Dance Instructor
Rachelle is thrilled to be teaching at First Act Theatre! She began her dance career at the age of 3 and has not stopped dancing since. She has been classically trained in ballet, pointe, modern (with an emphasis in Horton, Graham, and Limón), contemporary, jazz, and tap. She enjoyed her 9 years as a student at First Act Theatre being in 20+ shows, as well as her dancing years at The Culture House, trained under Mona Störling-Enna and Courtney Kierl-Bourman. Rachelle recently graduated college at Kansas State University with a degree in Kinesiology and a secondary major in Dance and the Human Experience. While at KState, she studied choreography, pedagogy, research, and technical training under Kate Digby, Stephen Loch, and Julie Pentz, as well as influential master teachers, Kurt Douglas, Bubba Carr, and Alexandra Beller. Rachelle enjoyed researching dance as it pertains to physical literacy in her undergraduate years as well as performing at the American College Dance Association and Modern Night at The Gem. She is currently attending Kansas University Medical Center to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and she is delighted to be sharing her passion and joy of dance and the Lord with her students!
Acting Instructor, Assistant Director
Emily Barton (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance Studies from Millikin University. She prides herself on being a versatile, well-rounded theatre professional and enjoys all aspects of the field having worked as a director, stage manager, crew member, teacher, and actor from St. Louis to central Illinois, and now here in Kansas City. She has greatly enjoyed making new connections over the last year with industry peers and her acting students alike and is always excited to jump into a new project. During the day she works for a trivia night company, Leaderboard Games, and loves hosting locally while assisting in bringing fun, community-oriented game nights to life across the county. Emily believes the best teachers and instructors are well-rounded, empathetic, honest, and inclusive and she strives to carry those values into her lessons and productions. Aside from working you’ll find her walking around the Plaza, spending time with her fiancé, Mason, and their two cats, Cheesecake and Maple, expanding her DVD collection, sharpening her Mario Kart skills, and exploring all the hidden gems KC has to offer.
Choreographer
Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Amy has been dancing and performing since she was four years old. She grew up in Overland Park, KS, studying at various studios in the Kansas City area and performing with Christian Youth Theater Kansas City. Amy performed in over 16 shows with CYT KC, and taught at the newly established CYT KC dance studio when she was in high school.
While in high school, Amy traveled to NYC to perform jazz and tap pieces at Project Dance and choreographed for her high school’s show choir. Amy graduated from Kansas State University in 2013 with a degree in Elementary Education. During her time at K-State, she was a member of the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble, performed in over 8 main stage productions, competed in 2 of the Homecoming Dance Competitions, and took a variety of technique and master classes in the Dance Department.
Amy taught 3rd Grade in the Park Hill School District for 5 years, and now takes care of her 3 children during the day time. She has choreographed over 7 musicals for First Act/CYTKC, has taught dance classes since 2013, and is one of the teachers for the First Act Dance Company. Amy loves getting to share her passion for dance and performing for the Lord at First Act!
Acting Instructor
Arthur is overjoyed and honored to be teaching with First Act! A Kansas City native, Arthur has been a performer since the age of 9. He graduated with a BSE in Speech, Communication, and Theatre from the University of Central Missouri. When not teaching, Arthur is a professional actor in Kansas City, having worked with theatres such as New Theatre & Restaurant, Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT), Music Theatre Heritage (MTH), the Coterie Theatre, as well as countless others. In 2023, Arthur also starred as the children’s entertainer Blippi in the North American Tour of Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour. Arthur resides in Kansas City with his dog, a 7 year old boxer named Edgar! “Follow your goosebumps” – Jacob Collier
Acting Instructor
Alyssa is beyond excited to work with First Act! Previously she toured the country for many years working with Missoula Children’s Theatre teaching children a show in a week all over the country. She has also worked in Lancaster, PA with Popovsky Performing Arts Studio teaching and directing shows as well as working with Storybook Theater here in Kansas City. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and taught Theatre for a charter school in NYC for four years. Other than teaching, directing, and producing shows, she loves to perform and watch as much live theatre as possible. She would like to thank her support system for their love and for always encouraging her to follow her heart and her love for theatre.
