Resident Artists
Pittsburgh Musical Theater is extremely proud of our diverse, seasoned, and educated resident artists. Help us celebrate their achievements by reading below.
Cassidy Adkins
Cassidy Adkins is a proud PMT RERC alumni! After PMT, Cassidy attended Point Park for Acting with a Musical Theatre minor. She has been fortunate enough to perform, choreograph, produce, and direct many production across the city. Performance credits include: Macbeth with PICT Classic Theatre (Pittsburgh Post Gazette Best Lead Actress of 2014), Les Miserables and Young Frankenstein with PMT, The Crucible and M33 with Point Park, and The Full Monty and Chicago in Westmoreland County. She also assisted director Alan Stanford with The School for Scandal, and choreographed Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, both for Point Park. She also produced, assistant directed, and performed in an independent production of HAIR with several fellow PMT alums. She currently works as the Company Manager at PICT Classic Theatre, resident choreographer at Avonworth High School, and a Professional Princess with Lovely Day Events. www.cassidyadkins.com
Brent Alexander
Dr. Brent Alexander is a progressive in the areas of musical direction, vocal coaching, choral and instrumental conducting, arranging, composing, keyboard instruments and music technology. He has been music directing and on faculty at PMT for eight years. He is also on faculty at Robert Morris University where he directs the choral activities, teaches music and music theater courses, has an applied voice studio, and serves as musical director for university shows. <www.musicbrent.com>
Jennifer Birnie
Jennifer Birnie received her B.A. in Theater from Indiana University - Bloomington. Jennifer returns ‘home’ as a Resident Artist to Pittsburgh Musical Theater as the Development & Fundraising Officer / Accessibility Coordinator after working as the Individual Support Manager with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Jennifer is a proud and active member of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) and PEO- Chapter BW (Philanthropic Education Organization). Jennifer resides in Sewickley with her loving and supportive husband Andrew, where they are devoted parents to their daughter Carley. Live to Outgive.
Josh Cushing
Josh Cushing recently graduated from Freedom Area High School where he was part of the Marching Band President of the Drama Club,where he was most commonly seen backstage. Josh helped build and mobilize sets, as well as having a hand in designing lights and sound. He participated in The Wizard of Oz, The King and I, and Grease. Josh is excited about this opportunity at Pittsburgh Musical Theater where he hopes to continue to be a part of the family.
Myah Davis
Myah Davis was born and raised in Greensburg Pennsylvania right outside of Pittsburgh. She started her acting career at Westmoreland Academy of Performing Arts at age 7. Myah will soon have a B.A. in Communication/Theater from Robert Morris University. She has had the great pleasure of producing and appearing in several productions with Pittsburgh Musical Theater since 2012. Some of her favorite productions from over the years include Sweet Charity, West Side Story, Children of Eden, The Who's Tommy and Bare: A Pop Opera. Myah has had the opportunity to work with an array of amazing educators over the years and is very excited to not only be able to pass on her knowledge to future students but to also learn from them. She is thrilled to be a resident artist at PMT and as always is excited to see what the future holds for her and future students!!
Colleen Doyno
Colleen Doyno proudly serves as the Executive Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Musical Theater. She came to PMT in 1997 as a performer and faculty member. She was promoted to Conservatory Director in 2001 and added the additional title and responsibilities of General Manager in 2003. During her tenure as Conservatory Director and General Manager, Ms. Doyno has directed and choreographed countless shows for both the Professional and Conservatory theater companies. Several of these shows have been counted as the "Best of Pittsburgh" in the annual Pittsburgh Post Gazette year in review-including the Conservatory Theater Company's 2013 production of "Miss Saigon", the first student show to be so honored.
In 2013 Colleen’s achievements were recognized with the prestigious "Woman of Integrity" award, and her commitment to mentoring young women into future leaders was honored as a finalist for the 2013 "Athena" award.
