2023 BROADWAY BOUND STAFF
BROADWAY BOUND ADMINISTRATION
TONY Cimino-Johnson (HE/HIM)
Executive DIRECTOR - All Programming
Mississippi U. For Women - MFA - THEATRE EDUCATION
UCONN - MASTERS IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATE
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY - MASTERS IN DRAMA THERAPY
MCDANIEL COLLEGE - BACHELORS IN THEATRE
VDOE CERTIFIED THEATRE ARTS
Mr. Cimino-Johnson received his Terminal Degree, a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education from Mississippi University for Women. In 2023, his theatre program was name a top Premier Community for Theatre Education, one of 25 in the entire nation. Mr. CJ has his Master of Arts from New York University in Drama Therapy and his Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Arts with a minor in Psychology from McDaniel College. Over the past ten year, Mr. Cimino-Johnson has utilized theatre as a vehicle for self-expression, while creating a brave space for a diverse group of students within the academic venue. Mr. Cimino-Johnson has 15 years of Teaching in the Public School Setting and 20 years experience in the Summer Camp, Community Theatre, and Extra-Curricular Venues.
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REBEKAH HESS
Education Director - CAMP 1
Regent university - mASTERS in theatre
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY - MASTERS IN SECONDARY ENGLISH
LEE UNIVERSITY - BA IN ENGLISH LITERATURE
Miss Hess joined Rock Ridge Performing Arts for its inaugural season as a member of the audition panel for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She continued her involvement with Rock Ridge as a choreographer and member of the directing team for Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid and as a member of the audition panel for the main stage productions. In the fall of 2016 Miss Hess joined the Fine Arts department as a full-time theater teacher, teaching both acting and technical theater classes. She oversees the costume, hair, make-up, and props design teams.
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Addie SchafeR bENKO (SHE/HER)
Internship director - Camp 1
education Director - Camp 2
MA English and theatre - William & Mary
BA English and Theatre - William & Mary
Addie Schafer Benko is a Virginia Educator who has directed theatre and taught in K-12 classrooms for the last 6 years in Loudoun County. Addie received her Master's in Education as well as BA in English and Theatre from the College of William and Mary. Addie is also a National Geographic Educator and was a 2019 fellow. Addie was a Fulbright Teacher in 2015 in Malaysia. She travels and teaches English as well as arts skills nationally as well as internationally. She has accepted an Executive Director position with Virginia Thespians and will help with Broadway Bound summer camps as the Assistant Artistic Director. She is excited to join RRPA and the talented staff as well as campers to contribute to the summer productions.
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katie rivers (she/her)
director of health and safety - CAMP 1 & 2
virginia common wealth university - ma social work
Katie Rivers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years experience working with children and families. She and her daughter have been a part of RRPA Broadway Bound since the first year. Katie brings an expertise in child development, behavior modification and classroom management to our program. Moment to moment Katie is available to assist with emotions, cheer on and motivate the campers and assist in keeping everyone safe. Her energy in the morning puts smiles on faces and in the afternoon sends everyone home full of joy
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STephanie carlock (she/her)
aSSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND SAFETY - CAMP 1
University of delaware - ba music education
university of florida - ma music education
Stephanie Carlock is thrilled to be back with Rock Ridge Performing Arts, having served as a vocal director since the beginning of Broadway Bound. Ms. Carlock graduated from University of Delaware with a Bachelors in Music Education with a concentration in voice and euphonium. She received her Masters of Music Education from the University of Florida and teaches orchestra in Harford County, Maryland. Ms. Carlock has been the musical director for numerous productions and plays piano frequently in pit orchestras at schools and community theaters. She is also a member of the board of directors for Tidewater Players.
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noam denenberg (he/him)
Chief operations DIRECTOR
University of CINCINNATI - CCM - BFA Scenic Design
Noam Denenberg is a Scenic Design graduate from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. For the past 9 years, he has designed and assisted on numerous productions receiving various awards and recognitions. Most recently, Noam assisted the production designer and art department on a new Warner Bros. film starring Robert Di Nero. He has been a part of Broadway Bound since its inception and always looks forward to the life-long memories made at camp! Noam hopes to inspire the next generation of artists to follow their dreams and believe that anything is possible.
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Ellie Schubert (she/her)
aSSISTANT eDUCATION dIRECTOR
bERKLEE sCHOOL OF MUSIC -
bfa IN pROGRESS - mUSIC bUSINESS AND mUSIC pRODUCTION
Ellie Schubert is an alumni of Rock Ridge Performing Arts. You may recognize her from her role as Paulette in Legally Blonde, and Calliope in Xanadu. Ellie has been a member of the marketing team as well as Rock Ridge Sings, Rock Ridge Yearbook, and Student Council Association. This fall, she plans to pursue music production and music business. She’s so excited to spend the summer creating magic on stage!