Dance Instructor
Maddie Cure is a current Senior at St. James Academy and has been dancing at First Act since she was ten years old. In her time at First Act, she has taken countless dance classes in styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, modern, and swing, and she has performed in over 17 productions. She is an original member of First Act Dance Company, and she has performed in various venues around Kansas City as well as in Disneyland, Saint Louis, and New York throughout past five years! She also had the privilege of assisting with choreography at Saint James for their the musical as well. Maddie loves working with kids more than anything, and she is beyond excited to share her love of dance and the Lord with this next generation of dancers!
Vocal Instructor, Music Director
Katie Stueve Dahlstrom is a graduate of Baker University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and of Kansas State University, where she obtained a graduate certificate in Music Education. She’s been performing and teaching professionally in the Kansas City metro for over ten years. She is currently the music teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School, and has worked with the Leawood Stage Company and the Gardner Edgerton Youth and Community Program Theater Academy, as a rehearsal and pit accompanist, and as a musical director, respectively. She is also an accomplished accompanist and accompanies choirs and cantors as a church musician regularly. Teaching kids to love Jesus and to love music is her lifelong passion and she’s excited to join the faith-filled team at First Act.
Dance Instructor
Grace spent most of her childhood/teen years in a dance studio. She was classically trained at Kansas City Ballet School, American Dance Center, Legacy School of the Arts, and Crescendo Conservatory, with tutelage from Michele Hamlett-Weith, Vicki Allen-Reid, Molly Wagner, Maura Landers, Bryant Williams, Christina Valdez, and others. She was fortunate to spend many summers on scholarship at intensives across the country: Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, The Jillana School, Kansas School of Classical Ballet, Princeton Ballet School, and Koresh Dance Company. She fondly remembers master classes from Christine Colby Jacques (former Rockett and Bob Fosse dancer), Unity Phelan (NYCB Principal), Sasha Fomari (Moscow Ballet), and MOMIX, as well as open classes at Steps on Broadway, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Joffrey Ballet. Grace focused on ballet/pointe, jazz, and contemporary, and performed regularly across the KC metro, including her own choreography. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Park University where she was a member of the varsity dance team, and a Master of Architecture degree from Southern Illinois University. She is currently a licensed architect at a local architecture and engineering firm. In her spare time, Grace enjoys rock climbing, cooking, social dancing, traveling, family time, and trying new things. She loved her first year teaching for First Act Theatre Arts and is excited to continue sharing in the joy of dance!
Music Instructor
Chrissi is thrilled to be teaching the very youngest future performers at First Act. After receiving her BSA in Elementary Education (with a theatre/communications emphasis) from Emporia State University, she was a classroom teacher, ages preschool through middle school, for over twenty years. In her spare time, Chrissi enjoys traveling, entertaining, enjoying live music and theatre, reading and exploring all things KC with her family and friends.
Acting Instructor, Director
Michelle is a sought-after professional acting coach and director that has been working both on and off the stage for 20+ years.During her professional career Michelle had has the fortune to direct and/or perform in over 80+ productions with some of her favorites being The Fantasticks, Noises Off, Hairspray, Tuck Everlasting, Arsenic and Old Lace, Three Postcards, Tarzan, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Buried Child, Pippin and In The Heights. She has won several awards for her directorial work both on regional and national levels. As an international private acting coach, Michelle’s students have had success gaining entrance into top collegiate Acting and Musical Theatre programs as well as professionally on Broadway, the West End, Tokyo, International Tours, US National Tours, Regional Theatre and TV/Film. Michelle is the owner of MJE Acting Studio and Co-Owner of College Audition Project (CAP), one of the nation’s premier college audition companies, Co-author of the College Audition Workbook, and Co-Founder and Head of Acting for IGNITE summer intensive. Michelle is a frequent guest artist and adjudicator for both the International Thespian Festival, State Thespian festivals around the US, local high schools, and theatre companies. In addition, Michelle served as an adjudicator and committee member for the prestigious High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) in both Atlanta (Shuler Awards) and Kansas City (Blue Star Awards) since 2012. She is also a frequent adjudicator for State One Act, Speech & Debate, and Literary competitions around the nation. Always in pursuit of sharing her knowledge with others, in 2017, Michelle began her writing adventures. You can find her articles and columns about Acting, College Auditions, and the industry on www.dramatics.org, www.performerstuff.com and www.theatreartlife.com.You can find out more about Michelle at www.mjeactingstudio.com or CAP at www.collegeauditionproject.com
Vocal Instructor, Music Director, Director
Patrick Graham is a teacher, classically trained baritone, lifelong musical theatre nerd, and occasional Ethel Merman impersonator. He did his first CYT show in 2005 (Prince John in Robin Hood…the FIRST EVER CYT KC East show) and has been involved ever since.
