Faculty & Staff
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts is proud to be home to an extraordinary faculty of accomplished teaching artists and dedicated staff. With professional experience ranging from Broadway to major symphonies, international ballet companies to acclaimed studios, our faculty brings both expertise and passion into every classroom. More than instructors, they are mentors who meet each student where they are, nurturing growth, creativity, and confidence. Together, FSPA’s faculty and staff uphold the highest standards of excellence while fostering a supportive, inspiring environment where every student can reach their full potential.
FSPA School of Music Faculty
Hallie Wetzell
FSPA Assistant Director & Vocal Director; Instructor of Voice
HALLIE WETZELL holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Occidental College and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from New England Conservatory of Music. As FSPA Vocal Director, Hallie oversees the FSPA Voice Program and serves as music director for all ensembles, student productions, and Electric Youth. She is the Resident Music Director for the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). Hallie was the Vocal Director for the FSPA Children’s Choirs for the professional touring companies of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2000 and 2005 and Evita in 2004. Her performing credits include The Music Man, The Secret Garden, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, August: Osage County, The Wolves, and many more. She has been on FSPA’s Faculty since 1998. hwetzell@fspaonline.com
Kim Rezendes
FSPA Assistant Director, Director of Little Music School and Children’s Music; Instructor of Piano
KIM REZENDES graduated magna cum laude from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and from Rhode Island College with a Master’s Degree in Teaching Music. As coordinator of Children’s Music at FSPA, she also serves as Program Director for the Little Music School and Instructor of Musical Theater. Kim serves as Associate Organist at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. One of FSPA’s first students, Kim joined the FSPA faculty in 1997. krezendes@fspaonline.com
Timothy Ayers-Kerr
Instructor of Voice
TIMOTHY AYRES-KERR holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Pedagogy both from New England Conservatory. Tim has performed as a soloist in Opera, Oratorio, and Operetta, often portraying lead tenor roles in the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Tim founded The Parlour Opera Players to present short operas in non-traditional venues throughout Boston. Tim is also a composer and his second completed work for the stage, A Game of Werewolf, earned him a place in One Ounce Opera’s Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera showcase. Tim was also awarded the grand prize in the Lester Levy “Save Our Songs” competition. He has been seen in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s productions of The Producers, Bright Star, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Something Rotten! Tim joined the FSPA Music Faculty in 2019.
Jeffery Dilorio
Instructor of Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Songwriting
JEFFREY DILORIO holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Performance and Philosophy from Providence College and a Master of Music degree in Performance with a focus in Jazz Guitar from the University of Rhode Island. During his time at Providence College, Jeffrey performed with the Pep Band, Jazz Band, Funk Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. He has studied guitar under Jay Azzolina, Lyle Brewer, David Riley, and Bruce Bartlett and taken lessons with Phil Sargent, Julian Lage, and Adam Smirnoff (Lettuce). As a professional guitarist, Jeffrey has performed throughout New England with a variety of ensembles and artists, including groups led by Alex Lee-Clark, John Allmark, and Mark Burney, as well as The Mac Odom Band, The Phunky Autokratz, and Nightshift Entertainment. His playing draws from a wide range of influences, including jazz, blues, rock, and roots music, and he is passionate about helping students develop both their technical skills and individual musical voices. Jeffrey is a recipient of the Reverend Leo S. Cannon, O.P. Award for Excellent Musicianship and was a Judges’ Choice recipient at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival. He joined the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Music Faculty in 2019 and teaches guitar at Dean College as of Fall 2026. Jeffrey continues to perform, teach, and inspire students through a lifelong dedication to guitar and music education.
John Disanto
Instructor of Percussion
JOHN DISANTO holds a Bachelor of Music from Boston’s Berklee College of Music. John has over 45 years of drum performance and teaching experience in the greater New England area and touring abroad. John’s early career included owning a music academy and instrument center in Easton, Massachusetts for 25 years, where he provided music education to thousands of students and a creative teaching environment for dozens of instructors. Now, the school has evolved into a piano and antiques center; where John, also a piano technician, restores vintage pianos and offers tuning and repairs together with his wife, Anne, an established singer/songwriter. John’s extensive and diverse experience includes performances with Dick Johnson, Mokoto Ozone, Moksha, The Drifters, Coasters, and Tom LaMark cabarets. He currently is the drummer for “The Rat Pack is Back”, a Las Vegas national touring group and percussionist for the Cape Cod Art Ensemble. As a drummer and recording engineer, he also has multiple recording credits and discography as both a player and producer for projects serving Boston area musicians.
Irina Fainkichen
Instructor of Violin
IRINA FAINKICHEN is a classically trained violinist and passionate educator with nearly 30 years of teaching experience. She studied at the prestigious Rachmaninoff Music College and St. Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia, later earning her Performer’s Degree from the Rubin Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem, Israel. Based in the Greater Boston area, Irina has built a successful and wide-ranging performing career. She has appeared in national Broadway tours such as The Phantom of the Opera and Hello, Dolly! at the Boston Opera House, as well as An American in Paris at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. Her versatile performance résumé includes collaborations with celebrated artists such as Marni Nixon, Sarah Brightman, Johnny Mathis, and The Who. A longtime member of the Cape Symphony, Irina has also performed with numerous other orchestras including the New Hampshire, Plymouth, and Lexington Symphonies, as well as the Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra. Since 2009, Irina has been a valued member of the FSPA Music Faculty and a core musician in many Franklin Performing Arts Company productions, including Annie, The Sound of Music, Charlie Brown, Peter Pan, The Music Man, Spamalot, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Legally Blonde, Humbug!, Sweeney Todd, Bright Star, The Producers, Little Women, and more. She also serves as concertmaster for FPAC Holiday Productions’ annual presentation of The Nutcracker. As a teacher, Irina offers more than traditional instruction in violin technique and music theory. Her holistic teaching philosophy incorporates wellness practices designed to support each student’s personal and artistic development. By integrating mindfulness, physical awareness, and emotional resilience into her lessons, she nurtures confident, healthy, and expressive musicians.
Ali Funkhouser
Instructor of Voice, Piano, Acting, and Repertoire Consultation
ALI FUNKHOUSER [she-her] is an actor, director, and educator who splits her time between New York City and Massachusetts. Her performing credits include Legally Blonde (The LEX, dir. Laura Bell Bundy), Suor Angelica (Chelsea Opera NYC), Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, How to Succeed…, and more. With Franklin Performing Arts Company, she has been seen in Bright Star (Alice), Proof (Catherine), Legally Blonde (Elle), Newsies (Katherine), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), and many more. TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Solo Cabaret Show: “I Only Wanna Laugh” at Don’t Tell Mama NYC and at THE BLACK BOX. “Knock ‘Em Dead” at The Green Room 42 which she co-wrote and performed with Daniel Barrett. Her directing credits include the immersive Tarzan starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland, Little Women, and The Wolves at FPAC and Jesse James Rose’s solo show at 54 Below in NYC. She worked as an authenticity reader for the Broadway-based novel Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis, providing insight into the perspective of kids and teens working in professional theater. She is an FSPA alum, has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, and has trained with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Upright Citizens Brigade. alifunkhouser.com
Katie Gray
Guest Faculty – Instructor of Voice
KATIE GRAY is an NYC-based performer represented by Pantera/Murphy as well as a Franklin School for the Performing Arts alumna. Some of her credits include CATS (Grizabella), Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), Shrek (Dragon), and FPAC’s Little Women (Jo March), The Little Mermaid (Ursula), Something Rotten! (Bea), Tarzan (Featured Vocalist), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and Legally Blonde (Paulette). She has performed at 54 Below, The Green Room 42, and as a Rising Star at Broadway Sessions. IG/TikTok @itskatiegray
Richard Labedz
Instructor of Saxophone and Clarinet
RICHARD LABEDZ is a highly sought-after freelance performer in the New England area as well as the Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Newton North High School in Newton, MA. Prior to his position in Newton, Labedz taught at Dean College and Naropa University. A strong advocate for jazz education in the public schools, Labedz has presented clinics at the International Association for Jazz Educators Conference as well as having been a guest artist for numerous school band programs throughout the United States and Australia. Labedz has served as an adjudicator for district and state festivals in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is an experienced arts advocate and educational leader having started several honors groups, has successfully implemented several grant projects for music education. Labedz is passionately involved in working with students at all levels and delivers a creative and personalized curriculum in his approach to instruction. In addition to being a dedicated music educator, Labedz has developed a successful career as both a creative artist and commercial performer. Labedz has had the opportunity to perform throughout the United States and internationally working with: John Adams, The Aspen Chamber Symphony, The Boulder Philharmonic, Dave Brubeck, Matt Catingub, Peter Christlieb, Claflin Hill Symphony, Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band, Jon Faddis, Bob Florence, George Garzone, Slide Hampton, The OJ’s, Art Lande, Dave Liebman, Keith Lockhart, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew, Max Roach, Bobby Rydell, The Ryles Jazz Orchestra, The Thayer Symphony, Robin Eubanks, Jiggs Whigham, The Worcester Jazz Orchestra, and Phil Wilson.
