Randolph Kids - Faculty Bios

SING!

M.J JOHNSON

M.J has had a multi-faceted career working as a performer, music director and accompanist.  She recently music directed the 1000 Island Playhouse production of Anne and Gilbert both in Kingston and on it’s Ontario tour.   She has also had the pleasure of music directing Beauty and the Beast  and Seussical. with Silvermist Productions.  Favourite productions include touring as an accompanist and actor in the 2 person show, Piaf: Love Conquers All and music directing Postcards from the Heart (Toronto Fringe), Beauty and the Beast and Oklahoma (CCP).  She has worked as a vocal coach and accompanist both privately, for the Royal Conservatory, Wexford Collegiate, and Etobicoke School of the Arts. Onstage, M.J. has performed with Stage West, Disney Cruise Line, and the Orillia Sunshine Festival to name a few and can also be seen in various TV commercials.  Currently you will find her occasionally playing in the orchestra for Jersey Boys.

 

ADAM WHITE

Adam White has worked extensively as both a performer and Musical Director.  As an actor, he has appeared in the Toronto Fringe Festival; as well as a variety of productions, including Anne of Green Gables;  Les Liaisons Dangereuses; and The Blue Room to name a few.  He has trained at Humber College, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has a diploma in Musical Theatre from the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts.  As a Musical Director, Adam has worked on shows such as A New Brain; Fame; Cinderella; Jekyll and Hyde; and Seussical The Musical to name a few.  He created the original score for Metamorphoses, and worked on the composition and orchestration for shows such as Jewel; Hidden Jems; and One Night Stand.  He enjoys bringing his experience to every student he teaches.

 

RYAN WHITTAL

Ryan is a successful graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts!  He has also spent time at the University of Windsor in the Bachelor of Arts – Music, and Drama in Education Programs.  Previous experiences have included working for Disney Cruise Line, performing in a production of Grease in Japan and being a part of a new Canadian musical, King David, with performances in Montreal and Toronto.  Ryan began working with the Randolph Kids program  with the Intro to Triple Threat program and since then has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!  

 

JORDANN ZAZA

After graduating from University of Toronto's Music Faculty, Jordann became the music director for the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts' Young Company (RYC) for several shows, most recently, Schoolhouse Rock Live, Junior, Footloose, High School Musical (North American Premiere) and The Wiz. Other favorite credits include West Side Story, Fallen Rock Productions La Cage Aux Folles Scarborough Music Theatre and Jesus Christ Superstar Stage Blue Productions.  She has also musically directed and played in shows with The Toronto FRINGE  Festival and Summerworks Festival. Jordann has taught piano, vocal, choral music and music theory in the private school system. She is currently an avid vocal coach, accompanist and pianist. Jordann also music directed the Pantomime's Robin Hood with the Stirling Festival Theatre in the winter of 2008, and Rumplestiltskin in the winter of 2009.  Recent shows include playing in the Orchestra for Jerry Springer, The Opera (Canadian Premiere) in February of 2009 and the re-mount in September of 2009, The Last Five Years, in September, '09 and High School Musical 2 in June 2009 with Silvermist Productions in Niagara Falls. Currently, Jordann was also the music Director for RYC'S production of Bye Bye Birdie.

 

ACT!

TOBI FILION

Tobi has been apart of the musical theatre family for as long as she can remember. Her inspiration came from watching her very first musical "Crazy For You".  Tobi has trained vocally under the Royal Conservatory of Music completing her Grade 8 voice training. Tobi discovered her passion for acting when she auditioned for her high school production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat. That experience has brought her to where she is today. She graduated from the Randolph Academy For the Performing Arts back in 2004 and since has been teaching acting at the Randolph Academy in the Kids Program.  Credits include Randolph productions of The Grace of Mary Traverse in the role of Mrs Temptwell and A Chorus Line, as Sheila Bryant.  Other credits include: The King And I as Lady Thiang and Dolly Tate in Annie Get Your Gun.  Tobi has discovered her passion for teaching because of the amazing kids she gets to watch develop into talented triple threat performers.

 

CARA PANTALONE

Cara is a actor, singer, improviser and singing/acting coach. A graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, Cara has performed in numerous musicals in and around the city including, Once Apon a Matress (Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts), Grease (Atlantis Theatre), Seussical The Musical (Silvermist Productions), Scrooge! The Musical (Rose Theatre) and The Full Monty (Sudbury Theatre Centre). As an improviser Cara has studied with The Second City and The Bad Dog Theatre. You can catch her performing  in shows around the city including; The Workshop with Bruce Hunter, Harold Night at the Bad Dog, Formations, Vangaurd Thunderdome;  where she coaches a team as well; and in the Canadian Comedy award nominated Troubadour. 

