Courtney Bird (she/they) holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Songwriting from The University of the Arts. She is certified in 3 Stage Combat weapons: Single Sword, Broadsword, and Rapier & Dagger. She’s had a Successful and Art-Filled year, having just directed Finding Nemo Jr. at Mainstage. She is thrilled to introduce students and audience members to new theatre pieces and new skills to accompany. She is always interested in finding new ways to encourage and uplift young, theatrical voices.

Leah Senseney is a Philadelphia based actor and educator. Originally from Maryland, Leah received her BA in Vocal Performance with minors in Dance and Education from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Her vocal background is in opera performance and she enjoys using those techniques to teach healthy singing and projection. Having been a part of the Philadelphia theatre community for several years Leah has performed with 11th Hour Theatre Company, McCarter Theatre Center, Walnut Street Theatre, Candlelight Theatre, StoryBook Musical Theatre, Media Theatre, and Broadway Theatre of Pitman. In addition to performance Leah has an extensive history in arts education having recently served as the Manager of Media Theatre Summer Camp. Leah’s teaching typically revolves around audition technique where she focuses on acting through song or monologues. If your child has an upcoming audition at school or elsewhere Leah can help them gain the confidence to ace it!

Shaun Yates is a native of San Angelo, Texas who came to the Philadelphia area by way of New York and multiple regional contracts. Shaun has been seen on stage all over the country in shows like Annie Get Your Gun, Godspell, Big Fish, Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, and more.  Shaun recently performed in RENT with New Light Theatre Co. to great critical and audience reviews.

Shaun has worked locally with The Walnut St. Theatre, Bootless Stageworks, The Eagle Theatre, Hedgerow Theatre, Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts, Candlelight Theatre, Camden County Stages, New Light Theatre Co., and many more.

As a teacher Shaun has vocal directed, directed and choreographed for all ages from young children through adults. Shaun teaches with Camden County Community College and has valuable experience helping students craft repertoire for auditions, craft songs for performances, and select material that makes them shine.