As a singer and performer, he has been praised for his “vocal strength” and “beautiful tone.” Patrick has sung with the Ad Astra Music Festival, Seagle Music Colony, Eastman Opera Theater, Eastman Collegium Musicum (under the direction of Grammy award winning lutenist Paul O’Dette), the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the University of Missouri Opera.
His operatic and theatrical credits range from 18th century French Baroque opera to 21st century new opera to classics of the American Musical Theatre canon. His solo concert work includes Bach’s St. John Passion, Haydn’s The Seasons, Liszt’s Missa Solemnis, and a whole plethora of Bach Cantatas.
In 2019, he was awarded the Una Creditor Encouragement Award at the Kansas City District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and in 2016 he won his division of the NATS National Student Auditions. Patrick recently completed his Masters Degree in Voice Performance & Literature from The Eastman School of Music and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice Performance from the University of Missouri (GO TIGERS).
Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Becca Graham is a born and raised Kansas Citian. She entered the dance world at the age of 4 and has been in it for nearly 25 years! Her training consists of tap, jazz, ballet/pointe and modern/contemporary dance with an emphasis in Horton, Ailey and Graham modern dance techniques. Becca is excited to join the First Act Dance Studio and to watch students grow in confidence with dance!
Acting Instructor
Allyson is a 2023 graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University with her degree in Musical Theatre; and this is her first year teaching a course at First Act Theatre Arts! Allyson has substitute taught at The Culture House, and has choreographed at Pioneer Trail Middle School in Olathe for the last two years. Ally has been acting onstage for 15 years and her experience in the area includes work with Olathe Civic Theatre Association, Smet Theatrics, Padgett Productions, The White Theatre, and The Barn Players. Ally is especially trained and passionate about acting techniques and methods, as well as improvisational comedy, and everything Shakespeare! She was born and raised in the Kansas City area and is proud to help create and share art in her hometown.
Music Director
Vocal Instructor, Music Director
Mezzo-Soprano Lindsay James earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education from Harding University and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Lindsay’s versatile voice has brought opportunities with local theaters including Theatre in the Park, StoneLion Puppet Theatre, Musical Theatre Heritage and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. In addition to performing, Lindsay has enjoyed teaching and music directing for CYT KC for the last nine years. One of my favorite things about teaching is watching my student’s progress from their very first lesson to the recital. It’s exciting when something “clicks” and the student is able to do things they never thought they could. Can’t wait for this semester to begin!
Dance Instructor
Maleena is a recent graduate from MidAmerica Nazarene University where she received a BA Acting and Directing degree. Maleena has choreographed and taught at multiple schools and companies in the Kansas City area, including Stage Right’s Young Professionals Program, Lincoln College Prep Academy, Frontier Trail Middle School and Pioneer Trail Middle School. She has also danced for many companies around the KC area including Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park, The Barn Players, Olathe Civic Theatre Association and Theatre Atchison. She also serves as a Teaching Artist for Starlight’s ‘Disney Musical’s in Schools’ program and is an adjudicator for Starlight’s ‘Blue Star’ program!
