Upstage Team

Artistic Director & Founder

Adrian Cohen

Adrian has been a professional actor and drama teacher for over 25 years. He was born and educated in England completing a BA (honors) at Leeds University and a Drama Diploma at the Arts Educational Schools, London.

Adrian has worked extensively in film and television with credits including Ocean’s 13, Entourage, General Hospital, The King of Queens, Frasier, Bruce Almighty, and recurring roles in 24 and iCarly (as Mr Devlin).

Adrian started Upstage in 1999 with a simple principle at its core — to create an environment that would produce fully rounded young performers:

“I wanted the students to take part in all three disciplines (i.e. acting, singing and dance) so that when they perform on stage, they have what we call ‘chops’ — that’s how actors are taught in England. And the skills learnt in the performing arts are so useful to young people whatever future career they choose.”

Managing Director

Julie Bank

Julie has been part of the Upstage family for over a decade, starting in 2004 as a volunteer at Westwood Charter before joining the Upstage Production Team in 2014. She has a Masters of Social Service Administration Degree from the University of Chicago and has been working with children and families for over to 25 years, first in foster care and more recently as an international adoption social worker. Originally from Texas, her love of Musical Theatre started with a High School production of “Grease” and was revived when the oldest of her four children joined the Upstage Program.

Julie loves being a part of the Upstage Theatre Schools family and loves working with the amazing Upstage staff and students!

Creative Director

Taylor Sherry Nowell

Taylor Sherry Nowell, a Chicago native, grew up immersed in the vibrant world of theatre. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Florida State University, where she honed her skills both on stage and behind the scenes. During her college years, Taylor performed at the Highlands Playhouse in North Carolina and contributed as a choreographer and assistant for musicals at Elgin Academy’s theatre camp. Following graduation, she joined the resident company at Music Theatre Wichita, gaining valuable professional performance experience. Taylor then spent five years in Los Angeles, pursuing her acting career while expanding her repertoire as a director and choreographer. Now based in Dallas, Texas, Taylor serves as the Creative Director of Upstage Theatre Schools, where she continues to inspire young artists and foster their love of the performing arts.

Program Director

Tara Kawakami

Born and raised right here in SoCal Tara and her husband have lived in South Pasadena for the past 25 years where they are raising their 4 children. Tara’s work with children began with preschool age and then teens. After several years as coordinator for a local foreign exchange student program, Tara moved to Youth and Teen Programs at the YMCA where she also teaches group fitness. Tara’s first experience with Upstage was several years ago as a parent helping sew costumes and working backstage for the 5th grade musical. Tara is thrilled to continue working in a community she’s been a part of for so many years and is enjoying combining her experience working with children with her love for the theatre.

Email: tara@upstageschools.com

Program Manager, Summer Camp Program Director

Joshua Warner

Joshua Warner lives in Pasadena with his partner and their tabby cat Molly. He graduated from Carthage College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre General and Business Administration. After college he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked with the YMCA to reignite their youth fine arts programing. During his work with the Y, he managed all youth fine art classes as well as teaching acting and directing. After completing his Masters in Business Design and Innovation, Joshua now takes his love of the arts and youth theater into his role as consultant. Joshua is excited to join Upstage Theater School and help students act with confidence!

Program Manager, Summer Camp Program Director

Elba Soto-Quinones

A well-rounded performer since childhood, Elba Soto-Quinones has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Loyola Marymount University with a minor in Psychology. Elba has been blessed to perform in Madrid, Spain, as well as on both English and Spanish TV networks, including Freeform and Telemundo. She has also been involved with several films that were recognized at film festivals. Elba also represented her hometown in the Miss California Latina Pageant. “Ghost Town Alive!”, the annual immersive theatrical production of which she is a founding cast member, was recognized by the Themed Entertainment Association with their THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement. Elba is so glad to have joined the Upstage team!”