Seungok Lee
Instructor of Piano
SEUNGOK LEE comes to FSPA from several countries. In her native Korea, she earned her Bachelors in Music from Youngnam University in Daegu and then became the staff accompanist for the Daegu City Opera Company. She then enrolled in the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, Italy where she spent six years earning a diploma in piano performance and in harpsichord performance. She followed this by enrolling in Oberlin College Conservatory, in Ohio, where she was awarded an Artist Diploma in early music. Moving to Boston, Ms. Lee enrolled in the Longy School of Music and earned a performance diploma and a Masters in Music degree both in early music. She then enrolled in Boston University where she earned a Masters of Music in early music. She has performed numerous recitals in Milan, Ohio, and Boston and she has worked with or accompanied several artists in the Boston area. She is also currently on the faculty of the Boston Arts Academy.
Brianna Meikle
Instructor of Voice
BRIANNA MEIKLE is so excited to be joining the faculty at FSPA! She is a recent graduate of the MFA program in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and lived there until 2024 when she moved to Boston with her husband (Matt), golden retriever (Maggie), and two holland lops (Willow and Walnut). She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Utah Valley University. Favorite roles include: Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Grace Banker (The Hello Girls) Olive Ostrovsky (25th Annual Spelling Bee) Margo Crawford (Bright Star) and Cathy (The Last Five Years). She also starred in a kid’s YouTube channel (Bumble Bree) from 2019-2024. She is working on her debut EP!
Artie Montenaro
Instructor of Brass
ARTIE MONTENARO performs regularly with the Kenny Hadley Big Band, the John Allmark Jazz Orchestra, and the Greg Hopkins Jazz Orchestra. He has performed in numerous U.S. tours with the Buddy Rich Band, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the 70s pop band Tavares, and a Japan tour with jazz pianist Makoto Ozone. In the Boston area he has performed with Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, Jr., Josh Groban, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Paul Anka, and for Broadway shows including The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and West Side Story in Providence and Boston theaters. Artie has recorded with the Allmark, Hopkins, and Kenny Hadley Big Bands, and also on recordings with Greg Abate, Ronnie Rose, and with Boston’s White Heats Swing Orchestra on the movie soundtrack to Dick Tracy.
Aidan Padula
Instructor of Percussion
AIDAN PADULA is an FSPA alum, who has been involved in music since a young age. Aidan started his musical journey at the young age of 5, taking piano lessons with FSPA’s Ida Zelman and playing in his parents’ band. When he turned 11, his attention quickly turned to the drums and he started studying with FSPA teacher Kenny Hadley. Aidan started playing more gigs around the Franklin area and participated in his Middle School and High School’s Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Bands. In 2023 and 2024, Aidan auditioned and was accepted into the CDMMEA Jazz Band and performed at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. He was also accepted into the 2023 MA All State Music Festival as the first chair big band drummer. Alongside Big Band and Wind Ensemble drumming, he is also a musical theatre drummer, and plays Jazz, Funk, Pop, and Rock. Aidan also currently performs for FPAC in the Kenny Hadley Sky Pit, as well as other events for FSPA and THE BLACK BOX. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Boston musicians such as Mike Renzi, Marshall Wood, Bruce Gertz, Mark White, Dino Govoni, Bill Miele, George Murphy, and has had the privilege of playing in the Kenny Hadley Legacy Big Band and the Boston Show Band. Aidan and his brothers have recently formed “The Padula Brothers Organ Trio”, and he continues to play with the “Frank Padula Band.” Aidan looks to share his experience and knowledge with the next generation of musicians.
Matthew Padula
Instructor of Saxophone & Clarinet
MATTHEW PADULA holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and African American Music Studies and a Masters in Jazz Saxophone Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Matt has a strong passion for teaching and mentoring students on their musical journey. Growing up, he began his own journey studying piano at the Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA) with piano instructor, Ida Zelman. Matt also had the honor of growing up in a musical family. His mother a singer, father on drums and two younger brothers also musicians. It was gigging with his family band where he developed an everlasting love for the saxophone at a young age. Matt had the privilege of studying with legendary saxophonists Arnie Krakowsky and Ted Casher. He played in the Downbeat Award winning Jazz Ensemble One directed by Jeff Holmes for all six years of his tenure at UMass. Matt has taught jazz combos and big bands at the middle school, high school and college levels. Matt has taught jazz theory and improvisation courses, guiding students towards their musical goals. Matt currently performs with his younger brothers Ryan on organ/keyboards and Aidan on drums in the Padula Brothers Organ Trio. The trio of Padula Brothers frequently perform with their parents Brenda and Frank who developed them as talented young artists and provided them with the gift of music. While at FSPA, Matt’s ultimate goal is to share the musical knowledge he has acquired with all of his students and give back to the community that has gifted him the gift of music.
Morgan Pay Staley
Instructor of Voice
MORGAN PAY STALEY is a vocalist, educator, performing artist, and researcher with experience in vocal and piano instruction, musical theatre, choral performance, worship leadership, and commercial recording. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana Wesleyan University and an MFA in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Morgan began teaching private voice and piano in 2016 and served as a Music Instructor at two music academies for seven years, working with students of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, and artistic goals. Her teaching emphasizes healthy and sustainable vocal technique, stylistic versatility, musicality, artistic expression, confidence, and individuality. She has also presented master classes on healthy singing techniques and characterization in song. As a performer and ensemble leader, Morgan has appeared in professional and community theatre, performed with choral ensembles, and led worship bands at international, national, and regional conventions for audiences of thousands. She currently serves as a Staff Vocalist in a professional church choir in Boston and performs with Boston’s Nightingale Vocal Ensemble. Morgan has been a five-time finalist in National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions in Musical Theatre and Classical categories and has appeared on recordings for major music publishers including Boosey & Hawkes, Hal Leonard, Alfred Music Publishing, and Gaither Music. She is also a songwriter and recording artist and has released two albums with her sister. She is passionate about creating an encouraging, technically informed, and artistically inspiring environment where students can develop their voices, confidence, and individuality as musicians.
Maddie Rezendes
Instructor of Voice and Musical Theater
MADDIE REZENDES holds a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Psychology and Music and is currently attending graduate school at Emerson College, where she will receive her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. While a student at Salve, Maddie performed for four years with Pitches With Attitude and one year with MixTapes, Salve’s all-female and co-ed a cappella singing ensembles. She also served as Secretary in Pitches with Attitude, Public Relations Coordinator for Salve Music Ensembles Club, Psychology Club, and University Chorus, and a peer mentor. She grew up at FSPA, where she was a member of Disney troupes for five years and Electric Youth for four. She has also performed with FPAC since 2007. She is excited to be back at 38 Main Street!
Ida Zelman
Instructor of Piano
IDA ZELMAN has a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the Vilnius Music Conservatory. She is a skilled educator with extensive experience in teaching a wide range of levels and interests, including young beginners, intermediate, advanced students, and avocational adults. Ida has comprehensive coaching experience in chamber music ensembles. She successfully prepares many students for the Royal Conservatory Music Program, who pass with high marks and perform on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Ida joined the FSPA Music Faculty in 1993.
FSPA School of Music Faculty
Hallie Wetzell
FSPA Assistant Director & Vocal Director; Instructor of Voice
HALLIE WETZELL holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Occidental College and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from New England Conservatory of Music. As FSPA Vocal Director, Hallie oversees the FSPA Voice Program and serves as music director for all ensembles, student productions, and Electric Youth. She is the Resident Music Director for the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). Hallie was the Vocal Director for the FSPA Children’s Choirs for the professional touring companies of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2000 and 2005 and Evita in 2004. Her performing credits include The Music Man, The Secret Garden, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, August: Osage County, The Wolves, and many more. She has been on FSPA’s Faculty since 1998. hwetzell@fspaonline.com
Kim Rezendes
FSPA Assistant Director, Director of Little Music School and Children’s Music; Instructor of Piano
KIM REZENDES graduated magna cum laude from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and from Rhode Island College with a Master’s Degree in Teaching Music. As coordinator of Children’s Music at FSPA, she also serves as Program Director for the Little Music School and Instructor of Musical Theater. Kim serves as Associate Organist at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. One of FSPA’s first students, Kim joined the FSPA faculty in 1997. krezendes@fspaonline.com
Timothy Ayers-Kerr
Instructor of Voice
TIMOTHY AYRES-KERR holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Pedagogy both from New England Conservatory. Tim has performed as a soloist in Opera, Oratorio, and Operetta, often portraying lead tenor roles in the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Tim founded The Parlour Opera Players to present short operas in non-traditional venues throughout Boston. Tim is also a composer and his second completed work for the stage, A Game of Werewolf, earned him a place in One Ounce Opera’s Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera showcase. Tim was also awarded the grand prize in the Lester Levy “Save Our Songs” competition. He has been seen in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s productions of The Producers, Bright Star, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Something Rotten! Tim joined the FSPA Music Faculty in 2019.