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Ale Nance (she/her)
aSSISTANT to the internship dIRECTOR
Long island university: bfa in arts management and musical theatre
Alexandria Nance is a rising junior at Long Island University Post pursuing a double B.F.A. in Arts Management and Musical Theater. At LIU Post she recently finished re-designing the Post Theater Company website, Stage Managed the Spring Post Concert Dance Company show, and worked as the Dramaturg/Assistant Stage Manager to a new play development. Last summer she was seen as Harper McAfee in Static: Noise of a New Musical which premiered at the Capital Fringe Festival.
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jason jones (he/him)
Marketing, content, graphics
VCU - BFA IN KINETIC IMAGING (IN PROGRESS)
Jason is a sophomore at VCUarts and a recent RRPA alumni. His first show with RRPA was Newsies during his freshman year, and he has gotten involved with every production since. You may recognize Jason from one of his roles in RRPA including Chad from High School Musical 2. In addition to performing, Jason spent a lot of his time in the program leading the marketing team; serving as the Chief Content Officer since his sophomore year and Marketing Chair since his junior year. This will be his 4th year with Broadway Bound and he looks forward to seeing all the new and returning faces!
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KYLIE MILLER (she/her)
MARKETING, CONTENT, GRAPHICS
Florida gulf coast university - BUSINESS AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT (IN PROGRESS)
Rock Ridge Performing Arts Alumni, Kylie Miller is excited to share her passion for marketing and digital media with Broadway Bound. Kylie has been an active member of the Rock Ridge Performing Arts Marketing Team since the beginning of her sophomore year, and served as their Director of Digital Media and Design. Kylie could not be more excited to share with you a glimpse of RRPA Broadway Bound this summer!
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ROSE staff
ELLE OUIMET (she/her)
DIRECTOR
wagner college -
ba theatre performance
BA Dance education
(in progress)
Elle Ouimet(She/Her) is currently a sophomore from Ashburn, Virginia, double majoring in Theatre Performance and Dance Education at Wagner College in New York City. This past year Elle has played Bonnie Parker in the production of Bonnie & Clyde as well Kaylee in The Prom at Wagner College. She recently made her professional regional theatre debut in Grease at Axelrod Performing Arts in Asbury Park, NJ as Ensemble and Dance Captain. Elle was a member of Rock Ridge Performing Arts and graduated in 2021. She Choreographed Moana Jr. and Directed The Lion King Jr last summer at RRPA’s Broadway Bound. Elle is delighted to be back working with the incredible staff and kids!
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Maggie cantwell (she/her)
CHOREOGRAPHER
Wagner college - ba theatre PERFORMANCE and ba dance education (in progress)
Maggie Cantwell (She/Her), is a proud RRPA alumni who currently goes to school at Wagner College in New York City. Pursuing a degree in Musical Theater and Dance Education she has a passion for performing and is overjoyed to bring the magic of theater to her campers this summer! She choreographed productions in the past such as RRPA’s Matilda, Xanadu, Lion King Jr, and High School Musical 2. This past year as a freshman in College she had the opportunity to be part of two productions consisting of Godspell and Wizard of OZ. She is so proud of all her campers' hard work and looks forward to each of them lighting up the stage!
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JD MAXEY
Vocal Director
University of kansas - B.S. IN MUSIC EDUCATION
JD Maxey is a 2017 graduate of Rock Ridge Performing Arts and Rock Ridge Sings. Recently graduating with a B.S. in Music Education, he will be the new middle school choral teacher at Smart Mills Middle School. JD is excited to come back and spread his love of music with the same company that got him started!
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RACHaEL MCNUTT (SHE/HER)
TEACHING ARTIST
BFA - Drama - nyu stella adler studio (in progress)
Rachael McNutt is a performer who is currently getting her undergraduate degree in Drama from New York University studying at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Rachael is excited to work alongside the RRPA theatre team after graduating from Broad Run High School in 2022. Rachael hopes you enjoy all the hard work these kids have put into the show!
