Our Magical Journey Continues...

Donnell Adler has had the honor and joy of directing and teaching worldwide for more than a decade including, most recently, with Stages. She has been honored to bring energy, creativity, and a great deal of professional experience to all of her kids...young and old. She is an actress, singer, presenter, professional patient and voice over artist. For the past 30 years she has worked in film, television, commercials, industrials and theatre as well as studying at the Juilliard School. Most importantly, she lives, loves and works in Rochester with her very supportive husband and her ridiculously cute/loving Shihtzu.

Stages attracts students of all experience levels for all of our programs - and we love that! Our staff works hard to ensure every student is given the tools they need to feel successful at Stages.

Donnell Adler has had the pleasure of directing and teaching worldwide for more than two decades. She has been honored to bring energy, creativity, and a great deal of professional experience to all of her kids...young and old. Most recently she has directed and produced for The Dinner Detectives, St. Marys, Rochester Fringe Festival, Drama Kids and Stages. She is also an actress, singer, presenter, professional patient and voice over artist. For the past 30 years she has worked in film, television, commercials, industrials and theatre as well as studying at the Juilliard School. Most importantly, she lives, loves and works in Rochester with her very supportive husband and her ridiculously cute/loving Shihtzu.

Lisa grew up in the breathtaking state of Montana and has had the pleasure of calling several different places home, including Oregon, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, and New York. In 2004, her family made the move to Rochester, where her three kids discovered their second home at Stages. Now all grown up, they often look back with fondness at their time there, thriving both on stage and behind the scenes. The skills they picked up have had a lasting, positive impact on their lives!

Lisa holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana and started her journey as a teacher in early intervention programs in both Montana and Oregon. In 2015, she became part of the Stages executive team where she juggled many roles, from being the production manager for musicals and the improv troupe to coordinating the education program and handling social media, marketing, and website updates. Lisa loves seeing the incredible impact that theater has on children throughout the Greater Rochester Area. As the new Executive Director, Lisa looks forward to fostering organizational growth and ensuring a magical experience for the students and families at Stages.

Carolyn has loved the magic of theatre ever since she was chosen to slowly raise a glitter encrusted “star on a stick” during her first grade class performance of “Silent Night” in the annual Christmas show. She started playing piano at the age of five and was privileged to study piano performance with Margaret Baxtresser for four wonderful years as a teen. She has diverse experience working in the fields of telecommunications, insurance, construction and education. After earning her Masters of Business Administration degree at Santa Clara University and starting a family, Carolyn re-discovered the marvelous growth that music can bring in children while directing children’s choirs and musicals at her church. She dove into supporting her own children’s forays into theatre, working with talented directors, choreographers and musicians, including those at the Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose, CA. Carolyn relocated to Rochester several years ago to live closer to family and can’t imagine a better place to raise a family than Rochester, NY or a better place to work than “A Magical Journey Thru Stages,” where magic happens all the time!

Audition details are posted approximately four weeks prior to each audition. Sign up early for your choice of audition date and time.

Jodi is a doctor of social work who has worked as a family therapist for 26 years. She is a mental health educator and advocate, the author of 5 self-help books, and the creator of countless personal development videos. Jodi recently designed a mental and emotional wellness curriculum for high school health teachers, called COMPASS, which is also a treatment intervention countering teenagers' growing mental health needs. She lives in West Irondequoit with her husband, Ted, and is a mom of three adult children. Her youngest, Lily, an alumna of Stages, is pursuing a career in theater. In addition to the board at Stages, Jodi is a member of My Friend Abby's advisory board and a volunteer at Spritus Christi Mental Health Center.

Erin is a graduate of Fordham University where she received her Master of Science in Teaching. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing, with a Minor in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Erin has performed professionally in national tours and numerous regional theatre companies across the country. As a certified teaching artist in NYC, Erin directed multiple productions. While in NYC, Erin served as a private acting coach, and continues to work today with students in the Rochester area. Currently, Erin is the Director for the spring musical, Mean Girls at Penfield High School, and is also the Drama Club Director at Cobbles in Penfield. At STAGES, Erin has directed many productions, including Jekyll & Hyde, Heathers, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Pippin, Rent, and Rock of Ages. Along with directing, she has been a choreographer for STAGES, as well as a teaching artist for workshops and masterclasses. Erin loves inspiring performers to unleash the power of possibility, and is thrilled to be working with STAGES again this year!