Jeffery Dilorio
Instructor of Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Songwriting
JEFFREY DILORIO holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Performance and Philosophy from Providence College and a Master of Music degree in Performance with a focus in Jazz Guitar from the University of Rhode Island. During his time at Providence College, Jeffrey performed with the Pep Band, Jazz Band, Funk Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. He has studied guitar under Jay Azzolina, Lyle Brewer, David Riley, and Bruce Bartlett and taken lessons with Phil Sargent, Julian Lage, and Adam Smirnoff (Lettuce). As a professional guitarist, Jeffrey has performed throughout New England with a variety of ensembles and artists, including groups led by Alex Lee-Clark, John Allmark, and Mark Burney, as well as The Mac Odom Band, The Phunky Autokratz, and Nightshift Entertainment. His playing draws from a wide range of influences, including jazz, blues, rock, and roots music, and he is passionate about helping students develop both their technical skills and individual musical voices. Jeffrey is a recipient of the Reverend Leo S. Cannon, O.P. Award for Excellent Musicianship and was a Judges’ Choice recipient at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival. He joined the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Music Faculty in 2019 and teaches guitar at Dean College as of Fall 2026. Jeffrey continues to perform, teach, and inspire students through a lifelong dedication to guitar and music education.
John Disanto
Instructor of Percussion
JOHN DISANTO holds a Bachelor of Music from Boston’s Berklee College of Music. John has over 45 years of drum performance and teaching experience in the greater New England area and touring abroad. John’s early career included owning a music academy and instrument center in Easton, Massachusetts for 25 years, where he provided music education to thousands of students and a creative teaching environment for dozens of instructors. Now, the school has evolved into a piano and antiques center; where John, also a piano technician, restores vintage pianos and offers tuning and repairs together with his wife, Anne, an established singer/songwriter. John’s extensive and diverse experience includes performances with Dick Johnson, Mokoto Ozone, Moksha, The Drifters, Coasters, and Tom LaMark cabarets. He currently is the drummer for “The Rat Pack is Back”, a Las Vegas national touring group and percussionist for the Cape Cod Art Ensemble. As a drummer and recording engineer, he also has multiple recording credits and discography as both a player and producer for projects serving Boston area musicians.
Irina Fainkichen
Instructor of Violin
IRINA FAINKICHEN is a classically trained violinist and passionate educator with nearly 30 years of teaching experience. She studied at the prestigious Rachmaninoff Music College and St. Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia, later earning her Performer’s Degree from the Rubin Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem, Israel. Based in the Greater Boston area, Irina has built a successful and wide-ranging performing career. She has appeared in national Broadway tours such as The Phantom of the Opera and Hello, Dolly! at the Boston Opera House, as well as An American in Paris at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. Her versatile performance résumé includes collaborations with celebrated artists such as Marni Nixon, Sarah Brightman, Johnny Mathis, and The Who. A longtime member of the Cape Symphony, Irina has also performed with numerous other orchestras including the New Hampshire, Plymouth, and Lexington Symphonies, as well as the Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra. Since 2009, Irina has been a valued member of the FSPA Music Faculty and a core musician in many Franklin Performing Arts Company productions, including Annie, The Sound of Music, Charlie Brown, Peter Pan, The Music Man, Spamalot, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Legally Blonde, Humbug!, Sweeney Todd, Bright Star, The Producers, Little Women, and more. She also serves as concertmaster for FPAC Holiday Productions’ annual presentation of The Nutcracker. As a teacher, Irina offers more than traditional instruction in violin technique and music theory. Her holistic teaching philosophy incorporates wellness practices designed to support each student’s personal and artistic development. By integrating mindfulness, physical awareness, and emotional resilience into her lessons, she nurtures confident, healthy, and expressive musicians.
Ali Funkhouser
Instructor of Voice, Piano, Acting, and Repertoire Consultation
ALI FUNKHOUSER [she-her] is an actor, director, and educator who splits her time between New York City and Massachusetts. Her performing credits include Legally Blonde (The LEX, dir. Laura Bell Bundy), Suor Angelica (Chelsea Opera NYC), Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, How to Succeed…, and more. With Franklin Performing Arts Company, she has been seen in Bright Star (Alice), Proof (Catherine), Legally Blonde (Elle), Newsies (Katherine), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), and many more. TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Solo Cabaret Show: “I Only Wanna Laugh” at Don’t Tell Mama NYC and at THE BLACK BOX. “Knock ‘Em Dead” at The Green Room 42 which she co-wrote and performed with Daniel Barrett. Her directing credits include the immersive Tarzan starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland, Little Women, and The Wolves at FPAC and Jesse James Rose’s solo show at 54 Below in NYC. She worked as an authenticity reader for the Broadway-based novel Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis, providing insight into the perspective of kids and teens working in professional theater. She is an FSPA alum, has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, and has trained with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Upright Citizens Brigade. alifunkhouser.com
Katie Gray
Guest Faculty – Instructor of Voice
KATIE GRAY is an NYC-based performer represented by Pantera/Murphy as well as a Franklin School for the Performing Arts alumna. Some of her credits include CATS (Grizabella), Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), Shrek (Dragon), and FPAC’s Little Women (Jo March), The Little Mermaid (Ursula), Something Rotten! (Bea), Tarzan (Featured Vocalist), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and Legally Blonde (Paulette). She has performed at 54 Below, The Green Room 42, and as a Rising Star at Broadway Sessions. IG/TikTok @itskatiegray
Richard Labedz
Instructor of Saxophone & Clarinet
RICHARD LABEDZ is a highly sought-after freelance performer in the New England area as well as the Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Newton North High School in Newton, MA. Prior to his position in Newton, Labedz taught at Dean College and Naropa University. A strong advocate for jazz education in the public schools, Labedz has presented clinics at the International Association for Jazz Educators Conference as well as having been a guest artist for numerous school band programs throughout the United States and Australia. Labedz has served as an adjudicator for district and state festivals in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is an experienced arts advocate and educational leader having started several honors groups, has successfully implemented several grant projects for music education. Labedz is passionately involved in working with students at all levels and delivers a creative and personalized curriculum in his approach to instruction. In addition to being a dedicated music educator, Labedz has developed a successful career as both a creative artist and commercial performer. Labedz has had the opportunity to perform throughout the United States and internationally working with: John Adams, The Aspen Chamber Symphony, The Boulder Philharmonic, Dave Brubeck, Matt Catingub, Peter Christlieb, Claflin Hill Symphony, Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band, Jon Faddis, Bob Florence, George Garzone, Slide Hampton, The OJ’s, Art Lande, Dave Liebman, Keith Lockhart, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew, Max Roach, Bobby Rydell, The Ryles Jazz Orchestra, The Thayer Symphony, Robin Eubanks, Jiggs Whigham, The Worcester Jazz Orchestra, and Phil Wilson.
Seungok Lee
Instructor of Piano
SEUNGOK LEE comes to FSPA from several countries. In her native Korea, she earned her Bachelors in Music from Youngnam University in Daegu and then became the staff accompanist for the Daegu City Opera Company. She then enrolled in the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, Italy where she spent six years earning a diploma in piano performance and in harpsichord performance. She followed this by enrolling in Oberlin College Conservatory, in Ohio, where she was awarded an Artist Diploma in early music. Moving to Boston, Ms. Lee enrolled in the Longy School of Music and earned a performance diploma and a Masters in Music degree both in early music. She then enrolled in Boston University where she earned a Masters of Music in early music. She has performed numerous recitals in Milan, Ohio, and Boston and she has worked with or accompanied several artists in the Boston area. She is also currently on the faculty of the Boston Arts Academy.
Brianna Meikle
Instructor of Voice
BRIANNA MEIKLE is so excited to be joining the faculty at FSPA! She is a recent graduate of the MFA program in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and lived there until 2024 when she moved to Boston with her husband (Matt), golden retriever (Maggie), and two holland lops (Willow and Walnut). She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Utah Valley University. Favorite roles include: Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Grace Banker (The Hello Girls) Olive Ostrovsky (25th Annual Spelling Bee) Margo Crawford (Bright Star) and Cathy (The Last Five Years). She also starred in a kid’s YouTube channel (Bumble Bree) from 2019-2024. She is working on her debut EP!
Artie Montenaro
Instructor of Brass
ARTIE MONTENARO performs regularly with the Kenny Hadley Big Band, the John Allmark Jazz Orchestra, and the Greg Hopkins Jazz Orchestra. He has performed in numerous U.S. tours with the Buddy Rich Band, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the 70s pop band Tavares, and a Japan tour with jazz pianist Makoto Ozone. In the Boston area he has performed with Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, Jr., Josh Groban, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Paul Anka, and for Broadway shows including The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and West Side Story in Providence and Boston theaters. Artie has recorded with the Allmark, Hopkins, and Kenny Hadley Big Bands, and also on recordings with Greg Abate, Ronnie Rose, and with Boston’s White Heats Swing Orchestra on the movie soundtrack to Dick Tracy.
