Our Magical Journey Continues...

Mandy holds a B.F.A from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts. She studied musical theatre at the Collaborative Arts Project of the 21st century (CAP21) in New York City. She has choreographed numerous shows here at Stages including Suessical (Summer 2024), Finding Nemo JR (Summer 2023), Newsies (2018) and Rock of Ages (2016). Mandy has also performed and choreographed for many local theatre companies including Blackfriars Theatre, TYKES, and the JCC Centerstage. She has taught and choreographed for various children's programs in the area including Brighton Summer Arts, and the JCC's Kidstage program. Some of her favorite local roles have included Rapunzel in Rapunzel Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale! (Rochester Children's Theatre), Piggie in Elephant & Piggie's “We Are In A Play!” (TYKES) and Young Melanie in the world premiere of Melanie and the Record Man (Blackfriars Theatre).

Joseph Janover is honored to be a part of the truly magical journey Stages has to offer. His previous music directing credits with Stages include Spelling Bee, Descendants, Heathers, Jekyll & Hyde, Little Mermaid JR., Songs for a New World, and numerous Broadway Cabaret Kids presentations. He holds his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from the Crane School of Music in Music Education K-12. He teaches MS-College music and theatre at Greece CSD and University of Rochester. In addition to 200+ theatrical credits, he takes pride in collaboration in numerous musical means such as composing/arranging, recording, film scoring, and accompanying NY statewide music festivals.

Katya Janover has always been passionate about musical theatre, in all facets. Katya has experience choreographing, directing, acting, music directing, production designing and more. Her favorite credits include Choreographer for Jekyll & Hyde (Stages), Heathers (Stages), Newsies Jr. (Stages), Be More Chill (Clarkson University), Music Director for Shrek Jr. (Stages), and artistic director of The Little Mermaid Jr. (Stages). Her favorite acting credits include playing the role of ‘Margaret White’ in Carrie the Musical, ‘Marian the Librarian’ in The Music Man, ‘Rona Lisa Peritti’ in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Rosa in The Mystery Edwin of Drood, and Vivienne in Legally Blonde The Musical. Katya holds a BM in Music Education with a minor in Theatre Studies, and a Masters in Music Education from the Crane School of Music. During the day, Katya has the privilege of being a Music Teacher at Merton Williams Middle School in Hilton. She is grateful for her loving family, friends, and husband for all their love and support. Lastly, she is thankful for the whole Stages board and staff for always being so supportive.

McKenna Light is a student at SUNY Brockport, where she is pursuing a degree in Childhood Inclusive Education with a minor in Disability Studies. She is also a member of the Brockport Honors College. McKenna is no stranger to either STAGES or choreography! In addition to her work at STAGES, she typically choreographs and stage manages three to four shows per year with Terry Fyke’s Main Street Players. She is also one of the choreographers for their Five Point Performance Company. McKenna was a STAGES performer from 5th grade until the time she graduated high school in 2020, having been seen as Heather Chandler in Heathers: High School Edition and Tanya in Mamma Mia!, among many other roles. Since graduating, she has continued performing at Main Street Players and SUNY Brockport. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work at one of her favorite places in the world!

Lyndsey Lord is a grateful Rochester native, and has enjoyed working at Stages with all ages since 2022. She holds a dual Bachelors degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College, and her Masters in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University. Currently, she is a general music teacher back where it all began at Autumn Lane Elementary in Greece. Since becoming an educator, Lyndsey has had the pleasure of serving in several creative positions. Everything from artistic director of 2nd & 3rd grade musicals, 4th & 5th grade choral director, music director and choreographer of middle school musical productions, and virtual talent show organizer and editor. Ever the artist educator, you may see her performing around the Rochester area with Blackfriars Theatre, JCC Centerstage, Pittsford Musicals, Webster Theatre Guild, and RWCCT since 2003. More than ever, she feels so privileged to make art in the community, and instill a love for music in young people!