Program Manager

Kaela Murphy

Kaela is originally from the No-Cal area (San Francisco area) and has lived in three different states within three years. The highlight for Kaela is theatre and film were something that was constant in her life. Kaela has been involved in theatre since she was in middle school. She then went on to go to college in New York City at St. John’s University and received a BS in Television and Film Productions. Although her focus was in film, she was heavily involved with the theatre program helping out in all departments and even acted in a few! Kaela spends her weekends doing cosplay/princess parties and becoming different characters, which grew with her love for theatre and film. Acting is something she hasn’t completely pursued but it is on the horizon. For now Kaela stays busy doing what she loves, which is helping create art and working with these spectacular kids! 

Program Manager

Cheryl Scaccio

Cheryl’s first love is performing. She’s appeared Off and Off-Off Broadway, national tours, summer stock, comedy improv groups, more than 20 short films, and was a long time member of Santa Monica’s City Garage Theatre. Starting as a dancer and musician, she put it all together and earned a degree in Musical Theatre from SUNY New Paltz. She’s also a graduate of two year programs at William Esper Acting Studio and Actor’s Movement Studio, both in NYC, and the Groundlings School in LA. Along the way, she immersed herself in theatre crafts such as costuming and stage management. Her journey through motherhood had her spending a lot of time volunteering in schools and with Westside Ballet. She taught yoga to kids, worked as a teaching fellow in public schools, worked in youth theatre companies, and was part of a program through UCSB introducing storytelling through classical literature to incarcerated youth. All of this has led her to Upstage, where she is thrilled to be working with so many passionate and talented kids and co-workers.

Program Manager

Jen Kersey

Jen is thrilled to share her love of the performing arts and her love of working with children with the Upstage Community! She has Bachelor degrees in Acting and Public Relations, has a recent AA degree in Opera Vocals, and – because why stop there – is also a certified PADI scuba diver, a certified USAG gymnastics instructor, and a Certified Lactation Educator. She also holds a Child Performer Services permit for her work with child actors in LA.

As a stage performer, she has performed at a number of theme parks, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knotts Berry Farm, Legoland California, (Paramount’s) Kings Dominion, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Six Flags America in DC. She also performed on the Disney Wonder cruise ship as Andy in Toy Story the Musical and as Anne Marie in the multi-award winning show, Disney Dreams. Additional credits include the international tour of The Sound of Music, a US TYA tour of Laura Ingalls Wilder (as Laura), a SoCal TYA tour of The Biggest Little House in the Forest, as well as a number of NYC/Off Broadway and LA/SoCal productions and celebrity concerts. She recently made her opera debut, playing Cendrillon (Cinderella) in Pauline Viardot’s French opera, Cendrillon, and Adele in Die Fledermaus. She has performed at hundreds of birthday parties and community events as various fairytale, storybook, and holiday characters. She also works in film, tv, and commercials, is a SAG, AEA, and AGVA member, and is mama to her amazing little kiddo, who is also a very successful film, tv and commercial actor himself.

Jen also comes from about 20 years in the event industry, working large scale, corporate events, as well as small scale home parties, and everything in between, as an event manager and Day of Coordinator. She is thrilled to bridge all of her experiences together in this role that will bring the arts to our community, and to work with her team to inspire creativity and a passion for the arts in the next generation of artists and creators.

Program Manager

Jasmine Alcala

Jasmine Alcala grew up in Alhambra, California. Her love for cinema began at the age of 3 thanks to the influences of her family members. Whether it was comedy or drama, her interest in movies and make-believe was always alive. But nothing sparked her fascination more than Classical Hollywood cinema. She quickly became enamored by the comedic performances of Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball, and the Three Stooges, along with the dramatic genius of Hitchcock, Bette Davis, Laurence Olivier, and so many others. Using this passion for storytelling, Jasmine began taking theater courses at East Los Angeles College before transfering to Cal State University of Long Beach where she is expected to graduate with a BA in Performance Arts in Spring of 2023! She has spent the past four years at school acting in main stage shows that include Electricidad, Gloria, and The Crucible. Jasmine continues to live in the South Pasadena area where she is currently pursuing a career in acting while also working to expand her writing and directorial abilities.

