Ashley started dancing at the age of three and enrolled as a student at the Encore Performing Arts Center (EPAC) at the age of five. She grew up dancing at EPAC and began competing on their award-winning competition team at the age of eight. As she continued to train, Ashley earned a multitude of national titles and awards. In her high school years she began assisting instructors during classes at EPAC and eventually began teaching and giving instruction on her own as well.

Ashley graduated with honors from New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts program with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. After completing her BFA, she returned to teaching at EPAC in 2004 where she took over the role of directing the competition team.

In addition to her role in the operations of the EPAC studio, Ashley is also a NJ certified teacher of Dance and has been teaching Dance in public schools for the past thirteen years. She is currently the Dance teacher at Cedar Creek High School, in the Greater Egg Harbor School District.

At the turn of the 2018 new year, Ashley became the sole proprietor and director of EPAC. Her goal as owner/director is to continue the legacy of dance that the studio has established for the past thirty years, and to bring EPAC and its new generation of dancers into the modern era. Ashley is devoted to continuing to build positive relationships with all current EPAC families, as well as welcoming the next generation of dancers to the EPAC family. Ashley inherently believes that educating young artists to attain their artistic and life goals is Encore’s primary mission and believes herself to be a living testament to that mission.

With the introduction of the theatre company in 2023, EPAC now stands as a vibrant hub for all aspects of performance. Having spent her childhood immersed in the world of dance and performance, Ashley knows firsthand the power of blending various art forms to foster creativity and growth.  By introducing theater to EPAC, we have broadened the scope of the studio, allowing us to continue our mission of creating well-rounded artists. 

​Rebekah found her love for theatre arts when she was just six years old. As she grew, she trained in acting classes, dance classes, vocal lessons, and camps and she performed in numerous productions. Rebekah has worked professionally in local theatres, wearing hats of all kinds. Off-stage, she has experience in direction, music direction, choreography, backstage handling, makeup design, and stage management. 

In addition to her professional work, Renbekah is pursuing a degree in elementary education with a minor in theatre at Rowan University, blending her love for teaching with her passion for the arts.

Rebekah leads the creative vision of the program, driven by a passion to provide an arts education that fosters both creative expression and technical skills. She developed a curriculum that blends theatre, dance, direction, and design, offering students a well-rounded art experience. Her goal was to create a space where students of all ages could explore the world of theatre and gain practical experience in a variety of roles, both on stage and behind the scenes. 

Her hands-on approach fosters a safe space where young actors can experiment, take risks, and grow, all while learning the foundational aspects of theatre. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and fun, the program empowers our students to discover their voices, push creative boundaries, and develop a lifelong love for the arts. 

Lacey is in her third year of studies at Stockton University. On campus, she studies mathematics with secondary education, as well as working as a head orientation leader to welcome new students each summer. 

Lacey grew up in the world of theatre and dance. She is passionate about our program, as it is similar to one that inspired her at a younger age. She credits her background in the arts for many of her experiences and accomplishments. She believes there is a need for art programs for students of all ages and is proud of the work done at EPAC Theatre towards that cause. 

Within the program, Lacey seamlessly helps coordinate rehearsals and camps, bringing her organizational skills and leadership experience to the arts environment. She’s dedicated to ensuring that each rehearsal runs efficiently, all while fostering a positive and creative atmosphere for the students. 

Beginning his theatrical journey onstage, Kyle has been training in theatre arts for several years. As his love for theatre grew, he became increasingly fascinated by the behind-the-scenes aspects of production. This led Kyle to shift his focus to technical theatre, and he is now working towards a BFA in that field from The University of Hartford. Throughout his time at university, Kyle has gained extensive experience in set construction, costuming, sound, and lighting, becoming a well-rounded technician.

Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Kyle enjoys passing on his expertise to our young actors. He introduces them to the various areas of technical theatre, empowering them to explore where they can shine both onstage and behind the scenes. His dedication to education and his enthusiasm for the craft make him a valuable mentor, helping the next generation of theatre artists gain a deeper appreciation for the technical side of production.

At the age of three, Maribella took her very first dance class, and it sparked a lifelong passion for the art. Over the years, she has honed her skills and become a dedicated member of EPAC's competition team. Through this team, Maribella competes in various dance events, attends conventions around the country to expand her knowledge, and performs in shows that showcase her talent and dedication. Her commitment to dance is evident in her continuous growth as an artist, and she thrives on opportunities to challenge herself, learn from others, and share her love for dance with our students.

Maribella's goal at EPAC theatre is to blend her technical dance training with a musical theatre element, creating a dynamic mix that honors the foundations of Encore Performing Arts Center. By incorporating precise, technical dance elements into our productions, she aims to elevate performances and highlight the importance of dance in storytelling. 

She recognizes that the rich history of EPAC is built on a commitment to both the artistic and technical aspects of performance, and she is passionate about contributing to that legacy. Through her work, Maribella strives to bridge the gap between dance and theatre, creating performances that are not only visually stunning but also deeply connected to the heart of the story. 

Hannah began dancing at just three years old. She’s currently earning her BFA in Dance at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she’s training in a wide range of styles and learning from some of the best in the industry. 

As Assistant Choreographer at EPAC, she works closely with Maribella to help bring each number to life—whether that means demonstrating group sections, helping with partner work, or working one-on-one with students to fine-tune spacing and clean up choreography. She loves being in the room with the kids, helping them build confidence and polish, and making sure every dance feels connected to the story being told on stage. 

She is passionate about assisting young performers to grow in confidence and skill, and she’s excited to bring her love of dance and storytelling to the EPAC stage. Her goal is to help students not only master choreography but also understand how movement supports the emotion and message of each scene.