Faculty Biographies
Faculty Biographies
Embedded Files
Joe Deer is an award-winning director of over two hundred productions in Europe, Off-Broadway, regional, summer stock and university theatres including many with the Human Race Theatre Co. (where he is a resident artist) and the Muse Machine, both in Dayton, OH. Joe performed in Broadway and national touring productions of Anything Goes, The Music Man, Brigadoon, Singin’ In the Rain and The American Dancemachine and was stage manager for the acclaimed Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls, among others.
Joe is a frequent master teacher at many of the world’s top institutions including: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (London, England), Scuola del Teatro Musicale (Milan, Italy), Danish National School of Performing Arts, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Carnegie Mellon University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, and many others. He is author of the books, “Directing in Musical Theatre: an essential guide” and “Acting in Musical Theatre: a comprehensive course” (co-author, Rocco Dal Vera), which have been translated into five languages. Joe is Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre (emeritus) at Wright State University where he was Founding Head of Musical Theatre (20+ years), Department Chair and Artistic Director. He was the 2016 recipient of the Ohio Governor’s Award for Arts Education. Joe’s greatest pleasure comes from seeing young artists find their voices.
Lauded by the New York Times as "delightful and vocally strong and versatile", soprano Emily Albrink has been heard in a wide array of operatic roles and concert works worldwide. She has appeared in leading roles with the Washington National Opera, Kentucky Opera, Charlottesville Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Boston, Indianapolis Opera and Chicago Opera Theater and has been a featured soloist with orchestras including the Boston Symphony, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Chicago Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Louisville Orchestra. A champion of new music, Emily’s first solo album Force of Nature debuted at #1 on the Classical Billboard charts with pianist Kathleen Kelly featuring world premiere commissions by Jake Heggie, Nailah Nombeko, Rene Orth, and Steve Rouse. Emily has appeared at Alice Tully Hall singing Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and made her Carnegie Hall debut as Nuria in Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She has performed internationally in China and France and is an Associate Professor of Voice at the University of Louisville School of Music. For more information, she can be found on Instagram at @emily.albrink.katz and at www.emilyalbrinksoprano.com.
Lauded by the New York Times as "delightful and vocally strong and versatile", soprano Emily Albrink has been heard in a wide array of operatic roles and concert works worldwide. She has appeared in leading roles with the Washington National Opera, Kentucky Opera, Charlottesville Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Boston, Indianapolis Opera and Chicago Opera Theater and has been a featured soloist with orchestras including the Boston Symphony, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Chicago Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Louisville Orchestra. A champion of new music, Emily’s first solo album Force of Nature debuted at #1 on the Classical Billboard charts with pianist Kathleen Kelly featuring world premiere commissions by Jake Heggie, Nailah Nombeko, Rene Orth, and Steve Rouse. Emily has appeared at Alice Tully Hall singing Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and made her Carnegie Hall debut as Nuria in Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She has performed internationally in China and France and is an Associate Professor of Voice at the University of Louisville School of Music. For more information, she can be found on Instagram at @emily.albrink.katz and at www.emilyalbrinksoprano.com.
Soprano Gillian Hollis is noted for her “brilliant coloratura” (Rutland Herald), “strong sense of drama” (The Star-Ledger), and “great flexibility and poise-filled musicality” (Sequenza21). Notable roles include Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, Cupid in Offenbach’s Orfeus in the Underworld, and Adina in L’Elisir d’Amore. Hollis's performance credits include productions with Central City Opera, Ashlawn Opera, Mobile Opera, Ohio Light Opera, Opera North, Cleveland Opera Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Chicago Folks Operetta, Opera Grand Rapid, and Madison Opera where she was a member of Madison Opera’s Young Artist Program in 2013-14. Recent concert performances include the Mozart Requiem with Sunnyvale Presbyterian and the world premiere of composer Dale Trumbore’s chamber work The Gleam with Chicago-based CHAI Collaborative Ensemble. Hollis is a dedicated music educator and has worked with Madison-based Opera for the Young for more than four years. She holds a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance and Operatic Literature from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from University of Maryland.