ROSANNA SARACINO

Rosanna Saracino (MFA Directing, York U.) is co-founder and Artistic Director of REDHANDED Film and Theatre (redhanded.ca). Selected Director credits in theatre include: The Killing Game by Ionesco, 30 Dates (Dancemakers and the Living Arts Center, 2008, featuring Fenulla Jiwani and Husein Mudhavji/Star TV), The Vagina Monologues (VDay, St. Lawrence Center featuring Rachel McAdams, Judith Thompson, Melissa Auf Der Maur, and a cast of 33 women, hosted by Shirley Douglas), Savage/Love (Factory Theatre Mainspace), BROTHERS by Wendy Lill (Glen Gould Studio Theatre), Anton in Show Business by Jane Martin (Annex Theatre), DEATH; A Comedy (at Motel, in association with One Yellow Rabbit, Calgary).  Writer/Director credits in Film include: Kisses In The Night featuring Jeff Healey’s former protégé, songstress Terra Hazelton (soon to air on Bravo, and screened at the Rex, May 2009),  …things that go bump in the night, featuring former RWB prima ballerina Evelyn Hart in her acting debut (16mm, airing on Bravo!)  “The One” (shot on 35 mm), “The Ring” (featured at the Hysteria Festival, shot on 35 mm, currently in distribution through OUAT media), pilot episode for Gears TV The Gears Meet Mother Superior (screened at Sons and Daughters, shot on HD), music video for The Gears, and a PSA and a Documentary for Ernestine’s Shelter (both screened at the opening of the new shelter). Currently, writing and in development on a feature length film to be produced through REDHANDED film and theatre.  Rosanna also works as a Private Acting Coach, Guest Speaker, and Instructor and has taught acting, acting for singers and dancers, new play creation, and directing at various post-secondary institutions for more than ten years. Training institutions include: York University, KMH, The Players Academy, and The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in both the College and Kids programs. 

  

DANCE!

AMY BLAKE-HOFFMAN  B.Sc., A.I.S.T.D. 

Amy’s passion for dance began with her early ballet training at the age of 4 with Nancy Campbell.  She continued her training with Patricia Bradshaw and over the years has studied with a multitude of accomplished teachers.  In 1995, she completed the prestigious Enrico Cecchetti Diploma.  Since graduating from the National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program in 1992, she has taught ballet to students of all ages at numerous dance studios in and around Toronto. During these years, she taught recreational and pre-professional students, beginner to advanced, adult classes, and creative movement to 3–5 year olds.  Amy also taught the dance credit courses at the Bishop Strachan School for Grade 12 and OAC students.  In addition to her dedication to teaching and choreography, Amy has held a variety of management positions. She was Principal of Interplay School of Dance for several years, as well as Principal of the Post Secondary Program at George Brown School of Dance.  Amy graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science.  Her goal is to inspire students and instil confidence through dance, and she is excited to be a part of the Randolph team.

 

JEROME  BOBB

Jerome is a dynamic performer, teacher and choreographer; most recently adding National Dance Competition Director to his credits!  He started performing at age 14, and has now been dancing and teaching for 11 years. He offers intensive choreography and a high energy class with an emphasis on the love of dance and performing with a positive attitude!  Memorable performances include the international Bud Light commercial campaign Square Dancers, the film Ruby’s Bucket of Blood and on going projects with Canada’s own MuchMusic. Jerome also relishes the opportunity to have worked with Angela Bassett, Montel Williams, Gavin Hope and Martha Wash. Featured choreography credits include Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, industrial hits for Sauza Tequila, Jack - Astor’s Bar & Grill Annual Bar Competitions, Carrasauga, Mississauga Arts Awards and The Sunshine Foundation Cancer Society. As creator of funky works, for Toronto pop group I.C.6, and R&B vocal group ORA, Jerome has flexed both dancer and choreographer muscles on an equal plain. Most recently, his choreography has been featured in the State Street Stomp music video for The Canadian Brass.

ADDY CHAN

Addy's passion for music and dance started at a young age having trained in Vancouver, B.C. in ballet, jazz and contemporary dance with Rachael Poirier's prestigious DANZMODE Company.  Addy's love of dance propelled her further into the dance world as a renowned performer, teacher, adjudicator and choreographer.  Some of her credits include Music Videos (City Planners, Shades of Soul, Jermul), and choreography for industrials and live performances (Just for Laughs, Choreographer’s Ball, IMPACT, Sands Casino).  Addy is the founder of SWAGGER Dance Crew and member of the contemporary hip hop/house company Gadfly.  Addy is currently assisting choreographer Paul Becker on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA while touring and dancing for RnB artist Massari and electro party rap group THUNDERHEIST.  Addy lives and breathes Hip Hop.  She is thrilled to share her creativity, original style and love of the art form with her students. 

