Team

HEATHER EDWARDS – Co-Founder – Heather has trained as a classical pianist and graduated from Berklee College of Music. She works as a pianist/songwriter/recording artist who has performed with many types of bands – from funk and rock to jazz and country. Heather conducts, directs, and regularly performs in musical theatre around the New York area. In addition to educating children in the performing arts for 25 years, she also enjoys teaching private piano and vocal lessons to children and working with them in musical theatre productions as pianist and Musical Director. Heather has also played a wide range of characters as an actress in television, film and theatre. Heather is fingerprinted through the NYC Department of Education, and has been a member of AFM Local 802 and Actors Equity Association for over 20 years. https://heatheredwards.net

NANCY BOCANEGRA grew up in Queens, New York surrounded by Latin music, heritage and culture. She started dancing folkloric dances at a young age, performing in parades, schools and special events, and family parties where she was introduced to Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. Despite being exposed in a Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio to many styles of partner dancing such as Hustle, Tango, Cha Cha, West Coast Swing, Foxtrot and Waltz, her heart stayed true with salsa. She furthered her Salsa training, enhancing her techniques and timing by studying with many talented instructors in New York and competing successfully with choreographed routines and freestyle in Philadelphia, Miami, New York and Montreal. After years of education, performances, and competitions. A certification in Yoga enhanced her knowledge about the body and how it works complementing her style of  instruction. Nancy loves to teach her students find their style and confidence on any dance floor! You’ll often find Nancy’s love of dance on her Instagram

RACHEL CARON is an NYC-based performer who studied at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts in Southern California where she toured around the world for four years with their music outreach programs, educating & entertaining in 13 different countries. She has been a high school dance techniques teacher and is currently a resident choreographer for Ovation Performing Arts Academy in Chicago. When not dancing or creating, you can find her emceeing the show at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square! Instagram and YouTube

PARIS CULLEN is a movement artist, facilitator, and dreamer based in Brooklyn, originally from San Diego. They received BAs in dance and psychology from UC Santa Barbara in 2018. Their practices, based in the creative spirit of improvisation, connect them with presence, gravity, and imagination— contact improvisation, breaking, aikido, visual art, meditation, singing, thai bodywork. Paris has performed with Pilobolus, Hana Van Der Kolk, Alison Chase/Performance, URBAN | TRIBE, Smashworks Dance, Monica Bill Barnes, among others. They’re grateful to teachers including Anya Cloud, Ishmael Houston-Jones, Keith Hennessy, Ivan Cofield, and their peers. Paris has shared work at Movement Research at Judson Church, Groundswell Series, BK Art Haus, CreateART, The Craft, and HATCH. They host and teach at a queer contact improvisation jam in NYC; through study, play, and collaboration they’re guided into realms of the future.

EMMANUEL DE JESUS is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to NYC to pursue his dancing career. As a dancer he toured internationally and worked for Latin artists, Dance companies and shows including “West Side Story”. He is also a ProMakeup artist for MAC Cosmetics in New York City for the past six years. As a freelance Artist, he designs theatrical make up on performers for performance art, stage, shows, events, photo shoots, etc. You can see more of Emmanuel’s work on his Instagram and his website

PAULINA DE LA PARRA graduated from New York Film Academy’s musical theatre conservatory in 2015 as well as from Stella Adler studio of acting in 2020. Her most recent teaching artist contract was with the Tony Award-winning theatre “Cincinnati Playhouse in the House” where she did all their after-school programs, their “Theatre for Young Audiences” tours and workshops in schools. Instagram

ADRIEL FLETE, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, originating within the NYC salsa club circuit, started his career as a dancer on the first national tour of On Your Feet at 19. As a former dance graduate of the “Fame School” La Guardia arts High School, he is also featured in 20th Century Fox’s latest film West Side Story directed by Steven Spielberg as a Shark. He has also recently been seen as featured dancer in the new J Balvin & Bad Bunny video La Cancion as a featured dancer. As well as Marc Anthony’s hit song, “Pa lla Voy”. He’s very grateful to his mother, Marisol, for teaching him to dance and to his family and friends for supporting and giving him the confidence to pursue his career as an actor/dancer. See the amazing projects Adriel is working on Instagram.

CAT GREENFIELD is a puppeteer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and songwriter based in NYC. Some of her favorite puppeteering credits include Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live!; That Golden Girls Show: A Puppet Parody; and Âvenue Q. Some of her favorite acting credits include Ring of Fire, Honky Tonk Angels, and Disney Dreams. Cat has performed as an actor, musician, and entertainer all over the world, both on land and at sea. Her original tunes can be found anywhere you stream music! For resume and inquiries, visit www.catgreenfield.com for more information! 