Alisha Love holds a BFA in Dance from SUNY Brockport. Her degree has led her to perform with Mariah Maloney Dance and Delucia Benson Dance Company. Not only does Alisha enjoy performing, she enjoys teaching and working with children, preparing them for a career in the arts. She has worked with many studios, schools, and local theaters for over 10 years. Alisha's currently working at Finger Lakes Ballet Academy in Canandaigua and is a stay at home mom caring for her two children.

Megan Mack is an improviser, sketch comedy writer, and television and radio producer. She is a graduate of the Conservatory and Writing Programs at the Second City Training Centre in Toronto, and has studied improvisation with Jimmy Carrane, Armando Diaz, Susan Messing, T.J. Jagodowski, and David Pasquesi, among others. Megan has taught improvisation and sketch comedy writing throughout the country, leading workshops for individuals of all ages and experience levels. She believes improv skills are valuable both onstage and off, as they enable performers to become better listeners, communicators, creative thinkers, and team players. Megan performs with the sketch comedy and improv troupe, “Thank You Kiss,” which is a winner of the Missouri Review’s Miller Audio Prize for Humor.

Greg Maddock regularly directs the students of Gananda Central School District, as well as our wonderful students at Stages! Greg draws experience from Walt Disney World Entertainment (FL), Merry-Go-Round Youth Theatre (Auburn, NY), Red House Arts Center (Syracuse, NY), Arlington Children's Theatre (MA), and International Performing Art Institute (Germany). Locally, Greg has been involved with The Gatesinger Company, Ltd. (Pultneyville, NY), Theatre444 (Geneva, NY), and has adjudicated for RBTL's Stars of Tomorrow program.

At Stages, Greg has directed Mary Poppins (2024), Grease School Version (2023), The SpongeBob Musical (2021), Matilda (2019), Newsies (2018), and summer camp productions of Mean Girls JR., Newsies JR., Oliver! JR, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR., Moana JR., The Addams Family Y@P, Alice in Wonderland JR., and Oklahoma! Youth Edition.

A Rochester native, but a New Yorker at heart, Hector is very humbled to be involved in such an effervescent theatre community and having the opportunity to hold a myriad of theatrical positions. His roles have included being a performer, director, choreographer, artistic director, and board member of various companies in the area. Hector strives to help foster inclusivity and mindfulness through performance coaching, various panel discussions, workshops on color conscious casting, and working with non-profits in the Rochester area who hold similar visions of change, such as Rochester Latino Theatre Company and Girls Rock! Rochester. He also feels incredibly lucky to join the board of A Magical Journey Thru Stages.

Chris is very excited to be a part of this 2025-26 season at Stages! Originally from Texas, Chris came to Rochester by way of his wife, a Rochester Native. Most recently, Chris was working in New York City with a company called Artspower National Touring Theatre. With Artspower, Chris traveled all over the country for 5 years bringing favorite children’s books to life on stage. He also was a production assistant for the company, where he was involved with auditions, costumes, and daily ongoings with Artspower. Some notable credits while he was in NYC include Artspower: Chicken Dance (Elvis Poultry/Mac), Madeline and the Bad Hat (Spanish Ambassador/Cook), Are you my Mother? (Dog). Argyle Children’s Theatre: The Happy Elf (Eubie). The Gallery Players: ThePajama Game (Ensemble). You may have also seen him in the productions of Bad Kitty and Goodnight Moon at the JCC here in Rochester back in 2017-2018. But Before Chris moved to NYC, He was a part of many productions in Texas. Some of his favorite shows there that he was a part of include: The best Little….. in Texas with TUTS, ForbiddenBroadway, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spamalot, Footloose, Singin in the Rain, and many more. While not performing himself, Chris also enjoys cultivating the minds of young artist on stage. He has had the opportunity to work on many different productions with young artist be it as a director, choreographer, or wherever he could lend a helping hand. Live theatre is a team effort after all! Chris has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. He is also a member of the Equity Membership Program (EMC). He cannot wait to work with all the amazing talented individuals at Stages. Getting to share his passion for theatre with young artist is a truly magical experience, and every opportunity he gets to leaves an impact on who he is as an artist and a human being.

