Chandler Bingham started her training in ballet, jazz, modern, and
contemporary ballet at an early age. Chandler was accepted into the Conservatory of
Performing Arts (C.O.P.A.) - Dance Program at Point Park University and graduated with a
B.A. in Dance and a minor in History. She has performed choreography by; Staycee Pearl,
Daniel Karasik, Kiki Lucas, David Norsworthy, Kaylin Horgan, Shana Simmons, and many
others. Chandler has also performed in stage / film work with Bricolage
Production Company, Rashaad Newsome, and Allana Clarke, as a dance artist. Chandler has
been a featured background actor in several Netflix movies and series productions. In addition to being a multidisciplinary performance artist, she is a
published model who has been featured in Pittsburgh Magazine and recently in 'Minding
the Gap, Waiting in the Wings' a book that features dance artist and mental health,
through the pandemic. Chandler is a Virtual Global Instructor with Juntos Collective
teaching internationally at places such as Nicaragua. Chandler has been a Company Dance
Artist with Staycee Pearl Dance Project & Soy Sos since 2019, succeeding her
apprenticeship in 2018. As a dance / teaching artist Chandler has performed with the
company in Pittsburgh and also multiple states. Chandler also enjoys teaching,
choreographing, and working with local dance academies and youth theatre companies.
Read bio
Ben Brosche is a free-lancing pianist, accompanist, and music director
in Pittsburgh, PA, has performed nationally and internationally. In the Pittsburgh theater scene, Ben has been involved in multiple
productions working with CLO, Pittsburgh Public, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center,
The New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh University Theater Dept., Stage 62, Comtra, and
others working in multiple positions throughout various productions. Ben worked as music
director for the New Hazlett's production of Monteze Freeland and Michael
Meketa's Kalopsia. He has been piano conductor for multiple University of
Pittsburgh musicals since 2018. Ben was music director of Stage 62's Mamma Mia,
which won Pittsburgh's “Best of the Burgh.” Ben has worked for CLO as music assistant
for SPARK festival as well as shows in the Cabaret (Game On and Double
Threat Trio). Ben performed with the talented pit of Pittsburgh Public for
Little Shop of Horrors, music directed by John McDaniel and piano conducted by
Catie Brown. In the Jazz scene, Ben has worked with a variety of musicians in the
city such as: The Boilermaker Jazz Band, Mike Tomaro, Tom Wendt, Jeff Bush, Tony
Depaolis, The Bliel Brothers, Artistree, Lee Robinson, and ISKA. Ben performed with the
Mid Atlantic Big Band under the direction of Ted Nash (2016) and Delfeayo Marsalis
(2017) at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in New York City. As a child he was selected to
represent the Yamaha Music Education Systems Corporate division to perform his original
compositions in New Jersey, Washington DC, California (Biola), Arizona, Canada, and at
the NAMM show in Anaheim, California. Ben received his BM in at James Madison University and his MM at
Duquesne University. At JMU, he performed in masterclasses and worked with John
Hollenbeck, Theo Bleckman, Bobby McFerrin, Nate Smith, and Branford Marsalis. Ben is
excited to be a part of the PMT team!Read bio
Brecken Newton Farrell was most recently seen as Scott in PMT's
production of Evil Dead the Musical, and Jesus in PMT's production of Jesus
Christ Superstar. Other notable credits with the company include Quasimodo in
The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat. Brecken is the lead singer for the rock band “Letters to Violet” and is
also a private vocal coach. He would like to thank God, his family, and his friends for
their unwavering support. Brecken dedicates his life's work to his late grandparents,
Elmer and Joanne Lauster, who loved nothing more than watching him perform. Isaiah 40:31
Read bio
Education / College / Where From: PMT Conservatory YPI
(PCP) Program, Point Park University
Read bio
Favorite musical: I hope to someday be able to give a
straightforward answer. Favorite PMT show? Grease! (2005)
Favorite junk food: Pizza
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: I have been with PMT since 1998, taught 2005-2009-ish and since 2021.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? Passing
down the skills I picked up here to the next generation!