Aidan Padula
Instructor of Percussion
AIDAN PADULA is an FSPA alum, who has been involved in music since a young age. Aidan started his musical journey at the young age of 5, taking piano lessons with FSPA’s Ida Zelman and playing in his parents’ band. When he turned 11, his attention quickly turned to the drums and he started studying with FSPA teacher Kenny Hadley. Aidan started playing more gigs around the Franklin area and participated in his Middle School and High School’s Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Bands. In 2023 and 2024, Aidan auditioned and was accepted into the CDMMEA Jazz Band and performed at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. He was also accepted into the 2023 MA All State Music Festival as the first chair big band drummer. Alongside Big Band and Wind Ensemble drumming, he is also a musical theatre drummer, and plays Jazz, Funk, Pop, and Rock. Aidan also currently performs for FPAC in the Kenny Hadley Sky Pit, as well as other events for FSPA and THE BLACK BOX. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Boston musicians such as Mike Renzi, Marshall Wood, Bruce Gertz, Mark White, Dino Govoni, Bill Miele, George Murphy, and has had the privilege of playing in the Kenny Hadley Legacy Big Band and the Boston Show Band. Aidan and his brothers have recently formed “The Padula Brothers Organ Trio”, and he continues to play with the “Frank Padula Band.” Aidan looks to share his experience and knowledge with the next generation of musicians.
Matthew Padula
Instructor of Saxophone and Clarinet
MATTHEW PADULA holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and African American Music Studies and a Masters in Jazz Saxophone Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Matt has a strong passion for teaching and mentoring students on their musical journey. Growing up, he began his own journey studying piano at the Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA) with piano instructor, Ida Zelman. Matt also had the honor of growing up in a musical family. His mother a singer, father on drums and two younger brothers also musicians. It was gigging with his family band where he developed an everlasting love for the saxophone at a young age. Matt had the privilege of studying with legendary saxophonists Arnie Krakowsky and Ted Casher. He played in the Downbeat Award winning Jazz Ensemble One directed by Jeff Holmes for all six years of his tenure at UMass. Matt has taught jazz combos and big bands at the middle school, high school and college levels. Matt has taught jazz theory and improvisation courses, guiding students towards their musical goals. Matt currently performs with his younger brothers Ryan on organ/keyboards and Aidan on drums in the Padula Brothers Organ Trio. The trio of Padula Brothers frequently perform with their parents Brenda and Frank who developed them as talented young artists and provided them with the gift of music. While at FSPA, Matt’s ultimate goal is to share the musical knowledge he has acquired with all of his students and give back to the community that has gifted him the gift of music.
Morgan Pay Staley
Instructor of Voice
MORGAN PAY STALEY is a vocalist, educator, performing artist, and researcher with experience in vocal and piano instruction, musical theatre, choral performance, worship leadership, and commercial recording. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana Wesleyan University and an MFA in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Morgan began teaching private voice and piano in 2016 and served as a Music Instructor at two music academies for seven years, working with students of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, and artistic goals. Her teaching emphasizes healthy and sustainable vocal technique, stylistic versatility, musicality, artistic expression, confidence, and individuality. She has also presented master classes on healthy singing techniques and characterization in song. As a performer and ensemble leader, Morgan has appeared in professional and community theatre, performed with choral ensembles, and led worship bands at international, national, and regional conventions for audiences of thousands. She currently serves as a Staff Vocalist in a professional church choir in Boston and performs with Boston’s Nightingale Vocal Ensemble. Morgan has been a five-time finalist in National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions in Musical Theatre and Classical categories and has appeared on recordings for major music publishers including Boosey & Hawkes, Hal Leonard, Alfred Music Publishing, and Gaither Music. She is also a songwriter and recording artist and has released two albums with her sister. She is passionate about creating an encouraging, technically informed, and artistically inspiring environment where students can develop their voices, confidence, and individuality as musicians.
Maddie Rezendes
Instructor of Voice and Musical Theater
MADDIE REZENDES holds a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Psychology and Music and is currently attending graduate school at Emerson College, where she will receive her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. While a student at Salve, Maddie performed for four years with Pitches With Attitude and one year with MixTapes, Salve’s all-female and co-ed a cappella singing ensembles. She also served as Secretary in Pitches with Attitude, Public Relations Coordinator for Salve Music Ensembles Club, Psychology Club, and University Chorus, and a peer mentor. She grew up at FSPA, where she was a member of Disney troupes for five years and Electric Youth for four. She has also performed with FPAC since 2007. She is excited to be back at 38 Main Street!
Ida Zelman
Instructor of Piano
IDA ZELMAN has a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the Vilnius Music Conservatory. She is a skilled educator with extensive experience in teaching a wide range of levels and interests, including young beginners, intermediate, advanced students, and avocational adults. Ida has comprehensive coaching experience in chamber music ensembles. She successfully prepares many students for the Royal Conservatory Music Program, who pass with high marks and perform on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Ida joined the FSPA Music Faculty in 1993.
FSPA School of Dance Faculty
Kellie Stamp
FSPA Director of Dance, Director of FSPA Dance Ensembles; Instructor of Tap and Jazz
KELLIE STAMP holds a Masters Degree in Performing Arts Education from Emerson College and is also a graduate of Stonehill College where she was an active member of the Stonehill Theater Company. She served on their Board of Directors and competed at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. An instructor of tap and jazz for the past 25 years, she has studied with Rosemarie Boyden, Linda Mercer-Botelho, and at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Kellie also studied Dance for Musical Theater with Broadway actress and choreographer, Leslie Woodies. In addition to teaching classes as FSPA, Kellie choreographs for Electric Youth, Broadway Bound, Broadway Light, CenterStage, and Next Step, and many FSPA and FPAC productions. A frequent performer with FPAC, some of her favorite credits include Little Women (Marmee), Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), August: Osage County (Ivy Weston), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Anything Goes (Reno), Violet with Broadway’s Emily Koch, Tarzan with the original Tarzan Josh Strickland, and the original cast of To Tell a Story About the Earth (Librarian).
Cheryl Madeux
BalletFranklin Founder
CHERYL MADEUX, a Connecticut native, received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts under the direction of Sharon Dante and Donna Bonasera. She has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson. Madeux performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and has been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono. Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose, and much more. It also includes works by choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, George Balanchine, Michel Fokine, Anthony Tudor, Martha Graham, Margo Sappington, and others. Among her early accomplishments, Madeux was awarded first place in the National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition at the age of 15, as well as a finalist at the III International Ballet Competition in Paris and the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. She was later recognized by the White House Commissions Program for excellence in academics and dance and was awarded a Level One Presidential Scholar in the Arts. As an educator, Madeux has been a guest teacher and coach for many ballet institutions across New England. In 2005, she became ballet director at Franklin School for the Performing Arts and assisted in developing their conservatory ballet program, as well as choreographing and directing their full-length ballet productions. In 2009, she successfully completed her certification in the ABT National Training Curriculum for Primary through Level 7 & Partnering and was later appointed to the prestigious Board of Examiners for the curriculum. In addition, she became a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancer Program and ABT summer intensives, as well as an assistant instructor for the NTC teacher certifications. Madeux was a guest judge for the Connecticut Classic Ballet Competition in 2014 and 2019, an adjunct professor for ballet and pointe at Dean College and successfully coached dancers from FSPA to the YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) finals in NY. Ms. Madeux now serves as Advisor to the FSPA Ballet Program and resides with her husband in Wrentham.
Eivar Martinez
BalletFranklin Director; Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
EIVAR MARTINEZ graduated from Youth Ballet of Venezuela and was offered a contract with the National Ballet of Caracas under the Artistic Director Vicente Nebrada, where he quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. He was featured in Nebrada’s Coppelia, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Paquita, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux, Nuetros Valses, Batucada, La Luna, Pentimento, Fiebre, among others. He has toured Europe, the USA, China, and South America. As a Finalist competitor in the June 2000 New York International Ballet Competition, critics and audiences noted his technical virtuosity and athleticism. Mr. Martinez danced for three seasons as a member of Tulsa Ballet in Oklahoma. He was featured in Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Lila York’s Celts, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Amadeus Amodio’s Carmen, Balanchine’s Who Cares?, and many other contemporary works by Nacho Duato. Eivar then joined Festival Ballet Providence as a Principal dancer during its 25th season, where Rhode Island audiences enjoyed his technical brilliance and virtuosity in many roles, including Giselle, Don Quixote, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Anthony Tudor’s Leaves Are Fading, Agnes De Mille’s Rodeo, Spring Waters, Victor Plotnikov’s Carmen and Coma, and others. Mr. Martinez then danced as a Principal dancer of Dance Alive National Ballet for its 2009/2010 season, where he performed such works as Dracula, Cavalier in Nutcracker, Black Swan, and contemporary works. Mr. Martinez has appeared as a Guest Artist, Master Instructor, and Choreographer with numerous ballet schools and companies throughout the country, Mr. Martinez coaches many students in classical and contemporary repertoire for distinguished ballet competitions.
Charlie Holbrook
Instructor of Tap
CHARLIE HOLBROOK With years of teaching experience, Charlie Holbrook has served as Dance Instructor for Beantown Tap Festival, University of Rhode Island, Dance Masters of America, Boston Conservatory and was a Dance faculty member at Dean College for several years. He is currently on the Dance faculty at FSPA, Cathy Taylor’s School of Dance, Elite Dance Center, and Krylo Dance Studios. Charlie joined the FSPA Tap Faculty in 2008.