Director

Miranda Wynne

Miranda Wynne graduated from UC, San Diego with a Bachelors in Theatre and a minor in communications. She performs in theatres all around Los Angeles and recently received a nomination for Best Lead Performance by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. Previously, Miranda has had the pleasure of being a teaching artist for La Jolla Playhouse’s Young Performers Workshop and as the Performing Arts Specialist at Fun Under the Sun Day Camp for a number of years. Miranda is also a substitute teacher for LAUSD during the year!

Director, Choreographer

Meghann Lucas

A Boston native who’s been dancing since she was three, Meghann studied Dance and Theatre at both Hofstra and Jacksonville Universities. She has been teaching dance for the past 9 years in both the New England and Los Angeles areas. She has performed with local dance and theatre companies and most notably in the hybrid dance-theater company, Thrance.

Currently, she is a preschool dance teacher at Temple Isaiah Preschool in addition to owning her own dance company for the past six years, Kickstart Dance, located in West LA. She had her choreography debut with the Upstage Production of Peter Pan this summer! She couldn’t be happier teaching kids… and dancing!

Director, Choreographer

Piper Gillin

After transplanting from the Pacific Northwest, Piper graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Theatre. She has a background in musical theatre and competitive dance, and has studied improv with The Second City and Groundlings. Primarily a voiceover artist, Piper’s pipes can be heard on variety of platforms within the performance industry. She’s worked with kids for many years teaching improv, musical theatre, voiceover, and audition prep. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and visiting friends and family.

Director, Musical Director

Katie Bottomley

Katie Bottomley is a singer-songwriter living in Los Angeles with her husband and two little black dogs. With a degree in musical theatre, she is also pursuing a second degree in biological sciences. She has performed in several regional theatre productions, as well TV and commercials.

Katie has been teaching voice, piano, and songwriting for over five years. Working on her third album, she is a well established artist with a top-notch band that plays locally around California. Through her music, she hopes to help spread feminism and fight for women’s rights around the world. She also aspires to one day work alongside conservationists and biologists to help keep our ocean ecosystems alive.

Director, Choreographer

Mason Smajstrla

Mason Smajstrla is from Austin, TX and has been performing in theatre productions and community theaters since the age of 6. At 16 yrs old, she originated the role of Angelica in “VOTE! The Musical” at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, TX and can be heard on Spotify in the original cast recording. Mason came in third place at the Speak the Speech Shakespeare competition, and was nominated for a Tommy Tune Award for her role as “the Witch” in Into the Woods. After graduating with her BFA in Acting from Otterbein University, she moved to NYC in 2016 where she worked for Carnahan Casting/Roundabout Theatre Company, and took improv classes at UCB and the Magnet. Since then, Mason has continued to perform in regional productions as well as pursuing her passion for stand-up comedy, even performing on a show with Janeane Garofalo in Brooklyn, NY. In 2021, following the pandemic, she moved out to Los Angeles to follow her dreams of being a stand-up comic and actor. Mason can be seen regularly at Flappers, Broadway Comedy Club, and The Comedy Chateau as well as taking improv classes at the prestigious Groundlings in West Hollywood.

Musical Director

Debra Lee

Debra has loved being a Musical Director at Upstage Schools for the last 14 years. Her background is as a professional singer, actress and trained musician. She has performed on stage and in television and films. As a teacher, she has gained fulfillment from putting on hundreds of high quality shows and watching students blossom as performers and people. Her classes are fun and structured. Students learn the value of teamwork, discipline and hard work. When the final curtain falls, they feel proud, they have made new friends and they have developed skills for life.

