Faculty
M.F.A. Acting, Kent State University, Ohio
B.A. Theatre Arts, Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania
Stephen made his Broadway debut in 2000 in the New York production of LES MISERABLES, performing the role of Jean Valjean. Before coming to Broadway, Stephen spent 3 years in the U.S. and Canadian national tours of LES MISERABLES. During a six month stay in Toronto, he had the opportunity to work with Colm Wilkinson. In 2007, Stephen sang the role of Tony in the 50th Anniversary salute to WEST SIDE STORY produced by Signature Theatre, performed at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Stephen revisited the role of Jean Valjean in both Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and Riverside Center’s productions of LES MISERABLES both in Virginia. Other regional theatre credits include, King Arthur in SPAMALOT, PRIVATE LIVES directed by Pat Carroll, DOWN AT THE OLD BULL AND BUSH at Arena Stage’s Old Vat, and playing Rev. Shaw Moore in FOOTLOOSE at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. Other roles include Ralph in H.M.S. PINAFORE, Tony in WEST SIDE STORY, and Billy Bigelow in CAROUSEL.
Stephen is a 6 time Helen Hayes Award nominee. In 1994, he was honored with the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Frederic in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE with Interact Theatre at The Lansburg Theatre in Washington D.C. Stephen is no stranger to oratorio and opera as well as musical theatre. Classical roles include Alfredo in LA TRAVIATA, Pinkerton in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, the tenor soloist in Bruckner’s Te Deum with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, and the tenor soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony for The Lawton Philharmonic in Oklahoma.
Stephen is a former member of The United States Army Chorus in Washington DC. where he was a soloist for the re-dedication of the Pentagon after 9/11 and portraying Santa at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in December 2008.
Stephen is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.
B.M.E. (Music Education), Butler University
Michele made her Broadway debut in February 2010 in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. In July 2011 she took over the role of opera diva Carlotta Giudicelli. Currently, Michele is the Longest Running 'Carlotta' in Broadway History.
Broadway credits: The Phantom of the Opera. Also: Camelot (tour with Robert Goulet), NYGASP at City Center (Mabel, "Pirates"; Josephine, "Pinafore"), Beauty and the Beast (Montreal/Las Vegas), DiCapo Opera, Mobile Opera, Missouri Symphony, Skyline Theatre Company, San Diego Repertory, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Totem Pole Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Allenberry Playhouse, Peter Grey Terhune Presents. Original Broadway cast recording: Anna Karenina, and numerous recordings for Hal Leonard Publishing via Aireborn Recordings.
Michele has traveled to over 115 countries performing on luxury cruise ships with her husband, baritone Duane McDevitt, and serves on the musical theatre faculty at NJCU. 2010 Bistro Award winner. Proud AEA member and Mary Kay Consultant.
M.F.A. Music (stage direction), University of Iowa
B.S. History and Theatre (stage direction), Eastern Oregon University
B.S. Music (piano and voice performance) and German, Eastern Oregon University
Eric supervises the Department of Theatre and the Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre degree program; directs, music directs and designs for the Western Theatre season; and is the producer and intern "whisperer" in the summer for both the Sweetwater BOCES Theatre for Youth and the Shakespeare Workshop.
Eric has been a director, music director, designer and/or actor on 265 productions, 140 by LGBTQIA creators, with arts organizations in California and Oregon, including: ACT-American Conservatory Theatre, Actors Cabaret of Eugene, Alchemy Works/Alliance for Representative Theatre, Berkeley Playhouse, Boxcar Theatre Company, Bureau of Jewish Education, City College of San Francisco, Clovis High School, Clovis Theatre Company, Eagle Cap Fine Arts Camp, Eastern Oregon University, Forest Grove High School, Good Company Players, Jewish Community High School of the Bay, Jon Sims Center for the Arts, La Grande Children’s Theatre, La Grande High School, Laurelwood Academy, Lenaea High School Theatre Festival, Linda Bulgo Productions, Maybeck High School, New Conservatory Theatre Center, Oregon Trail Theatre, Pacific University, Playwright’s Center of San Francisco, Pope Productions/Magnet Center, Ray of Light Theatre, San Francisco Arts Education Project, Stark Raving Theatre, Theatre in the Grove, Theatre Rhinoceros, Town Hall Theatre, Umpqua Actors Community Theatre, Umpqua Community College, and University of San Francisco.
B.F. A. Dance Performance and Choreography, Elon University
Kristen is an award-winning director and choreographer whose work can be seen on screen and stage. She is committed to physical storytelling, believing movement is a language that has the power to bridge the gap between audience and artistry. Her signature movement takes inspiration from all things "ooky spooky" and has been described by critics as both delightfully mischievous and menacing.
On regional and international stages, Kristen has directed and choreographed musicals and original dance creations. Her first original creation "Gilded" won the award for Best Dance and Physical Theatre at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C., and she has since been nominated for and won many awards for her work. Her screen credits include work on set with Nickelodeon, International Film Channel, and Hallmark, and her films have been featured at festivals in over 30 countries.
Select Credits: Your Alice (BAM, Edinburgh Fringe), Unbound (New York Public Library), Lysistrata Jones (NYITA Nomination: Best Choreography), Legally Blonde (Mill Mountain Theatre), Gilded (BAM, Capital Fringe), Shimmer & Shine (Nickelodeon), Sunny Day (Nickelodeon Jr.), Sweatsgiving (International Film Channel), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Associate, Gothenburg Opera), Jesus Christ Superstar (Associate, Signature Theater; Helen Hayes Nomination).
Before leading her own rehearsal rooms, Kristen worked as a performer alongside such creators as Andy Blankenbuehler, Savion Glover, Karma Camp, and Conner Gallagher.
More information about Kristen can be found at: kristenbrookssandler.com