Ms. Doyno is a strong advocate for the development of the West End Community, which serves as PMT's forever home. She has worked with the West Pittsburgh Partnership, The West End Alliance, City Council and the Mayor’s office to advance growth in the area. She also organized the West End’s efforts for the Pittsburgh Marathon that led it to be named "best in neighborhood entertainment" along the route. Ms. Doyno is also proud to produce affordable high quality Broadway style shows through PMT's Byham Series. She has a deeply held belief in developing our children into healthy, self-assured, well-rounded individuals through the arts. This belief is at the heart of her educational philosophy and has guided the success of the conservatory under her direction.
Lisa Elliot
Lisa Elliot has been teaching, choreographing, directing and performing with both professional actors and students at Pittsburgh Musical Theater for the past twenty years. She loves working with the professional company but especially enjoys seeing the students grow and develop into working career professionals through their training at the Rauh Conservatory. Lisa is currently on the faculty of Robert Morris University teaching musical theater Jazz and choreographs university musicals. Past choreography credits at PMT include Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Joseph, Tarzan, Cats, Disney’s Little Mermaid, Young Frankenstein, Peter Pan and Saturday Night Fever.
Sarah Everhart
Sarah Everhart received her B.A. in dance with a concentration in ballet from Point Park University, where she graduated magna cum laude. While at Point Park she received the Pittsburgh Ballet Guild Scholarship and performed many prominent roles. In addition to Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Sarah also teaches at Point Park University and the Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh. Each summer, Sarah also joins the faculty of Carnegie Mellon’s Pre College Drama Program. She has previously been on faculty at La Roche College, the Sarah Heinz House, and was guest faculty at Carnegie Mellon University. Sarah has staged several classical variations, and her original choreography has been seen throughout the area. Sarah’s favorite roles include the title role in Cinderella and Pas de Trois in Sleeping Beauty. Sarah lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, daughter, and son.
Adam Fladd
Adam Fladd was born and raised just outside of Erie, PA in the small town of McKean. He went on to graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in voice and a minor in piano while still finding time during the summers to return to his alma mater, General McLane High School, to instruct the front ensemble for the marching band. After graduation, Adam moved back to his hometown where he performed with the Erie Playhouse and Dramashop Theater before making the move to Pittsburgh. He became part of the PMT family during it’s 2015-2016 season and had the pleasure of performing as Bobby in Saturday Night Fever, TJ in Sister Act, and Johnny Casino in Grease. In the future, his ultimate goal in life is to become the dean of the fine arts department of a college. Adam feels overwhelmingly appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to work with such amazing artists, to both learn from them and work beside them in helping these students grow into the professional artists they are destined to be. Matthew 6:34.
Kenneth Gargaro, Ph.D. (Founder)
Dr. Gargaro’s career in the performing arts in Pittsburgh spans over four decades. His dedication to the arts and to education continues to transform the local musical theater scene. Disciplined training leading to immediate testing on the public stage forms the foundation of his artistic/educational philosophy. The outcome of this artistic vision can be seen across the nation in the Broadway, Touring, TV, Film and Entrepreneurial work of those whose educational pursuits and performing careers intersected with Dr. Gargaro’s career as a producer, director and educator. He continues to supply the youngest performers, local professionals and college students’ access to the professional stage on a regular basis by giving master classes and occasionally directing for Pittsburgh Musical Theater. He is as well a Professor of Communication at Robert Morris University where he heads the theater and choral activities.
Lindsay Kalbfleisch
Lindsay is both excited and honored to be back at PMT after spending the last 4 years in Arizona. Her journey as a PMT kid started in 1996 when she was cast in the children’s chorus of Evita at the Byham Theater. She quickly knew PMT would be her forever theater home! Through the years she studied at the Richard E. Rauh Conservatory and then became an instructor in 2008. Some of her favorite productions with PMT include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, Footloose and of course the holiday tradition, A Lyrical Christmas Carol. Recently she added some favorite roles to her resume while in Arizona including: Louise in Gypsy, Sister Leo in Nunsense and Aurora in Kiss of the Spiderwoman. She truly believes and embraces the mission of PMT and loves seeing the continued accomplishments and growth of the both the students and the company. Lindsay is thankful for her forever friends here and knows she can always come home!