Mr. Herman has appeared on Broadway in Contact, A Chorus Line
(Mike), Leader of the Pack, Song and Dance (First National Tour), Big Bad
Burlesque (Off-Broadway), Die Soldaten (NYC Opera) and was the
associate
choreographer for Michael Bennett's Pre-Broadway Workshops of Scandal. A recipient of the Jeff Award (Chicago), the After Dark Award (Chicago)
and
the B. Iden Payne Award (Austin, TX), Mr. Herman has directed and/or choreographed World
Premier musicals at the Goodman (Chicago), Long Wharf (New Haven), Zipper Theater (NYC),
Ford's Theater (Washington, D.C.), City Theatre (Pittsburgh), Playwrights Horizons
(NYC),
George Street Playhouse (New Brunswick, NJ), Directors Company (NYC), Theaterfest (Upper
Montclair, NJ), Bottom Line (NYC), The Rep (Nashville), The Royal George (Chicago), LA
Children's Theater, Naked Angels Theater Company (NYC) as well as dozens of other
Broadway
Musical Classics all over the country. Mr. Herman choreographed George Lucas Super Live Adventure
(Japanese Tour), Jane Fonda Workouts (Designed by Theoni Aldredge, Shubert
Theater,
NYC), Tabaluga and Lilli (2 European Tours), the 1987 national tour of
Dreamgirls, and the movie Two Step. Mr. Herman directed and
choreographed
Madhattan (New York, New York Hotel & Casino, Vegas), Ringling Brothers and
Barnum and Bailey Circus (3 International Editions), Rugrats - A Live
Adventure (2 World Tours) and the acclaimed Dreamgirls - the 20th
Anniversary Benefit Concert for The Actors' Fund.
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Regina Kettering, PhD: Regina joins Pittsburgh Musical Theater as
Artist/Music Director
in
Residence. Past credits include Mary Poppins (Chartiers Valley SD),
Shrek
(West Mifflin
SD),
and Phantom of the Opera (Blackhawk SD). She has been Organist/Music Director
at
multiple
Pittsburgh churches over the past 15 years. The adaptability and flexibility required
for organ
translate well to the dialogue between pit and stage.
Classically trained by Anne Liva and Michael Popick, Regina started
playing piano at
4. She
performed publicly at 8, and accompanied choirs by the age of 10. In high school,
she
memorized the equivalent of a Master's level recital, playing Bach, Beethoven,
Chopin,
and
more. Moving to Pittsburgh allowed her to learn the king of instruments - organ -
from
Craig
Dobbins, Music Director of Sewickley Presbyterian Church. She performed the last
public
recital
at Heinz Chapel, playing music composed by women from 1500-2020 on International
Women's
Day.
Read bio
Regina is an active member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of
Organists. She
earned a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in protein crystallography.
Amber hails from Pittsburgh, with her husband, Kevin and son, Brody.
She is a graduate of Clarion University and is the Props Master, Set Dresser,
Jack-of-all-Trades Resident Artist and theater mom at PMT. Her most favorite credits
with PMT include Evil Dead: The Musical, Disney's Newsies, The Little Mermaid,
Shrek, and more. Amber has been with the company since 2012, and is looking
forward to many more seasons with PMT.
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Kevin is the PMT Conservatory Technical Director. He has set designed
several shows at Pittsburgh Musical Theater including The Music Man Jr., Sister Act,
Jekyll and Hyde, We Will Rock You, and Newsies. He has also worked in
various other technical positions at PMT and PMT Conservatory such as sound designs for
Evil Dead the Musical (2019), Hunchback of Notre Dame (2019), and
A Lyrical Christmas Carol (2019). Over the past several years as the resident
artist with the Teen Performance Intensive Program helping to educate students in
technical theater design and application. Kevin attended Clarion University of
Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and studied theatrical design
and direction. He is eager to continue to work with the students and professionals at
PMT!Read bio
Education / College / Where From: I'm originally from
the Philadelphia area, but came to Pittsburgh to attend Pitt and never left!
Read bio
Favorite musical: Fun Home
Favorite junk food: You can't beat sour cream and onion chips!
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: This is my 2nd year with PMT.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? PMT is
such a special place. I love our approach to arts education - where students leave the
program both prepared for professional theatre, but also with fully developed
interpersonal skills and the confidence to take on life's challenges both on and off the
stage.
Education / College / Where From: Carnegie Mellon / Chicago, IL
Read bio
Favorite musical: Urinetown
Favorite junk food: Pizza, chips, ice cream
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: I've been with PMT for 1.5 years.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? Working with the students!
Recent credits: CATS National Tour (final two years),
Evita (Casa Manana), Music Man (John W. Engeman), CATS (Casa
Manana), Hello Dolly (TBTS), A Chorus Line (TBTS), Urban
Cowboy (TUTS), Joseph...Dreamcoat (Casa Manana), Disney Cruise Line
and Celebrity Cruise Line. Larry is blessed to say he has performed all over the country
and world. He gives all glory to God Universe. Thanks and love to his parents, his
loving partner, Zack Woods, his Pittsburgh family and friends and the entire creative
team at PMT!
Read bio
Favorite PMT credits include: The Sound of Music, Legally Blonde,
Les
Miserables, Cinderella, Shrek, Sister Act, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Miss
Saigon, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Gemma has been a part of PMT's
family,
serving as Production & Logistics Manager and proud Actor's Equity Member for PMT's
Professional Company and PMT Conservatory Productions. Gemma has been seen serving on
the
production teams at South Park Theatre, Robert Morris Colonial Theatre, Freedom Area
High
School, and Plum Borough High School.
