Theatre & Dance

Vision Statement

The Theatre program at Westwood Regional School District encourages students to explore their imaginations and leadership potential as well as to connect with other people, ideas, cultures and worldviews. We recognize that studying Theatre is not just about performing on stage, it helps students build an understanding of themselves, finding their own strengths and weaknesses and exploring their own expressive powers. Students will build empathy, self-confidence, awareness, mindfulness, dedication, determination, communication and creative skills. Our theatre students learn the relevant technical and performing skills so that they are fully prepared for studying theatre at the collegiate or professional level and will be prepared to succeed in a competitive world no matter what career path they choose.

Meet Our Faculty

Mrs. Lauren Florek (WRHS)

Mrs. Lauren Florek is in her seventh year at Westwood Regional High School, where she teaches Theater, English, and Child Development. She earned her undergraduate degree in Theater from Union College and her Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English from Monmouth University. Over the years, she has taught Acting Technique, Acting Workshop, Improvisational Acting, English II CP, English III CP, English IV CP, Graphic Novels, and Child Development. In addition to her classroom teaching, she serves as advisor, director, and producer for the Woodington Players, guiding students through the school’s theatrical productions. Lauren is excited to begin another year of teaching and collaborating with her students and the Westwood community.

Ms. Sandra Cadorette (WRMS)

Ms. Cadorette is thrilled to be teaching and sharing her love of the performing arts with the Westwood Middle School students! She has worked in New York City and New Jersey as a dance and musical theater teacher with children of all ages and abilities for the past 25 years. Ms. Cadorette graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Theatre & Dance from the University of New Hampshire. She has had the honor of working with, and performing for such renowned choreographers as Wayne Cilento, Marc Robin, Vince Pesce, Brett Smock, David Marquez, Alan Onickel, Rick Atwell and Ann Reinking. Some of her favorite performing credits include: West Side Story, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Singin’ in the Rain, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cabaret, Evita, The World of Disney NYC and Celebrity Cruises.

Adjunct Production Staff

THE Woodington Players (WRHS)

Mr. Joseph V. Fritz (Scenic Design | Music Direction - Vocal)

Joseph V. Fritz has been the Director of Choral Activities at Westwood Regional High School for over the last 10 years, where he has over a hundred students participating in his choral program. Fritz earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College and his Masters of Music from Columbia University, Teacher’s College. He is the Co-Creative Director of the Woodington Players, where is also the Vocal Music Director, Set Designer, and Stage Art Advisor. Mr. Fritz is also the Assistant Director for the Westwood Regional Marching Band and the advisor to the Tri-M Music Honors Society. Mr. Fritz was also chosen to conduct the 2024 Bergen County High School Honor Choir and has been nominated for multiple Metropolitan High School Theatre Awards, as well other music and theatrical honors and distinctions.

Mr. M. Daniel PeÑa (WRHS)

M. Daniel Peña is a high school band director and percussionist with a distinguished career dedicated to music education and performance. As the Director of Bands at Westwood Regional High School, he has built a highly respected program known for its exceptional quality and student achievement. Mr. Peña directs both the Concert Band and the audition-based, honors-level Wind Ensemble, leading these groups to consistently earn high ratings at music festivals and competitions. Under his direction, the bands have performed extensively both domestically and abroad, with performances in Austria and Italy, as well as at major festivals in Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Maryland, and California. Beyond the concert stage, Mr. Peña also developed and teaches the Music Production Class at Westwood High School, broadening students' musical skills and knowledge. A lifelong musician, Mr. Peña's expertise lies in percussion, his primary instrument. He has spent years performing with various bands and singer-songwriters throughout the tri-state area and continues to perform as a percussionist with local community bands. His commitment to music education extends beyond his school, having served as a guest conductor for the Bergen County Middle School Band (2006) and the Bergen County High School Band (2014), and as a Percussion Coordinator for both groups. Mr. Peña holds a Bachelor's Degree from Montclair State University and a Master's Degree from Boston University, providing a strong academic foundation for his extensive practical experience.

Mrs. Casey KaufFman (Costume & HAir/MakeUp DESIGN)

Casey is a nineteen-year veteran of the Westwood English department. She is proud to work with the Woodington Players for a third year as the Costume Advisor, having worked in the past on Clue, Annie, Little Women, and Mamma Mia!. Casey earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Muhlenberg College and her master’s degree in English Education from Columbia University. As a former theater kid, nothing makes her happier than getting to work on shows again!

Mr. Joseph Carnevale (Set Construction)

Mr. Barry Albert (Lights & Sound)

JPAC (WRMS)

Eric Delaney (Co-Producer/Director | Co-Choreographer)

Kelly Mahoney (C0-Producer/Director)

Lauren Proda (Lighting/Sound)

Lauren Catalano (Sets)

sandi Cadorette (Co-Choreographer)

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