About

Kim Harrigan

Co-Owner

Kim has co-owned YADA for 24 years and has directed children for over 16 years in the Los Angeles area. She comes from a small town in Iowa where theatre was her life as a child. She started YADA in order to create a healthy, supportive environment for kids to play and have fun. Kim graduated from ASU with a BFA in acting and has performed in numerous productions. She worked as a dancer at Walt Disney World for five years and when she is not working at YADA, she enjoys adventure in the wild outdoors with her family.

Carrie-ann Pishnak

Executive Director & Artistic Director of YADA Improv Program

Carrie-ann Pishnak is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. She holds a BA in Theatre from UNLV, is a graduate of Nerdist improv program, The Second City Conservatory, Short Form and Long Form programs, and was classically trained at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford. Carrie-ann is a corporate narrator, a freelance producer and marketing brand specialist, as well as being an adjunct professor at CalArts where she teaches Improv. She is proud and grateful to have been an educator at various schools (including YADA) for over 30 years. You can catch Carrie-ann performing around town with her improv team, Aeroplane, and hanging out at home with her cat, Monster.

Dan Graul

Chief Operating Officer, Technical Director and Director

Dan Graul has been a teaching artist with YADA since Summer 2007. He also serves as Technical Director for the company and has designed and built many sets on the YADA stage across the years. Professionally, Dan has directed and co-created various theatrical productions and short films, including Wicca Please!, Magickal Monsters and most recently - Nerd Anarchy: The Spectacular D&D Musical! Dan grew up in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BA in Theatre and a Minor in Dance. Before moving to LA, he spent some time living in New York City and travelling the country, working as an actor with various regional theatres. Dan can be found around the LA music scene playing guitar and singing with various rock n’ roll outfits – most notably psychedelic folk rock band Northern Strangers, a group Dan co-founded with his awesome wife Rebecca and her brother Will. In 2015 Northern Strangers released their second original album Where The River Goes, recorded and produced by Antoine Arvizu (Sublime, Ryan Bingham, Free Moral Agents). www.northernstrangers.com

Nicholas Acciani

Production Manager, Scenic and Projection Designer

Born and Raised in New Jersey, Nicholas moved to LA in 2009 and has since made his mark as an Artist and Educator in Film, TV and Theatre. In addition to designing for YADA, Nicholas has designed Sets and Projections all around LA at Theatres including 2Cents Theatre, Theatre Unleashed, Celebration Theatre, among others. In 2018 he won the Ovation Award for Scenic Design (Intimate Theatre) with his design of 33 Variations at the Actors Co-op, one of many shows he has designed for and worked on with the company. As an educator he has taught and designed at California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley and Village Christian School; his set for The Music Man at Village Christian took home the Jerry Herman Award in 2019. A Writer, Director and Actor as well, Nicholas hosts a series of Educational Backstage Videos which can be found, along with up to date works, at www.nickach.com.

Rebecca Graul

Musical Supervisor & Director

Rebecca started playing piano for musical theater at 17 and has never stopped!  Aside from being YADA's music supervisor, she works regularly as a musical director, vocal coach, and pianist for theatre all over Los Angeles and is a Center Theater Group Teaching Artist. Rebecca campaigns for the accessibility of the arts, writing musicals for Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre tours and training teachers in Title 1 schools to develop sustainable theatre programs as a Teaching Artist in the Disney Musicals in Schools program.  She holds a BFA from Cal State Fullerton and has composed/produced music for films, commercials, webseries, musicals and tv shows, including 3 Best Film award-winners, a "Best Original Score" award in LA's New Wave Film Festival, a “Best Original Song Written For Film” nomination in Hollywood's Feel Good Film Festival, 3 nominations in Hollywood Fringe and a "Best in Fringe" award in Maui Fringe (2018), and ASCAP membership earned along the way.  She also has produced several albums (solo and collaborative) and performs regularly with the psychedelic folk rock group Northern Strangers.

Amanda Perez

Operations Supervisor

Amanda was a Director for six years In New York at ApplauseNY. While managing the after-school division she taught dance, singing, improv, acting for camera, and directed the musical theater workshops on the weekends to kids ranging from 5yrs-15yrs. After graduating from the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, Amanda went on to earn her B.F.A in Dramatic Performance at the College Conservatory of Music (CCM). She has been featured in national commercials and has appeared in several TV shows including Modern Family, Ground Floor, and Gossip Girl. Amanda has also appeared in various readings and plays in New York–her favorite being the New York premiere of Knives and Other Sharp Objects produced by The Public Theater. Amanda is thrilled to be living in Los Angeles continuing to share her love for theater with the incredible YADA students.