Soprano Gillian Hollis is noted for her “brilliant coloratura” (Rutland Herald), “strong sense of drama” (The Star-Ledger), and “great flexibility and poise-filled musicality” (Sequenza21). Notable roles include Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, Cupid in Offenbach’s Orfeus in the Underworld, and Adina in L’Elisir d’Amore. Hollis's performance credits include productions with Central City Opera, Ashlawn Opera, Mobile Opera, Ohio Light Opera, Opera North, Cleveland Opera Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Chicago Folks Operetta, Opera Grand Rapid, and Madison Opera where she was a member of Madison Opera’s Young Artist Program in 2013-14. Recent concert performances include the Mozart Requiem with Sunnyvale Presbyterian and the world premiere of composer Dale Trumbore’s chamber work The Gleam with Chicago-based CHAI Collaborative Ensemble. Hollis is a dedicated music educator and has worked with Madison-based Opera for the Young for more than four years. She holds a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance and Operatic Literature from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from University of Maryland.
David George is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and received his degree in Piano Performance at the University of Louisville where he works as Staff Pianist for the Vocal and Clarinet Department. David also serves on the Piano Faculty at Bellarmine University. His work with local music organizations includes The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts, Louisville Suzuki String Institute, All State Choir, All County Choir, Louisville Orchestra, and Kentucky Opera, among many others. David feels blessed to have shared the stage as masterclass pianist with many great artists including Jamie Barton, Nathan Gunn, Jake Heggie, Amanda Majeski, Kelli O’Hara, and Eric Owens. Some notable performance collaborations include Sir Bryn Terfel, Christine Brewer, and Irish tenor Anthony Kearns with whom he has performed in numerous concerts across the U. S. including a performance at the pre-mass concert for Pope Francis in Philadelphia. David performs regularly with musicians in both public and private venues as a chamber musician and accompanist, and has performed in a multitude of settings both in the U. S. and abroad, and is often found on the concert stage in recital.
David George is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and received his degree in Piano Performance at the University of Louisville where he works as Staff Pianist for the Vocal and Clarinet Department. David also serves on the Piano Faculty at Bellarmine University. His work with local music organizations includes The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts, Louisville Suzuki String Institute, All State Choir, All County Choir, Louisville Orchestra, and Kentucky Opera, among many others. David feels blessed to have shared the stage as masterclass pianist with many great artists including Jamie Barton, Nathan Gunn, Jake Heggie, Amanda Majeski, Kelli O’Hara, and Eric Owens. Some notable performance collaborations include Sir Bryn Terfel, Christine Brewer, and Irish tenor Anthony Kearns with whom he has performed in numerous concerts across the U. S. including a performance at the pre-mass concert for Pope Francis in Philadelphia. David performs regularly with musicians in both public and private venues as a chamber musician and accompanist, and has performed in a multitude of settings both in the U. S. and abroad, and is often found on the concert stage in recital.
Lydia McIntyre holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a focus in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Louisville, graduating with Highest Honors. She is Chair of the Music Department at teh Sacred Heart School for the Arts in Louisville, and also teaches Music for Little Mozarts and private piano lessons at the KCD Arts Academy. Lydia has been the leader and accompanist for the Youth Choir at Greenwood United Baptist Church. She also enjoys accompanying for voice students at the University of Louisville, and is the accompanist for the Adult Choir at First United Baptist Church.
Monica Potter, rehearsal pianist, earned a B.A. in Piano Performance from Bellarmine University and was awarded the Piano Studio Outstanding Student Award for her graduating year. She has been teaching private lessons and working as a pianist and vocalist for over a decade, both as a solo artist and with various ensembles. She has performed at several notable local events and concerts including Waterfront Wednesday, the Mayor’s Music and Arts Series, and WFPK’s Live Lunch, and was featured on an album that won a Louisville Music Award for the best Jazz/Avant Garde record of 2016. Monica prefers Classical music but also enjoys playing and listening to many other genres, and incorporates the exploration of different styles and artistic ideas into her teaching philosophy.