Vocal Instructor, Music Director
Margaret Jordahl (she/her) is a recent Missouri State University graduate, who earned her degree in Vocal Performance in December of 2023. While in school, Margaret sang with numerous ensembles and was invited to travel and sing in many different places, such as Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, and Canada. Margaret was also in a number of operas in her undergrad, such as Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi (Lauretta), Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel (Dew Fairy), and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial By Jury (Angelina). She is thrilled to be back at First Act!
Dance Instructor
Emily LaBarge is currently a Senior at St. James Academy who has been dancing since she was 3 years old! She danced competitively for 2 years before an injury, and it was during that recovery time when she found her way home to First Act! Throughout her time at First Act, she has been trained in many styles of dance, including jazz, tap, ballet, modern, swing, lyrical, and contemporary! She has also participated in 18 productions! Additionally, Emily is an original member of the First Act Dance Company, and has had the opportunity to perform in many different venues, such Disneyland Main Street Parades, countless pre-shows for Theater in the Park and Starlight, and most recently on a stage in Times Square, NYC! In addition to Dance Company, Emily is also one of the Senior Captains of the Thunder Dance Team at St. James, where she runs the Dance Team social media and is the Editor in Chief of the yearbook! Being able to teach dance has been one of Emily’s favorite parts of her high school career, she is thrilled to get the opportunity to share her love of dance with the next generation of great dancers!
Acting Instructor, Associate Director, Stage Manager
Tyler MacSweeney graduated from Avila University in December of 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Directing/Producing. First Act has been a part of his life ever since he first joined as a freshman in high school back in 2011. Ever since then, his world was completely changed, and has gained so many meaningful and irreplaceable memories and experiences from his time with First Act. In his spare time, he enjoys writing his own plays. Tyler can’t wait to continue working with the wonderful staff and students at First Act to create amazing shows and memories all for the glory of God!
Dance Instructor
Acting Instructor, Director
Andrew Milbourn began in the heart of America. That’s right, Here in Overland Park, Kansas. Coming from a very artistic family, acting is a true passion of Andrew’s. He began his acting career with CYT KC.
Since graduating from Texas Christian University with a BFA in Acting, he has worked in numerous theatres around the country. He has also studied with the Groundlings Improv Group.
In addition to being in love with Jana (his best friend and BRIDE), Andrew is a sports fanatic, total nerd, and lvl 55 air hockey player.
Acting Instructor, Director
Jana (she/her) is a seasoned theatre director, actor, acting coach, and drama instructor. She has directed a multitude of plays and musicals including Macbeth, Bright Star, Matilda, Urinetown, Les Misérables and most recently, Merrily We Roll Along. In addition, Jana serves as First Act Kansas City’s Productions Director and Co-Director of the Acting Studio. When not at First Act, Jana can be found associate directing for Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Recent KCREP credits include Little Shop of Horrors and Once. At Northwestern College, she received a BFA with an emphasis in acting. After graduating, she moved to Kansas City and has been directing, performing, and teaching ever since. Passionate and particular, Jana strives to create honest, thought-provoking, and heartfelt theatre and to ensure that all students feel supported, valued, and celebrated.
Acting Instructor, Director
Acting Instructor, Assistant Director, Stage Manager
Becky is an Iowa native, who just happened to make her way down to KC 3 years ago! Becky holds a BA in Theatre from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. She focused mostly on tech theatre, with an emphasis in Stage Management, Directing, and Lightning Design. She also loves teaching theatre classes, from preschool kids to high schoolers. Becky loves instilling a love a theatre and storytelling in students, and always pushes them to learn, and do their best. Recent Stage Management credits include Les Miserables (First Act Theatre Arts), Taming of the Shrew (Rising Tide Theatre Company), and The Glass Menagerie (Northwestern College).
Dance Instructor, Choreographer
April has been dancing since she was in preschool. She received a BS in Math and a minor in Dance from Missouri State University. While attending Missouri State, she was a member of the Sugar Bears Dance Team.
