Anthony, an Applause alumni of 17 years, feels blessed to be training young people in the same place where it all began for him. He has been a part of the Applause faculty for the past 13 years, and is now the head of the wildly successful Applause Film Department, as well as Creative Director for the entire company. Having trained at the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, as well as a Film and TV career that has expanded over a decade, Anthony is happy to be able to share his knowledge and experience with a whole new generation of young artists, and teachers alike.
Katelyn grew up on Long Island and graduated from Dartmouth College with a BA in Theater. She is honored to be a part of the Applause team since 2017 and is inspired daily by seeing so many young people develop and nurture their passion for the performing arts at Applause.
Michael Ryan, originally from right outside of Boston, is a New York based Actor/Singer/Teacher. Some favorite past credits include Newsies 1st National Tour (Jack/Davey understudy), Les Miserables (Enjolras), The Who’s Tommy (Cousin Kevin), Spring Awakening (Hanschen). He has a BFA in musical theater from Pace university and has taught musical theater classes and college audition prep all over the country.
Alexandra is a New York transplant and is so excited to be teaching at Applause! Growing up in Los Angels she always had big dreams of moving to NYC. After graduating from Concordia University Irvine with a BA in Theatre, she packed her bags and made the move. Now a proud member of the New York chapter of The Theatre 68 Crew Company , she has also performed and assistant directed off -broadway at St. Lukes theatre in their production of Lilli Marlene and It Came From Beyond. She is so excited to be back and mold the young minds of the theatre community.
Saunder is a filmmaker with an enthusiasm for arts education, holding a BFA in Film and Television from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. They bring years of experience as a freelancer in the NYC independent film industry, wearing many hats including Director, Production Designer, and Producer. Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, they are inspired to show the next generation of young people the joys of filmmaking!
Lisa Krainik is a NYC-based dancer, director, stage manager, producer, and licensed yoga teacher. Lisa has performed works at Radio City Music Hall, the New York City Center in NYC, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., among others. When she isn’t dancing or working at Applause, Krainik produces monthly comedy shows and teaches yoga.
Chris has been working in Theater Production for the past 17 years, with the last 10 based in NYC! Their work has spanned many creative avenues in the theatre and event production worlds in pretty much every single crew position imaginable before finding an extreme passion in Lighting Design and Production Management. With a love of pushing buttons, playing with color, and for bringing shows together from the ground up (they even like the paperwork part, weird, I know!) , paired with their passion for teaching, Chris is extremely proud to be a part of the team here at Applause!
Martha Lavery graduated from Hofstra’s Honors College in 2014 with a BA in Dance and Minors in Film Studies/Production & Psychology. At Hofstra, she performed & choreographed for MoVoM, Danceworks, and Imani Dance Ensemble, and spent a month dancing & performing in Italy at Toscana Dance Hub. Post-graduation, she has performed for 50+ choreographers & dance companies (modern, contemporary, performance art, hip-hop, etc) and has been commissioned to create over 30 original pieces (aside from weekly class choreography/workshops/master classes) for various showcases, competitions, and video projects in the greater NYC area. Notable performances include SummerStage in Central Park (splitting the bill with Abraham in Motion), winning the Audience Favorite choreography vote at Uptown Rising at Bridge For Dance, and students performing her choreography at Carnegie Hall. Last October, she spent several weeks in China as part of the US dance team for the CBA’s China Hoops basketball tournament. She currently teaches dance in public school/charter school/studio/open class settings to kindergarten students through adults in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Heels, & her “genrefluid” style, and continues to produce her own choreography for both stage and film.
Kevin Shotwell is a New York based Director/ Choreographer who is joining he Applause team after teaching Theater Dance and Acting at Leman Prep School for over six years. Kevin has been teaching and performing all over the east coast for the past 15 years. Acting highlights include the 2009 Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street- In Concert with the New York Philharmonic. He is a graduate of Pace University School of the Performing Arts, where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. In his spare time Kevin writes/ directs/ and stars in the Annual The Jingle Belle Ball, a “Non Denominational Christmas Themed Performance Art Cabaret”, and the self-described “world renowned” instagram handle @keviquickchange.
