Entertainment, Thousand Island Playhouse, Western Canada Theatre, The Arts Club Theatre, Chemainus Theatre Festival, and many more. Darren is the recipient of the Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance and an Ovation Award for Male Ensemble of the Year. Previous work as a choreographer/assistant choreographer include Legally Blonde (Mainstage Theatre), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Eclipse Theatre Company), Buddy (The Globe Theatre), Edges (Two Monkeys Productions), A Funny Thing Happened… and Guys and Dolls (Vancouver Lawyer Show), Eternal Hydra (Touchstone Theatre) and the motion picture Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He has also been a theatre and dance educator and has taught around the globe for the past 18 years.

Darryn de Souza

As the Music Director for the Canadian vocal supergroup, The Tenors, Darryn has shared the stage and worked with many legends: Paul Anka, David Foster, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Harry Connick Jr., Kenny G, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Stevie Wonder, to name just a few. He also has spent time with and performed for many world & creative leaders, including Barack & Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As an educator, Darryn has pioneered vocal and theatre programs around the province including the Milton Youth Theatre Productions, the Studio School of Dance, Brampton Theatre School, Yellow Door Theatre, and Centre Stage Conservatory, pushing creative programming and a teaching method for student toolkit and confidence building.
Besides being a gifted communicator, Darryn connects and builds strong rapport with young artists looking to grow and understand how to improve their craft through meaningful and responsible mentorship.

Devan Ballagh

Devan co-directs Studio 410 Productions Inc., a not-for-profit that promotes engagement and education in the arts, as well as 410Method, a deep health transformation program. Her debut album “A Million Little Pieces” is available now. Devan was in Drayton Entertainment Fiddler on the Loose (2022), Canada 151, Sorry … I’m Canadian, Canadian Loonie. Other Theatre (selected): Christmas Jamboree, East Coast Kitchen Party (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Canada/US StepCrew Tour, The Ballaghs Canada/Europe Tour, The Crew (Various).

Emily Nighman

Emily is a trained dancer, singer, and actress who grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo and is now based in Toronto. She is a feature writer and critic at The Film Magazine in the UK and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Cinema Studies at the University of Toronto. She has also recently held positions at the Film Music Foundation in LA, the Grand River Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. Emily appeared as Beaver in Franklin & Friends (2009-2012), and select theatre credits include Seussical: The Musical, West Side Story, Anne of Green Gables, The Sound of Music, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is a senior and junior choreographer with KW Glee and is passionate about inspiring youth with a love of the arts. Thank you to David and everyone at Drayton for the opportunity to teach at the Youth Academy!

Hadley Mustakas

Drayton Entertainment: Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Kaylee in the Prom, Ali in Mamma Mia, Jane in Mary Poppins, and Wendy in Peter Pan. Other theatre: Sarah in Simone, Half and Half (Carousel Players), Liesl in The Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Sophie in Mamma Mia (Tweed & Company), and Ensemble in The Roaring Twenties (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia).
Hadley (she/her) has an Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance and a positive attitude! She likes to spread kindness, smiles, and sparkles! Hadley started dancing from a very young age and got her start in theatre through the youth opportunities with Drayton Entertainment. She is thrilled to encourage the magic of jazz hands in the inspiring generations to come.

Hailey Lewis

Hailey Lewis (she/her) is an Afro-Canadian triple-threat artist and graduate of the Music Theatre degree program at Sheridan College. Select Theatre credits include: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish); Alice in Winterland Virtual Panto (Ross Petty Productions); Hairspray (Drayton Entertainment & Theatre Aquarius); Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Mary Poppins (YPT); Shrek: The Musical (Globe Theatre); Grease (Irregular Entertainment); Prom Queen (Segal Centre). Select TV/Film credits include: The Boys (Amazon); Zombies (Disney); American Gods (Freemantel). Hailey is currently a “Standby Slayer” and dance captain for Mirvish’s production of Six: The Musical, while also teaching the first- and second-year Music Theatre Styles dance course at Sheridan. When not performing, you can find Hailey cuddling her dog Rigley, getting lost in a good book, facetiming her friends, spending time with her family (especially her mama) and eating lots of chips! As always: many thanks to her agency, her friends and most importantly her family for their on-going support and love. @haileyalexislewis

Jackie Mustakas

Jackie began dancing at the age of three and started performing in musical theatre at the age of ten. She is an honours graduate of the Music Theatre Performance program at Sheridan College, and has been working professionally in the theatre business for 30 years. In 1998 she became a regular performer with Drayton Entertainment, and has continued to perform and choreograph for them until present. Selected theatre credits with Drayton are: Trish in Kinky Boots, Angie in The Prom, Donna and Tanya in Mamma Mia, Queen Diabolica in Snow White: The Panto, Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins, Miss Hannigan in Annie, The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Polly Baker in Crazy For You, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, Lizzie in The Rainmaker, and Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, just to name a few. Jackie has also been a dance instructor for several dance studios, as well as a guest drama teacher in schools across Ontario. She continues to perform and teach, and share her passion for the Arts.

