- Show All Instructors
- Acting
- Art of Photography
- Contemporary/Modern Dance
- Creative Writing
- Musical Theatre
- Songwriting
- Theater Arts - Show Stoppers
- Theatre Arts
- Visual Arts Anime/Manga
- Visual Arts Drawing & Painting
- Visual Arts Sculpture
- Vocal Music- Broadway
ALLAN ROBINSON
Vocal Music-Broadway
Middlesex County College: Music Faculty/ music theory, music history, and keyboard studies. Organist and choral conductor for organizations in Red Bank and Livingston, Teaching Artist for Middlesex and Monmouth Counties Arts and Education Program. Choral Adjudicator for Teen Arts Festival of NJ, Education: B.Mus., Westminster Choir College, Princeton; M.Mus., Rutgers University.; D.M.A. Boston University (School of Fine Arts).
Art Photography Instructor TBD
Art Photography
Audrey Griffin
VISUAL ARTS ANIME/MANGA
Audrey is a lifelong anime lover, with their first dip into the genre being Robo Tech and Kiki's Delivery service to their most recent feat; finally starting One Piece. Audrey has been an artist their entire life, but they have been doing it professionally for the past few years, writing comics to be turned into graphic novels, designing characters for TTRPG enthusiasts, teaching teens to find their style and painting commissions of people's pets. So, they have been around some of the art scene and are eager to share their knowledge with others.
In this class the student's will help design the curriculum, improve their art skills, make connections with other artists in class, learn how certain facets of the art industry function, get real world practice working on a project in a group setting as well as working alone to complete a project, and finally, set up a gallery of their finished works for the public.
Audrey's number one goal for their students is that they walk away from this course more confident in their art style, storytelling abilities, and how to form long lasting connections with fellow artist.
BARBARA BLUMENTHAL
Musical Theatre
Directing adult & children's theater productions for 35 years. Founder and Director of NJ Footlights Drama Workshop, conducts Theater Arts & Teacher-Training Workshops in NJ & NY.
Education: BA Theater Arts, Rutgers University.
CHRIS TOMAINO
Theatre Arts
Professional actor, director & educator for 32 years, with over 60 productions to his credit. Mr. Tomaino has been happily involved with The Mottola Theater Project for the past 20 years, in addition to multiple theater companies in both New York City and regionally. Mr. Tomaino teaches a variety of performance-based classes at Brookdale Community College. The County College of Morris and The Count Basie Theater’s Performing Arts Academy, where he also teaches professional workshops for teachers and other teaching professionals. He has been a proud member of AEA for the past 26 years. Mr. Tomaino holds a BA in Communications from Monmouth University and an MFA in Acting from Indiana University
Christine Myshka
Visual Arts
Christine Myshka`s artistic journey began as a child, crayons in hand, drawing characters from her favorite cartoon, "The Superfriends Justice League." Along with drawing cartoon characters, Christine credits the vivid writings of Edger Allen Poe as her childhood inspiration to become an illustrator. Using these inspirations to create artworks, Christine pours all her creative energy into working in the visual arts; from illustration, to fine art and murals. Blank surfaces and spaces all call out to be "transformed" by having art made for them and on them -- and Christine loves to make that transformation happen! Christine has been working professionally for over 30 years. In carving out a career in the visual arts, she has done illustration, logo designs, architectural portraits, fine art, murals, and painted furniture. Some of her clients include Davis Publishing, Ideal Graphics Inc., T`Leon Advertising, The Home New & Tribune, Suburban Golf Club, Arcola Country Club, Rockaway River Country Club, EJ`s Bar and Grille, Vitale General Contracting, John Kling Custom Homes as well as numerous commissions for private clients. As part of her art training, Christine attended Parsons School of Design earning a BFA in Illustration. She continued her studies at Parsons in Paris; Du Cret School of Art, Grand Rapids CC; painting and drawing summer program in Greece, and Creativity Workshop in Prague, Czech Republic.