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BE OUR GUEST STAFF
KATIE HUDSON (she/her)
Director
gEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY - MA IN THEATRE EDUCATION
RADFORD UNIVERSITY - BS IN THEATRE FOCUS IN DIRECTING AND PERFORMANCE
Katie Hudson is excited to work yet again with RRPA, she comes to us from Broad Run High School where she serves as the Theatre Educator. Ms. Hudson has also enjoyed serving on the Virginia Thespians state board as VTO Chair and the Blue Ridge Cappies board as Program Manager. Ms. Hudson has had the pleasure of working with many different communities in Northern Virginia as a Theatre Educator and Director with school such as Stone Bridge HS, Trailside MS, and where she is now- Broad Run HS. She has also directed with Community Theatres such as StageCoach Theatre, Studio Bleu, and Treehouse for Creative Kids. While working with all these amazing communities she also worked with students one on one as a private acting coach and vocal instructor. She is excited to continue work with RRPA and continue to bring inspiring stories to the Loudoun Community as a whole.
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julia freeman (she/her)
CHOREOGRAPHER
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - GREENSBORO - BFA IN MUSICAL THEATRE
Julia is a recent graduate from Rock Ridge Performing Arts and attended Broadway Bound as a camper. You may have seen her on our stage as Campbell in Bring It On or Miss Honey in Matilda. She was also on the leadership team, choreographed Big Fish, and directed Women Of Lockerbie. She will be attending a competitive Musical Theatre BFA program. She cannot wait to be on staff for the first time at Broadway Bound and continue to share her passion with RRPA.
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sRIJA PINNAMANENI
VOCAL DIRECTOR
B.S. - APPLIED DATA SCIENCE - penn state university
Srija Pinnamaneni is a recent graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Applied Data Sciences. Srija has studied music since middle school and continues to do so in college. Srija has been involved with RRPA since 2015 as a performer and an Assistant Vocal Director for many RRPA musicals. Some roles Srija’s favorite roles have been Fiona in Shrek, an Ancestor in The Addams Family, and a Mersister in The Little Mermaid. She is very excited to use her passion for music and education to inspire a new generation of performers as a Vocal Director at Broadway Bound!
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AJ ruhnke (HE/HIM)
TEACHING ARTIST
long island university: brooklyn campus - BFA IN THEATRE AND FILM (IN PROGRESS)
Alexander Ruhnke is a recently graduated senior at Rock Ridge High School and will be pursuing a BFA in TV/FIlm/Theater acting degree at Long Island University Brooklyn. Alexander is excited to join Broadway Bound for the first time and is ready to teach the advanced methods he learned in his time at RRPA.
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magic mirror STAFF
Ann devine(SHE/HER)
director
UMBC - MA - tHEATRE EDUCATION
CAP 21 - bFA MUSICAL THEATRE
Ann Devine is a multifaceted artist and educator, with a diverse background in the performing arts and a passion for nurturing young talent. She graduated from CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory with a BFA in Theatre Arts and obtained a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Formerly a working actor, singer, and dancer in New York City, she now serves as a full-time Middle School Theatre Teacher. With over eight years of experience working with organizations such as RRPA and Broadway Bound, she has directed a wide range of productions including, High School Musical 2 Jr, Beauty and The Beast Jr, She Kills Monsters, Moana Jr, Frozen Jr, and many more. Drawing from her performance background and academic expertise, she inspires young talents and nurture a love for the arts. Ann believes in the transformative power of storytelling for self-expression and empathy.
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elle hardesty (SHE/HER)
CHOROEGRAPHER
Virginia commonwealth university - bfa dance (in progress)
Elle Hardesty is a rising sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University pursuing a BFA in Dance and Choreography. As a former Rock Ridge Performing Arts member, she participated in and was a student choreographer for many shows, including Matilda and Xanadu. Elle has most recently performed in VCUarts Dance and Choreography’s “Énouement” and “Freshman Repertoire Concert.” Elle has loved spending the past four summers with Broadway Bound and can’t wait for another great year on staff.
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JORDAN MARKWOOD (he/him)
VOCAL DIRECTOR
M.M - Westminster choir college of rider university in vocal pedagogy and performance
B.M - Houghton College in Music Education
Mr. Markwood has a bachelor of music from Houghton College in Music Education with a concentration in voice. He graduated from Westminster Choir College of Rider University with a master of music in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance. He performed in several operas at Houghton College and was invited to the New York Vocal Institute on a full scholarship in 2006. He served as the director for a youth mission choir known as the Voices of Youth in the summer of 2010 and assistant director in 2004 and 2007. Mr. Markwood directed the Shenandoah Valley Chorus, a chapter of the Sweet Adelines in Winchester, VA from 2007-2013. He teaches private voice lessons and continued his own choral studies by assisting as the Tenor section leader in the Arts Chorale of Winchester and Vocal Consort from 2008-2014. In addition, Mr. Markwood served as the Worship Arts Coordinator at Round Hill United Methodist Church in Winchester, VA from 2007-2014. He is now the Director of Music at Galilee UMC in Sterling, VA. Mr. Markwood was named the 2022 LCPS and Washington Post Teacher of the Year.