Jodi McFadden

Jodi McFadden, originally from Kitchener, Ontario, has appeared on Broadway in Moulin Rouge!, The Band’s Visit and Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. Drayton audiences will remember her as Velma Kelly in Chicago as well as their productions of Little Me, Oklahoma!, Evita and Anything Goes. She spent four seasons at The Stratford Festival and can be seen on screen in Schmigadoon, Bollywood/ Hollywood and the Oscar-winning film, Chicago. @jodimcfadden

Jos Banks

Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots. A true renaissance man … Jos N. Banks is a multi-award-winning Visual/Performing Arts Artist, Costume Designer, Stylist & Teaching Artist hailing from Chicago, IL. International tours: Lola in Kinky Boots (US/Canada/China/Singagpore), Hud in HAIR (North America/Canada), Harpo in The Color Purple. Regional: Ms. Blakk For President, Choir Boy (Steppenwolf), Yale Dramatic Association, The Muny, Drury Lane – Oak Brook, Paramount Theatre, The Second City, About Face Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, and many more. Film/TV: Ocean in The Chi, Dr. Greg Martinson in Work in Progress (Showtime). Representation: Paonessa Talent Agency. www.FearlessJos.com // Follow Me: @JosNBanks

Julia McLellan

Julia McLellan is a Canadian theatre performer currently in SIX the musical at Mirvish productions, alternating the roles of Jane Seymour, Katherine Howard, and Anne Boleyn. She has performed on stages across North America, including three companies of the Tony award winning hit Kinky Boots- at Mirvish, on the 1st national tour, and on Broadway. She has lead companies on some of Canada’s most prestigious stages, starring as Val Clark in The Stratford Festival’s A Chorus Line, originating the role of Persephone in the North American premiere of Mythic, and alternating the role of Dorothy Gale in the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz.
Her stage career intertwines with her climate activism, as she is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Green Alliance, the national not-for-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability.

Justin Bott

Justin Bott is an award-winning stage, voiceover and film/tv/commercial actor. He’s also a proud dad of two kiddos, a husband, an acting/voiceover coach and an amateur barista!

Recent credits include Cult Hero (Collingwood Film Co), Emerge (TLN Media), Wizard of Oz: The Panto and On Golden Pond (Drayton Entertainment)…and a few commercials. @justin.bott.a.mic @jeybott www.justinbott.com

Kae Kae Lee

Malyssa Kae Lee (better known as “Kae Kae” Lee) discovered her passion for dance at just 7 years old, eventually joining Performing Dance Arts in Vaughan, training extensively in Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Hip Hop.

Kae Kae’s talents began to take her across the world, taking on unique roles in various shows, such as Royal Caribbean’s Aqua production “The Fine Line”, Emmy award-winning Debra Brown’s “Brace Yourself” and Family channel’s “Big Ticket Summer Tour”. She has worked alongside artists such as Emeli Sande, Aloe Blacc, Natalie Imbruglia, Dave Stewart, and James Blunt, whilst touring with “Art on Ice” Switzerland, a show choreographed by Sean Cheesman.

Some of Kae Kae’s TV and film roles include Disney’s “Zombies 3” and “Spin”. Fox’s “What We Do In The Shadows”, Lifetime’s “A Christmas Dance”, CBC’s “Frankie Drake Mysteries”, and Family Channel’s “The Next Step”, as well as the music videos for artists including Rupaul’s Drag Race star, Priyanka, Liz Lokre, and Jade Eagleson. Kae Kae branched out into musical theatre appearing in Rock of ages as Dance Captain at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre, and various roles for Drayton Entertainment.

Leah Grandmont

Leah is an actor/musician based in London, ON. She began playing fiddle at the ripe young age of three. She studied classical performance at Wilfrid Laurier University, and has performed with several orchestras around the country, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in their tours of Canada, Germany, and Scotland. She is a musical theatre LOVER, and has worked as an actor/musician for various Canadian theatre companies, including Drayton Entertainment, The Grand Theatre, Catalyst Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. In addition to classical music and theatre, Leah enjoys playing with pop and rock groups. She has performed with Stacey Kay on America’s Got Talent, and on the CCMAs with winner of Canada’s Drag Race, Priyanka, and Lindsay El. As an educator, Leah has been teaching group and private violin for over ten years, and enjoys working with youth theatre groups at Studio 410 and Drayton Entertainment.

