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Our Professional Staff
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Yvonne Lamb Scudiery
- Yvonne is the Director of Education for the Count Basie Theatre. She
is an accomplished choreographer for ballet, musical theatre, opera, a
registered teacher with the RAD, London and an adjunct teacher at
Brookdale Community College. Yvonne has taught for over 35 years,
combining her knowledge of dance and acting techniques with her superior
coaching skills. This has enabled many of her students to advance to
successful professional careers.
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Dan Cooley - Dan is a Director/Actor from Monmouth County and has
performed in theatres in NYC/NJ as well as appearing in independent and
student films. Over a cumulative 10 years, Dan has studied acting,
directing and playwrighting with Ralph Colombino, Joey Madia and John
Bukovec. Dan is the Resident Director for New Mystics Theatre Co., a
traveling teen company that performs socially relevant pieces and fights
for social justice. Dan is also a teacher at Actor’s Playground and
Arts Middle School.
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Vincent Daniele - Vincent is a musician (bass/guitar), vocalist,
producer, and teacher and is currently a member of the Jersey-based
band, “Cats on a Smooth Surface”. He has recorded background vocals for
Jon Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny and Donna Summer, as well as numerous
television commercials.
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Bruce Gallipani - Bruce is a seasoned drum pro having performed
in the U.S. and abroad with several rock-n-roll touring outfits since
the late seventies. He is the founder and director of Rockit! For Kids, a
dedicated live-performance program for kids ages 8-16. As a teacher, he
not only imbues his students with proper technique but also emphasizes
the importance of group interaction and community involvement.
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Luisa Ines Garcia - Luisa holds a B.F.A. from NYU's Tisch School
of the Arts. She is currently an Acting Instructor for The Actor's Play,
where she has developed a curriculum designed to promote confidence and
self-empowerment. Ms. Garcia's approach to the art of acting is fresh,
sharp and thought provoking.
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Samantha Guistiniani - Samantha holds a B.F.A. in Theatre
Performance from Kean University. She is currently teaching for The
Learning Experience, Charlie Choo Choo Enrichment Programs. With a
specialty in creating early childhood theatre and music programs Ms.
Guistiniani is a wonderful addition to this very popular component of
our Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy classes.
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Kate Havel - Kate holds a B.A. in Art Education from Kean and an
M.A. in Dance Movement from Wesleyan. She is a dancer / actress / singer
(SUGAR and ZORBA off-Broadway) and has many dinner theater, nightclub,
summer stock and children’s theater roles to her credit. A former member
of Actor’s Equity, SAG, and AFTRA, Kate studied at HB Studio, the
American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in
NYC. She recently retired from full time teaching.
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Keith Heimann - Keith holds a M.F.A. in music from The Julliard
School, with postgraduate work at Westminster Choir College. He is
currently a professor of music and Department Chairperson (Performing
Arts) at Brookdale Community College. Mr. Heimann appeared on Broadway
in “The Phantom of the Opera”, and also appeared with The Santa Fe
Opera, The Los Angeles Opera, The Houston Grand Opera, The New York
Grand Opera and The Vienna Kammeroper.
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Joan Kilcommons - Joan holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Speech and Theatre Arts. She
is currently teaching Reader’s Theatre, Creative Dramatics and Musical Theatre
to the children in the Red Bank Borough Schools as part of our Educational
Outreach Program.
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Vincent Mottern - Vincent received a B.A. in Music Education from
Westminster Choir College and is currently a chorus director and music
teacher for Knollwood School in Fair Haven. He is a multi-talented
musical theatre director, musician, composer and performer.
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Marc Muller - Marc is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, and
is an accomplished musician, arranger, and writer/producer. As a
musician (guitar, keyboard, bass, banjo, violin, drums), Marc has toured
with Van Zant, Shania Twain, Tommy Shaw, Surreal McCoys and numerous
others. He has performed and/or recorded with Nickelback, Kelly
Clarkson, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Branford Marsalis, Elton John, Carly
Simon, John Waite, Dr. John, Blood Sweat and Tears, and many more.
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Robin Oddo - Robin holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Monmouth
University and has numerous stage and television acting credits. Her
passion for the arts, teaching and community have been her inspiration
in the development of the Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy
traveling troupe which performs in senior centers.
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Michael O'Keeffe - Michael has been performing improv comedy professionally for the past 20
years. One of his first gigs was with the Sak Theatre Comedy Lab in Orlando,
Florida with troupe mates Wayne Brady (Who’s Line Is It Anyway?)
Jonathan Magnum (Drew Carey’s Improv-A-Ganza), and Aaron Shure
(producer/writer-Everybody Loves Raymond). He is the Creative Director
of Improv Jam Comedy Lab in Red Bank.
Michael holds B.A. in Education from Villanova; M.A. in Education from
Monmouth University and as his “day job” is a reading specialist in the Wall
Township School System.
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Elana Pamm - Elana holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from Syracuse
University and M.S. in Education from Bank Street College. A multi-faceted
performer/recording artist/educator Ms. Pamm’s background in theatre and the
classroom makes her a much sought after teaching artist.
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Megan Sambataro Donovan - Megan is a graduate of Fairleigh
Dickinson University. For the past six years she has been performing
theatre in NYC and NJ, as well as acting in independent and student
films. Currently, Megan is also Managing Director of the New Mystics
Theatre Co., a non-profit theatre company that tours schools presenting
workshops on bullying and other social issue plays. She also teaches at
The Actors Playground.
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Michelle Staffieri - A local singer/songwriter just graduated from the Musicians Institute in
Hollywood, CA where she received her degree in Vocal Performance and Music
Business. After several years of performing throughout LA as a pop/rock artist,
Michelle returned to NJ and is currently working on the release of her new
album.
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Thomas Stanton - Tom’s impressive career as a professional
dancer, choreographer and teacher makes him a valuable addition to our
staff. From ballet to hip-hop, swing dance to tap, television to
Broadway... his passion and enthusiasm abound.
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Melanie Taylor - Melanie has over 20 years of experience in all
aspects of theatre, and for the past 12 years has shared her knowledge
as a teacher at Raritan High School. She is an accomplished and award
winning director, stage manager, and makeup artist. Melanie is the
Vice-President of the New Jersey Drama and Forensics League, and is the
Artistic Director/Co-Founder of the St. John's Community Playhouse in
Hazlet, currently in its 5th season.
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