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LARRY RATLIFF (he/him)
TEACHING ARTIST
BA - THEATRE ARTS - RADFORD UNIVERSITY
Larry David Ratliff was born and raised in South Western Virginia. He developed a love and appreciation for Theatre later in life, and graduated with a degree in Performance Theatre from Radford University in 2018. Since then he has worked in all aspects of theatre, on AND off stage! He is currently a Site-Based Substitute at Broad Run High School, where he also serves as the acting Technical Director of their Theatre department.
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FAIRY TALE STAFF
ELLE OUIMET (she/her)
DIRECTOR
BA THEATRE PERFORMANCE
BA DANCE EDUCATION
(IN PROGRESS)
Elle Ouimet(She/Her) is currently a sophomore from Ashburn, Virginia, double majoring in Theatre Performance and Dance Education at Wagner College in New York City. This past year Elle has played Bonnie Parker in the production of Bonnie & Clyde as well Kaylee in The Prom at Wagner College. She recently made her professional regional theatre debut in Grease at Axelrod Performing Arts in Asbury Park, NJ as Ensemble and Dance Captain. Elle was a member of Rock Ridge Performing Arts and graduated in 2021. She Choreographed Moana Jr. and Directed The Lion King Jr last summer at RRPA’s Broadway Bound. Elle is delighted to be back working with the incredible staff and kids!
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Maggie cantwell (she/her)
CHOREOGRAPHER
Wagner college - ba theatre PERFORMANCE and ba dance education (in progress)
Maggie Cantwell (She/Her), is a proud RRPA alumni who currently goes to school at Wagner College in New York City. Pursuing a degree in Musical Theater and Dance Education she has a passion for performing and is overjoyed to bring the magic of theater to her campers this summer! She choreographed productions in the past such as RRPA’s Matilda, Xanadu, Lion King Jr, and High School Musical 2. This past year as a freshman in College she had the opportunity to be part of two productions consisting of Godspell and Wizard of OZ. She is so proud of all her campers' hard work and looks forward to each of them lighting up the stage!
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CHLOE ANDERSON (SHE/HER)
VOCAL DIRECTOR
Stephens college - bfa in musical theatre in progress
A graduate of Loudoun Valley High School, Chloe is a sophomore BFA musical theatre major at Stephens College. Chloe was a member of the Chamber Choir at LVHS and the teaching assistant for the LVHS Concert Choir. She assistant vocal directed Loudoun Valley’s production of Into The Woods and co-directed and founded The Morning Glories acapella quartet. She sings professionally with the Clear Harmonies Carolers. Chloe is very excited to vocal direct for RRPA and share her love of singing with others.
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AJ ruhnke (HE/HIM)
TEACHING ARTIST
long island university: brooklyn campus - BFA IN THEATRE AND FILM (IN PROGRESS)
Alexander Ruhnke is a recently graduated senior at Rock Ridge High School and will be pursuing a BFA in TV/FIlm/Theater acting degree at Long Island University Brooklyn. Alexander is excited to join Broadway Bound for the first time and is ready to teach the advanced methods he learned in his time at RRPA.
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TEA CUP STAFF
LARRY RATLIFF (he/him)
DIRECTOR
BA - THEATRE ARTS - RADFORD UNIVERSITY
Larry David Ratliff was born and raised in South Western Virginia. He developed a love and appreciation for Theatre later in life, and graduated with a degree in Performance Theatre from Radford University in 2018. Since then he has worked in all aspects of theatre, on AND off stage! He is currently a Site-Based Substitute at Broad Run High School, where he also serves as the acting Technical Director of their Theatre department.
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elle hardesty (SHE/HER)
CHOROEGRAPHER & tEACHING ARTIST
Virginia commonwealth university - bfa dance (in progress)
Elle Hardesty is a recent graduate of Rock Ridge High School. As a dancer, she is a senior performance company member of the JaM Youth Project, a pre-professional tap dance company. In high school, Elle has designed costumes for some and has performed in multiple RRPA productions including Xanadu and Matilda, where she has had the opportunity of being assistant choreographer and student choreographer, respectively. Elle has loved spending her summers with Broadway Bound and can’t wait for another great year! She plans on continuing performing in the future, and majoring in dance at college in the fall.