Chris Kane
Instructor of Jazz and Dance for Musical Theater
CHRIS KANE is an alum of FSPA and is thrilled to be back as a teacher! He went on to graduate from UMass Amherst with a degree in Performance Art Education and Management. Professionally, Chris has performed all over the US, the Caribbean, Canada, China and Singapore. His performance credits include: Broadway National/International Tour: Kinky Boots (Asst. Choreographer/Dance Captain/Swing). NYC: Castle Walk (Fred Astaire, NYMF). Cruise Ship: CHICAGO (Fred Casely/Billy Flynn and Mary Sunshine Covers, RCCL). Regional: The Rocky Horror Show (Rocky, Phoenix Theater Co.) Kinky Boots (Angel/Dance Captain, Ogunquit Playhouse) Grease (Sonny, TBTS), Hairspray (Link Larkin/Dance Captain, Prather Entertainment), Victor/Victoria (Feat. Ensemble, Ogunquit Playhouse), Seven Brides (Caleb/Dance Captain, Prather Entertainment),CATS (Macavity, Prather Entertainment), Hot Jersey Nights (Lead Singer, Fallsview Casino), Vegas Legends (Dancer, American Music Theater). Chris is also a three time, professional regional ballroom dance champion. He has taught students of all ages and levels and is excited to teach and share his passion for dance!
Ayla Lapointe
Instructor of Acro
AYLA LAPOINTE is a Rhode Island-based performer, director, choreographer, dance teacher, and student. She is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance with a minor in Dance at Rhode Island College, where she is also a member of the RIC Dance Company. Ayla has experience working with students of all ages and experience levels and believes that everyone has the ability to accomplish great things when they are given the right support and encouragement. As a teacher, she values creating a positive, and collaborative environment where students feel comfortable challenging themselves, and celebrating their progress. Building strong relationships and trust with students is especially important to Ayla, particularly in acro, where confidence and feeling safe in the classroom are essential to learning and growing. Ayla has a passion for both the creative and performance sides of theatre. Her directing credits include Aladdin JR. and Finding Nemo JR. with Arts Alive, while her choreography has been featured in productions including Godspell (ICCR), Mamma Mia! (ICCR), Seussical (Academy Players), Annie (Academy Players), and Working: A Musical (URI). Her performance credits include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Heather McNamara in Heathers, Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, and Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Ayla grew up training in acro and later competed in cheerleading throughout high school, giving her a strong appreciation for both the technical and creative sides of movement/tumbling. She is thrilled to bring her experience and love of acro to FSPA and looks forward to helping her students build skills and confidence while having plenty of fun along the way!
Lydia Magliocco
Instructor of Commercial Pro Dance
LYDIA MAGLIOCCO is a passionate dance instructor with over 15 years of training in both the competitive and professional dance world. Originally from Rhode Island, Lydia now attends Dean College pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She trains closely with various professional dance educators and choreographers while continuing to pursue her goals of a professional dance career. Lydia has experience in a variety of styles, including Hip Hop, Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Street Jazz, Jazz Funk, Modern and Ballet. She strives to bring her professional training, creativity, and passion for dance into every class!
Heather Martinez
Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
HEATHER MARTINEZ is a native of Providence, RI and received her dance training at the Festival Ballet (Ballet RI) Center of Dance Education; in 2001 she placed in the top 10 in the senior classical ballet division of the national finals at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York. Mrs. Martinez then went on to perform for seven seasons as a member of Festival Ballet Providence (Ballet RI), performing a variety of principal roles including Micaela in Carmen, Sugar Plum Fairy, Pas de Trois in Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in Yves de Bouteiller’s Romeo and Juliet, Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Zobeide in Scheherazade, as well as Balanchine’s Rubies, Allegro Brillante, and Donizetti Variations and Victor Plotnikov’s Tension and Beauty and Coma. Mrs. Martinez then became a guest principal artist with Dance Alive National Ballet and Kentucky Ballet Theatre performing Giselle, Dew Drop Fairy, Grand Pas Classique and many other classical and contemporary works. Heather is a dance and fitness instructor in surrounding RI private schools and teaches creative movement classes for community libraries in the area. Mrs. Martinez coaches advanced and intermediate level students for prestigious ballet competitions, many which have resulted in high placement and scholarship offers.
Hannah Rezendes
Instructor of Ballet, Pointe, and Jazz
HANNAH REZENDES [she/her] is a performer, choreographer, and teacher from Franklin, MA. She graduated from Salve Regina University with degrees in Dance and Psychology, and was a member of Extensions, a pre-professional dance company. She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy where she danced weekly with the professional ballet company in residence at the Scuola di danza Hamlyn di Nicoletta Santoro. She recently performed at the Newport Jazz Festival with the Marcus Grant Trio. Hannah choreographed the musical Bright Star, at Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), a small Equity professional theater in Franklin, MA. She was a featured member of Electric Youth for four years, touring throughout Italy, Austria, France, England, and Switzerland. A BalletFranklin student under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, she danced many roles in The Nutcracker including Clara, Snow Queen, Kissy Doll, and Candy Cane Soloist. Her FPAC theatrical credits include Disney’s Newsies (choreo. Chaz Wolcott), The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! (choreo. Christopher Rice-Thomson), and THE BLACK BOX Sings… series.
FSPA School of Dance Faculty
Kellie Stamp
FSPA Director of Dance, Director of FSPA Dance Ensembles; Instructor of Tap and Jazz
KELLIE STAMP holds a Masters Degree in Performing Arts Education from Emerson College and is also a graduate of Stonehill College where she was an active member of the Stonehill Theater Company. She served on their Board of Directors and competed at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. An instructor of tap and jazz for the past 25 years, she has studied with Rosemarie Boyden, Linda Mercer-Botelho, and at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Kellie also studied Dance for Musical Theater with Broadway actress and choreographer, Leslie Woodies. In addition to teaching classes as FSPA, Kellie choreographs for Electric Youth, Broadway Bound, Broadway Light, CenterStage, and Next Step, and many FSPA and FPAC productions. A frequent performer with FPAC, some of her favorite credits include Little Women (Marmee), Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), August: Osage County (Ivy Weston), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Anything Goes (Reno), Violet with Broadway’s Emily Koch, Tarzan with the original Tarzan Josh Strickland, and the original cast of To Tell a Story About the Earth (Librarian).
Cheryl Madeux
BalletFranklin Founder
CHERYL MADEUX, a Connecticut native, received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts under the direction of Sharon Dante and Donna Bonasera. She has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson. Madeux performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and has been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono. Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose, and much more. It also includes works by choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, George Balanchine, Michel Fokine, Anthony Tudor, Martha Graham, Margo Sappington, and others. Among her early accomplishments, Madeux was awarded first place in the National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition at the age of 15, as well as a finalist at the III International Ballet Competition in Paris and the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. She was later recognized by the White House Commissions Program for excellence in academics and dance and was awarded a Level One Presidential Scholar in the Arts. As an educator, Madeux has been a guest teacher and coach for many ballet institutions across New England. In 2005, she became ballet director at Franklin School for the Performing Arts and assisted in developing their conservatory ballet program, as well as choreographing and directing their full-length ballet productions. In 2009, she successfully completed her certification in the ABT National Training Curriculum for Primary through Level 7 & Partnering and was later appointed to the prestigious Board of Examiners for the curriculum. In addition, she became a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancer Program and ABT summer intensives, as well as an assistant instructor for the NTC teacher certifications. Madeux was a guest judge for the Connecticut Classic Ballet Competition in 2014 and 2019, an adjunct professor for ballet and pointe at Dean College and successfully coached dancers from FSPA to the YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) finals in NY. Ms. Madeux now serves as Advisor to the FSPA Ballet Program and resides with her husband in Wrentham.
Eivar Martinez
BalletFranklin Director; Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
EIVAR MARTINEZ graduated from Youth Ballet of Venezuela and was offered a contract with the National Ballet of Caracas under the Artistic Director Vicente Nebrada, where he quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. He was featured in Nebrada’s Coppelia, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Paquita, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux, Nuetros Valses, Batucada, La Luna, Pentimento, Fiebre, among others. He has toured Europe, the USA, China, and South America. As a Finalist competitor in the June 2000 New York International Ballet Competition, critics and audiences noted his technical virtuosity and athleticism. Mr. Martinez danced for three seasons as a member of Tulsa Ballet in Oklahoma. He was featured in Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Lila York’s Celts, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Amadeus Amodio’s Carmen, Balanchine’s Who Cares?, and many other contemporary works by Nacho Duato. Eivar then joined Festival Ballet Providence as a Principal dancer during its 25th season, where Rhode Island audiences enjoyed his technical brilliance and virtuosity in many roles, including Giselle, Don Quixote, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Anthony Tudor’s Leaves Are Fading, Agnes De Mille’s Rodeo, Spring Waters, Victor Plotnikov’s Carmen and Coma, and others. Mr. Martinez then danced as a Principal dancer of Dance Alive National Ballet for its 2009/2010 season, where he performed such works as Dracula, Cavalier in Nutcracker, Black Swan, and contemporary works. Mr. Martinez has appeared as a Guest Artist, Master Instructor, and Choreographer with numerous ballet schools and companies throughout the country, Mr. Martinez coaches many students in classical and contemporary repertoire for distinguished ballet competitions.