Read bio
Keep up with Gemma by following @missgemmamitch
Nick Mitchell is thrilled to be spending another semester alongside the
incredibly talented students and Artists at PMT. After a brief stint in NYC, Nick moved
to Pittsburgh 15 years ago where he found both an artistic family and his amazing wife,
Miss Gemma! He is an active actor/director in the Greater Southwest Pennsylvania region.
Directing highlights at PMT include Evil Dead: The Musical and The 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Locally, he also directed the critically
acclaimed productions of Bright Star for Front Porch Theatricals and
Assassins at Stage 62. When not acting or directing, Nick is an avid arts
educator. He has taught here at The Conservatory at PMT, as well as at the Pittsburgh
CLO, Pittsburgh Propel, and Plum High School. He is also building and maintaining his
own private acting and coaching studio. Nick studied Musical Theater at Oklahoma City
University, continued his education at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, and is currently
taking classes with Z/A Studios.
Read bio
Caroline Nicolian is a Pittsburgh native and has been performing for
over
15 years. Her favorite credits include Francesa in The Bridges of Madison
County
(Carrnivale Theatrics), Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (Pittsburgh Musical
Theater), Mayor Babs/Ma Ferd in The Toxic Avenger (PCLO), Casey in First
Date
the Musical (PCLO), Jaques Brel is Alive and Well... (PICT), Jane Eyre
in
Jane Eyre (PPU Conservatory), Side by Side by Sondheim (PCLO), and
Eve/Mama Noah in Children of Eden (The Strand). She is a member of Actor's
Equity
and received her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Point Park University, where she met her
wonderful husband/favorite scene partner.Read bio
Education / College / Where From:B.A. Point Park University
Read bio
Favorite musical: Les Misérables
Favorite junk food: Wings
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: This is my 2nd year teaching with PMT.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? I had a lot of great teachers and role models when I was a student, I hope to provide the same for the students at PMT. I want to impart my knowledge and experience to the next generation of theatre artists.
Education / College / Where From: From Cleveland,
Ohio. Went to Slippery Rock University
Read bio
Favorite musical: Cats! - I'm a cat lady and a dancer.
It's the best of both worlds!
Favorite junk food: Anything cheesey!
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: This is my 3rd year with PMT.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? I'm
looking forward to seeing all of my students grow into more confident, energized, and
experienced performers!
Education / College / Where From:From Pittsburgh, PA. Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from DePaul University of Chicago, IL. Master of Music degree with emphasis in Accompanying from Southwestern Seminary of Ft. Worth, TX.
Read bio
Favorite musical: Fiddler on the Roof has been my favorite musical since I was a child.
Favorite junk food: Anything chocolate!
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: This is my 1st time teaching at PMT.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? I'm excited to be part of the PMT team to train and encourage the young artists to be the best that they can be!
LaTrea Rembert is a Pittsburgh artist who has worked with the STAYCEE
PEARL dance project for the past three seasons. Originally from Cincinnati, LaTrea is a
graduate of Point Park University where he obtained his B.A. in Theater Arts while
minoring in dance. LaTrea has worked with several local theater companies such as The
REP, City Theater, Pittsburgh Playwrights and Pittsburgh Musical Theater. He has also
had the opportunity to work with Anthony Williams (Loving Black), Attack
Theatre and The Opera Theater of Pittsburgh.Read bio
Erin is glad to be back in her happy place with Pittsburgh Musical
Theater. Her latest adventures include Kate in Brighton Beach Memoirs (The
Theater Factory), Marian Thayer in Titanic (Split Stage Productions) Sister
Julia Child of God in Nunsense (PMT), Freulein Schweiger in The Sound of
Music (PMT), Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein (TTF) and various roles
in Forbidden Broadway (TTF). Many hugs and kisses to Scott, Brody, and Ben.Read bio
Quinn Patrick Shannon has been a regional performer and director in New
York, Pittsburgh and Central PA. He first appeared with PMT at the age of 6 as Tiny Tim
in the original 1991 production of A Lyrical Christmas Carol. He directed
Hair (2017) and Sweeney Todd (2016) for the Richard E. Rauh
Conservatory, but is perhaps best known at PMT for his appearance as Quasimodo in
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (2017). Favorite PMT appearances include Young
Frankenstein (Igor), Grease (Roger), and Sister Act (Joey).
Other favorites: Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson) for the Pittsburgh
Public Theater, Forever Plaid (Frankie), The Toxic Avenger (White
Dude), and Titanic (Pittman/Etches) for the Pittsburgh CLO, and most recently
The Current War for Quantum Theatre (Francis Upton) this past June. He would
like to thank his amazing wife Caroline for her never ending love and support.