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julia freeman (she/her)
CHOREOGRAPHER & teaching artist
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - GREENSBORO - BFA IN MUSICAL THEATRE
Julia is a recent graduate from Rock Ridge Performing Arts and attended Broadway Bound as a camper. You may have seen her on our stage as Campbell in Bring It On or Miss Honey in Matilda. She was also on the leadership team, choreographed Big Fish, and directed Women Of Lockerbie. She will be attending a competitive Musical Theatre BFA program. She cannot wait to be on staff for the first time at Broadway Bound and continue to share her passion with RRPA.
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KIERA ANDERSON (SHE/HER)
Vocal Director
Stephens college conserabtory for the performing arts - bfa in musical theatre - in progress
Keira Anderson is a sophomore pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She is a graduate of Loudoun Valley High School. This past year, she had the opportunity to be part of three productions, including White Christmas, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Curtain Up! She is performing in Promises, Promises this summer with Okoboji Summer Theatre. She co-founded the Morning Glories Acapella quartet and she sings professionally with the Clear Harmonies Carolers. Keira is thrilled to be a part of RRPA this summer, and is so excited to make music with our talented campers.
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youth camp staff
jill ratcliff (she/her)
Elementary education classroom specialist
Florida State University - Ba Music Education
George Mason University - Ma Music Education
Mrs. Ratcliff is so excited to teach Broadway Bound Kids this year! Mrs. Ratcliff has taught 6 years at Newton-Lee and in Loudoun County. Mrs. Ratcliff earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Florida State University in 2014 and her Masters of Music Education with a concentration in Orff Schulwerk from George Mason University in 2018.
Mrs. Ratcliff studied the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education through AOSA (American Orff Schulwerk Association) and the Mason Academy of the Arts. She earned her Orff Schulwerk certification in the summer of 2017 after completing all three levels of training. She combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons that are similar to a child's world of play. She focuses on student driven instruction and incorporates individual and group improvisation experiences. |
LUCY STEARNS (she/her)
Choreographer Broadway Bound Youth
BERKLEE SCHOOL OF MUSIC: Majoring in Professional Music WITH CONCENTRATION IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE, MUSICAL THEATER, AND MUSIC BUSINESS
Lucy Stearns is about to begin her second year at Berklee College of Music, majoring in Professional Music with concentrations in Vocal Performance, Musical Theater Performance, and Music Business. Some of her favorite past roles include Percy in The Spitfire Grill, and a Bird Girl/understudy Gertrude in Seussical. Travelling here from Seattle, WA, she is so excited to be a part of such an incredible community!
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BROADWAY BOUND TECHNICAL THEATRE staff
peter johnson (he/him)
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
ROLLINS COLLEGE - HUMANITIES
abbey helfen (she/her)
pRODUCTION MANAGER
oklahoma city university - bfa stage management candidate
Abbey is about to begin her final year at Oklahoma City University where she is majoring in Stage and Production Management. Abbey is excited to be returning to summer camp for the production of Beauty and the Beast Jr as Production Manager! Abbey has been a part of RRPA family since her freshman year of highschool and has returned every summer since graduation to work with all her favorite people.
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AKSHATHA SRIVASTAVA
ASSISTANT Technical director
CARNEGIE MELON UNIVERSITY - BFA TECH DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Akshatha is currently a rising senior at Carnegie Mellon University in pursuit of her BFA in Technical Direction. As a proud RRPA alumn, she is happy to be back and share her love for creating, building, and problem-solving. She is excited to work with the next generation of creators and theatre makers.
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OLIVIA HELFEN (they/she)
deck captain/master carpenter
ba - jOURNALISM - SOUTH CAROLINA
Olivia is going to be a freshman at college this upcoming school year. She was a part of broadway bound as a camper for a few years before getting to high school, where she then became an intern for the camp. Olivia loves technical theatre and is excited to help others learn and grow in technical design and production. She loves to help others and is excited to share her knowledge with others
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HANNAH ADNAN (she/her)
deck captain/master carpenter
B.A. - songwriting - BELMONT UNIVERSITY
Hannah is a recent graduate of Rock Ridge, and has been a part of RRPA since her freshman year. Since then she has been in 14 productions as a tech crew member, deck captain, tech director, stage manager, actor, and in the pit orchestra. Hannah plans to attend Belmont University in the fall to pursue a major in songwriting. She is excited to share her skills with the campers this summer!
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AREEJ GHAZENFER (she/her)
master carpenter
vcu - interior design (IN PROGRESS)
Areej Ghazenfer is a rising junior studying interior design at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. She was a member of RRPA since the beginning of her junior year of high school and has served multiple roles for tech crew since. Areej could not be more excited to spend camp behind the scenes with tech crew, building exciting sets, and supporting the students and staff in any way
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