Musical Director

Henry Oakes

Henry Oakes has lived all over the country before landing in California where he’s been located for the past decade. He’s been involved with theater since grade school and has followed his artistic passions through several practices. Managing, Directing, and performing in several productions across LA. Henry is also a working Music, producer, writer, and sound engineer, working to grow his own body of original musical works throughout his pursuit of a BA in Music Production. Henry has always loved working with kids and is thrilled at the opportunity to give kids the same joy for theater that was given to him at such a young age. He values artistic integrity, inclusive learning, and intentional leadership. He aims to cheer kids on as they step up to bat, and start discovering just what makes them who they are. 

Director, Musical Director

Bobby Kiner

Bobby (He/Him) is a California native actor and musician from San Luis Obispo. After graduating PCPA’s two year acting conservatory with credits in shows such as Shakespeare in Love, Romeo & Juliet, The Addams Family, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, Bobby went on to tour with the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. The tour brought an educational outreach production of Macbeth to nearly 100 public schools and libraries across California. After perusing professional theatre in the Bay Area, Bobby has transitioned to working in film and television in Los Angeles making appearances in projects such as The Offer and Babylon. The greatest pride of acting for Bobby is collaboration, team building, and exploration, especially with others who share a curiosity and passion for the artistic side of living.

Director, Musical Director

Rachel Sorsa

Rachel Sorsa received her B.A. in theatre and drama from The University of Michigan; M.A. in theatre from Michigan State University; and is a doctoral candidate in theatre history and criticism at The University of Texas-Austin.  She is a three-time Ovation nominee for best featured actress and BroadwayWorld nominee for lead actress in a musical for her portrayal of Rosemary Clooney in TENDERLY across the nation.  She is the bandleader/vocalist and songwriter for Rachel Sorsa Band and released their debut album, SISU, to critical acclaim. She has performed in a multitude of theatrical productions across the country and in Beijing, China. Rachel has been a teaching artist and company member of Rogue Machine Theatre company since 2013 and has been acting and playwriting for numerous elementary, middle and high schools and the Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta and Los Angeles since 2002. Rachel is passionate about bringing the magic, healing and empowerment of theatre arts to young people!

Director, Musical Director, Choreographer

Tiffany Phillips

A graduate of New York’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Tiffany is a highly accomplished, multi-talented actress, singer, and dancer who began her career in the New York Theatre and has since gone on to appear in numerous television shows and films. From recurring as BNC News Anchor “Angela Raines” on “Scandal to playing a sinister warrior Skinwalker named “Dark Spirit” on MTV’s Teen Wolf or the fictional 1950s film star Cynthia Beckley in the award-winning dramatic film “Daughter Of Fortune,” Tiffany has an exceptional range and chameleon-like ability to morph into a multitude of different characters. Aside from her TV/Film credits, Tiffany was the lead background vocalist for Michael Bolton’s world tour and she also wrote and starred in her smash hit, critically acclaimed one-woman show “I Never Met a Jerk I Didn’t Like” where she played 10 different characters (both men and women) which sold out theatre venues in both Los Angeles and Off-Broadway in New York. Currently; her multi-award-winning comedy web series “Ethnically Ambiguous” which Tiffany created, wrote, and starred in can be seen on Youtube.

Choreographer

Chris Payne Dupré

Chris Payne Dupré is an accomplished choreographer, dancer, educator, on-camera talent, singer and filmmaker from Los Angeles. He has choreographed for such iconic artists as Prince, Katy Perry, Jason Derulo and Backstreet Boys. As a performer, Chris made his Broadway musical debut in the Tony and Grammy Award winning original cast of AIDA. As a dance educator, he is a teacher’s teacher, well-versed in disciplines including jazz, ballet, hip hop and salsa. From dance conventions to workshops, Chris’ 30+ years of teaching experience spans the globe.

Director, Musical Director

Sarah Kline

Sarah graduated from Cal State University Northridge where she earned a Bachelors in Theatre Arts with a minor in Musical Theatre. While studying at CSUN, she received an Irene Ryan Acting Award Nomination from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. She also is an alumna of Stella Adler’s Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles. 