Sherry has been the Executive Director managing all aspects of STAGES since 2009 and was the Board President from 2009 to 2016. She has been involved in various capacities since 2003, when her now adult daughter did her first performance with Stages. Believing strongly that a youth community theater offers great benefits to kids who love performing, Sherry led Stages, with assistance from many others, into and through its transition from an inter-generational revue theater to the current full youth community theater. She continues to add creative programs, has increased revenue so as to hire staff, and is always searching for ways to improve Stages.

Sherry, recently retired as an attorney with the New York State Unified Court System since 1991, worked extensively in the area of commercial litigation involving many types of business transactions. This experience provides a broad spectrum of ideas, options, and direction for the business aspects of Stages.

Sherry recognizes that Stages is a family-oriented, high-quality theater due to many hours of dedication and commitment from staff, volunteers, parents and, most importantly, the kids. The families' positive response to the theater environment and programs Stages offers makes the continuing magical journey at STAGES all the more worthwhile.

Stages’ program guidelines are defined by grade level rather than age. Board policy is that no exceptions be made in the interest of fairness and consistency.

Christina brings almost 20 years of experience in finance, operations, and education leadership to the board. She currently serves as the President & CEO of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, where she oversees the daily operations and long-term strategy of a vibrant all-girls school rooted in the Mercy tradition. Her professional background also includes experience in nonprofit management, sports and entertainment, and corporate accounting & finance.

With a strong foundation in strategic planning, budgeting, human resources, and organizational development, she is passionate about supporting programs that empower young people. Her involvement with Stages began through her daughter’s participation as a student in the program. Inspired by the impact it had on her child, she joined the board to help the organization continue to thrive and grow. Christina is a native of Buffalo, NY and has a B.S. in Corporate & Personal Finance with a Minor in Economics from St. John Fisher University as well as a Masters in Business Administration.

Benjamin Bernstein (he/him) is excited to be returning for another season at Stages! From Mendon NY, he is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre. Additionally, he holds a Masters degree, from Roberts Wesleyan University, in childhood education. Outside of the theatre realm, Ben is a fifth grade teacher at Victor Intermediate School. In addition, he directs the shows at Barker Road Middle School, and choreographs the shows for Pittsford Mendon High School.

Casting is a giant puzzle in which the artistic team takes into account the demands of each individual role, the demands of the production, and the potential or skills demonstrated by each student in a casting session (grades 1-5) or audition (grades 6-12). The artistic team also considers each students’ availability within the rehearsal schedule. Ultimately, each student is placed where the artistic team believes they will be most successful while also contributing to the success of the production as a whole.

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.

Raelynn Bovenzi is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University where she received a double major in Business and Communications with a minor in Education. She is so excited to be back at STAGES working with the next generation of performers. Performing and working at STAGES since 2005, Raelynn has appeared in Little Shop of Horrors (2018), SideShow (2017), 13 (2015), Tarzan (2015), Aristocats (2006) and Into the Woods (2014) as well as many others. Shows where she has been apart of the creative process would include The Addams Family(2016), My Son Pinocchio Jr(2023), Shrek(2023), Rehearsal for Murder(2024), Lion King Jr(2024), Honk Jr(2024) and The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (2025). She thanks her family, friends, and the team at STAGES for their constant love and support! Lastly, Raelynn wants to give a big thank you to you parents! Thank you for trusting us with your kids and giving them the opportunity to come to STAGES where they can express themselves creatively. Raelynn loves working with each and every one of them!

Admiral has been a member and Treasurer of STAGES Board of Directors since 2010. During his tenure, he has worked to keep STAGES finances up to date and in working order. He has also lent his leadership to many STAGES initiatives including computer bookkeeping, the STAGES 24-hour project, and the annual GALA fundraising event. Admiral's on-stage experience is running campfire stage shows at Scout Camp. He brings a wealth of experience in non-profit administration, having served for over 30 years on the board of the Seneca Waterways Council, BSA, eleven of them as Vice-President, Quality Control. He is a Special Education Teacher at Monroe #1 BOCES, and is the Treasurer of BOCES United Professionals, NYSUT. His wife Gina is the reigning "costume queen" at STAGES and daughter Emily was regularly on our stage, working as student director or student costumer, and is looking forward to coming back to alumni shows. The Lord family is committed to helping STAGES provide education and practical opportunities for kids to perform all aspects of theatre.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre at Le Moyne College in 2011. She is currently in her fifth year of teaching and directing at Eastridge High School. Katie directed High School Musical 2 JR. at A Magical Journey Through Stages and is thrilled to return for Summer 2021.

Coming Soon!

Parents can help students be prepared for casting by carefully reading the audition instructions and encouraging them to be themselves and do their best. Please be assured that Stages is a supportive, safe environment, and we want all students to feel as comfortable and successful as possible.