UPDATE: Amanda has recently been promoted to YADA's Operations Supervisor! You'll still see her in all of your 3rd St classrooms as she helps oversee smooth operations of the students and staff!

Samantha Diaz

Office Manager

Samantha is a native Angelino with four+ years of managerial experience, and has been working in customer service for nearly eight years. She would describe herself as creative, passionate, and understanding. It is important to her to lead in an empathetic way demonstrating integrity and understanding. She firmly believes that confidence and self-esteem are very important tools for children, so she will do everything she can to help YADA achieve their goals to provide that to their students. Her favorite hobby and interests are roller skating, fashion, photography, and going to concerts and music festivals.

Joslynn Cortes

Assistant Office Manager

A recent LA transplant, but a true Jersey girl at heart, is super happy to be a part of the YADA family! Joslynn is an accomplished singer, actor and vocal instructor. Her professional performance journey began at the age of 12 and since then she has toured the country starring in regional theatre productions, earned her BFA in Performing Arts through the American Musical and Dramatic Academy College & Conservatory NY & LA, toured the Caribbean as a Specialty Vocalist on Celebrity Cruises and has founded Vocal Love, her voice studio. Some of her favorite roles include Anita in West Side Story at Glow Lyric Theatre, Claire in Ordinary Days at The Wayward Artist, Junie B. Jones in Junie B. Jones the Musical at Walnut St. Theatre, Fiber in Nick Nutrition and His Wonder Dog Fiber (tour) & Lisa Fischer in So Amazing (reading/workshop). Joslynn loves working with children and can’t wait to greet the world’s future artists! For more information, visit her at joslynncortes.com.

Rachel Ticas

Administrative Specialist

Part-time New Yorker and “California Girl,” Rachel made the move from Northern California to Los Angeles to complete an internship to finish her degree in Music Therapy and pursue a continued career in music. Before joining YADA, Rachel completed a Music Therapy internship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles where she provided family-centered care for patients and families through music therapy services. She has her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, CA. Performing and playing French Horn is one of Rachel’s passions and she has had the opportunities to play at Carnegie Hall with Pacific’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble and manage and perform with the Pacific Heavy Ensemble, UOP’s very first and only student-led metal orchestral ensemble. Rachel is excited to be a part of the team and is ready to help YADA in any way she can!

Craig Hissong

Assistant Technical Director

Craig is a multi faceted entertainment industry technician. Involved in theater consistently since he portrayed Frank Burns in his high school production of M*A*S*H in 2004, he has taken on many roles including Stage Manager, Technical Director, Light Board Operator, Lighting Designer, Teacher and occasional Actor. Raised in Yorkville, IL, he has made Los Angeles his second home since moving out here in 2010. Since then he has been involved in countless theatrical productions all around Los Angeles, worked on several films and TV shows, including a long stint at NBC’s The Voice, and secured an NAACP Theatre Award nomination in 2016. (Best Lighting Local) He holds an AA in Mass Comm from Waubonsee Community College and a BA in Film and Cinema from Columbia College Chicago. He is also currently on staff as a Technical Director at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. A long time creative itch has led to co-writing seven screenplays, multiple treatments, one TV pilot script and a stage musical about the life of Nikola Tesla for which he was the lead lyricist and co producer.

Lars McCuen Van

Assistant Technical Director

Lars is a Stage Manager, Technician, and Theatre Educator based in Los Angeles. They serve as the Production Stage Manager at de Toledo High School. She is currently stage managing the World Premiere of The Bottoming Process at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Favorite past projects include The Nest (Scout Expeditions) Sally McCoy (Barter Theatre) Madame Buttermilk (Barter Theatre)  and The Double Threat Trio (Pittsburgh CLO: Spark Festival)

Lyanne Low

Assistant Technical Director

Lyanne is a Malaysian multidisciplinary stage and creative project manager, musician and creator. She has previously been based out of Boston, MA and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and recently made the move to LA. Previous credits include Working Barn Productions, Central Square Theatre, WAM Theatre, American Modern Opera Company, Berklee Theatre Arts Collaborative, Fresh Ink Theatre, Childsplay: The Final Tour and Unite Boston 2019. In California, she has stage managed for the AMDA College of Performing Arts and is a Assistant Technical Director at the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA). Lyanne received her Bachelors of Music at the Berklee College of Music in Songwriting and Stage Management.