Amber Kocher
Amber Kocher hails from Pittsburgh, PA with her husband, Kevin and son, Brody. She is a graduate of Clarion University and is the Props Master, Set Dresser, Jack-of-all-Trades Resident Artist at Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Her most recent credits with PMT include Peter Pan, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Young Frankenstein, Shrek the Musical, Les Miserables, and many more. She has also designed for Front Porch Theatricals, and South Park Theater among many more. Amber has been with the company since 2012, and looks forward to many more sensational seasons with Pittsburgh Musical Theater.
Betsy Lawrence
Betsy Lawrence holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in both voice and music theater & a Masters of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. She has many national television credits including the currently running "Red White and Rock", "The American Sound Track", "More Rock at 50", "My Music", "The Roots of Rock and Roll", "The British Invasion", & "Roots in Country". Betsy has backed up major recording such as Frankie Valli, Frankie Avalon, BJ Thomas, Glen Cambell, Lulu, Connie Francis and many more. Betsy most recently returned from Nashville TN where she appeared as a featured soloist for two PBS television shows, singing country classics and 70's classic rock. She's featured on national radio and television commercials as well including one for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Captain Morgan's Rum, & the "Silver Microphone" award winning Dad's Dog food. Betsy was invited to sing at the United Nations for the "Nuclear Disarmament Worldwide" convention headed by Ted Turner & Mikhail Gorbachev as well as being invited to sing at the French embassy in Washington D.C. on numerous occasions. She has appeared as a soloist with The Pittsburgh Symphony under the late Marvin Hamlisch, the Manhattan Philharmonic, and the River City Brass Band. A few of her operatic credits include New York City Opera Touring Company, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Opera Center, and the American Opera Project in New York City.
Betsy is active in the Pittsburgh musical theater scene, doing roles most recently with Civic Light Opera & Pittsburgh Music Theater. Internationally she appeared with Stella productions in Hamburg Germany.
Betsy has one of the most in demand vocal studios in Pittsburgh and has an active master class schedule. She is a founding member of RESONANZ , a 501 c3 non-profit concert series. Betsy is the director of the Carnegie Mellon University Jazz choir as well as an artist lecturer in operatic studies and jazz voice. She also holds a studio at the Richard E Rauh Conservatory for Pittsburgh Musical Theater.
Jennifer Lybarger
Jenn was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA, where she studied Musical Theater at the PittsburghPlayhouse Conservatory, the Richard E Rauh Conservatory and Graduated from Point ParkUniversity with a BA in Acting.
Post Graduation she moved to New York City where she lived for the better part of the next decade. In this time, she toured North America in the companies of Crazy for You, Funny Girl and Barry Mannilow's Copacabana. Jenn also played Rose Alvarez in an off-Broadway production ofBye Bye Birdie.
While in New York, she began working in arts education as a team member for Ballet Tech (the New York City Public School for Dance), as well as through workshops and talk backs while performing Bye Bye Birdie.
She returned to my hometown of Pittsburgh in 2006 to begin teaching at Pittsburgh Musical Theater's Richard E Rauh Conservatory. She has also been fortunate to perform and direct withPMT over the past seven years.
Jenn became an adjunct faculty member at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 in 2009 and has been teaching acting, musical theater, voice and speech, movement and theater history to students in grades 6-12 for the past 5 years. She is also the director of the 6-8 all school musical every fall, as well as musicals and plays for the high school theater department.
While building her teaching and directing career, she continues to work as an actress for such local companies as PMT, Pittsburgh CLO, PICT, Stage Right!, and 10 years of summer stock at West Virginia Public Theater.