Monica Potter, rehearsal pianist, earned a B.A. in Piano Performance from Bellarmine University and was awarded the Piano Studio Outstanding Student Award for her graduating year. She has been teaching private lessons and working as a pianist and vocalist for over a decade, both as a solo artist and with various ensembles. She has performed at several notable local events and concerts including Waterfront Wednesday, the Mayor’s Music and Arts Series, and WFPK’s Live Lunch, and was featured on an album that won a Louisville Music Award for the best Jazz/Avant Garde record of 2016. Monica prefers Classical music but also enjoys playing and listening to many other genres, and incorporates the exploration of different styles and artistic ideas into her teaching philosophy.
Leigh Nieves is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville, where she received a bachelor's degree in theatre arts. She is passionate about dance and is committed to helping people grow in both their technique and mindset. After 20+ years of experience in performance, she now specializes in musical theatre choreography. Known for creating an encouraging rehearsal environment, Leigh’s classes will emphasize collaboration and positive reinforcement, while not shying away from constructive and productive criticism.
Throughout her career, Leigh has trained at a variety of studios in Louisville and Los Angeles, most notably the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in North Hollywood, CA. She has choreographed pieces for regional productions, dance showcases, and even international pageants. Her teaching philosophy focuses on incorporating storytelling and acting into movement, turning steps into stories. She has worked with dancers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning how to do a jazz square for the first time to advanced dancers preparing for high-level performances. In addition to teaching and choreographing, Leigh is very enthusiastic about mentoring performers and helping them reach their goals, no matter how big or small.
Michelle Salerno is KCD’s Upper School Drama Director as well as an Upper School English teacher and Department Chair. She earned a Ph.D. in Theatre History, Literature, and Criticism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with graduate minors in Gender and Women’s Studies and European Union Studies. Michelle has taught a variety of courses in the humanities at several institutions and works frequently as a director, playwright, and dramaturg. Most recently, Michelle completed our 25-26 season of Charlotte's Web and Chicago.
Michelle Salerno is KCD’s Upper School Drama Director as well as an Upper School English teacher and Department Chair. She earned a Ph.D. in Theatre History, Literature, and Criticism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with graduate minors in Gender and Women’s Studies and European Union Studies. Michelle has taught a variety of courses in the humanities at several institutions and works frequently as a director, playwright, and dramaturg. Most recently, Michelle completed our 25-26 season of Charlotte's Web and Chicago.
Sabrina Stein (MS Drama, Bearcat Singers 1-2, Acting Coach/Monologues) teaches improv, audition skills, Shakespeare, Commedia dell’Arte, scene work, playwriting, and more to the Middle School. She also directs the Middle School productions. Sabrina is an alumna of the University of Louisville, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English, Theatre, and Humanities. In 2010 she graduated from the Walden Theatre acting conservatory. She worked there from 2011 to 2018 directing, teaching, doing city-wide outreach, and prepping high school students for performing arts college auditions. She has been a director, producer, and performer with several local theatre companies. A few of these include Kentucky Shakespeare, Savage Rose Classical Theatre Company, The Bard’s Town Theatre, Pandora Productions, and Derby City Playwrights. She is the co-owner of The Bard, a local Restaurant-Theatre-Pub and is the Artistic Director of The Bard Theatre. Sabrina is still an active artist in the Louisville theatre scene. Always remember to support local theatre!
Sabrina Stein (MS Drama, Bearcat Singers 1-2, Acting Coach/Monologues) teaches improv, audition skills, Shakespeare, Commedia dell’Arte, scene work, playwriting, and more to the Middle School. She also directs the Middle School productions. Sabrina is an alumna of the University of Louisville, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English, Theatre, and Humanities. In 2010 she graduated from the Walden Theatre acting conservatory. She worked there from 2011 to 2018 directing, teaching, doing city-wide outreach, and prepping high school students for performing arts college auditions. She has been a director, producer, and performer with several local theatre companies. A few of these include Kentucky Shakespeare, Savage Rose Classical Theatre Company, The Bard’s Town Theatre, Pandora Productions, and Derby City Playwrights. She is the co-owner of The Bard, a local Restaurant-Theatre-Pub and is the Artistic Director of The Bard Theatre. Sabrina is still an active artist in the Louisville theatre scene. Always remember to support local theatre!