Charlie Holbrook
Instructor of Tap
CHARLIE HOLBROOK With years of teaching experience, Charlie Holbrook has served as Dance Instructor for Beantown Tap Festival, University of Rhode Island, Dance Masters of America, Boston Conservatory and was a Dance faculty member at Dean College for several years. He is currently on the Dance faculty at FSPA, Cathy Taylor’s School of Dance, Elite Dance Center, and Krylo Dance Studios. Charlie joined the FSPA Tap Faculty in 2008.
Chris Kane
Instructor of Jazz and Dance for Musical Theater
CHRIS KANE is an alum of FSPA and is thrilled to be back as a teacher! He went on to graduate from UMass Amherst with a degree in Performance Art Education and Management. Professionally, Chris has performed all over the US, the Caribbean, Canada, China and Singapore. His performance credits include: Broadway National/International Tour: Kinky Boots (Asst. Choreographer/Dance Captain/Swing). NYC: Castle Walk (Fred Astaire, NYMF). Cruise Ship: CHICAGO (Fred Casely/Billy Flynn and Mary Sunshine Covers, RCCL). Regional: The Rocky Horror Show (Rocky, Phoenix Theater Co.) Kinky Boots (Angel/Dance Captain, Ogunquit Playhouse) Grease (Sonny, TBTS), Hairspray (Link Larkin/Dance Captain, Prather Entertainment), Victor/Victoria (Feat. Ensemble, Ogunquit Playhouse), Seven Brides (Caleb/Dance Captain, Prather Entertainment),CATS (Macavity, Prather Entertainment), Hot Jersey Nights (Lead Singer, Fallsview Casino), Vegas Legends (Dancer, American Music Theater). Chris is also a three time, professional regional ballroom dance champion. He has taught students of all ages and levels and is excited to teach and share his passion for dance!
Ayla Lapointe
Instructor of Acro
AYLA LAPOINTE is a Rhode Island-based performer, director, choreographer, dance teacher, and student. She is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance with a minor in Dance at Rhode Island College, where she is also a member of the RIC Dance Company. Ayla has experience working with students of all ages and experience levels and believes that everyone has the ability to accomplish great things when they are given the right support and encouragement. As a teacher, she values creating a positive, and collaborative environment where students feel comfortable challenging themselves, and celebrating their progress. Building strong relationships and trust with students is especially important to Ayla, particularly in acro, where confidence and feeling safe in the classroom are essential to learning and growing. Ayla has a passion for both the creative and performance sides of theatre. Her directing credits include Aladdin JR. and Finding Nemo JR. with Arts Alive, while her choreography has been featured in productions including Godspell (ICCR), Mamma Mia! (ICCR), Seussical (Academy Players), Annie (Academy Players), and Working: A Musical (URI). Her performance credits include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Heather McNamara in Heathers, Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, and Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Ayla grew up training in acro and later competed in cheerleading throughout high school, giving her a strong appreciation for both the technical and creative sides of movement/tumbling. She is thrilled to bring her experience and love of acro to FSPA and looks forward to helping her students build skills and confidence while having plenty of fun along the way!
Lydia Magliocco
Instructor of Commercial Pro Dance
LYDIA MAGLIOCCO is a passionate dance instructor with over 15 years of training in both the competitive and professional dance world. Originally from Rhode Island, Lydia now attends Dean College pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She trains closely with various professional dance educators and choreographers while continuing to pursue her goals of a professional dance career. Lydia has experience in a variety of styles, including Hip Hop, Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Street Jazz, Jazz Funk, Modern and Ballet. She strives to bring her professional training, creativity, and passion for dance into every class!
Heather Martinez
Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
HEATHER MARTINEZ is a native of Providence, RI and received her dance training at the Festival Ballet (Ballet RI) Center of Dance Education; in 2001 she placed in the top 10 in the senior classical ballet division of the national finals at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York. Mrs. Martinez then went on to perform for seven seasons as a member of Festival Ballet Providence (Ballet RI), performing a variety of principal roles including Micaela in Carmen, Sugar Plum Fairy, Pas de Trois in Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in Yves de Bouteiller’s Romeo and Juliet, Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Zobeide in Scheherazade, as well as Balanchine’s Rubies, Allegro Brillante, and Donizetti Variations and Victor Plotnikov’s Tension and Beauty and Coma. Mrs. Martinez then became a guest principal artist with Dance Alive National Ballet and Kentucky Ballet Theatre performing Giselle, Dew Drop Fairy, Grand Pas Classique and many other classical and contemporary works. Heather is a dance and fitness instructor in surrounding RI private schools and teaches creative movement classes for community libraries in the area. Mrs. Martinez coaches advanced and intermediate level students for prestigious ballet competitions, many which have resulted in high placement and scholarship offers.
Hannah Rezendes
Instructor of Ballet, Pointe, and Jazz
HANNAH REZENDES [she/her] is a performer, choreographer, and teacher from Franklin, MA. She graduated from Salve Regina University with degrees in Dance and Psychology, and was a member of Extensions, a pre-professional dance company. She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy where she danced weekly with the professional ballet company in residence at the Scuola di danza Hamlyn di Nicoletta Santoro. She recently performed at the Newport Jazz Festival with the Marcus Grant Trio. Hannah choreographed the musical Bright Star, at Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), a small Equity professional theater in Franklin, MA. She was a featured member of Electric Youth for four years, touring throughout Italy, Austria, France, England, and Switzerland. A BalletFranklin student under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, she danced many roles in The Nutcracker including Clara, Snow Queen, Kissy Doll, and Candy Cane Soloist. Her FPAC theatrical credits include Disney’s Newsies (choreo. Chaz Wolcott), The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! (choreo. Christopher Rice-Thomson), and THE BLACK BOX Sings… series.
FSPA School of Drama Faculty
Nick Paone
FSPA Drama Director; Instructor of Acting
NICK PAONE graduated from Occidental College with a degree in theater. He spent time in Los Angeles and New York City as a professional actor before coming to Franklin. He has taught at FSPA since 2001. His performing credits include Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, Red Noses, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Romeo and Juliet. He has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with TheatreWorks USA. Nick’s numerous Franklin Performing Arts Company credits include Little Women, The Producers, Tarzan, Proof, Something Rotten!, Violet, Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Music Man, Legally Blonde, Seussical, The Addams Family, Peter Pan, Les Misérables, Humbug!, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, and many many more. He created FPAC’s original musicals Humbug!, Zero, and the holiday pantos.
Kimberly Palson Frigon
Children’s Drama Director; Instructor of Musical Theater & Acting
KIMBERLY PALSON FRIGON is an accomplished theater educator, director, choreographer, and performer with more than 25 years of experience in the performing arts. She holds a Master of Arts in Theater Education from Emerson College, as well as a dual Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Theater from Saint Michael’s College. Her teaching career includes faculty appointments at Holliston High School (Fine and Performing Arts Department) and Dean College (School of the Arts). In addition, she has served as an instructor and director with numerous regional organizations, including the Mass Arts Center, the Orpheum Theater, Medfield High School, the JCC in Newton, The Footlight Club, and PALS Children’s Chorus. Since officially joining the FSPA Drama Faculty in 2021, Kimberly has directed and choreographed a range of children’s theatrical productions and continues to choreograph for FSPA’s youth performance troupes.
Kimberly also serves as Company Manager for the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), where she remains active as a performer. Her recent credits with FPAC include Little Women, The Producers, and School of Rock as part of the 2024–2025 season. Her work at FPAC was honored in 2023 with the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Play (Professional) for her portrayal of Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. She lives in Franklin with her husband and two children.
Ali Funkhouser
Instructor of Voice, Piano, Acting, and Repertoire Consultation
ALI FUNKHOUSER [she-her] is an actor, director, and educator who splits her time between New York City and Massachusetts. Her performing credits include Legally Blonde (The LEX, dir. Laura Bell Bundy), Suor Angelica (Chelsea Opera NYC), Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, How to Succeed…, and more. With Franklin Performing Arts Company, she has been seen in Bright Star (Alice), Proof (Catherine), Legally Blonde (Elle), Newsies (Katherine), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), and many more. TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Solo Cabaret Show: “I Only Wanna Laugh” at Don’t Tell Mama NYC and at THE BLACK BOX. “Knock ‘Em Dead” at The Green Room 42 which she co-wrote and performed with Daniel Barrett. Her directing credits include the immersive Tarzan starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland, Little Women, and The Wolves at FPAC and Jesse James Rose’s solo show at 54 Below in NYC. She worked as an authenticity reader for the Broadway-based novel Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis, providing insight into the perspective of kids and teens working in professional theater. She is an FSPA alum, has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, and has trained with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Upright Citizens Brigade. alifunkhouser.com
Raye Lynn Mercer
FSPA Director, Instructor of Musical Theater Troupes and Musical Theater
A graduate of Middlebury College, Raye Lynn Mercer attended the Vienna International Music Center in Vienna, Austria. A pianist, director, producer, and choreographer, she is the founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Her students’ resumes include placement in top college and conservatory arts programs, numerous Broadway shows, national tours, feature films, T.V., regional theater, the American Idol finals, cruise ships, professional opera, ballet, and more. Combining profession and hobby, Raye Lynn has directed Symphony of Horses productions across the country. President and Artistic Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Raye Lynn is the visionary behind the development of THE BLACK BOX, an innovative performance and event venue. With FPAC, she has collaborated with renowned Broadway Artists including Beth Leavel, Tyler Hanes, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Josh Strickland, Sara Jean Ford, Ruby Lewis, Clay Rice-Thomson, Christopher Rice-Thomson, Emily Koch, Jim Hogan, and many more.