Todd Nonn
Todd Nonn is the Resident Lighting Designer for PMT. This will be his 8th season working on productions with the company. He will also occasionally design a set for one of the shows too. Todd also is the Technical Director for all of Squonk Opera’s shows touring around the world, the Assistant Lighting Designer for all of Pittsburgh Opera’s performances at the Benedum, a stagehand with IATSE Local#3, a Lighting Designer at RMU, and works on many other productions to fill in the gaps. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors, camping and backpacking.
Brady D. Patsy
Brady D. Patsy is a professional performer from the greater Pittsburgh area. He has performed with company's such as Pittsburgh Musical Theater, West Virginia Public Theater, Boston's North Shore Music Theater Company, and many others. In 2008, Brady spent a year working for the Walt Disney World Company. There, he had the opportunity to work with Regis and Kelly, Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, Fantasia Burrino, David Cook, Jon and Kate Gosselin, and many others! Upon returning to PA, he jumped right back on the stage and has been performing non-stop. During 2010-2012 he served as Production Administrator for Grayfin Arts Entertainment Events. He also served as an theater instructor for The Butler Center for the Performing Arts! Brady is currently an acting/voice instructor for Pittsburgh Musical Theater's Richard E. Rauh Conservatory for the Performing Arts! Throughout his eight years on the professional stage he has had the opportunity to play extraordinary roles in shows such as Sister Act (Curtis), Grease (Miss Lynch), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Grimsby), Children of Eden (Father), Hairspray (Edna Turnblad), Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter), Spring Awakening (Male Authority Figure), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Seussical (General Schmitz), RENT (Tom Collins), Les Miserables (Javert), Cats (Bustopher Jones/Gus) Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Tarzan, and many others!
Kate Queen
Kate Queen has a B.A. in Communication/Theater, a B.S.B.A in Accounting, and an M.S. in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University. She has had the distinct pleasure of appearing in so many wonderful PMT productions since moving to Pittsburgh in 2007. Some of her favorite moments onstage with PMT include Maria in West Side Story, Wendla in Spring Awakening, and Jane in Tarzan. She is thrilled to be working with the students of PMT as an educator and resident artist. Kate values the mentorship and education she received from the many brilliant teachers and performers she's had the opportunity to study under throughout her life; she is thrilled to join the ranks of PMT's staff and become an active part of the development of many more brilliantly talented performers!
LaTrea Rembert
LaTrea Rembert is thrilled to be joining the staff here at Pittsburgh Musical Theater. A native of Cincinnati, Oh, LaTrea moved to Pittsburgh in the fall of 2010 to study at Point Park University. He graduated in 2014 with his B.A. in Theater Arts with a Dance minor. While at Point Park, he had the opportunity to perform in their productions of A Chorus Line and The Raymond Laine Memorial One Act Festival. He has also performed in Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh Playwrights, Carrnival Theatrics and, of course, Pittsburgh Musical Theater. LaTrea has also recently completed a year long residency with the Staycee Pearl dance project. In addition to performing, he is also a fun loving barista at Starbucks. LaTrea is extremely blessed for this opportunity and gives many thanks to God for simply being awesome, and to Colleen, Gemma and the entire PMT staff for believing in him and accepting him with open arms. Much love to you all. Jeremiah 29:11
Shannon Riley
Shannon Riley is happy to be "back at home" at Pittsburgh Musical Theater! Shannon is a recent graduate of Point Park University with a degree in jazz dance performance. While in school, Shannon has opportunities to work under Ron Tassone, Jim Cooney, and Eileen Grace, as well as performing with PMT's professional company. Dancing is a passion, a fantastic way of expression, and Shannon cannot wait to explore the joy of dance with the artists at PMT. Onward and upward!
