Meet your instructors

Karina holds a BA in Music Education from Concordia College-Moorhead and is a music teacher, dancer, choreographer, and cheer coach. She choreographed Anastasia: Youth Edition and had a passion for teaching and helping students grow. Karina strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their skills.

Merissa is a dedicated performer with a passion for the arts. She has appeared in over 20 local productions with Duluth Playhouse, New Wine, Encore Performing Arts, and Cloquet High School. Previous work includes Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Sound of Music (Elsa Schraeder) and The Crucible (Elizabeth Proctor). Merissa is currently studying Elementary Education at Concordia College Moorhead with a minor in Theatre Arts.

Abrianna is thrilled to be teaching at Duluth Playhouse again, following her first year at Belmont University. She has been involved with the School of Performing Arts for ten years. Previous work at Duluth Playhouse includes The Sound of Music (Liesl), Little Women (Beth), and Annie (Star-to-Be). She won the grand prize for the Country Music Hall of Fame's Journey of a Song contest, which has led her to perform original music at historic venues.

Sophia is an upcoming sophomore at The College of St. Scholastica majoring in Organizational Leadership. This is her second summer teaching at the Duluth Playhouse, and she couldn’t be more excited! Sophia has been in two productions this last year with UWS and CSS. She’s also been a part of a traveling play group called New Wine performing musicals like Godspell, The Sound of Music, and Bright Star.

Neve Moore is a current student at UMD, studying music education and vocal performance. She has spent the past 4 summers teaching at music and theatre camps in her hometown of East Grand Forks, MN, and is excited to share her knowledge and passion here in Duluth! Recent credits include performing as Carmen and the 3rd Lady (The Magic Flute) and stage managing in UMD's spring opera scenes showcase.

Greyson Holste has appeared a number of times at Duluth Playhouse, most notably in The Sound of Music (Rolf Gruber), Peter & The Starcatcher (Prentiss), and Tuck Everlasting (Jesse Tuck). They are a sophomore BA Playwriting major and Directing minor at Columbia College Chicago. He has loved working as an actor in Duluth for over a decade, and is excited to pass their love of theatre onto young artists who are just beginning their journey!

Hope Davis is a current BFA Musical Theater Major and Dance minor at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Hope was born and raised in Minnesota and is so excited to work with the next generation of theatre artists! Former Duluth Playhouse credits include 9 to 5 (Maria/Ensemble) and Cinderella (Ensemble/Swing).

Kendra Carlson is a local theatre artist who's been creating theatre on and off stage in Duluth since 2007. In addition to teaching youth classes with the School of Performing Arts, she directed High School Musical and Mean Girls: High School Edition. You may also have seen her on stage most recently in POTUS, Murder on the Orient Express, and the Women in Theatre Festival. Kendra teaches writing at UMD.

Charlie Sutton has originated 11 Broadway Musicals as a performer including Wicked, Kinky Boots, The Addams Family, An American in Paris and more. Director/Choreography Credits: Natasha Pierre…(PCLO), Escape to (North Shore), NBC Up-Fronts, SNL Billie Eilish, Newsies (Theatre By The Sea), Evita (ACT), Matilda (Cape Fear). Associate Credits: The Great Gatsby, Spamalot, Diana The Musical, Who’s Tommy, Clueless, Kinky Boots. Visit charliesutton.net

From performing with Mickey Rooney at age seven to belting it out at Radio City, Thomas Bevan has been onstage nearly his whole life. A Minneapolis native, he trained at UW–Stevens Point before dancing with Holland America Line. Some of his credits include Off-Broadway’s Sayonara, the Chicago national tour, and The Last Five Years film. You can catch him this summer as Dr. Pomatter in Duluth Playhouse's Waitress.

Phil is delighted to be working with the Duluth Playhouse once again. He has performed in several productions at the Playhouse, including Young Frankenstein, Sound of Music, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Constellations, and others. Phil graduated with a BFA in Acting from University of MN, Duluth in 2017, and is currently pursuing his MFA in Acting from Ohio University.

Catalina is currently attending UMD, earning her BM in Vocal Performance. She is originally from the twins cities but loves living in Duluth. She has been in theatre and choir while growing up along with 13 years of girl scouting. She most recently was seen in UMDs production of the opera Street Scene in November. She loves working with kids and can’t wait to get started this summer!

Ava O’Brian is originally from the Twin Cities, but has found a new home in Duluth. She is currently in her first year at UMD, with a major in Musical Theatre and minor in Dance. She is incredibly excited to get to share the power of theatre with young artists. Her recent credits include Ellie Blake (Freaky Friday), Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables), and Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).

Robert Lee has been working as a theatre artist in Duluth for more than a decade. In his time here he has directed more than 20 staged productions. He has had the honor of working with actors in all stages of their careers and prides himself on his ability to get actors to make deep personal connections with their work. He currently acts as the Managing Director of Renegade Comedy and as a freelance actor, director, and designer around town.

Miranda is thrilled to be part of the School of Performing Arts at Duluth Playhouse! She is passionate about making theatrical arts accessible for everyone. Her career spans 20 years and includes acting, directing, set design, costuming and tech. As the founder of Northern Spotlight Theater in 2016, she has directed youth performances and community shows alike. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students form connections to the world around them through art!

SJ Olson returns to Duluth Playhouse as Interim Education Director - bringing their love for storytelling, 25 years of performing arts experience, and a commitment to the joy of the process. They hold a BFA in Music and Theatre, with focused training on collaborative learning and embodiment work. Their previous work at Duluth Playhouse as an actor, director, choreographer, and music director includes Peter and the Starcatcher, Finding Nemo Jr., and Mean Girls: High School Edition.

has always loved dancing and is passionate about bringing quality dance opportunities to adults. She holds a BFA in art, design and dance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and she has studied tap with Hillary-Marie, Demi Remick, Sarah Reich, Kaleena Miller, Andrew Nemr and Lisa LaTouche.

is a local theater educator and performer. She has taught with the Duluth Playhouse since 2005. Most recently she played Viola in Wise Fool Theater’s production of Twelfth Night. When she isn’t at the theater, she spends her time working her day job for the City of Duluth, reading, running and thinking about summer.