Maddie Rezendes
Instructor of Voice and Musical Theater
MADDIE REZENDES holds a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Psychology and Music and is currently attending graduate school at Emerson College, where she will receive her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. While a student at Salve, Maddie performed for four years with Pitches With Attitude and one year with MixTapes, Salve’s all-female and co-ed a cappella singing ensembles. She also served as Secretary in Pitches with Attitude, Public Relations Coordinator for Salve Music Ensembles Club, Psychology Club, and University Chorus, and a peer mentor. She grew up at FSPA, where she was a member of Disney troupes for five years and Electric Youth for four. She has also performed with FPAC since 2007. She is excited to be back at 38 Main Street!
Abby Settle
Instructor of Musical Theater
ABBY SETTLE is a recent graduate from James Madison University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Creative Advertising. While at JMU, Abby spent time dancing with and serving as the Public Relations Chair for Mozaic Dance Team, a competitive Hip Hop team at JMU, as well as dancing, choreographing, and directing student dance shows within the JMU Dance Program. She also was a part of the Dance Theater club and took on a Social Media management internship with Cora Dance based in NYC and Virginia. Abby grew up in Franklin and spent many years at FSPA and FPAC with the Disney Troupes and Electric Youth! She is so excited to be back at FSPA!
FSPA School of Drama Faculty
Nick Paone
FSPA Drama Director; Instructor of Acting
NICK PAONE graduated from Occidental College with a degree in theater. He spent time in Los Angeles and New York City as a professional actor before coming to Franklin. He has taught at FSPA since 2001. His performing credits include Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, Red Noses, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Romeo and Juliet. He has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with TheatreWorks USA. Nick’s numerous Franklin Performing Arts Company credits include Little Women, The Producers, Tarzan, Proof, Something Rotten!, Violet, Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Music Man, Legally Blonde, Seussical, The Addams Family, Peter Pan, Les Misérables, Humbug!, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, and many many more. He created FPAC’s original musicals Humbug!, Zero, and the holiday pantos.
Kimberly Palson Frigon
Children’s Drama Director; Instructor of Musical Theater & Acting
KIMBERLY PALSON FRIGON is an accomplished theater educator, director, choreographer, and performer with more than 25 years of experience in the performing arts. She holds a Master of Arts in Theater Education from Emerson College, as well as a dual Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Theater from Saint Michael’s College. Her teaching career includes faculty appointments at Holliston High School (Fine and Performing Arts Department) and Dean College (School of the Arts). In addition, she has served as an instructor and director with numerous regional organizations, including the Mass Arts Center, the Orpheum Theater, Medfield High School, the JCC in Newton, The Footlight Club, and PALS Children’s Chorus. Since officially joining the FSPA Drama Faculty in 2021, Kimberly has directed and choreographed a range of children’s theatrical productions and continues to choreograph for FSPA’s youth performance troupes.
Kimberly also serves as Company Manager for the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), where she remains active as a performer. Her recent credits with FPAC include Little Women, The Producers, and School of Rock as part of the 2024–2025 season. Her work at FPAC was honored in 2023 with the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Play (Professional) for her portrayal of Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. She lives in Franklin with her husband and two children.
Ali Funkhouser
Instructor of Voice, Piano, Acting, and Repertoire Consultation
ALI FUNKHOUSER [she-her] is an actor, director, and educator who splits her time between New York City and Massachusetts. Her performing credits include Legally Blonde (The LEX, dir. Laura Bell Bundy), Suor Angelica (Chelsea Opera NYC), Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, How to Succeed…, and more. With Franklin Performing Arts Company, she has been seen in Bright Star (Alice), Proof (Catherine), Legally Blonde (Elle), Newsies (Katherine), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), and many more. TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Solo Cabaret Show: “I Only Wanna Laugh” at Don’t Tell Mama NYC and at THE BLACK BOX. “Knock ‘Em Dead” at The Green Room 42 which she co-wrote and performed with Daniel Barrett. Her directing credits include the immersive Tarzan starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland, Little Women, and The Wolves at FPAC and Jesse James Rose’s solo show at 54 Below in NYC. She worked as an authenticity reader for the Broadway-based novel Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis, providing insight into the perspective of kids and teens working in professional theater. She is an FSPA alum, has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, and has trained with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Upright Citizens Brigade. alifunkhouser.com
Raye Lynn Mercer
FSPA Director, Instructor of Musical Theater Troupes and Musical Theater
A graduate of Middlebury College, Raye Lynn Mercer attended the Vienna International Music Center in Vienna, Austria. A pianist, director, producer, and choreographer, she is the founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Her students’ resumes include placement in top college and conservatory arts programs, numerous Broadway shows, national tours, feature films, T.V., regional theater, the American Idol finals, cruise ships, professional opera, ballet, and more. Combining profession and hobby, Raye Lynn has directed Symphony of Horses productions across the country. President and Artistic Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Raye Lynn is the visionary behind the development of THE BLACK BOX, an innovative performance and event venue. With FPAC, she has collaborated with renowned Broadway Artists including Beth Leavel, Tyler Hanes, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Josh Strickland, Sara Jean Ford, Ruby Lewis, Clay Rice-Thomson, Christopher Rice-Thomson, Emily Koch, Jim Hogan, and many more.
Maddie Rezendes
Instructor of Voice and Musical Theater
MADDIE REZENDES holds a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Psychology and Music and is currently attending graduate school at Emerson College, where she will receive her Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. While a student at Salve, Maddie performed for four years with Pitches With Attitude and one year with MixTapes, Salve’s all-female and co-ed a cappella singing ensembles. She also served as Secretary in Pitches with Attitude, Public Relations Coordinator for Salve Music Ensembles Club, Psychology Club, and University Chorus, and a peer mentor. She grew up at FSPA, where she was a member of Disney troupes for five years and Electric Youth for four. She has also performed with FPAC since 2007. She is excited to be back at 38 Main Street!
Abby Settle
Instructor of Musical Theater
ABBY SETTLE is a recent graduate from James Madison University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Creative Advertising. While at JMU, Abby spent time dancing with and serving as the Public Relations Chair for Mozaic Dance Team, a competitive Hip Hop team at JMU, as well as dancing, choreographing, and directing student dance shows within the JMU Dance Program. She also was a part of the Dance Theater club and took on a Social Media management internship with Cora Dance based in NYC and Virginia. Abby grew up in Franklin and spent many years at FSPA and FPAC with the Disney Troupes and Electric Youth! She is so excited to be back at FSPA!
FSPA BalletFranklin Faculty
Eivar Martinez
BalletFranklin Director; Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
EIVAR MARTINEZ graduated from Youth Ballet of Venezuela and was offered a contract with the National Ballet of Caracas under the Artistic Director Vicente Nebrada, where he quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. He was featured in Nebrada’s Coppelia, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Paquita, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux, Nuetros Valses, Batucada, La Luna, Pentimento, Fiebre, among others. He has toured Europe, the USA, China, and South America. As a Finalist competitor in the June 2000 New York International Ballet Competition, critics and audiences noted his technical virtuosity and athleticism. Mr. Martinez danced for three seasons as a member of Tulsa Ballet in Oklahoma. He was featured in Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Lila York’s Celts, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Amadeus Amodio’s Carmen, Balanchine’s Who Cares?, and many other contemporary works by Nacho Duato. Eivar then joined Festival Ballet Providence as a Principal dancer during its 25th season, where Rhode Island audiences enjoyed his technical brilliance and virtuosity in many roles, including Giselle, Don Quixote, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Anthony Tudor’s Leaves Are Fading, Agnes De Mille’s Rodeo, Spring Waters, Victor Plotnikov’s Carmen and Coma, and others. Mr. Martinez then danced as a Principal dancer of Dance Alive National Ballet for its 2009/2010 season, where he performed such works as Dracula, Cavalier in Nutcracker, Black Swan, and contemporary works. Mr. Martinez has appeared as a Guest Artist, Master Instructor, and Choreographer with numerous ballet schools and companies throughout the country, Mr. Martinez coaches many students in classical and contemporary repertoire for distinguished ballet competitions.