Jose Acain

Improv Instructor

Jose left the world of robots and spaceships and found a home at Second City Hollywood completing their Conservatory and Director's program. He's currently performing with house teams "Shortcake" and "Alfred." Outside of Second City he’s one half of the duo improv/writing group “Lime and Coconut,” tries not to get brown bagged at Comedysportz LA, and tours with Westside Comedy Theater. He also performs in musicals and Shakespeare plays around L.A. and writes music for animations, sketch shows, and Indonesian chicken commercials. Regional theater credits include: A Midsummer Night's Dream (ISC), In Trump We Trust (Second City Hollywood), Once Upon A Mattress (T.A.P.), A Funny Thing...Forum (Theatre Palisades), and West Side Story (WVLO). Lots of love to Erin and Kaia Fae for always believing.

Bethany Baderdeen

Director

Bethany is a southern California native. As a huge advocate for education in Theater, Bethany holds a certificate from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in LA and a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Performance from UC San Diego. After marking her Los Angeles stage debut as a finalist in LA's Next Great Stage Star, her most recent credits include Mamma Mia at Sierra Repertory Theater, and Grease at The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in Anchorage, Alaska. Repped by ATB Talent Agency across the board, she continues to perform and is so passionately delighted to step on over to the creative side, joining the YADA directing team!

Emily Bolt

Director & Private Lesson Instructor

Emily was born and raised in St. Louis, MO where she grew up surrounded by the arts, taking voice, piano, dance and acting classes.  She received her BFA in Acting from Missouri State University, and after graduation went on to tour with Missoula Children's Theatre for a year.  Since moving to Los Angeles, she's studied at many studios including UCB, Groundlings and Stan Kirsch where she is currently.  During the pandemic, she and her husband started a podcast called What's Your Movie which is starting its second season soon.  Emily is so happy to be part of the YADA family.

Pepper Berry

Improv Instructor

Originally from Texas, Pepper studied film at Baylor University before moving to Los Angeles to study screenwriting at UCLA. He then fell into music playing in bands around the Los Angeles punk scene, touring the United States and recording albums for 15 years. He is a graduate of The Second City, iO West, Upright Citizens Brigade, The Nerdist, Comedy Sportz LA, The Second City Directing program as well as studying at The Groundlings. He is currently a teacher and director at The Second City and his musical "What Rhymes with Orange?" was the first premium children show to open for The Second City.

Alec Brown

Director

Alec is a content creator, writer, improviser, stand-up, and musical comedy entertainer. His viral online project is the TikTok series “Challah At Ya Goy!” which takes viewers on double entendre-laden two-minute riotous recipe revues that climax in tasty test fests. He has performed at iconic venues like The Broadway Comedy Club and was a member of The Upright Citizens Brigade’s prestigious Academy. In 2019 Alec appeared monthly at the Peoples Improv Theater with Night Brunch and at The Duplex, where he co-starred in his original musical comedy show “Peter, Paul, and Carly.” He has since become an Associate Producer for The Story Pirates, specializing in children’s improvisation and writing. Alec’s voiceover work is featured on several episodes of their iHeart Radio Award-winning podcast; his sung vocals can be heard on their hit song “Cheese Quest.” Alec’s writing has been featured on numerous online platforms, most notably on theatre satire site The Broadway Beat. He’s currently training at The Groundlings and holds a BFA in Musical Theater from Missouri State.

Chris Bunyi

Improv Instructor

CHRIS BUNYI

Chris is an Actor, Editor, and List Enthusiast based in L.A. Originally from Jacksonville, Fl, Chris has absolutely tried alligator tail. If you ask him, it has the taste of chicken with the texture of shrimp. I don’t know how that makes sense but it does. He’s very excited to be back performing with RAIS and can’t wait to share some funny with you all!

Jaclynn Cherry

Improv Instructor

Jaclynn is an actor/improvisor originally from Detroit, MI. She performs regularly at Westside Comedy Theater with Mission IMPROVable and resident team Sidehug, as well as at festivals around the country with improv duo Natural Born Killaz. When not on stage, Jaclynn is also a CPA (the fun kind!), skier, surfer, and ice cream connoisseur.