Matt earned his Master’s Degree in Adolescent English Education from SUNY Brockport in 2011 and currently teaches 11th-grade English and Public Speaking at Victor Senior High School. From 2007 to 2010, he taught English and Drama at Batavia High School and served as the drama director at Batavia Middle School and musical director at the high school. Matt is actively involved in the Victor Drama program and has directed numerous productions through A Magical Journey Thru Stages, working with students across all grade levels. His directing credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Something Rotten, Les Misérables, Urinetown, Anastasia, Sweeney Todd, The Drowsy Chaperone Jr., this spring’s production of Side Show, as well as many others. He also teaches acting and audition workshops at STAGES. In addition, Matt has performed with TYKES at the JCC in shows such as Seussical, Willy Wonka, Go, Dog! Go!, Knufflebunny, Disney’s My Son Pinocchio, and Bad Kitty, and has served as artistic director for many TYKES productions over the past ten years. He remains committed to supporting theater education and youth performance opportunities throughout the Rochester area.

Katie McCombs is 23 years old and from Victor, NY. Katie discovered a passion for dance and musical theatre at a young age. She is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and ballroom dance forms. Katie is a Stages alumni and has performed in over 30 musical productions throughout Rochester. When she’s not onstage she is choreographing for students at A Magical Journey Thru Stages. Past roles include Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Wednesday (The Addams Family), and Charity (Sweet Charity). When not performing or choreographing she is a dog groomer at Bark Avenue Dog in Rochester, NY.

Rachael Mason (Ms.Rae) Is in her 28th season of being the Artistic Director of Rae’s Institute of Dance & Movement in Brewerton New York. Throughout these years, she has choreographed, and directed over 200 productions. From full length ballets to junior and high school Musicals. Her directing and choreography credits include:

(Ballets)The Nutcracker, Peter & The Wolf, Paquita, Hansel & Gretel, Coppelia, The Snow Queen, The Carnival of The Animals, The Magic Toy Shop, Sleeping Beauty, Alices Adventures in Wonderland, Jewels, and Stars and Stripes (Musicals) Annie, Legally Blonde, James and The Giant Peach, The Lion King, Grease, The Sound of Music, Newsies, Willy Wonka, The Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Beauty and The Beast, and many more.

Ms. Rae started her training as a young girl in Syracuse New York training in both classical ballet, Jazz, tap, Musical Theater and Gymnastics. She performed with The Salt City Performing Arts Company landing fantastics rolls in Jesus Christ Super Star, 42nd Street, The Sound of music, and A chorus Line. She continued her training and education at The University of Akron, majoring in dance and minoring in visual arts. There she had the wonderful opportunity to train under both the Graham and Cunningham technique, with continuing master classes in Limon, Taylor, and Horton. She began her career both pre professionally and professionally with The Pittsburgh Conservatory, The Maude Baum Dance Company, and the EBA Theater and Arts in Education Company. While in Albany, she trained in International Dance, where she spent week long residencies taking over class rooms, with both elementary and high school level students teaching Dances Around The World. In addition to opening her Institute in 1996, in 1998 Ms. Rae also founded The Modern Dance Company, The Mason Dance Project, and became an AFFA certified personal trainer. She uses this to help both dancers, gymnast and figure skaters with outside conditioning, as well as teaching private and group adult fitness Classes. She is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on productions with the students and staff at stages!

Kayleigh earned her Master's at the Eastman School of Music and received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a concentration in choral/voice. Kayleigh's recent highlights include performing in a festival choir at Carnegie Hall, producing Fredonia's annual "Opera Scenes" at the Fredonia Opera House, and holding a title on the NYS National Association for Music Education/NYSSMA-Collegiate executive board. A native of the Rochester-area, Kayleigh is thrilled to be teaching vocal and classroom music at Harris Hill Elementary School in Penfield where she works with grades 2-5 and directs the Fourth and Fifth Grade Choruses. At Stages, Kayleigh has music directed The Knight at Dawn KIDS, Dear Edwina JR. and directed Frozen JR. She enjoys working with each student individually and as an ensemble to help them grow into collaborative and mindful musicians, singers, and performers. As a private vocal teacher with extensive knowledge of vocal pedagogy, Kayleigh stresses the importance of healthy singing and loves finding creative ways to help young singers sing their very best!