DAVID DZIEMIAN
Visual Arts
A lifelong artist and resident of NJ, Dave Dziemian was a four-year Teen Arts participant in the late 1980’s and early 90’s. He received his undergraduate degree from Stockton University in 1996 and his MFA in Painting from Montclair University in 2004. Dave received the Painting Assistantship while at Montclair University and immediately upon graduating taught several painting classes at the school. Since 2005 Dave has been an adjunct professor at Brookdale Community College teaching drawing, painting, and other art classes, including watercolor. Since 2014 Dave has been a visual arts instructor for Arts High, teaching both HS and MS classes in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, and now Union counties. In addition to this, Dave also teaches privately and is a full-time artist who works in a variety of 2-dimensional media, including but not limited to watercolor, oil paint, acrylic paint, inks, and colored pencils. His work has been described and “hyperreal with a surrealistic bend to it”. Dave has served previously several times as both an adjudicator and demonstrating artist for Teens Arts
DAVID SCHLOSSBERG
Musical Theatre
Pianist, composer, and arranger from Monroe, NJ. He has spent his professional life accompanying many vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs around New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Dave's new solo piano CD, A Place Beyond Words, won a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards, and his choral compositions have also garnered recognition. He frequently presents programs and concerts for synagogues, libraries, and community events around the area. More information on Dave can be found at www.daveschlossberg.com
Dennis Connors
THEATER ARTS
Dennis Connors is thrilled to return to his roots at Teen Arts NJ, where his acting journey began during his time at Arts Middle School. Since then, Dennis has become a distinguished professional in voice-over, on-camera, and musical theatre. He earned his membership in the Actors' Equity Association after notable performances at the Growing Stage, including starring roles in the New Jersey professional premieres of 'Beauty and the Beast' (as Cogsworth) and 'Matilda' (as Mr. Wormwood).
Dennis made his feature film debut in the 2021 horror-slasher movie, 'The Canyonlands,' and gained national recognition as "Thumbs-Up Jim" in the Fire House Subs commercials that aired from 2017-2019. Further acclaim came when he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the AudioVerse Awards 2019 for his role as Magnus in the hit family podcast, 'Six Minutes.'
Beyond acting, his voice has graced national commercials for major brands, including T-Mobile, Heineken, and B&M Baked Beans. Dennis is equally passionate about nurturing the next generation of performers. He has coached students auditioning for productions, agents, managers, and top performing arts colleges nationwide.
In his leisure time, Dennis enjoys playing Nintendo video games while cuddled up with his two German Shepherds, Starlord and Lessie, alongside his wife, Nicole, and their child, Oliver.
DOUG CLARKE
Songwriting
BA, Berklee College of Music, MM jazz performance Rutgers University. Doug studied for many years with the legendary guitarist Tal Farlow. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. He has performed with Joe Williams, Bruce Barth, and Mark Egan, as well as performing shows for Connie Stevens, Shirley Jones, Al Martino, Jerry Vale and many others. Notable performances include a concert at Rutgers with special guests Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Terell Stafford, a short tour in Norway with Gabrielle Stravelli and several trips to Capri, Italy with The Ron Odrich Quartet. He composed theme music for the PBS cooking show "Healthy Heritage Kitchen" and can be heard on over 25 Cd's. Doug is an adjunct professor Monmouth University, Middlesex College and Brookdale Community College where he teaches a variety of courses including guitar, music fundamentals, history of jazz and music appreciation.
EVEREST ADLERMAN
Visual Arts Anime/Manga
A cartoonist and illustrator, Everest uses their work to explore absurdity, storytelling, and surrealism. Ev's professional career started at The Imaginate, a literary magazine to which they contributed both illustration and graphic design services. Everest continued their design work in corporate settings for several years before shifting to independent work with a stronger focus on illustration, although their design philosophy still comes through in their preference for striking, easy-to-parse artwork. A sampling of their work is visible online at www.evcreates.com.
Faith Bates
Creative Writing
Faith Bates is a creative writer and English professor. She holds a BA in English from TESU and an MA in Creative Writing from Monmouth University. Faith teaches writing and composition at Monmouth University and has extensive experience tutoring students in English studies, essay-writing, and test prep. She is most passionate about nurturing confidence and creativity, and helping all writers find their voice.