Lee Siegel

Lee Siegel performed on Broadway in Paradise Square, and previously as Simon Zealots in the Des McAnuff/Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Lee recently played Tom Collins in Rent (Stratford Festival). Drayton audiences will remember Lee as Javert in Les Miserables, Mitch in Spelling Bee, John in Miss Saigon and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. Other credits include Hawker in The WHO’s Tommy (Stratford Festival), Old Deuteronomy in Cats (Neptune Theatre), and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Stage West Missisauga). Lee’s Debut Album: “Where’s The Orchestra” is available on iTunes, spotify, and CdBaby. com @Lee_Siegel

Madison Lane

Madison was born and grew up in London Ontario where she trained for 11 years in many styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. She then went on to be a dance instructor and has been teaching and choreographing for the last 8 years, sharing her passion for dance with her students. Madison has also choreographed Jr. musicals including The Wizard of Oz and High School Musical for elementary schools. She loves seeing all the hard work and dedication come to life on stage!

Madison Sekulin

Maddie is a passionate and dedicated Toronto-based artist, where she graduated from the Randolph College for Performing Arts. Since graduating she has performed in Hart House Theatre’s productions of Heathers and Carrie. As well as Statistics at the Toronto Fringe. Maddie has enjoyed participating in multiple workshops of new musicals across the city and dreams of originating a role. Growing up in the Waterloo Region she was lucky to take part in Drayton Entertainment’s productions of Annie and The Wizard of Oz which solidified her decision to pursue performance professionally. Maddie loves learning and has never stopped investing in the opportunity to have fun while growing and expanding her skills. Maddie continues to be inspired by her mentors and teachers and strives to give her students the same experience.

Natasha Strilchuk

Natasha Strilchuk was born in Malaysia, raised in King’s Lynn, England and Regina, SK and is now a Toronto-based artist. She is a graduate of Randolph College of the Performing Arts – Triple Threat program and is an accomplished, versatile artist and arts educator. Natasha most recently worked on the CBC kids television show, Ukulele U, as an Assistant Choreographer to Director/Choreographer David Connolly and prior to that, was the Assistant Director/Choreographer for a fully digital production of Going Under at St. Lawrence College’s Musical Theatre program in 2021. In 2020 Natasha was a participant for Neptune Theatre’s RBC Chrysalis Project, in the director’s unit and was mentored by AD Jeremy Webb in his production of Calendar Girls. Choreographer credits include: Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. (LOT). Selected Theatre Credits: The North American Premiere of Bend it like Beckham the Musical (Starvox Ent.), Chicago (Globe Theatre), Mamma Mia (Neptune Theatre), Guys & Dolls, Romeo & Juliet (Stratford Festival) Social: @natashakstrilchuk

Nestor Lozano Jr

Nestor Lozano Jr is appearing as Tink in Wendy and Peter Pan and appears in Salesman in China during his second season at the Stratford Festival. Last year, he appeared there as Angel Dumott Schunard in Rent and Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time. Elsewhere: The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Miss Understanding in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stage West Calgary); Derrick in Peter Pan: The Panto (Neptune Theatre); Papa Ogre/Bear in Shrek The Musical (Globe Theatre). Training: Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance, Sheridan College; Wexford Performing Arts. Online: @nestorlozanojr.

Paige Ballagh

Paige co-directs Studio 410 Productions. She studied songwriting with Berklee College of Music. Find Paige’s solo album, songwriting courses and poetry book at www.paigeballagh.com. Paige was in Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Loose (2019/22), Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry, Sorry … I’m Canadian, Canadian Loonie. Other theatre: Fiddler on the Moose, Christmas Jamboree, East Coast Kitchen Party (VPP); vocalist and pianist for The StepCrew, Summerfolk Discovery Artist, The Ballaghs Ireland Tour (2016); The Crew (www.thecrewcanada.com).