Rachel Crane

Improv Instructor

Rachel was raised on a farm in central Kansas where she spent her summers cleaning out wheat bins, laying out irrigation pipe, and driving tractors. She still goes back every June to drive the combine for wheat harvest. Rachel came to Los Angeles by way of Chicago, where she spent six years studying and performing at The Second City, iO, and ActOne Studios among others. SheI linked up with The Second City Hollywood when she arrived in LA in 2009, where she was honored to be cast in the very first The Best of The Second City archive revue on the Hollywood stage. Rachel helped found and performed in The Really Awesome Improv Show at The Second City for over 10 years and regularly performs improv around LA with her team, Aeroplane. Additionally, Rachel studied acting in Steve Braun's weekly Acting the Truth class at Bramon Garcia Braun Studios for over five years and is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA. Rachel has booked nearly 20 commercials for brands such as Dole, Stanley Steemer, and Verizon, cast in a variety of roles... from a quirky mom to a sleek business woman to a chef. In non-acting news... Rachel collects vintage art pottery, makes delicious apple pies, loves her talented, painter husband, Ted, and being mama and doing crafts with her hilarious and kind little girl, Harlow.

Cody Collier

Director

Cody is a performer and director who originated the title role of Scooby in Warner Bros. “Scooby-Doo LIVE” North American, Middle Eastern, and Australian national tours. He’s also an original cast member of the multiple variations of Nickelodeon & Hasbro’s record-breaking “Peppa Pig LIVE” North American tour, which he recently helmed as Associate Director.

As a teacher, Cody served as a pre-professional performance instructor for various acting, singing, dancing, writing, and business of entertainment classes at the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts—Southwest Missouri’s premiere performing arts academy.

He’s thrilled to work as a director at YADA and pass his knowledge and love for the arts on to the next generation of performers!

Emily Cunningham

Director

Emily is a born and raised Texan who moved out to Los Angeles 5 years ago. She started performing across the city of Houston at age 9 and her favorite professional credits include Hurly Burly, The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Hairspray. Emily has an original web series she's focused on the last few years, "The Struggle is Real", and is a working independent film actor & writer. She's beyond jazzed to be a part of the YADA team and work with a truly awesome staff and kids!

John David (JD) DeFour

Improv Instructor

JD grew up just outside of Detroit, Michigan. He received a B.A. in Theatre from Michigan State University and a M.A. in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University. JD taught high school English and Drama for seven years in Boyle Heights while he began studying improvisation and sketch comedy with The Groundlings and The Second City in Hollywood. He briefly left land to perform improvisation and sketch comedy with Second City Theatricals aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. JD is a teaching artist, performer and director for The Story Pirates, has performed in musicals, sketch shows and improv around Los Angeles for years, and hopes to continue for years to come.

Kalen Garnett

Director

Kalen recently moved to Los Angeles from New York City after graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, New Studio on Broadway with a BFA in Drama. While in New York Kalen was last seen in: Grab Bag at the Midtown International Theatre Festival, Le Blanc at The Pit Loft, Tornadoland at Studio 54, and has worked on new musical readings at GMTW and Dixon Place; Kalen also recently shot a short film, Older Brothers. Kalen grew up in a community theatre where she gained her love for the arts, and eventually was afforded the opportunity to choreograph for the theatre's education program. She is excited to be joining the YADA team, and is excited to work with some brilliant kids and staff.

Audrey Flegel

Improv Teacher

A proud member of SAG/AFTRA, Audrey Flegel has been a working actor for the past 18 years appearing on stage, TV, film, voice over, and commercials. She holds a BFA in theatre (New School University) and has studied at The Second City, UCB, The Annoyance, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and the School at Steppenwolf among others. She has taught acting and improv with The Second City for over 10 years, as well as improv and drama programs in numerous elementary schools in Los Angeles and Chicago. For more info visit www.audreyflegel.com

Brooke Olivia Gatto

Director & Administrative Assistant

Brooke is thrilled to be a part of the YADA team! She is originally from Portland, Oregon and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from California State University, Fullerton. Brooke got her start in regional theatre in Portland and has never looked back. Additionally, her experiences with the Young People’s Theatre Project allowed Brooke to share her love of theatre with others. Brooke is currently pursuing opportunities in the world of film, television, and theatre. Recently, she earned her first credit on a short film. She also performs at Disneyland, which has led to several exciting opportunities, such as Dancing with the Stars - Disney Night. Brooke believes there is a place for everyone in the theatre community, and is excited to help every student grow in both their confidence and craft!

