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 Music Theatre Philly Artists & Staff 

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MINDY DOUGHERTY BAIADA

Producing Artistic director/Co-founder  She/Her

MINDY DOUGHERTY BAIADA is a Philadelphia native and Mother of two, who is incredibly thrilled to bring her professional background and passion for theatrical training Philadelphia. As a performer, Mindy appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning revival of GYPSY, starring Broadway legend Patti LuPone, preserved with a Grammy Award winning original revival recording. Other New York credits include the critically acclaimed City Center Encores production of GYPSY (starring Patti Lupone), SERENADE (Jaradoa Theatre Company), and SONDHEIM: THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT at Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic. Mindy starred in the Broadway National Tour of A CHORUS LINE as ‘Val’, Education: Graduate of Penn State (BFA in Musical Theatre) and received her MA in Theatre Education from New York University (NYU). Mindy believes that musical theatre and the disciplines associated, nurture more than just a talent, but a sense of inclusion, team work, mutual respect and confidence in an atmosphere of trust, positivity, and encouragement.
 
"As a mother, I know the importance of wanting to help your child reach and grow to their full potential and I strongly believe that the arts is a tool toward achievement." 

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DANN DUNN

Co-founder  He/Him

DANN DUNN has created and maintained professional works as a Director/Choreographer, Associate, and Dance Captain around the world with Tony, Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy Winning Artists.

 

As an Educator, Dann has had the pleasure working with performers of all ages, both professional and aspiring professionals. Dann is an Guest Artist alumni of New York City’s famed ‘Camp Broadway’ where he worked with children around the world, as well as side by side with some of Broadway’s biggest names, With Camp Broadway, Dann taught Musical Theatre in New York City and in cities around the world on their National and International tours. On Broadway, Dann worked as an Educational liaison with Camp Broadway for the productions of Legally Blonde and The Drowsy Chaperone. Additionally, Dann has appeared as a Guest Artist with Temple University, Swarthmore University, Drexel University, West Chester University, Arizona State University, University Of The Arts, and University of Pennsylvania. www.DannDunn.com.

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TIM POPP

Executive Director  He/Him

TIM is a theater artist, educator and lifelong Philadelphian. He started his career as a performer and teaching artist working with theater and dance companies like Tribe of Fools, Dance Theatre X and Plays & Players. Tim was the Artistic Director for Wolf Performing Arts Center, a non-profit theater organization for children and teens based in Bryn Mawr, PA. During his time there, he produced, directed and choreographed 25 shows for young actors in grades K-12. Most recently, Tim served as the Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at University of the Arts. There he worked closely with the alumni, faculty and donors to support UArts and their students.  He graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Media & Communications from Muhlenberg College.

 

"I am so eager to join the team here at MTP! I have always believed in the power of the arts to transform the life of young people and am honored to be a part of this organization. Mindy and Dann have built an incredible team and I am thrilled to share my experiences and expertise with the MTP community!"

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JENNA O’NEILL

Program Manager  She/Her

Jenna is a Philly-based educator and theatre artist. She is thrilled to be joining MTP in which her main focus is to cultivate inclusive, collaborative, and exciting spaces for young artists to grow and succeed. Having graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, she has performed with various theatre companies from New York to Los Angeles. She is currently teaching elementary students in Philadelphia, and in pursuit of her MA in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate that theatre has the ability to change a child’s life as it did hers.

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ANNABELLA CAPACCIO

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Annabella is a Philadelphia-based soprano and aspiring conductor. She is currently serving with ArtistYear as a Resident Teaching Artist teaching general music and piano lessons at a local elementary school. Most recently, Annabella conducted 2 pieces in the Muhlenberg College Choir Spring 2022 concert, and acted as a guest conductor for the studio recital of Brian Chu in Spring 2022. In the summer of 2022, she attended ACDA PA’s summer conference having been selected as a participant in the student conducting masterclass. She made her Philadelphia debut this fall as soprano section leader in the opera chorus of a new work presented by the Delaware Valley Opera Company and continues to collaborate with other musicians in the area. In addition to vocal performance and conducting, Annabella is proficient in piano and cello and has extensive choral experience. She completed her Bachelor of arts at Muhlenberg College, studying Spanish and Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance and a focus in choral conducting.