Paul Nolan

Originally from Rouleau, Saskatchewan, Paul is currently playing August in Water for Elephants on Broadway. For his Broadway performances, he’s been recognized by the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards. His Broadway debut was as Jesus in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, followed by Guy in the Tony Award-winning musical Once. Subsequent New York roles include Pasha/Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago, Jervis in Daddy Long Legs, Jimmy Ray in Bright Star, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Tully in Escape to Margaritaville, Jim in Slave Play and Hugh Dorsey in Parade. Paul is a graduate of the Randolph College for Performing Arts who is an avid outdoorsman and huge hockey fan. @paulalexandernolan

Stacey Kay

Stacey Kay received the GOLDEN BUZZER on City TV’s new season of Canada’s Got Talent, receiving a standing ovation from Simon Cowell! She is a Juno Award winning singer/rapper, and her song covers have received recognition from the original artists including BeBe Rexha, RuPaul, Meghan Trainor, Fergie, and Jennifer Hudson. Her unique and powerful singing voice paired with her machine-gun rapping has garnered her online videos millions of views with multiple videos going viral!

Check out her CGT performance here!

Stacey is a motivational speaker who travels the world spreading her message about body positivity, and what it is like being a curvy girl in the pop music industry. She has performed with/opened for David Foster, CeeLo Green, Stevie Wonder, Leslie Odom Jr., Bryan McKnight, Michael Bolton, and Carly Rae Jepson.

In 2020, Stacey became the song writer, producer and vocalist for Canada’s Drag Race host Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Canada’s Drag Race winner Priyanka. Stacey’s songs were featured on Drag Race Canada Season 2.

Stacey has a full-length album titled 11 O’Clock Number, and a comedic podcast with her sister called I Have To Call My Sister. Follow Stacey on all social media platforms to see what happens next! Insta: @staceykaymusic

Trayvon Ward

Trayvon Ward has a passion for assisting people in accomplishing their wellness objectives. They have previously worked as a coach and instructor at Anytime Fitness and Playground Movement Training Centre, NLC Dance Company and more. Trayvon has experience conducting group classes of varying sizes that concentrate on building self-esteem along with strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility and more.

Drayton Entertainment audiences will recognize Trayvon from his appearances in Mamma Mia!, The Prom, Kinky Boots and Peter Pan: The Panto.

According to Trayvon, exercising should always be fun and promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle that promotes all-round well-being. In these SHOW TUNES Wellness classes, Trayvon will offer personalized attention and guidance to musical theatre lovers by integrating a wide variety of exercises and techniques to maintain a fun and challenging atmosphere while ensuring that classes are accessible and FUN for everyone of all experience levels.

Vanessa Sears

Raised in Deep River, Ontario, Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Award winning artist. She has starred on stages across Canada and recently made her Broadway debut as an original cast member of the new musical ‘New York, New York’ – working alongside legendary artists John Kander, Susan Stroman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda to name a few. During her time in NYC Vanessa performed on The Tony Awards, at 54 Below, The Green Room 42 and Classic Stage Company in addition to singing at many concerts and benefits. Currently, she is starring in the Stratford Festival’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as Juliet, as well as playing Olivia in ‘Twelfth Night’. Vanessa’s previous acting credits include Mirvish, several seasons at the Shaw Festival, The Musical Stage Company, Soulpepper, Obsidian Theatre, Young People’s Theatre and more. Vanessa has also appeared in film and television on Suits, Sex/Life, Y The Last Man, and has starred in several movies like 14 Love Letters, Sappy Holiday and others. Next up, she will be making her Panto debut with Canadian Stage’s ‘Wizard of Oz’, causing chaos and mayhem as the Wicked Witch. Vanessa is also an emerging director, an educator, and serves on the board of the Canadian Green Alliance. Instagram @vanessa_sears

Wes Barnes

Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots. Other Theatre: Mean Girls (Princess of Wales Theatre, Broadway First National Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (50th Anniversary Tour), The Tap Dance Kid, 42nd Street, In the Heights, Newsies, The Scottsboro Boys, Godspell, Sophisticated Ladies, Choir Boy. In addition to performing, Wesley is equally passionate about mentoring performing artists and curating talent; so much so, he has founded an organization called The MPACT Group, which will do just that! Jer 29:11. For more info, follow on Instagram: @Wesjbarnes @thempactgroup

Will Parry

Will Parry (he/they) is a music theatre performer and proud member of the CAEA based in Toronto. Some of his performance credits include Toto in Wizard of Oz: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment), Here I Am: A Cabaret (Self-Produced), Illusionarium (Starvox Entertainment), Scuttle in The Little Mermaid, Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone, Kevin in Going Under (SLC Stage). Will is a graduate of St. Lawrence College’s Music Theatre Performance program. They are passionate about bringing joy and leading with kindness in everything they do. Will is honoured to be a part of the faculty at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Follow along with Will’s shenanigans @willxparry, and check out www.will-parry.com