Jerreme Rodriguez
Jerreme Rodriguez is a New York based Theater Artist currently in Pittsburgh performing in The CLO Cabaret production of Miss. Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage. Other Pittsburgh Credits include Lucian in WIG OUT! With Pittsburgh Repertory Theater, and numerous productions with Pittsburgh Musical Theater. He was last seen as the Emcee in Cabaret at Mary Moody Northen Theater in Austin, Texas and has performed with Austin Playhouse and Austin Lyric Opera. Jerreme was also seen as Greg in the National Tour of A Chorus Line directed by Baayork Lee. He was assistant Director/Choreographer for All Shook Up at Theater at The Center, The Lost in NYC at the Wild Project, and Choreographer for a workshop of Adultolescence presented at Shetler Studios. In New York, Jerreme is a librettist in The BMI Lehman Engle Musical Theater Workshop where he focuses on creating New Musical Theater Works. He has originated the roles of Mikael/Reina in Theater 167’s I Like To Be Here, Abe O’Brian in M33 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and Count Portabello in Helldrivers of Daytona. Proud alumni of Interlochen Arts Academy and Point Park University, Jerreme places great value in Theatrical Training and Furthered Education.
Mandie Russak
Mandie Russak started her love of performing at age 3 when she started taking ballet. She first found her voice singing the star spangled banner at a chorus concert. Since then, musical theatre has been her life. She went to Stage Right! In Greensburg for 7 years. After graduating from Norwin High School, she attended Point Park University where she received a BA in Musical Theatre. Since then, she has worked with RWS doing theme park shows (maybe you saw her at Idlewild) and industrial contracts, various theater companies around town (Split Stage Productions "Chicago" as Roxie Hart, "Cabaret" as the Emcee. Comtra Theater "Peter Pan" as Peter Pan. Stage Right "Billy Elliot" as dead mum. PMT "Young Frankenstein" and "Little Mermaid" as Adella), some short films, and a couple of tours. She toured nationally with "The Producers" and internationally with "My Fair Lady" in China. Now she is back at her home away from home: PMT! Teaching at Propel schools, or in the studio with the tweens, MTW on Saturdays, subbing classes and choreographing, she couldn't be happier! Thank you to her PMT family for adopting her into one of the happiest homes ever!
Jonathan Sage
Jon was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. While studying at Michigan State University, Jon discovered his passion for the theater when he worked on the Merchant of Venice with the Theater Department. This passion lead Jon to earn his BFA in Theater from Michigan State University. Jon worked with The Ohio Light Opera for four summer seasons on such productions as Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, Offenbach's Bluebeard, and The Sound of Music. In 2007, Jon joined the Pittsburgh Musical Theater as Technical Director. Jon has showcased his experience as a Technical Director in Tarzan; as a Lighting Designer for A Lyrical Christmas Carol; and as a Scene Design Specialist for Shrek the Musical. In 2011, Jon received a glowing review for his scene design in Skylight at The Appetite Theater in Chicago. Jon enjoys working with the students at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater and is looking forward to what the future will bring.
Brady Sanders
Brady Sanders, originally from Oswego Illinois, began his dance training at the School of DanceWest Ballet in Naperville. He attended Illinois State University, where he performed with the Illinois State Dance Theater and Point Park University, where he performed with the university's Conservatory Dance Company. While living in Chicago, Brady performed with Dansz Loop Chicago, Inaside Chicago Dance and Thodos Dance Chicago. Brady has toured nationally and internationally with Thodos Dance Chicago and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Currently residing in Pittsburgh, he has had the pleasure to perform with Attack Theatre in the Pittsburgh Opera as well as the Murphy/Smith Dance Collective. Most recently Brady acted as Artistic Director for the Pride of Cincinnati Dance Ensemble. He has had the privilege to teach many successful and artistically innovative groups including but not limited to - The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, the Pride of Cincinnati Winter Guard, The Pride of Cincinnati Dance Ensemble, Norwin High School, Marian Catholic High School, and Mt Prospect High School. He is currently teaching and choreographing extensively throughout the Pittsburgh area and across the Midwest. Brady is thrilled to be a Resident Artist at PMT.