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ROBERTA CURLESS

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Roberta is a performer, teacher, and choreographer based in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area. She has been training in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern for over twenty years. Her training has taken her to The Bowman School of Dance, Center Stage Dance Studio, Princeton Ballet School, Miami City Ballet, and more. During her career as a dancer Roberta has had the privilege of performing the choreography of Todrick Hall, Derek Hough, Debra McWaters, and Christopher d’Amboise. She also had the honor of performing the original choreography of Bob Fosse restaged by Ben Vereen. Other appearances include: The Atlantic City Ballet, The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, The Ritz Theatre, NYMF, Reverie Dance Theatre, and The Lady Hoofers Junior Company. Roberta has been teaching dance for over eight years. During that time, she has taught for private dance studios in both New Jersey, and Philadelphia, summer camp programs at The Ritz Theatre and Media Theatre, and community engagement programs for The Philadelphia Ballet. Roberta is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Roberta’s teaching style focuses on the development of the whole dancer. Not only focusing on proper technique but also positive self-talk, and individual artistry. Select works of choreography include: The Addams Family, 13 The Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr, and Sweet Charity.

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ANNA DeBLASIO

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Anna is an actor, singer, and teaching artist new to Music Theatre Philly. In the greater Philadelphia region, Anna has performed and/or understudied at the Arden Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, and Broadway Theatre of Pitman (Guenevere in Camelot). Other acting credits include: It Happened in Key West (Fulton Theatre); Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream); Vanda (Venus in Fur); Hangar Theatre: The Little Prince, Bunnicula, Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen. As a teaching artist, Anna has taught in Slovakia with Dramatic Adventure Theatre, developed and taught Shakespeare and storytelling curricula in the U.S., and she coaches acting and musical theatre. Anna has also participated in new play development and outreach programs with Baltimore Center Stage, notably PlayLab and Anna Deavere Smith’s Notes From the Field.  She is passionate about using the arts as a means toward social justice. Training: Shakespeare & Company. BA in theatre & English, Loyola University MD. www.annadeblasio.com

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KENNA DONALDSON

Teaching Artist  She/Her

KENNA DONALDSON is a Philadelphia-based artist and educator. Originally from Pittsburgh, she has trained with Act One Theatre School, the Media Theatre's New School, and was a member of Keystone State Music Theater's Conservatory. She has worked with Miss 22 Quties: Special Needs Beauty Pageant and the Bravo! program as an instructor and performance assistant. Kenna has also received acting, dance, and vocal instruction from Music Theatre Philly! She has a passion for teaching and is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education with additional instruction in American Sign Language from Temple University. Kenna strongly believes that education is a powerful force for inclusivity and individuality. She has been an instructor at MTP for over three years and is so excited about the upcoming semester!

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CHRISTOPHER FAISON

Teaching Artist  He/Him

Christopher is thrilled to be joining the team here at MTP. He is an award winning singer and actor and has been seen in the national touring productions of My Fair Lady, Hello, Dolly and The Book of Mormon. On Broadway he appeared in the Lincoln Center revival of My Fair Lady as a featured ensemble member in the Loverly Quartet, and understudied and performed the role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill. He is the creator and star of Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross, having most recently completed a residency in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and is Dad to his dog Gus. Forever grateful for the guidance and the gift!
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MARY FISHBURNE

Teaching Artist  She/Her

MARY FISHBURNE is delighted to join the team at MTP. She has directed, musically directed, and choreographed over 30 youth productions. As an actor, Mary has performed throughout the country and has mostly lived her professional life split between New York City and Charleston, SC, where she was awarded four Charleston Theatre Awards including "Best Actress" and "Best Choreography". As a composer/lyricist/playwright, Mary has written Boundless, a new musical that is currently being performed in high schools and regional theatre. Boundless debuted a workshop performance at Music Theatre Philly in May 2022. For more information, check out www.maryfishburne.com and boundlessthemusical.com

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LUCY FLIPPEN

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Lucy Flippen (she/her) was born and raised in Ellicott City, Maryland. During her formative years, she studied dance at Kinetics Dance Theatre and Wilde Lake High School, under the direction of Christine Estabrook. She attended the University of the Arts Precollege Program (2018), the Kennedy Center Contemporary Master Class Series (2019) and the Company E Summer Intensive (2022). Lucy is currently a senior dance major and art therapy minor at University of the Arts. At UArts, she has worked with and danced for Katie Swords Thurman, Kim Bears-Bailey, Shayla-Vie Jenkins, Jung-eun Kim, Lily Mello, and Kali Petrizzo. She has performed in restaged productions of Connect Transfer (Shen Wei Dance Arts) and DMan in the Water (Bill T. Jones). In Spring 2022, Lucy debuted as an “emerging choreographer” with her work “Güapea” for the UArts Ballet Ensemble. She intends to present her Senior Capstone project in the Spring of 2023. In her choreographic endeavors she researches questions both physically and theoretically: how people rely on each other, the functions relationships serve, and the purposes and effects of dependency. Presently, Lucy works as a dramaturg, choreographer, and teacher in Baltimore and Philadelphia.