 

JILLIAN COULIS

Jillian has an extensive background in both dance and education, and loves blending them both through teaching.  She was a highly competitive dancer for 13 years, having competed all across North America.  She has performed in Russia, was a dancer for The Dance Company, and performed in the Opening Ceremonies for the Ontario Winter Games.  She is also no stranger to television, with appearances on The Reppies Are Coming Home For Christmas (T.V Special), as well as Hands Up, Hands On for YTV.  In 2007 she worked as the choreographer for the York Dance Team.  A recipient of numerous scholarships, Jillian also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance as well as a Bachelor of Education.  Her enthusiasm and love for dance inspire each and every student she teaches.

LINDSAY KRAMER

Lindsay Kramer hails from Edmonton, Alberta and is a musical theatre performer all throughout the country. She spent the summer in Drayton and Grandbend playing Gymnasia in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. She was an ensemble member in Beauty and the Beast for Citadel/Theatre Calgary. She is a graduate of the Randolph Academy of Performing Arts in Toronto. Other credits include The Holiday Dream, Tales of Ti-Jean (Really Little Theatre) Val (A Chorus Line), YTV, Much Music, Toronto Fringe Festival, Celebrity Cruise Lines and music videos. She has a love for tap and receives the annual honor of dancing at the late Gregory Hines’s memorial service.  She was a proud member of Funk Factory under the direction of Shawn Byfield. This is her 5th year teaching the kids program at Randolph.

 

CHELSEA LEAMAN   B.A.T.D

Chelsea is a recent graduate of the Randolph Academy Triple Threat College Program, where she was nominated for the "Most Improved Student" award.  Chelsea has enjoyed working in various productions and roles such as: The Killing Game,  Smile, Annie, performing live at the Toronto International Film Festival with CoCo and RayRay, as well as the musical FAME! in June 2010.  Chelsea has been teaching dance for a number of years, and is certified in B.A.T.D in Tap, Jazz and Ballet.  Chelsea is currently working towards completing her teaching training in the A.D.A.P.T syllabus.  Performance and Dance are real passions for Chelsea, and she thoroughly enjoys giving that back to the kids at the Randolph Academy! 

 

ASHLEIGH POWELL

Ashleigh Powell is a Toronto based dancer, teacher and choreographer. Her extensive ballet training began at the Kanata Ballet School and includes work with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D), Cecchetti, and Vaganova syllabi. In 2008, Ashleigh received The Carole Chadwick Award for teaching and achieved qualifications with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.  She has recently completed her Advanced II examinations and teaching qualifications with the R.A.D and Cecchetti Society.  For the past three years Ashleigh has served as resident choreographer for the Toronto Youth Theatre.  In this capacity, she choreographed eight full-scale musical productions. Her work has also been featured at Hart House Theatre (Hamlet, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), The Classical Theatre Project (Macbeth), and Canopy Theatre (As You Like It).  Ashleigh holds an Honours degree in History and Sociology from the University of Toronto and is a graduate of the National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program.

 

NICOLE (HAPKE) SLOAN

Nicole has danced and taught her away across Canada as well as in parts of Europe.  She is an award-winning choreographer with a special love for Tap and Musical Theatre.  A graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, Nicole now serves as the new Program Coordinator of the Kids Division, and is thrilled to be inspiring the next generation of talented young performers.  Some past shows include Beauty and the Beast, Dancing With Stars, Steel Pier, Rock ‘N Fables, and The Holiday Dream.  As a choreographer, Nicole has worked on Crazy For You, Tall Tales, and the opening ceremonies for the Alberta Summer Games. Nicole also heads up the new Randolph Dance Crew - a company specifically designed for young dancers.

ALLISON VILLA

Allison is a proud graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, where she studied singing, dancing, acting and film.  She spent 3 years travelling and performing for Carnival Cruise Lines, both as a singer and dancer.  Allison recently returned from playing the tough, but soft hearted Rizzo in a whirlwind tour of Grease in Japan.  She has been teaching dance at high schools across the GTA for the past 6 years and loves to introduce dance to aspiring students! 

 

KRYSTAL WHITE

Krystal is a Performer, Teacher and Choreographer from Toronto who has been dancing for over 20 years. Krystal has trained extensively in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Acro (Cecchetti, R.A.D and B.A.T.D).  She is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts, Triple Threat College Program with a Diploma in Musical Theatre.  She has been teaching and choreographing for competitive and recreational students of all ages across Ontario for the last 8 years; as well as working on musicals (Grease, Hairspray) specifically designed for children; as Director and Choreographer.  Her career has taken her through out North America and the Caribbean performing for Carnival Cruise Line as a lead dancer.  She has travelled across Ontario performing and choreographing for corporate events, fundraisers, charities, industrial and magic shows.  She has danced with Creative Habitat (under the direction of Siona Jackson) and most memorably with the legendary, late Gregory Hines.  Krystal has appeared in various music videos, independent films and television shows, and as an original member in The Spiegel Show at The Spiegel Tent n’Tavern (Harbourfront World Stage).  Krystal continues to train in Toronto and New York to expand her own knowledge, helping to further the development and growth of her students.  She is very excited to be apart of the Randolph Kids team!