About

Melissa Gould received her B.A in Dance at San Jose State University and enjoyed a professional dance career which included contracts in Japan, Las Vegas and South Korea. Melissa has been teaching for over 40 years and has choreographed several musicals for schools and community theatres across the country. This is her 9th year as director for the New Albany Middle School Theatre Dept. As Artistic Director and founder of New Vision Dance Company, Columbus’ contemporary jazz dance ensemble, Melissa is known for her intense dance style, challenging classes and entertaining choreography. Melissa is the Founder and CEO of the New Albany Dance Festival.

Sean Hooper is a Math Intervention Specialist at New Albany High School. He received his B.A. from Wabash College in Indiana, and his M.A. in Education from Ohio Dominican University. Mr. Hooper has taught in the district for the past fifteen years, and he has served as music director for the NAMS Drama Department for the past five years. Sean also serves as director of the district’s Black History Month program. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano for and/or singing with different groups in the community, swimming, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Meet Paige. She’s an assistant director who’s a sophomore at New Albany High School. Outside of assisting with the costumes within the theatre productions, she spends a lot of time perfecting her fashion sketches and learning new ways to enhance her sewing skills. Paige is a creative person who admires and appreciates all art in different forms.

I’m Gia Ellenberg and this is my 6th production in this program. I love cooking, crafting, traveling, and working at Playa Bowls in my spare time. I’m so excited to work within this amazing community.

Chase is a junior and this is his 6th show with the NAMS Theater Department. He is also a member of the NAHS Marching Band in the drum line and in the Jazz Band, playing percussion and piano. In his spare time, he likes to watch stand-up comedy, listen to music, and play with his two dogs, Chica and Scarlet.

My name is Jaxon Hamilton and I’m in the 9th grade. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. This is my 6th production in the program and first show as an assistant director.

Hi! I'm Reese! This is my 3rd year as an assistant director, but this will be my 5th year in the NAMS theater program. I am going into my junior year! Other than theater, I enjoy art, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I am so excited to stage manage Willy Wonka Jr.!

I am a freshman at New Albany High School, this is my first year as assistant director. I am excited to be a part of the middle school theatre program and the Wonka production! I was a part of crew last year for Annie Jr. and I look forward to being a part of more productions in future years! 

Ella is an Assistant Director and a is a junior in NAHS. She loves playing in the orchestra and skiing. She has two cats that she loves.

Craig West is a freshman, this is his first year assistant directing. This is his 7th show with the department, and he is excited to help with the crew. Craig spends his time outside riding his bike, and helping arround the yard. He also loves to spend time with friends, and playing video games.