Fun and exciting theatre classes this fall for kids, grades K-12 and adults began September 11th. Instruction in Music Theatre, Acting, Dance (including Tap), Playwriting, Directing, and Improvisation will be available for all ages. For more information about specific classes, schedules and prices visit millmountain.org/class
The Mill Mountain Theatre Education department welcomes three new instructors Emma Gwin, Christopher Castanho and Josh Walker. Previous Education Associate, Travis Kendrick, steps up to the role of Director of Education. “I am thrilled to begin my new adventure at MMT as Director of Education. In the past year, I have witnessed so many talented children grow as both artists and humans; I’m excited for this fantastic new team to continue to nurture students along their theatrical paths.”
Classes are taught by the following theatre professionals:
Travis Kendrick, Director of Education has worked professionally as a director, choreographer, actor, and educator across the country before coming to Mill Mountain Theatre. He holds his MFA in Directing from the University of California – Irvine and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Most recently, he adapted and directed MMT’s touring production of The Jungle Book and directed Willy Wonka Jr. Other favorite directing credits include: Reverberation, The Little Dog Laughed, Evita, Fifth Of July, The Tempest, and Blood Wedding. As an educator, he has taught for UCI, Inside Broadway, New York Kids Club, and Roxy Regional Theatre, and is excited to teach at Hollins University this fall. www. traviskendrick.com
Seth Davis, Resident Music Director is a music director and musician in both the musical theater and classical music realms in addition to being a teacher, clinician, and coach for performers and musicians of all ages. Seth has also served as musical director for Georgia Tech and Oglethorpe University in addition to teaching at The Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, and judging many regional music and theater festival competitions.
Emma Gwin, Outreach Coordinator/Teaching Artist, received her B.M. in Vocal Performance from James Madison University and her Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree from George Mason University. Emma has worked as a preschool music and is a private voice. Emma has performed professionally throughout the region with credits including Laurey in Oklahoma! (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), Squirelle in Elephant & Piggie’s We are in a Play! (Roanoke Children’s Theatre), and Angelina in Trial By Jury (The In Series).
Christopher Castanho, Resident Creative/Teaching Artist recently graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory’s BFA Musical Theatre program. Christopher is honored to be Mill Mountain Theatre’s Resident Creative, as he loves working in many different disciplines within the theatre and the classroom. His work also exists online, writing for websites such as “The Huffington Post” and “BroadwayWorld.com.” Follow Christopher at: ChristopherCastanho.com
Josh Walker, Teaching Artist is a recent graduate from William Peace University in Raleigh, NC. Originally from New Jersey, he began Musical Theatre while attending Howard. W. Blake High School of Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida. He recently appeared in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Mitch Mahoney and The Jungle Book as Bagheera at Mill Mountain Theatre. Some of his favorite roles include Samuel in Pirates of Penzance, Lymon in Piano Lesson, ensemble member in Sweeney Todd, and Garcin in No Exit.
Mill Mountain Theatre is supported in part by Center in the Square, Actors’ Equity Association, National Endowment for the Arts and Virginia Commission for the Arts.