Sam Nelson (They/He) is overjoyed to return to Stages! Sam studied theater technology at Monroe Community College and is a proud alumni of Stages, having performed in many productions from 2015-2019. Some of Sam's favorite roles on the Stages’ stage include Tarzan (Father), Legally Blonde (Emmett Forrest), Xanadu (Hermes), Aida (Pharaoh), and Sideshow (Tod Browning); for which Sam received the Stages’ Legacy Robe! They were also a proud member of stage crew for several shows and performed in the Stages' Improv Troupe! Sam is currently a director, stage manager, and actor in the Rochester area and has worked at many theater companies including Neighborhood Acting Company, The Company Theatre, The Rochester Fringe Festival, A Magical Journey Thru Stages, and many more! Thank you to their friends and family for all the support! Instagram: @26Sams

E.B. Okung is a Rochester born teaching artist, director, and improviser. They are currently a resident instructor and performer at The Focus Theater. They can also be found performing with their improv team, Ants to Gods. E.B. is pleased to currently be assistant directing Cabaret at Blackfriars Theatre which will be performing in May 2024.

Anastasia holds a BFA degree in Musical Theatre, with a dance minor, from Nazareth College. Since fourth grade she has performed in many shows around Rochester. Her favorite roles have been in Young Frankenstein, Funny Girl and The Producers at JCC CenterStage; Fastrada in Pippin, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods; Maizie in The Boyfriend, and Gertrude in Seussical. Anastasia has choreographed extensively for kids theater camps. For over ten years she has choreographed summer theater camp shows at A Magical Journey Thru Stages, including Addams Family; Spamalot Jr.; Oliver Jr.; The Pirates of Penzance JR.; Disney's The Little Mermaid JR.; Aladdin KIDS; Disney's Alice In Wonderland JR, and Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS, among many others. She has also choreographed shows for other theater companies, including Beauty and the Beast JR. and The Little Mermaid JR.

Anastasia enjoys working with kids who are new to theater, as well as those who already feel the thrill of performing. It is great fun to explore and develop the natural talents of kids. Anastasia loves sharing her passion for theatre and watching the kids shine on stage. For the past two years Anastasia has been living and teaching in Korea. Life is such a great adventure. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to share my experiences.

Sara is thrilled to join Stages to direct 13: The Musical! Sara spent many years working in theatre in New York City, Chicago, and regionally throughout the U.S. She has her MFA from The Actors Studio/The New School for Drama in New York and has worked with Christopher Shinn, Lee Grant, Arthur Penn, Elizabeth Kemp, Ron Leibman, and many others. She has done independent film and television, and worked as the student/talent liaison on Bravo’s Inside the Actors Studio. In Chicago, she co-founded Candentia Theatre Company. Sara has taught on the Acting faculty at the New York Film Academy, the Music Theatre Company in Chicago and currently teaches Voice and Movement in the International Theatre program at The University of Rochester and Acting at Finger Lakes Community College. Sara continues to perform in and around Rochester and loves directing young actors and educational theatre!

Paige is thrilled to be making her Stages debut choreographing The Little Mermaid, Jr.! Paige graduated from Ithaca College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and a minor in Education. She moved to Rochester in 2021. Aside from her full-time job as a Legal Assistant at Woods Oviatt Gilman, Paige is an adjudicator for the Rochester Broadway Theatre League's Stars of Tomorrow program. Most recently, she choreographed Legally Blonde at Ithaca High School in Ithaca, New York. Other choreography credits include, Seussical the Musical at the Arlington Children's Theatre (ACT) in Arlington, Massachusetts, Spring Awakening at IC Second Stage at Ithaca College, and several pieces through Ithaca College's student-run dance company, IC Unbound. Paige spent her time during the pandemic teaching 305 Fitness cardio dance classes virtually. Additionally, Paige was a Teaching Artist at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca where she taught musical theatre dance classes for children. Much of Paige's choreography is influenced by classic musical theatre jazz, specifically Bob Fosse. She would like to thank her partner, Parker and her dog Chanel for their unconditional love and support through all her endeavors.