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SARAH GORDIN

Teaching Artist  She/Her

SARAH GORDIN is a creative movement, and theatre teaching artist based in Philadelphia, PA. Sarah is the early childhood / lower school movement arts theatre teacher at Germantown Friends. She received her BA in Theatre from Muhlenberg College and also studied at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and the Theatre Academy of London. She fell in love with storytelling through reading and now focuses on telling and creating stories in imaginative ways with young people. Sarah has taught all over the world, both in person and virtually, with ZoomDance, ArtistYear AmeriCorps, Friendship Circle, OutSchool, Music Theatre Philly, The Rose Theater in Omaha, NE, and the Creative Arts Academy in India, among others. Sarah is also the Artistic Director and founder of Philly Children's Theatre. She is honored to have been selected as part of the 2022-2023 Young and Emerging Leaders Forum with the International Teaching Artist Collaborative. She is passionate about arts accessibility, centering students' voices, and empowerment through the arts. sarahgordin.com

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RONNIE KELLER

Teaching Artist  He/Him

RONNIE KELLER has been working in Philadelphia regional theater as a performer since beginning his studies at Temple University, notably at The Walnut Street Theatre, Media Theatre, Eagle Theatre, Surflight Theatre, and Candlelight Theatre. He holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre and an education in music, having studied piano, guitar, and voice since 2002. Currently, he is the Music teacher at Ss. Colman-John Neumann School in Bryn Mawr. He has instructed theatre, music, and dance classes all around Philadelphia, having music directed numerous productions and classes at Music Theatre Philly. He looks forward to another wonderful MTP Teen Intensive!

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TESS KUNIK

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Tess is a Philadelphia-based Theatre and Teaching Artist. She graduated from The University of The Arts in 2013 with a BFA in Acting and has since worked in the Philadelphia area as a performer, designer, and arts educator. Tess is a performer and collaborator with Ninth Planet, a performance collective that produces community-powered performance. Her most recent collaboration with Ninth Planet combined her love for theatre and early childhood development in a production called HOMEWORLD, a performance installation for babies 3-18 months and their caregivers. She collaborated as a co-creator, performer, and designer of the baby-safe set/installation and props. From 2015-2020 she served as teaching artist, props designer, and stage manager, at Wolf Performing Arts Center and later brought theatre programming to schools in the Greater Philadelphia Area as their Education and Outreach Manager. Tess is the Programs and Impact Director of The Liv Project, a non-profit organization determinded to turn the tide of youth suicide through creativity and fearelss communiction. She is passionate about collaboration, theatre, and storytelling and its power to teach us about ourselves and the world we live in. She is dedicated to cultivating confidence and empathy in the classroom and is thrilled to be joining the Music Theatre Philly Team! 

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DONOVAN LOCKETT

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Donovan proudly hails from New Orleans but has made Philly her artistic home, where she performs in theatre, film, TV, and commercials. She is a proud arts-based educator with 10+ years of experience who most recently, in addition to working at MTP, has worked on behalf of Arizona State University, Ohio State University, Ithaca College, Eastern University, Wilma Theater, Theatre Horizon, Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Kimmel Center, Stuttering Association for the Young, Lantern Theater Company, 1812 Productions, and Walnut Street Theatre. She most values trauma-informed training practices, empowering students of color and ESL learners, and providing her students with the life skills necessary to thrive and be the most optimal versions of themselves. Donovan is the co-founder of the alumni activist collective ICTA BIPOC and the co-creator of the podcast Black Light the Spotlight, which tackles representation and inclusion in the arts. Donovan received a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Writing from Ithaca College. www.donovanlockett.com

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AUDREY JOHNSON

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Audrey grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, but is currently a Philadelphia based performer and teaching artist. She is completing her final semester at The University of The Arts with a BFA in Musical Theater. Audrey has been performing for over 10 years, and has taught various musical theater and dance classes during that time. Her most recent performance credits include Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Martha (Heathers), May (Junie B. Jones), Powell (Men on Boats), and Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins). In 2018, she received the Westmoreland Cultural Trust Achievement in the Arts Award for Theater Performance. In addition to performance and education, she also loves the technical side of theater and will be going on her fourth year as a lighting production assistant at her university. Audrey is beyond excited to be a part of MTP and cannot wait to create with all of the young artists this season! “Theater invokes a unique form of emotion, thought and sense of community, allowing even strangers to create a bond through this shared experience” audreymjohnson.squarespace.com  

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TAYLOR J. MITCHELL

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Taylor is a Philadelphia-based Actress, Director, Choreographer, Writer and Teaching Artist. She graduated from Alabama State University with a BFA in Theatre in 2018 and moved to Philadelphia to pursue her dreams in the many genres of Art. Since moving to Philadelphia she has balanced both performing and teaching artistry to inspire her students as well as show them that their dreams can be reality. Taylor teaches across the Greater Philadelphia area with many Theatres in the city. But always loves coming to home to share her expertise with Music Theatre Philly Students. This marks Taylor’s 4th year with Music Theatre Philly and she can’t express how grateful she is to work with collaborative individuals like the staff and students at MTP. It is her passion to teach and inspire students through Arts Education, especially in underprivileged communities where Art isn’t always available for students. She is so excited for the many camps this summer and can’t wait to create and inspire some more.