MICHAEL H. JOHNSON received a BA in Theatre Arts from Cornell University many years ago. Since that time he has performed in regional theaters and all around the greater New York area as well as television and film. Most recently he has used his acting skills in a second career as a Standardized Patient at medical schools, helping doctors and students work on their communication and interpersonal skills. Michael has also been involved as an actor and is now Managing Director of the Cranston and Spade Theater Company, a group dedicated to bringing the fun of old-time radio shows to live audiences.

TATIANA KEEGAN, the reigning U.S. amateur national champion in International Latin (age 35+) with partner Anatoliy Shvarts, has taught at some of New York’s finest dance schools: Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Paul Pellicoro’s DanceSport, and Pierre Dulaine’s Dancing Classrooms, which was featured in the film Mad Hot Ballroom. She has also appeared as a teacher on The Late Show With David Letterman and the AMC reality series Into Character. Born in Volgograd, Russia, Tatiana was the Russian Amateur National Champion in Ten Dances before coming to the United States and winning multiple events, including the United States Ballroom Championship Rising Star title with Tony Dovolani of Dancing With The Stars. She teaches a wide variety of dances, from International Latin (Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive) to Standard and American Smooth (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz) as well as Swing, Hustle, Salsa, and Merengue. “Tati is the most patient, loving, thoughtful, and above all genuine teacher I’ve ever had,” says Lawson Harris, who has danced professionally for more than thirty years. “She will jump through a ring of fire to inspire her students to reach their potential.” Check out Tatiana’s amazing dance videos on her Instagram and website.

MARIA KENT is known for her one-of-a-kind costume designs and makeup styles. Maria is constantly creating bigger and bolder costumes and remains on the cutting edge with her variety of creative inspiring make-up looks for herself, as well as various entertainers and models throughout the NYC area! She has taught make-up artistry to children (and adults!) of all ages. Maria is a highly versatile performer who comes from a classically trained background also performs in such acts as stilt walking, showgirl, celebrity impersonator, living statue and much more! You can see the many looks Maria has created on her Instagram and website.

VICTORIA MANOLI is originally from Arcata, California. She began her creative journey as a competitive rhythmic gymnast at the age of 8 gaining skills in acro and equipment handling. The culmination of Victoria’s career as a gymnast was competing in the Junior Olympics.  She then transitioned into competitive and concert dance by joining No Limits Dance Academy and Trillium Dance for the remainder of her high school career.  Her inspiring years as a competitive dancer led her to pursue a career in dance at San Francisco State University.  While living in San Francisco, she taught at several dance studios including Geary Dance Studio and Alonzo King Lines Dance Center. Victoria is currently pursuing a performance dance career full time in New York City. 

BRADDON MEHRTEN is proud to be a 4th generation Californian; now transplanted to New York City for the past 40+ years, he is definitely a New Yorker. With a BFA from the United States International University in San Diego California, Braddon has had an extensive and varied career in both the theatre and academic life. Touring Europe and the United States as an actor in countless productions, some of his favorite roles have been Tony in West Side Story, the Emcee in Cabaret, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Tulsa in Gypsy, and Will Parker in Oklahoma. In the 1990’s he created Sneakers Music Inc, which wrote, produced and toured Children’s Theatre to schools throughout the tri-state area and beyond. As the artistic director of Simply Elementary Inc. (established in 2000) he brought his own personal focus on helping kids find their inner strength and overcoming the obstacles and challenges of their everyday lives; using Musical Theatre as the foundation. Presently Braddon creates countless musical theater workshops and mini musical revues for grades K-12 and senior centers; as well as directs fully staged musicals throughout the tri-state area. Braddon is thrilled to be part of AhHa!Broadway where he can bridge the worlds of theatre and academics to help children and even children at heart live up to their promising potential.

CHRIS MURPHY has been on A&E’s “Evening at the Improv”, “Carolines Comedy Hour”, “The Artie Lang Show”, and Amazon Prime. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s, “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn” where he was also a contributing writer.  His students have appeared on The Tonight Show, Letterman, Colbert, Conan, MTV, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, and have written for “Saturday Night Live”! Find Chris on Instagram! 

CHRISTOPHER NOFFKE (Choreographer) is an award winning Choreographer/Director/Teacher and is currently on staff with Man In Motion NYC! Recent credits directing credits include “Death Of A Shoe Salesman” (Hudson Guild Theatre/NYTF), “And Then There Were None” and “Assassins” (Associate Dir/The Secret Theatre), and a NYC Reading of Dan Furman’s “The Proust Virus”.  He was named Best Director for “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” and Best Choreographer for “Gypsy” and “The Wedding Singer” by DCMetroTheatreArts in 2014 and 2015.  He has directed for Riverside Center for the Performing Arts (The Wedding Singer, Chicago, Footloose, Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Hello Dolly starring Sally Struthers, Full Monty, Dreamgirls and White Christmas and more), Secret Theatre, Kentucky Rep (Little Women, Yes, Virginia, Oliver, Santaland Diaries), The Navigator’s, Naples Dinner Theatre, (Chicago, Dames At Sea, Cabaret, Pirates Of Penzance, Victor Victoria, Funny Girl, Tommy, Bye Bye Birdie) Priscilla Beach Theatre (Dames At Sea) and Northern Lights Playhouse (My Fair Lady, My Way, Chicago, Honkey Tonk Angels), Pines Dinner Theatre (Altar Boyz)! Find Chris on Instagram.