It is inevitable that, given the nature of theater, students will, at some point or another, experience disappointment in casting. Parents can help by acknowledging the disappointment, acknowledging the “giant puzzle” of casting described above, and encouraging students to keep an open mind and positive outlook. Every role is crucial to the success of each production. Stages strives to make every students’ experience memorable and meaningful.

Hector Manuel considers himself incredibly fortunate to be back at Stages for yet another thrilling chapter! Choreographing two Stages productions with a vibrant, talented group of students has been nothing short of a creative symphony—a dazzling blend of energy, passion, and artistic brilliance. Beyond his work as a choreographer, Hector has held a myriad of theatrical positions, including director, artistic director, and board member for various companies across the region. Now, as a proud board member, Hector is thrilled to help shape and support the future of this incredible organization. Being part of the board allows him to collaborate with fellow visionaries, champion young artists, and ensure that Stages continues to be a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and theatrical excellence.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tammi Colombo has made Rochester her home! She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance Performance from Southern Utah University in 2017. While in Utah, Tammi performed with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and performed as well as Stage and Company Managed for the Neil Simon Festival. Since moving to Rochester in 2018, Tammi has had the pleasure of performing in ‘Chicago’, ‘Shrek: The Musical’, ‘Sweet Charity’, and ‘Oklahoma’ among many others. In 2021, Tammi went back to school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist, and now practices out of AHN Wellness in Irondequoit. You can also find Tammi teaching ballet, jazz, and musical theatre at Universal Movement and Dance in Gates, choreographing for Stages’ summer theatre program, and she is heading into her fifth year choreographing for Greece Olympia Musical Theatre.

Samantha Janover, originally from Long Island, NY is a seasoned theatre educator and performer who has dedicated her career to the arts and nurturing young artists. With over a decade of experience in the performing arts, she has worn nearly every hat in the theatre world; actor, musician, prop mistress, stage manager, director, and administrator, giving her a rare perspective on what it takes to bring a production to life.

Since 2021, Samantha has been a driving force at Sunrise Theatre Company, she has been involved in over 35 productions and, as Performing Arts Academy Coordinator, oversaw every detail of the Sunrise Theatre’s children’s theatre program. Parents and students alike know her as an encouraging mentor, balancing high expectations with warmth and grace, and helping young performers grow not only as artists but as confident individuals.

Samantha’s extensive background in music, stagecraft, and education ensures that every child she works with is given the tools, encouragement, and professional guidance to shine both on and off stage. She is elated to bring her passion for theatre education, artistry, and true love for inspiring the next generation to Rochester’s vibrant youth community at A Magical Journey Through Stages."

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Kelly Metras is a seasoned entrepreneur and respected community leader based in Rochester, New York, with nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. She is the co-owner of Salena’s Mexican Restaurant, a beloved local institution that she and her husband, Aaron, purchased in 2011 after spending years working in various roles within the business. Together, they have owned and operated several ventures, meaningfully contributing to Rochester’s vibrant small business landscape.

Beyond her work in hospitality, Kelly is a passionate advocate for women in business. In 2014, she co-founded BOSSY, a networking group that connects and empowers women entrepreneurs through events, workshops, and a robust private forum. She also co-hosts the podcast Getting Real with Bossy, offering candid conversations about the realities of business ownership.

Kelly’s dedication to community and education is reflected in her active participation on advisory boards, her engaging public speaking, and her work as a business consultant- where she helps other entrepreneurs elevate their operations and achieve sustainable growth.

Known for her pragmatic optimism, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment, Kelly brings invaluable insight and leadership to every role she takes on.

John worked for ten exceptional years in Executive Relations at Microsoft, then began a second career working with nonprofit organizations and independent schools, primarily in development, communications, problem solving, and sustainability. He most recently worked in Advancement and has been serving on the Alternative Revenue, Enrollment, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees at Allendale Columbia School. John, who grew up in East Irondequoit and returned to the area in 2014, holds a B.A. in Natural Sciences from Colgate University supplemented with Master’s level courses in Teaching at Colgate and Public Administration at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University. John and his wife Lois live in Brighton with their two teenagers, they enjoy traveling, theater, and movies, and all love the experiences and friendships they've developed with the Stages Family.

Neyda Colón-DiMaria is a freelance teaching, performing, and creating artist born and based in Rochester, New York. Most of her work focuses within the realms of dance and spoken word poetry, to educate and connect communities. Neyda is a 2018 alumna of Rochester School of The Arts and Puerto Rican based company, Borinquen Dance Theatre. She is thrilled to be back for her second summer to help bring you Sweeney Todd!