KAT BLOCK
Visual Arts
A Career artist. Has won numerous awards, many solo, group & juried shows. Work featured in 2010 release, "Remember Me" starring Pierce Brosnan & Robert Pattison. Created images for Union County JazzFest. Illustrated two children's books, "Little Mouse", & "Pancakes, No Thanks" Art Director for calendars benefitting NJ Breast Cancer Research Fund. Well-known art educator. Currently teaches at duCret School of Art, Visual Arts Center of NJ & Passaic County Arts Center. Conducts art workshops throughout New Jersey, such as Union County Teen Art Festival, numerous private art students, many of whom have gone on to win awards of their own. Education: BA Kean University Summa Cum Laude.
Kat Reese
Dance
Kat Reese is a dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist working in the New York City and New Jersey areas. Kat has toured nationally as a professional modern dancer, and has taught a vast range of students including K-12 students, college dance majors, and adults. Kat is currently a member of The Equus Projects, an improvisational modern dance company directed by JoAnna Mendl Shaw. She has danced for companies and choreographers including Brit Falcon, Monteleone Dance, the Kennedy Dancers, and Donnell Oakley. Kat has also presented her own choreography in venues throughout NYC. Her work and thoughts have been featured in articles, books, film, on television, and on podcasts. Kat received her BFA in dance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.
Kerrianne Spellman
Vocal Music-Broadway
A professional actress, writer, director and teacher with over 30 years in the business. She was in three companies of Les Miserables, including Broadway, The First National and Canadian Tours where she played the role of Fantine over 100 times. She starred in the OBIE award winning "The Cover of Life" at the American Place Theatre directed by Oscar Nominee Pete Masterson and has played featured roles on Law and Order, Sex and the City, Another World, Guiding Light, As the World Turns and most recently, the CBS Hit, God Friended Me. Kerrianne starred in the staged readings of "Welcome to Camelot" and "A Brooklyn Christmas" at the Garden State Film festival, featuring many A list actors from "The Sopranos" and many others. This past November, her Successful Acapella Class from The Music and Art Academy in Matawan was selected to perform at Radio City during the Christmas Spectacular. Kerrianne continues to do commercials and voiceovers in NYC and has been teaching acting and singing for the last 20 years.
Laura Isabella
VOCAL MUSIC-BROADWAY
A soprano, feels equally at home singing both operatic and musical theater repertoire. 2022 season highlights include an Tribute to Stephen Sondheim Concert with Opera on Tap, a concert of both opera and musical theater with Garden State Opera and a workshop premiere of Liebovar, a new opera by Michael Dutka with Boheme Opera of NJ.
Ms. Isabella has portrayed fascinating and complex characters such as Blanche de la Force in Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites with Westminster Opera Theater at Westminster Choir College and the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor through the Martina Arroyo Foundation under the tutelage of Ms. Martina Arroyo and Maestro Steven Crawford. She has also had the privilege of singing with New York Dramatic Voices where she worked with Anthony Laciura and Maestro Matthew Lobaugh.
Additional highlights include a fellowship with Opera on Tap NYC, CoOPERAtive and work with Westminster Choir College Opera Workshop, Opera Theater of Montclair, Finger Lakes Opera, Rochester Lyric Opera, the Rochester Oratorio Society, and the Off-Monroe Players, to name a few.
Ms. Isabella holds a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy with distinction from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Nazareth College. In addition to these degrees, Ms. Isabella holds a Certificate of Leadership from the Eastman Leadership Academy at the Eastman School of Music. Ms. Isabella also runs Redivivus Opera, a small grassroots opera company based in Central New Jersey.
Lauren Rosenblum
Visual Arts
Introduced to the arts at a tender age, I listened to my mother play classical piano, while my father was leisurely painting or sculpting. Instinctively, I was enamored with drawing and painting. Knowing I would choose art as my vocation, I journeyed by bus and train from Brooklyn to Manhattan to study life drawing at the Arts Student League and the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
At mid-point in my career, I found my finest teacher and received classical training in drawing and painting. His guidance and instruction enabled me to hone my craft through the understanding of the old master's techniques. Following in the footsteps of my mentor, I fell in love with teaching art, which I continue to this day. Deriving experience from the cumulative body of my work as a painter, textile designer, muralist and fiber artist has allowed me to transition from one medium to another, defying categorization - exploring my creative self.