Amanda Hinkley

Administrative Assistant

Amanda Hinkley is a writer with a comedic edge garnered over the last nine years. She graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's in Broadcast Journalism & Digital Media. She then made her way to Chicago, where she honed her comedic voice through The Second City Chicago's advanced writing track and The Harold Ramis Film School (now The Second City Film School). She then moved to L.A. and graduated from The Second City Hollywood's Conservatory. Her short film, "Uncertainship," has won awards at festivals like Los Angeles CineFest, International New York Film Festival, and Golden State Film Festival. Her self-proclaimed "sun / moon / rising" of films are: She's the Man / About Time / Palm Springs. You can now catch her performing in the Rockin' Awesome Improv Show!

Piper Gillin

Director/Improv Teacher

Piper grew up in the Pacific Northwest where she performed in community theatre and with the "Short Shakespeareans" acting troupe. She transplanted to LA and earned a BA in theatre from the University of Southern California. She was a competitive dancer growing up, which led to her job at Disneyland dancing down Main Street, USA as a Parade performer. Piper has studied improv and sketch comedy at The Second City, UCB, and The Groundlings, and has many years of experience teaching youth improv programs at the Second City. Piper is a working stage, screen and voice actor, and is excited to share her love for the arts with the talented kiddos at YADA.

Elaine Hammel

Improv Instructor

Elaine is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she learned and developed her love of improvisation.  She has performed at The Second City and iO in Chicago and Los Angeles, and has traveled the country performing at various improv festivals with additional groups. She has also performed in numerous musical theater productions in Chicago and Los Angeles. Elaine met her husband Simon during an improv class, and they now have two awesome boys who make her laugh every single day.  Here’s to always being able to play and have fun in whatever form your stage takes!  Instagram @elainehammel

Hayley Holmes

Director & Private Lesson Instructor

Hayley Holmes is originally from Covington, Indiana. She was often seen tap dancing on the tennis courts, and was advised to join a local dance studio. Shortly after it was suggested she audition for a Competitive Dance Team in Champaign, IL where she soon found herself competing around the nation in all areas of dance (tap, jazz, acro, Musical Theatre, and lyrical). Winning such titles as Miss Showbiz, Broadway Bound, and First Place at several National Events. Eager to stretch her creativity muscles even further Hayley auditioned for every theatre production within a 60 mile radius, and loved every chance she had to step out on the stage (Annie, Music Man, Wizard of Oz).  When the opportunity presented itself to move to Los Angeles, Hayley quickly jumped on it and has been fortunate enough to work steadily in the Film & Television World ever since. She is so appreciative of everyone who supports her, and loves sharing her knowledge of the arts with the students at YADA!

Ryan Hotes

Director

From their home in the Pacific Northwest, to NYC, and now in sunny L.A, Ryan (they/he) has had the pleasure of working as a storyteller, teacher, writer, and community organizer for over ten years. Ryan graduated from Pace University in NYC where they received their BFA in musical theatre. Whether on stage, on screen, or online, they come to life capturing, expressing, and sharing the human experience, in all its colors!

Matt Hunter

Improv Instructor

Matt is an improviser and writer born and raised in Memphis, TN. He’s studied and performed at both Second City and iO, in both Chicago and Hollywood. Matt has lived in LA for 10 years now and finds it to be just swell. He now works in the television industry, producing and writing for various television shows that appear on television. Matt can talk at length about sandwiches, is an average drummer, and can change the oil in your car if you need that service done.

Alexandra Ireijo

Director

Alexandria Ireijo (Alex) is an actor, singer, dancer, and artistic professional originally from Oahu, Hawaii. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York and has worked with some of the best Musical Theatre professionals: Bob Cline, Bob Moss, Brett Smock, and Jeff Whiting. Her favorite theaters to perform at include The Rev. (formally FMTF) and Manoa Valley Theatre. Apart from theatre, Ireijo has worked in theatre education with youth ages 3 years old to 18 years old. She has experience teaching acting, dance, and vocal coaching in both private and class settings as well as directing and choreographing full length musicals to youth ages 6-18. Ireijo believes that theatre provides a safe outlet for expression, exploration, and best of all, fun! She strives to nurture her students and coach them to their fullest potentials.

Kenny Jones

Administrative Assistant

Kenny Jones is a writer, actor, director, and comedian from Savannah, Georgia. As a kid, he fell in love with television, movies, and theater, which led to him getting a BA in Theatre from Georgia Southern University. In Savannah, he honed his skills and wrote, directed, and acted in self produced plays in college. . He would later move to Los Angeles to pursue sitcom writing. When not writing, Kenny enjoys teaching kids, and being a positive influence in their life, which makes him grateful to be a part of YADA's vision!

