Originally from Saugus, Massachusetts, Jay Gould is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and a recent transplant to Salem after spending 27 years in New York City. A lifelong performer, Jay began his acting journey on the local stages of the North Shore, earning numerous accolades at an early age. Among his proudest young achievements is originating the role of Jack the Narrator in the first author-approved production of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, a performance that garnered Best Actor honors at both the METG State High School Drama Festival and the New England High School Drama Festival, where the production also earned top honors.

Jay’s professional theatre career began during his time at NYU, leading to numerous Off-Broadway productions and national touring roles in The Lady from the Sea, Evita, Camelot, The Fantasticks, Drood, Henry V, Jesus Christ Superstar, Much Ado About Nothing, Little Shop of Horrors, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged and The Sound of Music. He remained committed to the development of new theatrical work, participating in early workshops of Spring Awakening, Jolson, Ellis Island, Gina and the Prince of MIntz, The Gory Details, and Jane Eyre.

Jay also spent nearly a decade with the Hampton Playhouse in New Hampshire as a featured performer and eventually as the Workshop Coordinator for their acclaimed youth theatre program. His dedication to arts education and mentorship has remained central throughout his career.

In addition to his stage work, Jay has pursued a passion for film and television, contributing to various productions across the tri-state area of NYC. He is also the screenwriter and producer of two short films: Henry (2012), starring Tony-nominated actors Johanna Day and John Cariani, and MYTH (2016).

Jay is honored to serve as Creative Arts Director at the Salem YMCA - a role that represents the culmination of his personal and professional aspirations. Deeply committed to community, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts, Jay’s vision is to foster a thriving, multigenerational creative culture rooted in joy, compassion, and accessibility.

Jared Field is so excited to be music directing with the Salem YMCA Theatre Company! He taught music for nine years at Worcester Academy, music directed many shows at the Hanover Theatre's Pre-Teen Summer Intensive, and is currently the Associate Director of the Community Music School at the Community Music Center of Boston. In addition to his music directing work, Jared is also a composer and clarinetist, and has written two full-length musicals. In his spare time, Jared loves playing video games, going to museums, and collecting snow globes!

Natalie is the stage manager and is excited to be working with everyone at the Y Theatre Company. She previously worked at Salisbury Elementary School as assistant director for the after school theater club, in addition to being an assistant director before that over at the Grange Village Theater company in West Newbury. 

Natalie has lived in MA her whole life; growing up in Groveland and later on attending Northern Essex Community College for 2 years earning her associates degree in liberal arts. She then transferred and graduated Fitchburg State University in 2019 with her bachelors degrees in Communications & Media; with a concentration in theatre. Since then she has been a working actor in and out of the Boston area. She has a few TV background roles, plays detective at the Wakefield location of The Dinner Detective shows, and formerly worked in the north end of Boston at Improv Asylum. In past falls you may have seen or heard her at the Witch Dungeon Museum doing trial reenactments & tours, as well as over at Gallows Hill Theatre in the Lost Museum attraction. Natalie is very excited and eager to work with the kids and bring their show to life for you all to see. 

My name is Raivin Smith, I'm 22 years old and I'm your new choreographer. I started dancing when I was 5, then continued on dancing into high school and college. I attended Boston Arts Academy (BAA) majoring in dance, and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) majoring in Dance & Choreography. Throughout my years of dancing, I have trained in a variety of styles ranging culturally as well, while having a heavy foundation in ballet and modern technique. My musical theater experience began in high school for our schools production of "Memphis" where I was a lead dancer. That continued into numerous summers of dance intensives such as Earl Mosely Institute of the Arts (EMIA) and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I am very excited to be here working for the Y, where I can continue my love for choreography while also creating new and exciting experiences for the youth! Dance can become such a powerful voice for people who don't feel heard, so my purpose is to create an inspiring space for everyone!