LISA A. ILARIA
Creative Writing
MA Graduate of Kean University. Writing and Literature Instructor at Ocean County College and Brookdale Community College. Thirty+ years teaching all levels of English and Writing at middle and high school levels. Private tutor. Freelance proofreading and editing of short stories, novels, business plans, research papers, etc. Author of personal stories and memoirs.
Luke Ferrell
THEATER ARTS-SHOW STOPPERS
Luke Ferrell is a New Jersey-based stage director and teaching artist. He is the Artistic Director of Cabaret Theatre and Ferrell Studios. Aside from his work teaching theater, some of his recent production credits include Into the Woods (Music Director), 9 to 5 (Technical Director), Ideation (Director), Spring Awakening (Music Director),Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Assist. Director), Sweet Charity (Director), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Director), Chicago (Technical Director), andAnnie (Director).
MARK ROMANOSKI
Visual Arts
Born and raised in North Plainfield, New Jersey, Mark always had a passion for art. Early on in life, comic books, fantasy, and superheroes particularly caught his eye. He studied commercial art at St. John’s University in New York, and later transferred to Kean University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts for Illustration. Hard work and perseverance have earned Mark the opportunity to create art for DC Comics, Marvel, Warner Brothers Studios, The WWE, Harry Potter, Magic the Gathering and World of Warcraft, to name a few. As Mark’s career grew so did his artistic aspirations. He has become an accomplished portrait artist and muralist. In 2007 he did an altarpiece for Saint Joseph Church in NJ. He has painted two murals in the Federal Courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, a mural in the Time Warner building in New York, and an original painting in the WWE building. His triple self-portrait of the Joker, “Rockwell’s Joke,” is owned by Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of the Batman movie “Franchise” Mark still resides in his hometown of North Plainfield and is an instructor at the duCret School of Art and an adjunct professor working in the design and fine departments of Kean University. In addition to teaching, Romanoski stays busy with a variety of commissioned work.
MILENA WILTON
Visual Arts
Milena Wilton is a contemporary artist from Red Bank, New Jersey. Milena obtained a BFA in painting and drawing at the University of Hartford. During her academic career Milena played on the Hartford NCAA Division I softball team. Milena sees the act of making art very similar to the act of playing a sport. Both activities are physically and mentally demanding but extremely rewarding. Milena believes that with enough dedication and determination, greatness can be achieved in any discipline. Milena was recognized by the Hartford Art School with the Rudolph Zallinger prize for painting excellence. Her paintings have been included in juried shows across the nation. Most recently Milena's work was selected for display at the New Britain Museum of American Art in Connecticut. Her ultimate goal as an instructor is to foster the very same interest in the arts she had as a girl and set young people on the path to great artistry.
MIMI CROSS
Creative Writing
Creative Writer - Author, Songwriter, and Singer Mimi Cross received a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, where she became editor of the college literary arts magazine, and a Master of Arts from New York University. She has performed widely, worked briefly in the music industry, and is an Arts educator. Mimi Cross is also the creator of Body of Writing, a practice that adds an additional dimension to the mind-body-spirit discipline of yoga: story. Her first two novels are Before Goodbye, an RWA Rita Award finalist for Best First Book, and Shining Sea. For links to her books and music please visit mimicross.com.
Molly McGrath
Dance
Molly McGrath is a dance artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Molly graduated Cum Laude from Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2015. While at school Molly performed faculty works by John Evans, Keith Thompson, Julia Ritter, and Kim Gibalisco. She also had the pleasure of working with guest artists Laura Peterson, Meghan Frederick, Niv Sheinfeld and Oren Loar, and Shen Wei Dance Arts. Molly received an Outstanding Choreography Achievement Award for her senior piece "Please Watch For Important Tips on Assembly". Upon graduation Molly became a founding member of Lauren Beirne Dance Works performing from 2015-2016 in and around the tri state area. Molly has been a guest artist with Laura Peterson, Meghan Frederick Practice Project, and Body Party by Dakota Bouher performing at various venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. As a choreographer, Molly and now husband Shawn Brush formed Brush/McGrath (works) in 2016 performing at Triskelion Arts, Judson Church, and Green Space. Molly was also a guest choreographer with The New Collectives for their dance theater piece "The Occasion of Existence" which premiered in 2017. Molly has presented other works of solo and group choreography in NYC as well as in Seattle. Molly is currently still collaborating with Shawn Brush and is looking forward to creating more dance works.
