School Manager & Spotlight Choreographer– Ottawa

Rachel has had a love and appreciation for dance since the age of 4. She has danced at both the recreational and competitive level in numerous styles including musical theatre, jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, modern dance, hip hop, and more. Rachel attended  Canterbury High School in the dance program where she got the opportunity to practice her dance technique each day, learn about the history of dance, take dance exams, perform in front of large audiences, and work with different choreographers. 

Rachel found a special love for musical theatre dancing and getting the opportunity to play different characters on stage. She has played many different roles in musical theatre numbers receiving overall awards at competitions and even special recognition for story telling. She loves all aspects of dance, especially getting the chance to be apart of a team to make and share something magical.

Assistant Director

With a decade of experience as a Stagecraft student, Alex is an enthusiastic supporter of musical theatre. She has competed throughout Ottawa in Musical Theatre and Classical Voice for many years, participating in events such as the Kiwanis Music Festival, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Canadian Music Showcase. In addition, she has trained in dance for many years with Pointe of Grace Dance Company and Union Studios. Alex has appeared in numerous productions across Ottawa, including The Lightning Thief (as Annabeth) and The Prom (as Emma). She is also an active volunteer with organizations including Orpheus, Broadway Nights, and GCTC.

A recent high school graduate, she has just begun studying Health Sciences at Carleton University. She hopes to have fun with all of you this season!

StageCraft Director & Spotlight MD - Ottawa

Micah Jondel DeShazer (he/him) is an award-winning actor, director, vocalist and conductor from the US, now based in Canada since 2021. Most recently serving as Artistic Director of TACTICS Theatre Group for two seasons, he now works as a freelance director, performer, educator and arts administrator, collaborating with institutions such as OCT, NTS, Shaw, Company of Fools, TUTS, GCTC, operating as a board member of Orpheus Musical Theatre. Amidst the contract work he is also endeavoring to establish a new rep theatre in Canada’s capital: Unexpected Theatre. He is deeply committed to developing and normalizing the voices of disabled and BIPOC creatives, and he mentors under Nina Lee Aquino, focusing on bold artistic leadership and direction. His work is tailored towards bridging gaps across cultures, highlighting universal experiences whilst maintaining cultural respect, and always striving to dismantle prejudice through storytelling that reflects the shared essence of humanity. With an emphasis on musicals, contemporary works, developing new plays, his passion is rooted in curating and creating inclusive, thought-provoking theatre. Micah strives to maintain an artistic innovative platform where excellence, creativity, empathy, and cultural respect are at the forefront of every effort. micahjondel.com

StageCraft Choreographer/ Summer Camp Manager– Ottawa

Maddie is a passionate and experienced dance teacher, specializing in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and contemporary dance styles. She has an extensive background in ballet, having studied the Russian, Cecchetti, and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabi. Maddie trained at L’École Supérieur de Ballet du Québec in Montreal before coming back to Ottawa to dance competitively and graduate from Canterbury Arts High School’s dance program.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education at McGill University, Maddie combines her love for dance with a commitment to teaching and inspiring the next generation of performers.

Star Kids Choreographer   – Ottawa

Madi Albert is a versatile dancer and instructor with over 15 years of training in jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, ballet, and pom. She began her career as a competitive dancer with DA Studio, where she earned numerous awards for her solos and groups. During this time, Madi developed a strong focus on musical theatre, performing in lead roles and building her passion for storytelling through dance.

She went on to complete the Fine Arts Certificate in Dance at Canterbury High School, where she further expanded her technical foundation and performance skills. At Carleton University, Madi joined Ravens Rhythm, representing the school at games and spirit events while earning recognition as Rookie of the Year, the Initiative Award , and MVP. She will also serve as Head Coach for the team from 2025–2027.

Passionate about blending technique with performance, Madi is dedicated to helping students build confidence, stage presence, and artistry both in competition and in theatre.

Star Kids MD - Ottawa

Originally from Thunder Bay, ON, Katelyn established herself as a performer and children’s

theatre director before moving to Southern Ontario to pursue her undergraduate degree.

Katelyn holds a BAH with a major in Drama from Queen’s University and The DAN School of Drama and Music, where she received a well-rounded education in theatre creation, theory,

history, design, production, performance, and administration. Professionally, she has worked

with companies including Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Kick & Push Festival, and Sweet ‘n

Fab Collective. Now based in Ottawa, Katelyn practices as a production manager, producer,

director, theatre technician, theatre educator, and playwright. Katelyn is thrilled to be finding new

communities in the city that allow her to continue her deep love for musical theatre and passion

for teaching.