Quinn Patrick Shannon
Quinn Patrick Shannon started his acting career with PMT in 1991 as the very first Tiny Tim in A Lyrical Christmas Carol. Most recently, Quinn played Smee in Peter Pan, and Igor in Young Frankenstein for PMT this past Spring, and also appeared as Seth/Shem in Children of Eden during PMT's 2013 season. Other recent credits include My Fair Lady with the Pittsburgh Public, Scarrie: The Musical with Bricolage, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Funny Money with the Mountain Playhouse, Plaid Tidings, Judge Jackie Justice, and A Grand Night for Singing with Pittsburgh CLO, and Our Class with PICT Classic Theatre. Quinn will also be starring as Nicely Nicely Johnson in the Pittsburgh Public Theater's upcoming production of Guys and Dolls.
Lex Simakas
A Pittsburgh native, Lex attended Pittsburgh CAPA as a piano student. At CAPA, he began to hone his skills in jazz and classical music. During Lex’s time at CAPA, he performed in the pit for PMT’s productions of Chess (2011), Aida (2012), and Cinderella (2012). He additionally played in the pit for CAPA’s award winning In the Heights production.
After high school, Lex attended Ithaca College, where he graduated summa cum laude with a B.M. in Piano Performance with a Jazz Concentration. At Ithaca College, he maintained a busy schedule of accompanying classical, musical theater, and jazz vocalists, in addition to his chamber music, jazz ensemble, and solo piano performances. During the summers, he spent time accompanying ballet dancers at Point Park, and attending the Brevard Music Festival in North Carolina.
Lex is committed to continually refining his craft as a pianist and expanding his musical horizons. In addition to performing, he has interests in arranging and composing.
Allan Snyder
Allan Snyder is thrilled join PMT as a Resident Artist. In New York, Allan appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables (original production final cast) and off-Broadway in the iconic The Fantasticks, and has also travelled the country with the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera, often appearing in the title role. Allan recently relocated to his wife's hometown of Pittsburgh where he has appeared in PMT's productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Tarzan, as well as at the Pittsburgh Public Theater (Daddy Long Legs) and the CLO Cabaret Theatre (The 39 Steps), among others. Favorite credits include Kiss Me Kate (Fred/Petruchio), Camelot (King Arthur), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Percy), The Full Monty (Jerry Lukowski), and White Christmas (Bob Wallace). Allan also is an acclaimed concert artist, bringing his cabaret Broadway + Beyond to stages and events all around the world.
Ariel Squire
Ariel Squire is currently a Theatre Arts major at Point Park University, and a proud former PMT Kid! She graduated from Pittsburgh CAPA and the Richard E. Rauh Conservatory in 2016, and has since some back to intern Saturday mornings and Summer Musical Theater. Some of her most recent roles include Pip in The Adventures of Nate the Great (Pittsburgh Playhouse), Rosalia in West Side Story (Pittsburgh CAPA), and Old Sally in Oliver! (Richard E. Rauh Conservatory). She has also had the honor to assistant direct a student piece at the Raymond Lane One Acts Festival at Point Park, as well as Sweeny Todd and The Addam's Family Musical Jr. at PMT. She is so excited to be back and working alongside some of her favorite teachers and mentors from her days as a student, and hopes to be able to become that role for future students.
Nate Sudie
Nathan Sudie is so proud to be able to call Pittsburgh Musical Theater “home”. He has an Associate’s Degree in Theater from Community College of Allegheny County, and a B.A. in Communication/Theater from Robert Morris University. Nathan has been working with Pittsburgh Musical Theater since 2012. Some of his most memorable performances include: Tarzan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Grease!, Sister Act, Saturday Night Fever, Oliver, Peter Pan, Young Frankenstein, Disney’s Little Mermaid, Les Miserables, Shrek, Children of Eden, Sound of Music, Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Spring Awakening. Nathan cannot wait to see what the future holds for such a great company.
