Theatre Academy Staff
Jennifer Feldser:
has been with the Playhouse since the beginning, directing, acting, and stage manager for many of the productions. For the Theatre Academy, not only is she one of its teachers, but she has written several of the short plays that the students have performed. When Jen is not doing theatre she is busy keeping track of dramatic students as the district librarian for steelton-highspire school district. She serves as a Regional Green Captain for the broadway green alliance.
JILL PANYARD
Jill Panyard is the administrating director for the Theatre Academy. She has directed shows and taught classes and camps at the Playhouse for 14 years. Jill also has been involved with Encore Home School Productions for 20 years. Encore students have captured many nominations and several wins for the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards. Jill specializes in teaching students, ages 5-18, how to develop character. She loves watching young actors become confident on stage.
Laurie Miller Petersen:
Comes to us straight from New York with professional credits in Stage Combat from both theatre and film industries. Laurie holds a degree in theatre from the prestigious Northwestern University and has been teaching for the playhouse since 2009.
Chiara Meyers
Chiara is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College where she acquired a minor in Musical Theatre and a concentration in Theater. She has been acting since sixth grade and has appeared in a number of shows over the years. She works as the Education Assistant and Event Coordinator for the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards and helps choreograph shows for LVC's Musical Theatre Department. Chiara has experience acting, directing, and choreographing. She enjoys helping students discover the creative outlet that theater provides.
Debra Macut:
Holds a BA in drama and psychology and an MFA in Acting from Catholic University of America. She has enjoyed a successful career in professional theatre, performing throughout the United States, and has an extensive teaching background with over 20 years of teaching experience.
Melissa Moad:
has loved performing theater since she was young and has participated in many plays and musicals from childhood through adulthood. She has a background in acting, classical ballet and theater direction. Melissa holds a BA in Theater performance from Temple University. She has been directing and producing theater for 12 years in schools and community theater. Melissa has also taught theater classes at the high school level and especially enjoys teaching acting techniques and the theater process to students. It is always a joy to be part of the creative process in making great theater come to life.
Theatre Academy founder: Cory Wilkerson
Cory Wilkerson is a director and performer specializing in theatre for youth, who trained in the UK. Former artistic director of WOW! Theatre. Ms. Wilkerson has taught acting both here and in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Wilkerson is a recipient of a Pennsylvania State Legislature Certificate of Achievement for her work with children and youth. When not directing or teaching, Ms. Wilkerson is a national arts education consultant.