Now, Sarah performs, directs, and teaches theatre across Southern California. Most notably, Sarah sings annually with Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional Choir, and was a member of the inaugural SoCal cast of The Polar Express Train Ride. In the summertime, Sarah has a home with the Teenage Drama Workshop at Cal State University Northridge. Most recently at TADW, Sarah was the Assistant Director for Frozen Jr. She has also been found teaching acting, directing student written works, and even sewing a costume or two.

Choreographer

Corinne DeCost

Corinne DeCost grew up in New England and has been performing since age three. Before graduating high school she had been involved with over 50 theatrical productions, onstage and off. She attended Suffolk University, and founded their sketch comedy troupe that has now been running 10+ years. After graduating, she directed shows at Improv Boston, taught theatre at Yamaha Music School of Boston, and made a few television appearances. Corinne also works remotely with Multiverse Concert Series, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that creates immersive educational experiences focusing on combining science and art. She recently moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco with Netflix’s production of The Stranger Things Experience. Corinne is excited to work for Upstage and inspire the next generation of performers and theatre enthusiasts. 

Director, Choreographer

Erika Schindele

Erika is a multifaceted performer: actress, narrator, singer and dancer. She received her BA from the School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA. She also enjoys the chance to mentor other artists and has choreographed, directed, and coached middle and high schools around LA and Orange County. She has performed at theaters across California and has had the pleasure of playing such iconic roles as Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire, Belle in A Christmas Carol for 12 years running at the Tony award winning theater: South Coast Repertory, as well as Georgie in Heisenberg and Lisa in Collected Stories (Desert Theater League nominee for Best Actress) and the historic Martha Jefferson in 1776 (for which the show won an LA Weekly award).  Also, at South Coast Repertory she originated the role of Helen in the World Premiere of An Italian Straw Hat and has been on their stage every year in the last decade plus. She has also worked along side Ms. Gretchen Cryer as an actor as assistant choreographer in her West Coast Premiere and revival of I’m Still Getting My Act Together at Laguna Playhouse.  Erika also performed at Disneyland and spends a great deal of time narrating audiobooks. She is a long time member of the Actor’s Equity Association, SAG/AFTRA and AGVA.

Director

Jonathan Hoskins

Jonathan Hoskins, a graduate of Winthrop University with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in dance, has been a theatre educator and director for over a decade. With a background in professional performing, including roles with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, where he also trained in Commedia dell’arte. He has taught at schools and programs in South Carolina, North Carolina, and most recently in California at Geffen Academy at UCLA, Eliot Arts Magnet, & Altadena Arts Magnet. Jonathan is enthusiastic about joining Upstage and sharing the transformative power of the performing arts.

Choreographer

Holly Tarkon

Holly Tarkon is a Los Angeles-based actor and dancer. Originally from Alaska, she has appeared in theatre productions in Alaska, Texas, New York City, and Los Angeles. She has been dancing for over 20 years and is overjoyed to be returning to choreographing after six years. 

Musical Director

Angelique Marie

Angelique Marie is your 2020 Ms. United States Elite (Woman of Achievement). She is a graduate of DePaul University and Columbia College in Chicago, IL where she was born and raised. As a 27 year Professional Vocalist, Actress, and Model, she learned from the best and her career elevated to becoming a Professional Vocal Coach, Director and Producer. When not performing with well-known bands in A-List Venues, or recording an album with producers and writers across the U.S, she is sharing her talent somewhere inside a studio with a student(s)- living by her mantra: “Life is a gift; and it is the privilege, responsibility, and opportunity to give something back, by becoming more…”. Anthony Robbins.