As a Sugar Bear, she danced in Spain, at the Macy’s 2001 Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the National Dance Competition at Walt Disney World, which aired on ESPN. April has also performed in Las Vegas, 1996 Summer Olympics, and Theater in the Park’s Singin’ in the Rain. She has choreographed shows for CYT as well as high school musicals and dance teams.
April choreographed Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Seussical the Musical for TTIP and won the Demi Award for Best Choreography for the 2009 season. She became a certified Jazzercise Instructor in the spring of 2014 and enjoys motivating people to achieve their fitness goals.
She has also taught Musical Theater Dance at MidAmerica Nazarene University. April has been married to Brett since 2003. They have 3 children: Jeremiah, Kathleen, and Matthias. She is blessed to be teaching at First Act, sharing her love of dance for the Lord!
Acting Instructor, Dance Instructor, Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager
Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Madison Phipps is a First Act Theatre Arts alum who has been part of the organization since she was nine years old. During her time as a student, she performed in 26 productions and trained in the First Act Dance Studio, studying tap, jazz, and musical theater dance. While Madison works full-time as a graphic designer, she has remained deeply involved in dance and is grateful for the opportunity to return to First Act as a dance instructor and choreographer. She loves helping young performers grow in both their technique and confidence, creating a positive environment where students feel encouraged to learn, take risks, and have fun. Madison believes dance is a beautiful way to glorify God and use the gifts He has given us, and she is passionate about inspiring students to pursue excellence while finding joy in worship through movement. She is honored to share her love of dance and the Lord with the next generation of performers at First Act.
Director, Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Show Coordinator
Meagan Prendergast (she/her) has been haunting this organization since 2009 when she moved to Kansas City following seminary school. Meagan first fell in love with musical theater when she saw her Aunt perform in a community theater production of Annie in her native Iowa. She thought, well I’m gonna need a bucket and a spotlight immediately. This led to her auditioning for the role of Annie but playing Pepper three separate times. Her post-orphan stage appearances continued through high school and college, and included a stint of improv in her 20s.
Music Instructor
Margaret Slavinsky holds a Master’s of Sacred Music degree in vocal performance at the University of Notre Dame. She previously attended Lawrence University Conservatory where she received her Bachelor’s of Music in vocal performance. Most recently, she made her professional opera debut as the role of the Shepherd in the South Bend Lyric Opera’s Tosca under the music direction of Alastair Willis. Her previous roles in operas include Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica, Gretel in Hansel and Gretel (scene), Camille in Louise (scene), Alice in Falstaff (scene), Cendrillon in Cendrillon (scene), as well as holding roles in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Riders to the Sea. She has studied under the tutelage of voice teachers Anne Slovin & Steven Paul Spears, opera directors Copeland Woodruff and Dror Baitel, and vocal coaches, Andrew Crooks and Kristin Roach. While in her undergraduate program, she was a member of Cantala women’s choir under the direction of Dr. Phillip Swan. In her graduate program, Margaret was a member of the South Bend Chamber Singers under conductor Dr. Nancy Menk. Margaret has soloed with the Notre Dame Chorale in their performance of Handel’s Messiah under conductor Dr. Alexander Blachly. She was also featured as the soprano soloist in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. In addition to voice, Margaret has studied keyboard (piano & organ) for over 10 years with professors including Nicole Lee & Dr. Jonathan Hehn. She has taught music history, music theory, piano, and voice both institutionally in group settings as well as privately for the past five years and is excited to now be joining First Act.
Acting Instructor, Assistant Director, Stage Manager
Molly graduated from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) with a Bachelor’s in Education and a minor in Theatre. Her acting career first started with First Act as a student back in 2009 and she has been a part of the organization ever since! Along with teaching classes, camps, and private lessons, Molly has assistant directed and stage managed over a dozen productions at First Act, recently including Hello Dolly, Tarzan, 12 Angry Jurors, and Bye Bye Birdie. She has also worked with KU’s university theatre department on various shows, and has been teaching for 5 years in K-12 schools all over Kansas. She is passionate about inspiring students to pursue what they love, building confidence, and instilling a love for lifelong learning! Molly most recently completed a professional internship with the Walt Disney Company in Orlando FL, working at Disney World in Entertainment! While she loves all things Disney, she is overjoyed to be back in Kansas with her First Act family!