Warren is happy to be the head camera operator at Applause New York. He is from Boston Massachusetts and has a bachelor’s degree in Film. He is proficient in and owns all of the latest devices pertaining to video production. Whether he’s creating great promos for dance, musical theater, or creating epic films, he is thankful to be part of such a vibrant, and professional community where he gets to help kids find their voice.
Adam Magnacca (He/Him/His) is an NYC based Music Director, Coach, and Actor originally from Mississauga, Ontario. When not at Applause, Adam teaches throughout the 5 boroughs with the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Education Program and The Queen’s Theatre Senior Center Partnerships. Adam works professionally as a Music Supervisor for Norwegian Cruise Line, rehearsing singers and bands for different shows aboard Oceania, Regent, and Norwegian ships. Most recently, he served as the NCL Music Supervisor for the smash West End hit, The Choir of Man. As a performer, Adam has worked across the US with some onstage favorites including Rock of Ages, Into The Woods, and Head Over Heels.
Emily Meredith is a professional actress residing in New York City. She is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Union and has performed in productions all across the country. An experienced acting, voice and dance teacher, Emily has worked with all grade and skill levels– but specializes in early childhood arts education. Emily attended Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA — where she majored in classical and musical theater and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music with a BFA in Musical Theater. She has trained at various other prestigious institutions including Festival Ballet (Providence, RI), T. Schreiber Studio (NY,NY), HB Studio (NY,NY), Ballet Prestige (Providence, RI), Steps (NY, NY), and Broadway Dance Center (NY,NY) among many others. As a teacher, Emily strives to create a fun and relaxed learning environment where her students can grow in confidence and ability.
Anna Belanger earned her BFA in Acting at Michigan State University and studied improv at The Second City in Chicago. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. Anna is actively pursuing film and theatre work in the New York area and was recently featured in a few short films! As a teacher at Applause, Anna makes it a priority that each class feels and acts like a team. As a team, we create original films that are relevant to the kids’ lives, we learn how to work on a set, and we supportively push our teammates for their best performances.
Abby Semelsberger is a performing artist based in New York City with a passion for educating the next generation of theater artists. She is currently obtaining her BFA in Musical Theater at Marymount Manhattan College. She has years of experience teaching music, theater, and dance, and strives to create a positive and uplifting learning environment for all of her students.
Henry Walter Greenberg is an actor, filmmaker and teacher from Nashville, TN. As a stage performer, he’s worked with some of the finest theaters across the country, including La Jolla Playhouse, The Denver Center, Goodspeed Musicals, and various theatres populating the Chicago storefront theatre scene. His first two films, The Last Q-Tip and Hamlet in the Garden are set to debut early 2025. In addition to his work as an actor and filmmaker, Henry served as the Literary Manager at A Red Orchid Theatre (co-founded by Oscar Nominee Michael Shannon). Training: BFA, Baylor University. MFA, UC San Diego
Starr graduated from St. John’s University with a BA in psychology. Starr now works as a production assistant for many different shows/films! Starr has such a love for dance and theater and it has been a dream to work behind the scenes and make these shows come alive.
Kristina began choreographing at the young age of eight for a captive audience of teddy bears. Her love of theater and dance brought her to the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU where she earned her BFA with honors in Theater. Since graduation she has been lucky enough to pursue her two greatest passions, performing and teaching. Recent performing credits include: Nice Work If You Can Get It (First Nat’l Tour), The Marks You Leave (FringeNYC), God Hates This Show, and High School Musical. As a commercial dancer she has had the honor of dancing alongside recording artists Nicki Minaj, Neyo, Lady Sovereign, Maor, and Taleb Kwali.