Summer Camp MD - Ottawa

Ava Atherton is a multifaceted vocalist, actor, and teacher with a strong passion for children’s and youth theatre. With over 15 years of performing experience, including past Stagecraft productions, festivals, concerts and productions across Ontario, she has a strong enthusiasm for the performing arts.

Ava is studying classical vocal performance (B.Mus) at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON under the studio of Dianne Baird. She has performed with the Queen’s University choral and chamber ensembles, and the award-winning Vancouver Chamber Choir. She was the recipient of the Female Vocalist award at the 2023 Canada’s Capital Cappies, and holds a Level 8 in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

As a teacher, Ava’s main goal is to cultivate a safe and creative classroom for young performers to discover their talents and broaden their excitement for musical theatre. She has been with Stagecraft for many years, both as a student and teacher, and it has taught her so many lifelong skills. Her proudest moment is watching her students realize their potential as young artists!

Summer Camp Craft Instructor

Chloe is a multidisciplinary artist with experience in visual, performing, and literary arts. She is passionate about creating fun learning environments that encourage young artists to express themselves. She started Stagecraft as a student to nurture her passion for musical theatre. Over the past several summers, she has worked as a counsellor and arts and games instructor to help inspire young performers. 

Chloe is pursuing a joint-honours degree in English literature and Film and Media at Queen's University. Outside of her studies, she volunteers with her department's student council as the design director and contributes to literary publications as both a writer and editor.

Substitute Teacher - Ottawa

I am an Ottawa-based arts educator with a strong passion for working with young people through creative expression.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and currently work at the House of Commons, where I have learnt strong organization, leadership, and communication skills that I can bring into my teaching. I also work at the National Arts Centre in a variety of food and beverage roles, giving me hands-on experience in a professional arts environment.

I spent four years as a camp counselor at an arts camp, after attending that same camp for ten years, which shaped my commitment to mentoring students in the arts.

I aim to create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging space where students can build confidence and explore musical theatre.

Summer Camp Production Instructor/Substitute Teacher - Ottawa

Sydney Walker (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, with a range of experience in acting, dance, and production. Currently in her third year of the Performance Production and Design program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Sydney is specializing in stage, Stage Management, working with directors such as Adam Lazarus and Cynthia Ashpurger to hone in on her craft. She also is the Vice President of the Performance Student Union at TMU, getting involved in art politics, campaigning, Union panelling, etc.

Outside of her post-secondary schooling, Sydney has worked on various short film projects as a director and actor, done freelance Production Assistant work in downtown Toronto, acted under Mensour Agency, done training with Ilona Smyth, and performed with Pirate Life Theatre. She is also a Canterbury drama program grad, and is forever grateful for everything that she learnt through that school.

Sydney looks forward to sharing her passion for the arts by helping those with their performance journey! She truly believes that the arts have a place for every creative out there, and she can’t wait to help others realize their potential!

Summer Camp Leader/ Substitute Teacher – Ottawa

Pascale has been part of the amazing Stagecraft family for many years, as both a student and a staff member. She started ballet at 5 years old at ODCS (Ottawa Dance Center School) and joined the jazz classes soon after. Pascale worked on improving her acting skills whilst she was in the theater program from grade 8 to grade 12 at DLS. She is currently in the musical theater program at St.Lawrence, where she has the chance to work with many different teachers, present pieces on stages, and strengthen her abilities. 

Substitute Drama Coach – Ottawa

Kristina Watt Villegas is a multi-award-winning actor and theatre creator with an unshakeable passion for collaborating with youth on projects that question our relationship with the planet and with each other. She is driven to question where science intersects with the arts, and to create theatre that sits within that fusion (“12”, STUFF, Holding Mercury, Particle). She is the Artistic of 100 Watt Productions. Once relocating to Ottawa from New York City where she worked in theatre, film & TV, and taught youth in inner city schools, she has performed at theatres including the National Arts Centre, Great Canadian Theatre Company, PuSh International Festival, New Theatre of Ottawa, SubDevision, and St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. Training: MFA in Acting from UNC-CH (Playmakers Repertory Company, North Carolina); Lincoln Center and the Acting Company in New York City; RADA and Central School of Speech and Drama (England), and the European A.C.T in Paris, Berlin and London. Website: www.100WattProductions.com