In addition to serving as the artistic director of KCD's Singing for Stage Intensive, Sarah Stone is the artistic director of Kentucky Country Day Arts Academy and coordinator of the KCD Arts Mentor Program. Mrs. Stone served as a resident stage director with the Bay View Music Festival in Michigan for seven years, where she co-founded the SOARS Program for young singer-actors. Her directing credits include performances of Titanic, Falstaff, Così fan tutte, Street Scene, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Candide, West Side Story, and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. Stone served on the faculty of Central Michigan University's School of Music and Vincennes University, teaching voice, vocal technique, and classes in music history and literature. Stone is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where she pursued doctoral studies in vocal performance and stage direction, working under directors such as Colin Graham, Vince Liotta, and Josh Bergasse (SMASH), among others. She has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Music Center, and Dorian Opera Theater. Her operatic credits include Stephano in Romeo et Juliette, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, Carmen, and Filippyevna and Larina in Eugene Onegin. Her musical theater credits include Consuelo in West Side Story, Katisha in The Mikado, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and Margaret in the collegiate premiere of Light in the Piazza.
In addition to serving as the artistic director of KCD's Singing for Stage Intensive, Sarah Stone is the artistic director of Kentucky Country Day Arts Academy and coordinator of the KCD Arts Mentor Program. Mrs. Stone served as a resident stage director with the Bay View Music Festival in Michigan for seven years, where she co-founded the SOARS Program for young singer-actors. Her directing credits include performances of Titanic, Falstaff, Così fan tutte, Street Scene, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Candide, West Side Story, and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. Stone served on the faculty of Central Michigan University's School of Music and Vincennes University, teaching voice, vocal technique, and classes in music history and literature. Stone is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where she pursued doctoral studies in vocal performance and stage direction, working under directors such as Colin Graham, Vince Liotta, and Josh Bergasse (SMASH), among others. She has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Music Center, and Dorian Opera Theater. Her operatic credits include Stephano in Romeo et Juliette, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, Carmen, and Filippyevna and Larina in Eugene Onegin. Her musical theater credits include Consuelo in West Side Story, Katisha in The Mikado, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and Margaret in the collegiate premiere of Light in the Piazza.
Stone's students have been admitted to summer and collegiate programs around the country including the KY Governor's School for the Arts, Interlochen, SCAD, University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Oklahoma City University, Emory University, Dennison University, University of Miami-Ohio, Indiana University, and NYU, and have performed on and off Broadway.
Stone's students have been admitted to summer and collegiate programs around the country including the KY Governor's School for the Arts, Interlochen, SCAD, University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Oklahoma City University, Emory University, Dennison University, University of Miami-Ohio, Indiana University, and NYU, and have performed on and off Broadway.
Hannah Wemitt, Director, holds a double bachelor's degree in performance and scenic design from College of Charleston, SC, and has worked in the Louisville theatre scene for 20 years. Her design work includes College of Charleston, Louisiana State University, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and Maker's Mark, among others. Hannah has directed many musicals during her time as Director of Education with StageOne Family Theatre. She has mentored and trained hundreds of young actors in the areas of performance, directing, design, and technical theatre. She is thrilled to join the KCD summer intensive as a scene director.
Hannah Wemitt, Director, holds a double bachelor's degree in performance and scenic design from College of Charleston, SC, and has worked in the Louisville theatre scene for 20 years. Her design work includes College of Charleston, Louisiana State University, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and Maker's Mark, among others. Hannah has directed many musicals during her time as Director of Education with StageOne Family Theatre. She has mentored and trained hundreds of young actors in the areas of performance, directing, design, and technical theatre. She is thrilled to join the KCD summer intensive as a scene director.
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