Celeste Jones

Director & Administrative Assistant

A recent transplant to LA from the east coast Celeste is thrilled to be joining the YADA team. Celeste is a proud member of AEA with years of professional theatre experience under her belt and she's always excited to bring her experience from the stage to her students. Some of her favorite roles have been Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Nessa in District Merchants, Sophie in Ruined, and TiMoune in Once on this Island. Aside from theatre Celeste has had the opportunity to star in a few short films and web series and even produced one of her own.  Alongside her own career, she's spent years teaching theatre, dance, and voice to students of all ages, cultivating a love for performance and creativity. She received her BFA from Howard University in DC and had the opportunity to study classical acting at the British American Drama Academy. She cannot wait to teach and learn from all of her YADA students. 

Wiley Jones

Director

Wiley Jones (he/him/they/them) is an award winning actor, director, and movement coach. While growing up in Seattle, Wiley discovered their passion for theatrics at 7 years old when stepping on stage for the first time to play John Darling in Peter Pan. Since then he has gone on to perform Off-Broadway, across the country, and internationally. He has worked on Showtime, HBO, Travel Channel, Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu productions. His improvised hijinks have been featured on stage at The Groundlings. Their production company produces films, live shows, and commercials. As a Suzuki and Viewpoints practitioner, under the tutelage of SITI Theatre Company, he often approaches new works using his background in movement and modern dance. He utilizes his experience puppeteering and devising experimental theatre in collaboration with fellow company members in The Czech-American Theatre Company. Wiley earned his B.F.A. from New York University's Tisch School of Drama; he has trained with The Atlantic Theatre Company, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, and New Studio on Broadway. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AGVA, certified by the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat. His teaching journey began at Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre and Stonestreet Studios in New York. Since 2014 Wiley has been an arts educator with Village Theatre, focused on uplifting youth voices in the development of ensemble-based theatrical works and new musicals. He is currently on the managing team of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Elizabeth Katz

Director

Elizabeth is a theater artist, writer, and filmmaker, originally from Paducah, Kentucky. She received her BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch's musical theater program, New Studio on Broadway. She is embarking on the final year of her MFA in Film Directing at Chapman University and has made several independent films now playing in national festivals. A lifelong performer, she is passionate about collaboration and fostering a sense of community through the arts. She's thrilled to be joining the YADA family!

Faith Knapp

Director

Faith is originally from Florida but grew up in Kansas city, she graduated with her BFA in Acting from the University of Central Florida in 2020. Faith has previously directed and choreographed at Apex Theatre Studios in Saint Augustine Florida and has been a private acting and audition coach for the past few years. Faith has performed across the country at many theatres, some of her favorite credits include  Street of Crocodiles (Maria/ Movement Captain), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia), Vanities (Kathy), A Chorus Line (Val), Twelfth Night (Feste), I and You (Caroline). She is currently pursuing her film career here in Los Angeles and is represented by The Wayne Agency and Managed by Scot Reynolds. Faith is so excited to be part of the YADA team and help the next generation find the same love for this art that she has.

Grace Lord

Director

Grace Lord is a performer, writer, and instructor who has been in the entertainment industry since she was born. After living in New York for four years and studying under industry professionals, such as Tony Award Winner Judith Ivey and Emmy Award Winner Andre Braugher, Grace decided to move out to Los Angeles to continue finding her place in this world. She learned the ins and outs of the industry by working as an assistant at ICM Partners and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and now works on the creative and planning side with her sister and their production company.

Maddie Lane

Director

Maddie Lane has been a proud Director and Teaching Artist for nearly a decade.

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Maddie has studied voice and acting for twenty years - in Memphis, New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Over the span of her teaching career, she has consistently guided young actors in mastering numerous skills in the performing arts, including ear-training, vocal placement, creating a character within a song, building audition books, and producing honest and authentic script work.

Maddie worked at Walt Disney World as an Equity Performer for almost ten years, appearing in shows such as Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Ariel) and Disney Junior Live on Stage (Casey). She also appeared in various shows at Universal Orlando Resort. A proud member of Actor's Equity and SAG-AFTRA unions, Maddie has a variety of regional theatre credits as well as TV/film credits.