All registered campers will receive an email closer to the start of camp with details about orientation, the camp day, what to brings, lunch/snack, etc.

Greg Maddock has worked in youth and educational theatre at The REV Theatre Co.

(Auburn, NY), Redhouse Arts Center (Syracuse, NY), Arlington Children’s

Theatre (Arlington, MA), A Magical Journey Thru Stages (Rochester, NY),

and Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Stars of Tomorrow. Greg has proudly directed theatre programs at Gananda CSD and North Rose-Wolcott CSD, studied with the International Performing Art Institute in Germany, and performed with Walt Disney World Entertainment. Greg recently obtained a Master of Science in School Librarianship from University at Buffalo.

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.

Our capacity limits are based on space and quality of experience. Once a camp has filled, prospective campers can add their name to a waitlist.

Kelly Metras is a Rochester-based entrepreneur and community leader with 15+ years of experience helping small businesses grow through data-driven strategies and creative problem-solving. Known for her pragmatic optimism and collaborative spirit, she brings the same passion to her work as she does to raising four children with her husband.

Lauralynne Davis is a collaborative pianist from Rochester, New York. She is a frequent performer, collaborating with ensembles, theater companies, and individual artists.

Davis is the Piano Department Chair and Instructor at the Roberts Community Music School. She has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University, teaching a variety of classes including music history, keyboard skills courses, and applied lessons. Davis also serves as an adjunct faculty dance pianist for classes at Nazareth University.

In 2022, Davis made her Carnegie Hall debut in a concert representing Syracuse University. She was also selected to attend the Professional Piano Program at SongFest in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023, studying and coaching pieces with Martin Katz, Mark Trawka, Kathryn Cowdrick, Javier Arrebola, and Roger Vignoles.

Davis earned an M.M. in Piano Performance with a Collaborative Emphasis from Syracuse University, focusing primarily on vocal coaching and working with singers in a variety of genres. She is thrilled to be vocal directing her first show with Stages!

Born and raised in Rochester, Taylor Day graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal performance as well as Nazareth University with a Masters Degree in Music Education. She currently teaches, directs and choreographs at Canandaigua Middle School where she has been for the last 9 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family and playing outside with Derrick and Parker!

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.

Erica Silloway developed a love of theater at the young age of 7, when she saw Liza Minelli star in The Act on Broadway. It was particularly memorable as it was Liza’s birthday and Erica had the special opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to her with the rest of the audience. In 2013, after watching a neighbor’s child perform in a Magical Journey Thru Stages production, she dove in head first, since enrolling her two small children in numerous school year musicals, plays, camps, and Improv troupes. A Title Specialist for Frontier Abstract and Research, Inc by day and a “Stages Parent” by night, Erica has also volunteered her time to the organization as Props Manager for copious shows and most recently came on staff as Box Office Manager. Her biggest accomplishment in life has been raising her kids to be the strong and confident young adults they are today. She credits the “village” she and her children have found within Stages for its contribution to her children’s happiness and success.

PAYMENT: Deposit for each camp, plus completed registration, are required to hold a spot in the camp.

CANCELED SESSIONS: Stages reserves the right to cancel any session for any reason, in which case tuition for that session will be fully refunded.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: For withdrawal from Summer Camps, any amount paid is refundable prior to the Registration Fee Due Date listed for each show or camp, minus the $100 nonrefundable deposit paid for each session and the online processing fees. After the Registration Fee Due Date, the session fee is non-refundable except in the case of illness or emergency that prevents the student from attending the session.

Savannah Devlin is a director and actress from Rochester, NY and is currently living in New York City. She received her BFA in Acting from Syracuse University, where she was also a member of the Renee Crown University Honors Program. Some favorite credits from school include playing Gerty Fail in Failure: A Love Story and directing Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. She has been performing and working at STAGES since 2009, and most recently directed The Addams Family Young@Part and choreographed The Knight at Dawn Kids. Some favorite STAGES roles include Veronica in Heathers and Sherrie in Rock of Ages. She is so excited to be back working at the theatre she has called home for the last decade (plus). She thanks her family, friends, and the entire team at STAGES for their constant support!

Aindrea (Annie) Yockel finds herself at A Magical Journey Thru Stages after a meandering career path from physical therapy to library science. As Production Curator she collects and makes props and set dressings with groups of parent volunteers. As a “Stages Parent” herself, she has enjoyed helping kids learn and grow in the welcoming environment that Stages provides.

Debra Ross is founder and publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com. KidsOutAndAbout.com is an online resource for parents that Deb started in 2001 to help Rochester-area parents find all of our area's great resources and activities. It has since spread around the country and has 2.5 million readers per year. She is the author of Seasons and Reasons: A Parent's Guide to Cultivating Great Kids.