Some of her favorite artistic credentials include: “Phantom of the Opera” (Christine), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Simon), “Guys and Dolls” (Sarah Brown), “Aladdin” (Jasmine), “Stop, In The Name of Love” (Rita) & featured roles in Grease, Carousel, and a plethora of plays and musicals, World Champion of Performing Arts 2X Gold Medalist and numerous other Pageant and Talent Titles. Angelique’s directorial credentials include over 24 Musical Productions including Les Misérables, RENT, Lion King Jr., Wicked Journey To Oz, The Enchantment of Beauty and the Beast and many more. She also directs the annual Miss International STARS Pageant for ladies ages 2-50+. She owned her own school in Chicago and now feels honored and thrilled to be a part of such a phenomenal team with Upstage Theater Schools Break a leg everyone!

Rozlyn Stanley

Roz is originally from South Carolina and has worked as an actor/teaching artist previously with Columbia Children’s Theatre and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Some of her favorite roles from children’s theatre include the Queen of Hearts, Tailor Stitches, and Carmen Banana. She earned her BA in Theater from North Greenville University and also studied at Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC) as well as Wesley Institute in Sydney, Australia. She has trained in improv and writing at Upright Citizens Brigade and the Groundlings. In February 2022, Roz won Best Female Performance in a Comedy from the International Academy for Web Television for her series regular role as Melody in “Girl, Chill.”  You’ve likely seen her face on ye ol’ television or heard her voice in commercials, animated series and video games. She also lends her vocal talents to audiobooks. 

Roz believes that the theatre is a place of magic and wonder. She is so excited to be working with Upstage! She hopes your kiddos get to experience the magic of theatre and carry it with them throughout their lives.   “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” –JM Barrie

Musical Director

Jessie Guthrie

Jessie Guthrie is a California native and new to Upstage. She graduated from UCLA’s school of Theater, Film & Television in 2020 with a BA in Theater. Since graduation, she has been studying with Lesly Kahn and performing at Pacific Resident Theater. Jessie was most recently in the Lifetime film, If Walls Could Talk. She is thrilled to combine her love of kids and performing!

Choreographer

Michaela Ferroggiaro

Michaela Ferroggiaro is an artist from the Central Coast of California. She is a graduate of Pacific Conservatory Theatre Professional Acting Training Program (PCPA) and has earned her BFA from Cornish College of the Arts. While she has spent a lifetime studying dance and movement, Michaela is equally passionate about music, and is a vocalist and songwriter. She has discovered great happiness through teaching and always looks forward to sharing the joy of theatre with her students.

Choreographer

Miranda Newman

Miranda is an avid lover of all things theater and performance! She began teaching acting classes in 2018 and received her B.F.A in Theatre with a Concentration in Performance for Stage and Screen and a Minor in Dance Appreciation in 2019 from George Mason University (whew, what a mouthful). She moved to from Virginia to LA in 2021 and has since worked on a variety of projects including some small commercials, a music video, a short film, and a feature film. But she is very excited to get back to her theatrical roots and working with students through Upstage’s summer program!

Director

Schuyler Mastain

Schuyler Mastain (AEA) received his MFA in Acting from UNC Chapel Hill (2017) and BFA in Acting from SMU (2004). He has played onstage at Playmakers Repertory Company, A Noise Within, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Open
Fist Theatre Company, where he is a current member. His play, The Sower, about the life of Vincent van Gogh, received the Encore Award at the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival and a 12 show run at the Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre on Melrose. He currently teaches Drama and Video Production at South Pasadena Middle School and is excited to share his enthusiasm for the theatre with the Upstage community!

Choreographer

Dana Jamison

Dana May Jamison is a fun and bubbly SAG actress and world traveler with a background in theater and dance. She moved to LA when she was 18 years old and has been teaching ever since. Her main passion is working with kids and giving them the enthusiasm and encouragement they need in order to shine authentically.

Choreographer

Kelle Meschede

Kelle Meschede is a dancer, choreographer, and visual artist whose diverse background spans performance, creative direction, and arts education. Her dance journey began as a scholarship recipient of the Edge Performing Arts Center’s professional training program, where she developed her skills in a variety of styles. Kelle’s performance credits include projects with Sia, Maya Angelou, M83, The Ellen Show, and Disney. She has also choreographed and performed at renowned venues like LA’s Broad Museum and NYC’s Lincoln Center.