Read bio
Education / College / Where From: Kassi Tiedjens is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and began her dance education at the age of 4 with the Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy. Kassi also attended the performing arts high school Pius XI where she rigorously studied visual and performing arts. In 2021, Kassi graduated cum laude with high distinction from Butler University and received a BFA in Dance Performance as well as a BA in Psychology. In the fall of 2021, Kassi joined Confluence Ballet Co. for their inaugural season as a company artist and has performed in an array of soloist and group roles. Executively, Kassi functions as Confluence's Costume Manager and Communications Associate. When Kassi is not dancing, she enjoys taking yoga classes, rock climbing, sewing, and baking.
Read bio
Favorite musical: Hadestown
Favorite junk food:jalapeño chips
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: I began teaching at PMT during the summer of 2022! I'm so excited for year 2!
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? I love working with such passionate students. It is so inspiring to watch these artists bloom into such powerful performers!
Dr. Tortorello is the Resident Music Director of Pittsburgh Musical
Theater. Recent productions include Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat, HAIR, Newsies, and The Sound of Music. She
teaches multiple classes for the pre-college program in the PMT Conservatory. Dr.
Tortorello is also an accomplished classical musician and performs with a variety of
instrumentalists and singers. She frequently collaborates with members of the Pittsburgh
Symphony. A dedicated teacher and coach, she has maintained an active piano teaching
studio for the past twenty years. Dr. Tortorello began piano lessons at the age of four
in her hometown of Mount Kisco, NY. She holds a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance
from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with Antonio Pompa-Baldi. She
received a Masters degree and Professional Studies certificate in Collaborative Piano
from CIM, studying with Virginia Weckstrom. She also earned a Doctorate in Collaborative
Piano and Coaching at the University of Minnesota and studied with Timothy Lovelace.
Francesca and her husband, Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Michael DeBruyn, have been
performing as a professional duo since 2004.Read bio
Rocker Verastique appeared in the original Broadway companies of
Contact, Chicago, Victor/Victoria and Carousel. Mr. Verastique's other
Broadway credits include Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera and The Ziegfeld
Follies of 1936, as well as the world premiere productions of Hearts
Desire, Jekyll and Hyde, Spirit and the Broadway workshop of
Fosse. Rocker's other credits include Paul in A Chorus Line
(Pittsburgh Musical Theater), Konstantine Morrisine in On Your Toes (Gateway
Playhouse. NY), Sophisticated Ladies (Drury Lane, Chicago), Feld Ballet, Los
Angeles Chamber Ballet, danced six years with artistic director Mikhail Baryshinikov in
American Ballet Theatre. In Los Angeles, he spent four years on the television series
Fame and was the male lead in the award winning music video “Nasty” opposite
Janet Jackson. Mr. Verastique has choreographed dozens of musical theater classics all
over the country, as well as, Cabaret (Saint Edward's University),
Chicago (Austin Playhouse), Miss Saigon (Pittsburgh Musical Theater),
Leader Of The Pack, Dreamgirls and Beehive (Pittsburgh Playhouse),
Five Guys Named Moe and Little Me (Candlelight, Chicago), A Chorus
Line (Geva, Rochester NY), Helldriver's of Daytona (Royal George,
Chicago) and the movie Two Step, as well as co-choreographing Rugrats - A
Live Adventure (2 World Tours).Read bio
Education / College / Where From: BA in Dance
Performance, Pedagogy, and Choreography from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA
Read bio
Favorite junk food: Ice cream
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: I began at PMT as an intern during Summer Musical Theater camp 2022.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? I am
excited to help students find confidence in their own performance both on stage and in
the studio!
Education / College / Where From:BA Dance Point Park University
Read bio
Favorite musical: Hadestown
Favorite junk food: Chips & salsa
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: I have been teaching with PMT for about 18 years.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? I am most looking forward to sharing the joy of dance with all of the students!
Education / College / Where From: Currently attending
Carlow University for Creative Writing and theater. Pittsburgh, born and raised.
Read bio
Favorite musical: Newsies and First Date
Favorite junk food: Trolli very berry gummy worms
First time teaching at PMT or / how many years have you been with
PMT?: This is my second semester working at PMT, and I was a student before that.
What are you looking forward to most about teaching at PMT? Looking
forward to working with the students and helping them grow in their skills and
confidence.
Andonetta Chiarina Trageser (Andi) is a 2020 Musical Theater graduate
of Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 as well as a PMT Conservatory Alumni. Andi spent 5 years as a
student of the PMT Conservatory and has now returned to the PMT Family as a Resident
Intern as well as a Propel teaching Artist. Previous PMT credits include: Once (Production Assistant),
Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Production Assistant), A Lyrical Christmas
Carol (Run Crew), Pippin (Berthe), and The Hunchback of Notre
Dame (Gargoyle).Read bio