Vocal Instructor, Music Director
Courtney (she/her) is a First Act Alum and currently teaches high school choir and music at Cristo Rey KC! She graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota in 2022 where she received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education. After teaching for a year in Seattle, Courtney is excited to be returning and joining the vocal studio! She looks forward to working with students to build confidence and find joy in making music together!
Vocal Instructor, Music Director, Director
Hillary (she/her) is a First Act KC Alum and a private music teacher in the Kansas City Metro area! She graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 2019 where she received a Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music. Since graduating, Hillary has used her classical and commercial training in her time as a church musician, performer and educator. She has music directed many shows including Fugitive Songs, Alice By Heart, and the World Goes Round, Curtains, Big Fish, Bright Star, and many more. She is also lucky enough to direct at First Act, and has directed shows like Seussical, White Christmas, Tarzan, Cinderella and more. She serves on the board for the Kansas City Community Chorus, a local choir focused on creating community. She has a particular passion for music education and the incredible power it has to foster community. Here’s to happy and healthy singing!
Dance Instructor
Kaitlyn (she/her) is currently homeschooled for her senior year! She has been a part of First Act since she was four years old and has loved it since she began. In her time here she has taken multiple dancing, acting, and singing lessons through multiple different teachers. She has been in over 26 productions and taken many different styles of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, swing, contemporary and more! She is so excited to begin teaching the next generation of First Act kids!
Acting Instructor, Stage Manager
Gavin is a professional actor based out of Kansas City. He is also a First Act Alumni, with his
first show being Annie in 2014! He graduated from Wichita State University with a BFA in
Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance. He has performed in regional, community, and
educational theater for the past 10 years. Along with acting, Gavin has also worked as a
teacher, stage manager, and website designer. In 2024 he was awarded the Outstanding Senior
Award for WSU’s School of Performing Arts. Gavin’s mission as an artist is to educate,
challenge, and inspire others in their day to day life.
Acting Instructor
Shiana Tyler is a teaching artist, performer, and director. They graduated Kansas State University with a BS in Theatre in 2018. Shiana has been directing, teaching, and performing for children’s theatres across the country since 2019; their biggest passion is giving kids the space to develop their confidence and imagination. In their free time they enjoy all sorts of gaming ranging from playing card games such as Lorcana, a Disney trading card game, to video games such as Call of Duty: Warzone and Disney Dreamlight Valley!
Dance Instructor
Lauren Urschel (she/her) is beyond excited to return to First Act to teach ballet! Lauren has been dancing since she was 2 years old, and has always had a deep love for ballet. She and her family have been involved with First Act for two decades, with Lauren being involved in over 20 productions from 2008-2019. While she didn’t go on to study musical theater in college, Lauren was involved teaching dance in First Act summer camps after graduating from high school. She adores seeing the students fall in love with dance and grow in their confidence as they learn and master new skills. Lauren aims to give every student their “ah-hah” moment in dance classes, helping them to unlock their potential and their passion.
When she is not teaching at First Act, Lauren works full-time as a Registered Dietitian in the HCA Healthcare system, reads lots of books, attempts to become a good cook, does yoga, and enjoys a good nature documentary.
Acting Instructor
Aycka Xavier is a California native who recently relocated to Kansas with her husband and their two dogs. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Los Angeles, where she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre.
Aycka is passionate about helping young performers grow in confidence, creativity, and artistry. She brings professional industry experience into the classroom, having performed in new musical productions Off-Broadway, toured nationally as a performer and media representative with the Cocomelon Party Time Tour, and appeared in numerous Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) productions throughout the East Coast.
In addition to performing, Aycka has worked as a stage manager and assistant director for school productions on the West Coast. She is also a professional theatre and entertainment photographer, where she has helped countless actors create professional headshots and self-tapes that showcase their unique talents.