Gavin Petersen is a 2023 Graduate from Hofstra University with a BFA in Theatrical Design Concentration in Directing and Stage Management! They are so excited to be working with Applause In the Production Assistant positions! Recent Work Includes Constellations (SM), The New Play Festival At Gallery Players (PSM), Goodnight, Baby Girl (SM), Here I Am – A New Musical (Assistant Producer), American Blues At Irondale (Wardrobe Team), Powerhouse Theater Company Summer 2023 (Assistant Company Manager).
Kate Froemmling is very excited to be joining the Applause Family! Kate is a graduate from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee School of Music with a BFA in Musical Theatre and an emphasis in Tap and Directing. Some of her performance credits include Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical (Boston Conservatory), Candide (Boston Conservatory) Janet Van De Graff in the Drowsy Chaperone (BHHS) and making her Off- Broadway debut in Fix me Jesus with the Abingdon Theater Company, earning her Actors Equity Association Membership. Kate also has been a part of numerous commercial shoots that include Nickelodeon, Jimu Robots and Sesame Street and earned her SAG-AFTRA membership after being on set for Spirited with Apple TV Productions. Kate has also been eager to work on the other side of the table as a Stage Manager, Director and Choreographer at the Boston Conservatory and for other companies including Nervous Theater, The Wayne Theater and The New York Theatre Festival. Kate is excited to be a part of guiding our new generation of theater artists and would like to thank everyone who has supported her.
Austin is a New York based Actor, Writer, Improvisor, and Sketch Comedian. He was born and raised in a small town in central Ohio where his love for creating began. Austin went on to study at Pace University where he earned his BFA in Acting. Through his training and real life experience- Austin has been able to cultivate a plethora of skills while working in a wide variety of genres and mediums. He is so excited to instill his passion into the next generation of artists!
Brett Thiele has been performing professionally in New York for 10 years. He has performed on Broadway in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Miss Saigon, and Escape To Margaritaville. Off Broadway and Regional credits include The First Wives Club, The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of West Side Story, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Gypsy, A Chorus Line, and Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. Film and Television credits include Saturday Night Live, MTV’s One Bad Choice, America’s Got Talent, and Hamlet: Son of a Kingpin.
(he/they) is a writer, composer, and music director based in NYC. His work ranges from musical theatre to choral and religious music and has been performed at 54 Below, The Cutting Room, and Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges. He has provided music direction for developmental workshops in New York, for high school and college productions in the Philadelphia area, and even for drama groups at nursing homes and retirement communities. Mason recently earned his Master’s degree in Writing & Design for Musical Theatre, and he is continuing to workshop his original musical Burn: a folk musical for production in the near future. No matter what age he’s teaching, Mason loves to encourage his students’ natural passion and curiosity!
Sophia Estes is a soon-to-be graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Musical Theatre and Directing with a passion for encouraging the creativity of young people. Originally from NH, Sophia grew up performing at the Ogunquit Playhouse and has worked as a Teaching Artist, Associate Director, and Choreographer for their summer Arts Academy seasons for the past three years. In addition to her time onstage, Sophia has taught multiple genres of movement and theatre to students ages 3-18, specifically focusing on creativity and collaboration, social-emotional learning, and bodily safety in training for long-term success. She is so excited to be a member of the Applause team!
Durham, NC native, Kayla Jacobs, is a New York City based performing artist with a passion for young arts education. She is a proud alumna of Elon University where she received her BFA in Music Theatre and BA in Arts Administration. She enjoys teaching performing arts to young artists and strives to create a safe, creative, and fun environment for all of her students!
Kristen Brock is an NYC-based actress and a graduate of Montclair State University where she received a BFA in Musical Theatre. Recently, she produced and performed “I Could Use a Drink” by Drew Gasparini with 54 Below, performed as a Production Cast Principal onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines and was part of a new musical workshop, Brooklyn’s Bridge. Some credits include: Mary Lane (Reefer Madness), Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Ann (Swing!), Ariel (Footloose), Janet (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Sharpay (High School Musical), Jovie (Elf) and The Witch (Into the Woods) where she was a nominee at the 2018 Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theatre. www.kristenbrock.com