Deb earned her BA in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania. English majors can do everything or nothing, so Deb chose... computers. She started a technology consulting firm for the mail order/direct commerce industry in 1994. In 2001, her second daughter, Ella, was on the way, and Deb realized that the Rochester area had a wealth of activities for kids, but that she'd always hear about them after they had happened. So she created KidsOutAndAbout.com; its ample calendar serves as the backbone of the site. Deb wrote lots of reviews of Stages productions before her kids became involved in 2010. After that, her love of all that Stages did for her kids made her unable to write an unbiased review. But it only grew her fervor for helping the Rochester community realize what a wonderful organization Stages is. She's pleased to be able to contribute as part of the board.

We will continue to update this webpage. If you have additional questions, please email stages@mjtstages.org or call 585-935-7173.

Erica Silloway developed a love of theater at the young age of 7, when she saw Liza Minelli star in The Act on Broadway. It was particularly memorable as it was Liza’s birthday and Erica had the special opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to her with the rest of the audience. In 2013, after watching a neighbor’s child perform in a Magical Journey Thru Stages production, she dove in head first, since enrolling her two small children in numerous school year musicals, plays, camps, and Improv troupes. A Title Specialist for Frontier Abstract and Research, Inc by day and a “Stages Parent” by night, Erica has also volunteered her time to the organization as Props Manager for copious shows and most recently came on staff as Box Office Manager. Her biggest accomplishment in life has been raising her kids to be the strong and confident young adults they are today. She credits the “village” she and her children have found within Stages for its contribution to her children’s happiness and success.

Christian Drewis is a middle school teacher at Greece Athena. He attended Nazareth College, obtaining his undergraduate degree in vocal music education and his graduate degree in music education, with a specialization in Autism. Christian has vocal directed a myriad of musicals, some of his favorites are: Matilda, The Prom, Hairspray, Shrek, Mary Poppins, and SpongeBob. He has also assisted in the community with shows both in the pit and vocally. Some of his favorites have been Les Miserablé, The Prom, Fun Home, and Newsies. He is very excited to be working with these wonderfully talented kids at Stages.

Madison Elia is a graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam where she received her Master of Music in Music Education with Choral and Special Education Concentrations. She also holds her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Piano from SUNY Geneseo. Madison has a private voice and piano studio out of her home as well as has many years of experience working as a Music Director and Assistant Director with Canandaigua Youtheatre. She loves working with students of all ages and is so looking forward to making her debut with Stages this summer!

Sherry has been the Executive Director managing all aspects of STAGES since 2009 and was the Board President from 2009 to 2016. She has been involved in various capacities since 2003, when her now adult daughter did her first performance with Stages. Believing strongly that a youth community theater offers great benefits to kids who love performing, Sherry led Stages, with assistance from many others, into and through its transition from an inter-generational revue theater to the current full youth community theater. She continues to add creative programs, has increased revenue so as to hire staff, and is always searching for ways to improve Stages.

Sherry, recently retired as an attorney with the New York State Unified Court System since 1991, worked extensively in the area of commercial litigation involving many types of business transactions. This experience provides a broad spectrum of ideas, options, and direction for the business aspects of Stages.

Sherry recognizes that Stages is a family-oriented, high-quality theater due to many hours of dedication and commitment from staff, volunteers, parents and, most importantly, the kids. The families' positive response to the theater environment and programs Stages offers makes the continuing magical journey at STAGES all the more worthwhile.

A native of Rochester, NY, Francesca Genovese began training with the Deborah MacKay School of Dance and continued through to the American Academy of Ballet, in Amherst, NY, as well as on full scholarship at the Garth Fagan School. In 2004 she began her professional career in Greenville, SC with Carolina Ballet Theater, and became a resident choreographer with the company in 2009. In addition to her work with CBT, Francesca began freelancing nationally as a dancer, teacher and choreographer with companies such as Configuration Dance Theater, Olney Ballet Theater, and Newport Contemporary Ballet, as well as with community and professional theaters local to the Greenville area, such as the Warehouse Theater and The Younts Center for the Performing Arts. Francesca returned to Rochester to finish out her performance career with Rochester City Ballet, retiring in 2019. She has served as an Adjunct faculty member in the dance department at Nazareth College, and teaching dance at Renaissance Academy Charter School for the Arts from 2021 to 2024. Francesca is currently getting her BFA through St. Mary’s College of California’s LEAP program and is a full time Pilates instructor at Club Pilates.

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!