Cheryl Madeux
BalletFranklin Founder
CHERYL MADEUX, a Connecticut native, received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts under the direction of Sharon Dante and Donna Bonasera. She has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson. Madeux performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and has been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono. Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose, and much more. It also includes works by choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, George Balanchine, Michel Fokine, Anthony Tudor, Martha Graham, Margo Sappington, and others. Among her early accomplishments, Madeux was awarded first place in the National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition at the age of 15, as well as a finalist at the III International Ballet Competition in Paris and the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. She was later recognized by the White House Commissions Program for excellence in academics and dance and was awarded a Level One Presidential Scholar in the Arts. As an educator, Madeux has been a guest teacher and coach for many ballet institutions across New England. In 2005, she became ballet director at Franklin School for the Performing Arts and assisted in developing their conservatory ballet program, as well as choreographing and directing their full-length ballet productions. In 2009, she successfully completed her certification in the ABT National Training Curriculum for Primary through Level 7 & Partnering and was later appointed to the prestigious Board of Examiners for the curriculum. In addition, she became a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancer Program and ABT summer intensives, as well as an assistant instructor for the NTC teacher certifications. Madeux was a guest judge for the Connecticut Classic Ballet Competition in 2014 and 2019, an adjunct professor for ballet and pointe at Dean College and successfully coached dancers from FSPA to the YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) finals in NY. Ms. Madeux now serves as Advisor to the FSPA Ballet Program and resides with her husband in Wrentham.
Hannah Rezendes
Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
HANNAH REZENDES [she/her] is a performer, choreographer, and teacher from Franklin, MA. She graduated from Salve Regina University with degrees in Dance and Psychology, and was a member of Extensions, a pre-professional dance company. She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy where she danced weekly with the professional ballet company in residence at the Scuola di danza Hamlyn di Nicoletta Santoro. She recently performed at the Newport Jazz Festival with the Marcus Grant Trio. Hannah choreographed the musical Bright Star, at Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), a small Equity professional theater in Franklin, MA. She was a featured member of Electric Youth for four years, touring throughout Italy, Austria, France, England, and Switzerland. A BalletFranklin student under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, she danced many roles in The Nutcracker including Clara, Snow Queen, Kissy Doll, and Candy Cane Soloist. Her FPAC theatrical credits include Disney’s Newsies (choreo. Chaz Wolcott), The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! (choreo. Christopher Rice-Thomson), and THE BLACK BOX Sings… series.
FSPA BalletFranklin Faculty
Eivar Martinez
BalletFranklin Director; Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
EIVAR MARTINEZ graduated from Youth Ballet of Venezuela and was offered a contract with the National Ballet of Caracas under the Artistic Director Vicente Nebrada, where he quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. He was featured in Nebrada’s Coppelia, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Paquita, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux, Nuetros Valses, Batucada, La Luna, Pentimento, Fiebre, among others. He has toured Europe, the USA, China, and South America. As a Finalist competitor in the June 2000 New York International Ballet Competition, critics and audiences noted his technical virtuosity and athleticism. Mr. Martinez danced for three seasons as a member of Tulsa Ballet in Oklahoma. He was featured in Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Lila York’s Celts, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Amadeus Amodio’s Carmen, Balanchine’s Who Cares?, and many other contemporary works by Nacho Duato. Eivar then joined Festival Ballet Providence as a Principal dancer during its 25th season, where Rhode Island audiences enjoyed his technical brilliance and virtuosity in many roles, including Giselle, Don Quixote, Diana and Actaeon, Le Corsaire, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Anthony Tudor’s Leaves Are Fading, Agnes De Mille’s Rodeo, Spring Waters, Victor Plotnikov’s Carmen and Coma, and others. Mr. Martinez then danced as a Principal dancer of Dance Alive National Ballet for its 2009/2010 season, where he performed such works as Dracula, Cavalier in Nutcracker, Black Swan, and contemporary works. Mr. Martinez has appeared as a Guest Artist, Master Instructor, and Choreographer with numerous ballet schools and companies throughout the country, Mr. Martinez coaches many students in classical and contemporary repertoire for distinguished ballet competitions.
Cheryl Madeux
BalletFranklin Founder
CHERYL MADEUX, a Connecticut native, received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts under the direction of Sharon Dante and Donna Bonasera. She has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson. Madeux performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and has been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono. Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose, and much more. It also includes works by choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, George Balanchine, Michel Fokine, Anthony Tudor, Martha Graham, Margo Sappington, and others. Among her early accomplishments, Madeux was awarded first place in the National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition at the age of 15, as well as a finalist at the III International Ballet Competition in Paris and the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. She was later recognized by the White House Commissions Program for excellence in academics and dance and was awarded a Level One Presidential Scholar in the Arts. As an educator, Madeux has been a guest teacher and coach for many ballet institutions across New England. In 2005, she became ballet director at Franklin School for the Performing Arts and assisted in developing their conservatory ballet program, as well as choreographing and directing their full-length ballet productions. In 2009, she successfully completed her certification in the ABT National Training Curriculum for Primary through Level 7 & Partnering and was later appointed to the prestigious Board of Examiners for the curriculum. In addition, she became a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancer Program and ABT summer intensives, as well as an assistant instructor for the NTC teacher certifications. Madeux was a guest judge for the Connecticut Classic Ballet Competition in 2014 and 2019, an adjunct professor for ballet and pointe at Dean College and successfully coached dancers from FSPA to the YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) finals in NY. Ms. Madeux now serves as Advisor to the FSPA Ballet Program and resides with her husband in Wrentham.
Hannah Rezendes
Instructor of Ballet and Pointe
HANNAH REZENDES [she/her] is a performer, choreographer, and teacher from Franklin, MA. She graduated from Salve Regina University with degrees in Dance and Psychology, and was a member of Extensions, a pre-professional dance company. She spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy where she danced weekly with the professional ballet company in residence at the Scuola di danza Hamlyn di Nicoletta Santoro. She recently performed at the Newport Jazz Festival with the Marcus Grant Trio. Hannah choreographed the musical Bright Star, at Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), a small Equity professional theater in Franklin, MA. She was a featured member of Electric Youth for four years, touring throughout Italy, Austria, France, England, and Switzerland. A BalletFranklin student under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, she danced many roles in The Nutcracker including Clara, Snow Queen, Kissy Doll, and Candy Cane Soloist. Her FPAC theatrical credits include Disney’s Newsies (choreo. Chaz Wolcott), The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! (choreo. Christopher Rice-Thomson), and THE BLACK BOX Sings… series.
FSPA Administration
Founder & Director
Raye Lynn Mercer
FSPA Director, Instructor of Musical Theater Troupes and Musical Theater
A graduate of Middlebury College, Raye Lynn Mercer attended the Vienna International Music Center in Vienna, Austria. A pianist, director, producer, and choreographer, she is the founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Her students’ resumes include placement in top college and conservatory arts programs, numerous Broadway shows, national tours, feature films, T.V., regional theater, the American Idol finals, cruise ships, professional opera, ballet, and more. Combining profession and hobby, Raye Lynn has directed Symphony of Horses productions across the country. President and Artistic Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Raye Lynn is the visionary behind the development of THE BLACK BOX, an innovative performance and event venue. With FPAC, she has collaborated with renowned Broadway Artists including Beth Leavel, Tyler Hanes, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Josh Strickland, Sara Jean Ford, Ruby Lewis, Clay Rice-Thomson, Christopher Rice-Thomson, Emily Koch, Jim Hogan, and many more.
Administrative Staff
- Kim Rezendes
- Hallie Wetzell
- Christine Backner
- Thea Charles
- Erin Lowery-Corkran
- Krystin Fraser
- Kimberly Palson Frigon
- Ali Funkhouser
- Kim Henderson
- Jamie Hulbig
- Roberta Lariviere
- Julie Semerjian
- Kellie Stamp
- Lindsay Tomas
- Theresa Wickstrom
FSPA Administration
Founder & Director
Raye Lynn Mercer
FSPA Director, Instructor of Musical Theater Troupes and Musical Theater
A graduate of Middlebury College, Raye Lynn Mercer attended the Vienna International Music Center in Vienna, Austria. A pianist, director, producer, and choreographer, she is the founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Her students’ resumes include placement in top college and conservatory arts programs, numerous Broadway shows, national tours, feature films, T.V., regional theater, the American Idol finals, cruise ships, professional opera, ballet, and more. Combining profession and hobby, Raye Lynn has directed Symphony of Horses productions across the country. President and Artistic Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Raye Lynn is the visionary behind the development of THE BLACK BOX, an innovative performance and event venue. With FPAC, she has collaborated with renowned Broadway Artists including Beth Leavel, Tyler Hanes, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Josh Strickland, Sara Jean Ford, Ruby Lewis, Clay Rice-Thomson, Christopher Rice-Thomson, Emily Koch, Jim Hogan, and many more.
Administrative Staff
- Kim Rezendes
- Hallie Wetzell
- Christine Backner
- Thea Charles
- Erin Lowery-Corkran
- Krystin Fraser
- Kimberly Palson Frigon
- Ali Funkhouser
- Kim Henderson
- Jamie Hulbig
- Roberta Lariviere
- Julie Semerjian
- Kellie Stamp
- Lindsay Tomas
- Theresa Wickstrom