Aycka believes every student has a story worth telling and strives to create a positive, supportive environment where performers feel encouraged to take creative risks, build confidence, and develop the skills they need both on stage and beyond. She is excited to inspire the next generation of artists and share her love of theatre with each of her students.
Acting Instructor
George Xavier is a performer, educator, and director born and raised in New Jersey. Proudly of Puerto Rican and Chilean heritage, George discovered his passion for the performing arts at an early age, growing up in a small New Jersey town with dreams of a career on the stage. His love for musical theater led him to study at both AMDA Los Angeles and NYU Steinhardt, where he continued to develop his craft.
A nationally recognized performer, George is best known for portraying the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Grinchmas (2025) and for bringing the iconic character to audiences across the country in the national tour of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Musical Theatre Guild of Los Angeles. George maintains a lifelong goal of playing the Grinch in every major production around the country… or the world, whichever comes first.
Throughout his career, George has performed alongside acclaimed Broadway veterans, award-winning actors, and celebrated musicians and directors while training with some of the entertainment industry’s most respected artists. A graduate of The Groundlings Improv School in Hollywood, he credits improvisation as an essential part of his growth as both a performer and educator.
Some notable credits include Mondego in The Count of Monte Cristo (Off-Broadway at Theater Row), Max in Sunset Boulevard (ACT of CT) alongside Broadway veteran Pearl Sun, and portraying Juan Perón in five different productions of Evita.
Equally passionate about education, George has dedicated much of his career to mentoring the next generation of performers. He has taught master classes at the Governor’s School for the Performing Arts in Virginia, led workshops at middle schools and high schools across the country, and has been invited to be a guest alumni speaker for graduating students at AMDA Los Angeles. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that talent flourishes through hard work, discipline, consistency, and an insatiable hunger to grow. He is committed to helping young artists discover their unique voices while equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the performing arts.
George and his family recently relocated to the Kansas City area and are excited to embrace the opportunities that await in their new community. Whether performing on stage, directing, or teaching in the classroom, George strives to inspire others through his passion, professionalism, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts. He looks forward to continuing his own artistic journey while playing an active role in the growth and evolution of the next generation of performers.
Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Liz started teaching in the Kansas City area in 2015. In addition to teaching, she was a part of the Kansas City Swingsters performance team for a number of years and has competed in West Coast Swing, Country, and Ballroom. Liz loves teaching all ages because she is passionate about bringing the joy of dance to everyone.
Acting Instructor
Janelle Weber is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, where she received her B.S. in Theatre Performance. She has performed on stage as well as in immersive experiences. While obtaining her degree, Janelle worked as a performance coach for incoming freshmen. She has experience directing short projects, and would love to explore that more. Janelle also has experience backstage, having most recently worked as stage crew and production tech for several Christmas events.
Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Hope began dancing at the age of 6 with AngelFeet Dance Studio in south-central Kansas, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointé, and was a member of the touring Ministry Team. After interning at The Washington Ballet at THEARC in Washington, D.C., Hope discovered her passion for teaching dance while assisting with the DanceDC program.
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University, she performed at many venues, including the Kansas Dance Festival in 2013, The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, the Kansas State Fair, and others. Hope was a member of the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble and the Kansas State Theater Organization, and she earned her bachelor’s in theatre with a concentration in dance.
Her repertoire includes award-winning competition dances and multiple musicals during her time as an adjunct professor at Avila University, as well as choreography for numerous middle and high school musicals. As a choreographer for First Act’s Dance Company, she has created pieces that challenge and uplift her students. Hope has taught for First Act since 2015 and has choreographed eleven shows, including James and the Giant Peach, The Wizard of Oz (twice!), Annie Warbucks, Madagascar, Cinderella, Footloose, A Christmas Story, Curtains, and White Christmas. She has also worked in numerous summer camps, helping to foster confidence in students of all ages.
Hope looks forward to growing with the First Act family and embracing new opportunities in the future.