Michelle's background is in Childhood education and special education with a concentration in technical theatre. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2017 and proceeded to work full time as a lighting technician. While in college Michelle stage managed 4 different productions for her college and worked in the scene shop for 4 years. She was also the charge painter for her school's theatre department for 2 years. Michelle started working at Geva theatre center in 2014 part time and full time as an overhire electrician and spot light operator in 2017. In 2018 She moved to Onley, Maryland at Olney theatre center as a lighting apprentice where she worked alongside the Master electrician as an integral part of their electrics team. Following her apprenticeship she worked as an over higher technician in the DC area and was later hired as the associate master electrician where she started rediscovering her passion for teaching and was able to virtually teach middle school theatre students about theatre lighting and practices through zoom as well as mentoring the new class of apprentices from college. During this time Michelle also found Renaissance academy Charter school of the arts and came back to teaching at the elementary setting with a drive and passion for the arts. She co-ran an improvisational theater group for before school enrichment and organized the tech for the annual school Gala. Through these activities, Michelle was able to find the spark and connection to have students break out of their shell and shine on stage.

Eli Golding is a multidisciplinary designer and artist from Baltimore, Maryland. He has been making art and working in theatre for over 15 years. He is a recent graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA in Theater Design and Technology. As a designer and director, his work has been featured in Syracuse, Rochester, New York City, and Baltimore. Select credits include The Pocket Park Kids - World Premiere (Scenic Design, NYC Children’s Theater), Mary Poppins (Scenic Design, MJTS), Head Over Heels (Lighting Design, SU Department of Drama), Melancholy Play (Scenic Design, SU Department of Drama), Zelda The Musical - American Premiere (Projections Design, CCBC Essex), and Pitsl: A Miracle Play - World Premiere Reading (Director, Syracuse University).

Nyah Krug is a high schooler from Chili. She first joined Stages in 2017, and outside of performing has experience in costume design, stage crew, and stage management. She continues to perform regularly in Stages’ high school shows as well as being involved in stage managing for the younger age groups, and is grateful to be a part of the Stages community.

Garett Pembrook is a NYC based Lighting Designer who began his career lighting shows at A Magical Journey Thru Stages when he was 12 years old. He has designed in theaters around NYC including at Off-Broadway venues such as Theater555 and Soho Playhouse. He currently works in the office of Ken Billington where he has assisted Ken on projects including Regional, Off-Broadway, West End, and Broadway productions. He has also assisted on productions at The New Victory and Queen’s Theater in NYC. Garett has a BFA in theater design and technology from Syracuse University.

Tom Pembrook has almost 40 years of work experience with instrumentation and technical fields. He has taught classes of every size to people of all ages, including hands-on tech classes at Stages. He now brings this experience to Stages as the technical director.

Jamie is a graduate of Nazareth College, where she studied Technical Production with a focus on Stage Management, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, Set Design, and Theatrical Makeup. She has been involved with Stages for several years and brings over three decades of experience in Technical Theater.

Elise Steele is a senior at Irondequoit High School. She has done over 20 shows at Irondequoit High School, Stages and the JCC for stage crew, set painting and stage management. She plans on attending SUNY Oswego to pursue a major in theatre to continue stage managing. She would like to thank everyone involved at Stages for all the work they do and the support they have shown.

Jakob is a high schooler at Pittsford Sutherland. He started Stages in 2017 as an actor. After several years of acting, he moved to tech. Now he has worked on many shows at Stages as the sound designer. He hopes to pursue sound design professionally, though Stages will always be his second home.