As a Show Director in Orlando, Maddie directed regional productions such as the Orlando professional premieres of Matilda the Musical and School of Rock. She also served as the Development Manager, Youth Director, and Senior Teaching Artist at Theatre South Playhouse from 2017 - 2022. Favorite directing credits include The Addams Family, Xanadu, Little Women, The Lightning Thief, 13, the Musical, Legally Blonde, the Musical, Heathers, the Musical, and The Wolves.

Maddie’s passion lies in helping students unlock the potential they already have by discovering and showcasing themselves within their uniquely individualized art.

She is thrilled to be a part of Team YADA!

Katharine Lerner

Director

Katharine is an Actor and Teacher in Los Angeles. Katharine has taught with A Noise Within, Treasure Trunk Theatre, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Camp Arena Stage and Camp Acting Manitou. Katharine trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade, Maggie Flanigan Studio, received her BFA from Marymount Manhattan College, and studied at the British American Drama Academy. Katharine loves teaching children and opening their imagination to all the possibilities of creation and joy!

David Luna

Improv Instructor

David Luna is an actor who grew up in Northern California but now calls LA home.  He has taught, trained and performed with the Second City Hollywood/Chicago. David currently performs with the PACK Theater. He loves his pup, Kylo, all things Star Wars, Drag Race, and a good game night! David enjoys a good laugh and hopes to share many with you!

Danny Lutman

Improv Instructor

Danny is a professional actor, writer, and producer. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre from Texas State University and is a graduate of the Groundlings, Second City, and the Upright Citizens Brigade. Along with his appearances at YADA, he performs regularly around town as a member of indie improv teams, Roundhouse and Aeroplane.

Julienne Marié

Administrative Assistant

Julienne was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Growing up on the East Coast provided Julienne with access to incredible art, theater, and dance. Julienne began dancing at the age of four and added theatre shortly after. With that, she’s had the opportunity to work with such companies as The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C as well as the Baltimore Theater Project, along with others, all before attending university. Julienne attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she received a BFA in Acting. While in Philadelphia, she got to take on more advanced directorial and administrative work in addition to performance within the theater scene. Collaborating with companies such as FringeArts, Her Story Theater, Rev Theater company as well as the Nerve Tank in New York where Julienne is now an associate artist. In October of 2021, Julienne made the move out to Los Angeles and has fallen in love with the incredible opportunities and creatives she’s been able to work with. Currently repped by Tangerine Talent, Julienne works consistently in the commercial and theatrical space. She thoroughly appreciates the opportunity to work with a company like YADA that nurtures kids’ love for art.

Lindsay Merrill

Substitute Director

Lindsay grew up in Omaha, NE where she trained extensively and competed in all styles of dance before going onto study Dance Performance at Oklahoma City University and then receive her BA in Visual and Performing Arts from the University of Southern California. Before moving out to LA, she taught and choreographed for studios across the Midwest and performed with multiple dance companies in Oklahoma, Chicago, and finally LA. In addition to loving her work at YADA, creating shows with the magical little humans we call children, Lindsay is also pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and looks forward to integrating her love of dance, theatre, and performing arts education with her passion for exploring the human experience in unique and innovative ways. She believes in lifelong learning and continues to grow every single day through her relationships with each one of YADA’s little stars!

Jamison Scala

Improv Instructor

Jamison is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory and previously performed regularly on their Hollywood stage and at sea with their Norwegian Cruise Line partnership. Jamison has written and performed in videos including: “Gay Ginger Breeders,” “Part of Your Office World, a Disney Parody,” and “Coachella: What You Totes Need to Know.” 7 of Jamison’s original monologues appear in “LGBTQ Comedic Monologues that are Actually Funny,” the first and only book of its kind. Raised in NJ (exit 145), he now calls Los Angeles home. You can follow his adventures at JamisonScala.com and @HeyJamisonScala. 

Molly Smith

Director

Molly is an actor, producer, and teaching artist born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She attended Columbia College Chicago, graduating with a degree in Theater. Since moving to Los Angeles, she continues to study at The Imagined Life. She has acted in and produced several independent films, including Boihood, which was an official selection at Outfest Film Festival. Molly is thrilled to be a part of the YADA team!

Michaela Spellman

Director

Michaela Spellman is a creative entertainer and educator for young audiences. She is a graduate of The University of the Arts where she earned her BFA in Musical Theater. She is a New Jersey transplant now living in Los Angeles since 2015. While living in LA she discovered her passion for voice over and has lent her voice to many different children's animations such as "Kindi Kids" and "Giganto Club". Her most rewarding experience was traveling the country in The National Tour of "Peppa Pig Live!" where she performed in world-renowned theaters for audiences of thousands of children. Michaela discovered her love for education while creating her own classrooms and curriculums that focus on learning through play and imagination. She has also devised her own music class that allows children to express themselves through music and movement.