VICKI OCEGUERA is an Actor, Teaching Artist, and Puppeteer originally from California.  After attending UC Santa Barbara, where she double-majored in Dramatic Art/Psychology and minored in Education, Vicki attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC to hone her skills in Musical Theater.  As an educator, Vicki works with several organizations bringing theater classes to children, both in school and on-line, including her educational work with the New York City zoos (where she performs for children and leads workshops since 2013).  Vicki also leads workshops on puppetry for students of all ages.  As an actor, Vicki loves traveling the country performing in National Tours, and many Off-Broadway and regional productions.  Specializing in Theater for Young Audiences, Vicki worked with John Tartaglia on the National Tour of “Dinosaur Train Live” and with Mills Entertainment on the National Tour of “Clifford the Big Red Dog”, has traveled to Asia for the International Tour of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show”,  and performed in several NYC school tours teaching kids about healthy eating, bullying, and making healthy choices.  Vicki’s favorite aspect of performing children’s theater is inspiring kids to have a greater appreciation for theater and motivating them to explore their creative side.  She loves using theater to engage, embolden, and build the confidence of our youth. Check out Vicki’s Website and on Instagram.

TIM PEARSON is an international educator, platform artist, and media point person with runway, print and film expertise. Arriving in the Makeup Industry via an unusual path – Tim worked with Drag Artists and Performers in his home state of Alabama, learning how to do thoroughly transformative makeup, fabricate custom wardrobe for performers, wig styling, advanced airbrush techniques, and light FX like sculpting wounds and gore. Finding his possibilities for growth to be limited early on in his career, Tim relocated to one of the only places he knew would not limit his potential, New York City. As a completely self-taught artist with only his experience, drive, and creativity to rely on, he quickly found his place working with the elite in the Fashion world of New York. With a mind to create what he couldn’t find, Tim has designed a wide variety of body painting creations, wildly artistic editorial looks, and has even learned to construct false lashes out of unconventional materials; a painstaking and precise process that few artists take time to do. Tim began his journey thinking outside of the box because he had to but continues to think outside of the box because it’s just a better place to be. In a career spanning more than 20 years, with many changes and challenges, the hustle of a vibrant and expanding industry is both a familiar and comfortable space. As a globally recognized professional, Tim has worked with many performers, artists, and brands in areas of make-up for Fashion, Theatre, Television and Film, Body Painting and SFx. Today, as founding member of beaut.life, Tim travels the world to educate on these topics and to empower change to the face of beauty. Instagram

KEVIN RIOS was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and developed a passion for Theatre as a young boy. He began a career in boxing, instilling in him the value of discipline and hard work. Then he will find a passion for moving and dancing enhanced by his boxing skills he worked in a variety of professional plays in Mexico City and USA He relocated to New York City to begin his journey at the Stella Adler Studio and now he has been sharing his knowledge and experience on Movement and Acting with Kids Teens and Adults helping them to find a voice and life in the body through dancing.

CHRISTINA ROSE ASHBY is an Alaskan director and teaching artist living in Brooklyn. Christina specializes in new work creation, the reimagining of classics, and sparking the imagination of young artists. A true multidisciplinary artist, she has taught acting, improvisation, puppetry, and mask-making as well as directed captivating and imaginative theater in Alaska, West Virginia, and throughout New York City. Past TFYA shows include “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” “Winnie the Pooh,” and “Dorothy Meets Alice,” with Alaska Theater of Youth, “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland” with mainstages,” and “Petunia’s Playhouse Live!” a brand new puppet musical at New Ohio in NYC. Christina’s devised retelling of the Alice stories, Are You Alice: A New Wonderland Tale, had a successful two week run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 where it delighted audiences of all ages. Christina produces her own devised works, along with the works of others, through her theater company, Permafrost Theatre Collective. MFA in directing from the Actors Studio Drama School. Instagram @christinaroseashby www.christinaroseashby.com

NATE SAYATOVICH is a Director and Theatre Educator based in New York City. Prior to New York, he spent four seasons helping produce the community engagement and education programming at the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House. He has guest lectured on directing at Baruch College and taught musical theatre for a number of non-profit theater companies. Nate has also presented at the American Alliance for Theatre Educations National Conference and holds a B.S. in Theatre Education from Ashland University.