Francesca Tortorello
Francesca Tortorello (DMA) regularly performs recitals in the Northeast and Midwest and collaborates with a wide variety of instrumentalists and singers. She has worked with members of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and has been heard on Minnesota Public Radio performing on Talking Volumes. She collaborated with renowned soprano Susanna Phillips at Twickenhamfest in 2011, and gave the Midwest premier of Samuel Barber’s lost violin sonata with violinist Dr. John Gilbert in July 2014.
Francesca began piano lessons at the age of four in her hometown of Mount Kisco, NY. She holds a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with Antonio Pompa-Baldi. Her true passion, however, has always been chamber music and she received a Masters degree and Professional Studies certificate in Collaborative Piano from CIM, studying with Virginia Weckstrom. She recently obtained a Doctorate in Collaborative Piano and Coaching at the University of Minnesota and studied with Timothy Lovelace.
A dedicated teacher and coach, Francesca served as staff accompanist at the Sato Center for Suzuki Studies at CIM for four years and, most recently, held the position of staff accompanist at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. She has maintained an active teaching studio for the past decade.
Francesca and her husband, Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Michael DeBruyn, have been performing as a professional duo since 2004.
Nicole Uram
Nicole Uram is a proud graduate of Pittsburgh Musical Theater's Richard E. Rauh Conservatory and a recent graduate of Elon University with a BFA in Music Theatre. She has been training in dance since the age of 3 in the fields of jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, Cechetti, pointe, modern, Theatre dance, and Gymnastics. She started training at PMT at the age of 10. From the age of 8 to the age of 18 she was privileged to be a part of many shows with both the conservatory and professional companies of PMT. While at Elon she was lucky enough to have been a part of many productions both on stage and behind the scenes. She was given the chance to Assistant Choreograph the main stage productions of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party and Ragtime along side her college mentor. She is currently working as a Creative Arts teacher at the Propel Charter School's of Pittsburgh. She is thrilled to be back home working with those who helped shape her into the artist she is today.
Kathy Wayne
Kathy is proud and honored to be teaching dance and musical theater at PMT. She is pleased to share her professional and academic experiences for the benefit of the conservatory’s students.
Her professional work includes: Tokyo Disneyland, Caesar’s Palace, Pittsburgh Playhouse, the Kenley Players, the Extension Dance Company and the American Dance Ensemble. She has also directed and choreographed musicals for numerous productions in the region.
Kathy is a member of Dance Masters of Pennsylvania and America and has been a dance educator for many years. She holds a BA in Dance from Point Park University.
Gemma Leigh Williamson
Gemma Leigh was born in beautiful Arizona, and grew up just outside of Pittsburgh in Beaver County. She danced her way through school at Louise School of Dance, where she studied tap, jazz, and ballet. After school, she attended Robert Morris University where she graduated with honors, and was named in "Whose Who in American Colleges and Universities.” Gemma joined PMT’s production team during her performing years at RMU. Since 2007, Gemma has been a part of PMT's family. She started as Assistant Stage Manager and performer (Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast '09-10) and quickly grew with the company to become Resident Stage Manager (and proud Actors Equity member) in 2011.
Gemma teaches at the Richard E. Rauh Conservatory as the director of the Broadway Jrs.; "PMT's Tiniest Stars". She is happy to begin the journey of musical theater with the youth in Pittsburgh's community. Gemma is now the Creative Learning Division Chair at PMT. Gemma believes that the Richard E. Rauh Conervatory provides the most excellent arts education in the city, and is a proud Resident Artist.
Throughout her career at PMT, Gemma has brought her knowledge and love for dance and theater to the Propel Charter Schools as a visiting artist. She taught dance, acting, theater history, and performance etiquette to grades K-8 around the Pittsburgh area.
In 2015 Gemma was named one of Whirl! Magazine’s Women in Business, became a proud member of the Pittsburgh Social Exchange, and the Pittsburgh Professional Women’s association.
She is happy to continue to the next chapter of Pittsburgh Musical Theater alongside her friend and mentor, Colleen Doyno, and the entire group of Resident Artists. Stand By. Keep Calm. Go.