Teylor Tobin

Director

Teylor Tobin (She/Hers) is a recent 2023 graduate from the California State University Long Beach as a Theatre for Performance major. She grew up in Northern California as a dancer from the age of five. She soon took an interest in choreography and has had pieces compete in the Spotlight Dance Awards taking gold placement. Teylor has been directing new works with CSULB's Theatre Threshold student program since 2021 with works like, "Protest Parade" (2021), "Smitten" (2022), and "Dreamweaver" (2023). In addition to her time as a director Teylor was the Choreography Captain for California Repertory Company's "Rocky Horror Show", as well as the Choreographer for the California Repertory Company's 2023 Musical Theatre Showcase. Teylor also has acted in new works productions like "Generation Why" as Heather, "Forevermore" as Marjorie, and California Repertory Company's "Rocky Horror" as Usherette. Teylor is so thrilled for the opportunity to further her knowledge of the arts by joining YADA's Directing team!

Leeann St. John

Improv Instructor

Leeann St. John has a deep love for all things hilarious. She performs improv and sketch regularly at the Pack Theater.

Devyn Ward

Director

Devyn has been a Director at YADA since Summer 2019 and is ecstatic to be here! She is a teaching artist, actor, and comedian based in Los Angeles, originally from Denver, Colorado. Devyn has been dancing since the age of 3, became a competitive dancer at age 10, then started her career as a dance teacher in college. Her love for theatre began in elementary school when she got involved with the after school musicals and a program called KidStage. After her first performance as "Lola the Lead Ladybug", she was hooked! Since then, she's performed in some amazing shows like Pride and Prejudice (Lady Catherine), Spring Awakening (Frau), and Shakepeare's Love's Labour's Lost (Holofernia). Devyn is also a comedic improviser and has been in a variety of improv and sketch shows including the Del Close Marathon in New York City. She's currently a student of UCB and Groundlings. She moved to LA shortly after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in both Acting Performance and K-12 Theatre Education. Children's theatre has always been something held close to Devyn's heart, and throughout her education training she discovered an immense love for Theatre for Young Audiences. In 2017 she completed an educational internship with Lexington Children's Theatre and in 2018 she directed a mainstage touring TYA show at UNCo. Her favorite part of teaching theatre is being able to assist young people gain life skills such as discipline, confidence, and empathy while also giving them room for imaginative play and creativity. Devyn is thrilled to be pursuing an acting career in LA while also sharing her love of acting and dance with the wonderful YADA students.

Anthony David Ward

Director

Anthony is a Performing and Teaching Artist from Niagara Falls, NY. He realized his passion for theatre at a young age, and hasn’t stopped performing since! He has traveled the country with Missoula Children’s Theatre, where he was able to bring the magical world of Musical Theatre to a new group of kids each week. In college he studied Acting, Dance, Vocal Performance, and Psychology. He takes pride in being able to use all of his education in his craft, and his ability to teach others how to do the same. Some of his favorite performance credits include, Dan Goodman in Next to Normal, Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Mitch Mahoney in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as well as various roles in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and Henry VI. He is extremely excited to begin his journey at YADA and cannot wait to begin teaching and inspiring!

Toni White

Director

A Los Angeles native and professional performer from the age of six, Toni’s credits range from the Broadway stage to TV, film, print and commercial work. Most recently, she appeared on the long running NBC drama CHICAGO P.D., Showtimes's The Chi and the new 4400 reboot on the CW. As a child actor, her credits include classics such as Doogie Howser MD, Cheers, Lamb Chop’s Play-along and Disney Channel original series Omba Makomba. On Broadway, Toni originated the role of Tennah in Amazing Grace. She’s performed in 6 National and International tours including Aida, Dreamgirls, and Guys & Dolls, as well as multiple off-Broadway shows and some of the highest level regional theaters in the country. An accomplished dancer, Toni trained at the Joffrey Ballet School and is a graduate of The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. In addition to her acting career, Toni is also a multi-medaled competitive figure skater and certified coach and judge as well as a writer, singer/songwriter and musician. She is currently represented by Linda McAlister Talent (LA), Grossman & Jack (Chicago) and Michelle Thompson at BMG (NYC). Toni is thrilled to be a part of the YADA family!