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DANA ORANGE

Teaching Artist  He/Him

Dana Orange is a local theatre and dance artist in Philadelphia. Dana has appeared on stages all around the Greater Philadelphia area, including Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Lantern Theatre Company, Media Theatre, Eagle Theatre, and more. He also teaches theatre and dance classes at many schools and companies in the area as well. Currently, Dana can be seen on stage at the Walnut Street Theatre in their production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, where he stars as Sebastian the Crab. Dana believes in the importance of Arts Education and strives to make theatre more accessible, especially in underprivileged communities.

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MADDY MULLAHEY

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Madison Mullahey is a theatre artist based in Philly & NYC. Her career started at a young age performing in the Broadway National Tours of Shrek and Mary Poppins. She has also appeared off-Broadway in the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) and regionally at the Riverside Theatre. Madison has also worked in Film/TV and Voiceover where she’s appeared in numerous internet commercials and voiced an animated film, “The Fairy Princess & the Unicorn” on Hulu. Madison also works independently as a photographer taking headshots and creative portraits of performing artists. She just graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Musical Theater and a Business minor. Madison strives to create an inclusive studio environment where students can have fun and develop empathy through storytelling. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for performance at Music Theatre Philly! www.madisonmullahey.com

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JULIA NATOLI

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Philadelphia-based singer and teacher Julia Natoli is a native of Rochester, NY, and received her Professional Performer’s Certificate in Voice and Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Penn State University. Since moving to Philly in 2021, she has appeared as Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls at the Levoy Theatre with the Off Broad Street Players, Announcer #3 in their production of Orson Welles' War of the Worlds 1938 Broadcast, and as Girl in Once with City Theater Company. Julia is an avid runner, yogi, and former martial artist who enjoys using these experiences to guide her teaching of singing as an integrated mind / body experience. She currently serves as adjunct professor of musical theatre voice at Rowan University. When not singing or teaching, Julia passionately explores all things epicurean, advocates for self-care, and spends time with her two excellent cats, Renata and Mirella.

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SARA ANNE RABATIN

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Sara is an artist educator based in Philadelphia. Her goal is to create and foster work that is collaborative, accessible, inquisitive, and full of joy. She has worked with various theatre companies in the area as an actress, director, and teaching artist, and in community outreach. Her original TYA play Under the Moon premiered in 2019 at the Shoebox Theatre Festival, and had a run at the Jersey Fringe Festival. Sara absolutely loves working with young people, and helping them become more confident and creative! When not performing, teaching, or writing, you can find Sara hiking with her dog, listening to true crime podcasts, and hanging out with friends and family. Rowan BA in Theatre ‘18, NYU Steinhardt MA in Educational Theatre ‘23. 

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ABIGAIL SHERMAN

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Abigail is a vocalist, teaching artist, and music director based in Philadelphia. Abigail moved to Philly at the start of her service year as a teaching artist with ArtistYear, an AmeriCorps organization that seeks to provide equitable arts education across the US. Abigail’s primary focus as a vocalist is in classical music, but also has experience in musical theater, jazz, and renaissance styles. Last spring, she worked with the JCC of the Lehigh Valley as music director for their spring production of Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.! Most recently, she performed with the Delaware Valley Opera Company in Liebovar or the Little Blind Girl as part of Philly Fringe Fest 2022. She is currently serving as the Music Head for Philly Children’s Theatre’s spring production, and is excited to collaborate with Music Theatre Philly this spring. Abigail has also worked in the administrative side of the theater world, and finished her second season as a guest services intern with the Des Moines Metro Opera this past summer. Abigail is a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College, with majors in Music, Theatre, and Psychology, and concentrations in Vocal Performance and Acting.

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JAYLA WASHINGTON

Teaching Artist  She/Her

Jayla is a dancer, actress, and performer from Martinsburg, West Virginia. She is trained in various dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, and modern, and she’s had many performance opportunities in her hometown. Jayla received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with minors in Nonprofit Communication and Performing Arts, from Drexel University in June of 2022. Throughout her college experience, she was able to perform in multiple dance concerts. Jayla was also a proud member of the Drexel University Co-Op Theatre Company. For her Senior Capstone Project, Jayla produced and hosted a podcast titled Arts in Action where she highlighted local artists’ efforts to push for greater social change. Jayla’s most recent work includes serving as dance captain for Theatre in the X’s summer production of Dreamgirls, in which she also played the role of Michelle. Jayla now plans to utilize her talents to uplift marginalized communities through her passion for the arts.

Tim
Mindy
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