Currently an artist in residence with LA Contemporary Dance Company, Kelle continues to push boundaries in dance and cross-cultural collaboration. Her educational background deeply informs her artistic work: Kelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from California State University-Dominguez Hills, focusing on child development. This academic foundation shapes her teaching approach, allowing her to meet students where they are—offering a balance of challenge and support tailored to each individual’s developmental needs. Kelle views artistic expression as a powerful modality for healing and is committed to fostering environments where students feel safe to explore, play, and develop their own artistic voices.

Choreographer

Fredericka Meek

Hailing from the Windy City, Fredericka performed in the pre-Broadway workshop of Car Wash the Musical: The Norman Whitfield Story where she played Bunny, Norman’s niece and a hopeless romantic. She also toured the USA and Canada as one of two “Coquettes” performing with Conan O’Brien in his “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television” Tour. Recipient of an NAACP Theatre Award for Best Supporting Blactress, this rising star is one of the founders of the uniquely funny all female sketch comedy group, “Illuminaughty By Nature.” No stranger to the comedy scene, Fredericka has headlined Comedy Festivals, and through her production company HeyGurrrrrrl Productions, won Best Ensemble Cast and Best Comedy Series at LAWeb Fest for her first webseries, and was nominated for Best Comedy Short at the Trail Dance Film Festival. She also completed 2 seasons of “Paradise Drive.” a semi-scripted webseries developed for Comedy Central. Additional TV/film credits include guest spots on ABC’s Work It, TBS’s Conan, TNT’s Franklin & Bash, NBC’s Tonight Show, Fox TV’s Head Cases, NBC’s Passions and ABC’s General Hospital. Performing in such exotic locales as India, Chile, Hawaii and Japan, she has shared the stage vocally with such music legends as Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, Cheryl Lynn, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Ollie Woodson (former Temptation), rock/metal sensation Marilyn Manson, European pop star Bosson, and R&B great Dave Hollister.

Production Coordinator

Christopher Berrios

Born and raised here in SoCal, Chris has lived his whole life in the Los Angeles area. With love in all things media, Chris has a special love for movies, video games, and storytelling as a whole. From writing, to acting, to producing, Chris has been enamored with the process of storytelling ever since he was a kid. From the wacky belly laughs of a good farce to thought provoking qualms elicited by short films, Chris believes in the beauty and importance of storytelling.

He fell in love with live theatre at the age of eighteen in his freshman year of college. Ever since that first show business bug bit him in his first acting class, Chris has had experience from Improv, fight choreography, and of course Shakespeare. For many years, during the summer, Chris would work as a Student aide for summer programs at Polytechnic School, where he would teach fun electives such as Acting 101 and Improv for Dummies! In doing so he learned to understand that theatre can teach children many important aspects of life such as creativity, diversity, teamwork and of course, self confidence. Chris is incredibly excited to be part of a team of outstanding teachers and staff that aim to help children unlock their full potential in the journey of theatre.

Costume Designer

Faith Kawakami

Faith has been involved with theater since a young age and has always had an interest in costuming. She attended Pasadena City College for Fashion Design. While at Pasadena City College she designed numerous shows including Cabaret, Fight Night, and Dog Sees God. She has also worked on shows outside of college such as Somewhere in Nevada, with the Young Actors Studio, and We Look to the Stars, at the Huntington Gardens with the LA Opera. As a teen, Faith worked on several Upstage shows as an Assistant Costume Designer. Faith join Upstage officially as a Costume Designer in the Spring of 2021 and has had an amazing experience working on the summer Upstage camps.

Sound and Lighting Technician

Erik MacPherson

A New England native and graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Erik has been working in music for over 30 years with extensive experience in live performance, theater, music education, and multiple national tours.