Noelle LiVolsi
VISUAL ARTS
Noelle LiVolsi is an illustrator, muralist, and graphic designer based on the Jersey Shore. After a childhood of drawing backyard bugs with boxes of markers, she honed her skills as an illustrator at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She has been a professional freelance artist for the past five years, continuing to experiment and create pieces in a wide range of media. Noelle's usage of bold shapes, movement, and vibrant colors bring a sharp but playful feel to her work. Her art adorns the walls, apparel, and packaging of restaurants and cafes along the New Jersey coast, for individuals, local businesses, and international companies alike. Her keen eye for movement and composition helps her make appetizing art for food, beverage, and entertainment businesses. Noelle's love of her local community is on display in advertisements, posters, and logos for events throughout New York and New Jersey. When she is not making art, she can be found exploring the outdoors, going to concerts, and hosting board game nights.
Rachel Lee
Visual Arts Anime/Manga
Freelance Illustrator and art instructor at Inspired Minds Lincroft. Story immersion and world creation are two things that Rachel loves. Currently in her sixth year of teaching the Comics & Illustration class at Inspired Minds, her favorite part about teaching narrative art is hearing all the amazing ideas her students have and being able to equip them with the skills to tell their own stories. Nothing is more exciting and fun than to watch a simple idea or character design develop into a whole world or story. Her artistic projects span personal commissions, indie game artwork, and educational program illustrations. Personal projects include web comic and digital illustrations, sticker designs, tabletop role-playing, and historic sewing and costuming. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking at SUNY Purchase College.
ROBYN TRIMBOLI-RUSSO
Visual Arts Sculpture
Artist, designer, and teacher. Illustrator & designer at Gannett newspapers & various publications for 20 yrs., winning several awards for design & illustration. Later returned to her love of painting & drawing, opening Metuchen Creative Studio, an art instruction studio for adults & children. Her paintings and sculptures have been exhibited at Metuchen Artfest, Windows of Understanding, and Medford Arts. Education: School of Visual Arts, NYC
Teresa Fellion
Modern Dance
Artistic Director of BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance, Teresa has shown choreography at Baryshnikov Arts Center, Public Theater, Danspace Project, ENTPE University (France), Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ailey Citigroup Theater, Bryant Park Summer Stage, Gibney Dance Center, NY City Center, 92nd St. Y, and in concerts with Phish. Teresa has received Choreographic Fellowship from SummerStages Dance Festival/ICA Boston and American Dance Guild Fellowship for Jacob's Pillow's Choreographers' Lab, grants from National Endowment for the Arts Window Award, O'Donnell Green Foundation for Music & Dance, LMCC, Peg Santvoord Foundation, Brooklyn Arts Council, NY Community Trust. Teresa has taught and/or been commissioned to set work at UF Gainesville, NYU, Pace, Castleton State, UME Farmington, Jacob's Pillow, Wilson College, Ailey School, Sarah Lawrence College, DreamYard Project, and is faculty member and director of the Summer Dance Program at Ross School. She was the director of the dance department at StudioRepublik conservatory in Dubai. Teresa has performed for National Ballet du Cameroun, Lucinda Childs, Sarah Skaggs, Kimberly Young, M'Bewe Escobar, Skip Costa, and Martha Bowers, and works by Twyla Tharp, Deganit Shemy, Liz Lerman, and Megan Boyd. Under scholarships, Teresa completed a Dance MFA from Sarah Lawrence, Certificate from Ailey School, and BA in French & English Literature, with a minor in dance from NYU.