Theatre & Dance Faculty
Brent MaddoxDepartment Chair, Associate Professor of TheatreB.A. Brenau University, M.F.A. University of AlabamaLocation: Troutt Theater 214AView BioBrent Maddox is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance. Along with directing responsibilities for the program, Brent teaches voice and movement, period style acting, and stage combat classes for the BFA Actor training program. Before arriving at Belmont, Brent served on the Artistic staff at the Gainesville Theatre Alliance where he coached voice and movement style for multiple productions including An Ideal Husband directed by Gay Hammond, and Equus directed by Georgia Shakespeare’s Artistic Director, Richard Garner. While at GTA, Brent taught classes and workshops in voice for the actor, Laban movement analysis, mask characterization, Viewpoints, commedia dell’arte, and stage combat (unarmed and rapier).
As an educator, he served as the Department Chair and Artistic Director at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX for two years, where he was an active member in the Southwest Theatre Association and the Texas Education Theatre Association.
His professional theatre experience includes performing with companies across the U.S. such as The Main Street Theatre in Quakertown, PA; The Lincoln Amphitheatre in Lincoln, IN; The North Country Center for the Arts in Lincoln, NH; the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, TX and, most recently as Vincent in Vincent in Brixton with Actors Bridge Ensemble in Nashville, TN. His directing credits include the recent production of Belmont University’s Tartuffe and Antigone for the Belmont Repertory Company; Romeo & Juliet, Children of Eden, Smokey Joe’s Café, and The Front Page for the Gainesville Theatre Alliance in Gainesville, GA.
Brent has earned degrees in Theatre from Gainesville College, Brenau University, and the University of Alabama, where he completed his Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in acting. While at UA, he studied movement with Laban specialist, Tiza Garland and received “Actor Combatant” recognition from the Society of American Fight Directors under the instruction of certified teacher, Robert Wesley.
As an acting member in the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA), Brent regularly attends voice and movement workshops throughout the country. He has studied voice and movement with such professionals as master teacher and creator Catherine Fitzmaurice of the Fitzmaurice Voiceworks; certified master teacher Nancy Krebbs in the Lessac Approach; master teachers Louis Colaianni and Dave Demko in Linklater Voicework; master teacher Ragnar Freidank in the Michael Chekhov Technique; and Commedia dell’arte with Fabrizio Paladin at the Actor’s Movement Studio, NYC. His most recent professional engagement included working with world-renowned voice and acting coach, Patsy Rodenburg at the Michael Howard Studio in New York.
Dr. Jane DuncanAssociate Dean, Associate Professor of TheatreB.A. University of Dayton, M.F.A. Virginia Commonwealth University, Ph.D. Florida State UniversityLocation: Wilson Music Building 109View BioDr. Jane G. Duncan holds a PhD in Theatre Studies from Florida State University, an MFA in Acting from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a BA in Theatre from the University of Dayton. Dr. Duncan has worked as a theatre educator for students ranging in age from 4-90, with appointments at the University of Central Arkansas, Barry University, and Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where in 2011 she was recognized with the Adjunct Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Duncan served NSU from 2006 to 2018 in several different roles; she worked on a Department of Education Title V Grant, was Director of Accreditation, and finished as Executive Director of Assessment and Accreditation. Dr. Duncan’s administrative experience spans academic affairs, with special emphasis on academic program review, assessment of student learning outcomes, curriculum development, faculty development, and oversight of compliance with regional (specifically SACSCOC), specialized, and professional accrediting standards.
Dr. Duncan’s creative work encompasses arts administration, dramaturgy, vocal/dialect coaching, and performing as founder and collaborator for Mangrove Creative Collective, Managing Artistic Director/Resident Dramaturg for The Promethean Theatre, dramaturg for new plays by Christopher Demos-Brown, Juan C. Sanchez, Andrew Rosendorf, and Ricky J. Martinez, and collaborations with Florida Stage, New Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Thinking Cap Theatre, and Zoetic Stage.
Dr. Duncan’s scholarship includes invited presentations and facilitations at international, national, and regional theatre conferences. Dr. Duncan is the co-chair for the Assessment Subcommittee for the Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), is published in the Scarecrow Press anthology Theatre and Dance in Eastern Europe: The Changing Scene, has a forthcoming publication in Palgrave Press’ New Directions in Teaching Theatre Arts, and is an Associate Editor for the online journal The Qualitative Report.
Dr. James Al-ShammaAssociate Professor of TheatreB.F.A., M.A., Ph.D. University of California-Santa BarbaraLocation: Troutt Theatre 115View BioDr. Jim Al-Shamma is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Belmont University. He completed his undergraduate and graduate education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he received a Ph.D. in Dramatic Art, an M.A. in Dramatic Art with a Directing Emphasis, and a B.F.A. in Theatre/Acting. At Belmont University, he teaches theatre history and literature, scriptwriting, improvisation, and other courses, including an honors course on Middle Eastern Culture and Arts. He directs at the University and is on the board of Verge Theatre, a company in residence at Belmont that provides students with the opportunity to work alongside professionals in various capacities, including acting, assistant directing, and designing. His directing credits include The Cripple of Inishmaan for Verge, and the following at Belmont: Our Town, The Servant of Two Masters, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Big Love, The Government Inspector, Fallen Angels, Brainpeople, and As Bees in Honey Drown. He has also taught at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Dr. Al-Shamma’s principal areas of research are contemporary women playwrights and Arabic, and specifically Iraqi, theatre. His publications include two books on acclaimed American playwright Sarah Ruhl, articles in the Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism and The Eugene O’Neill Review, and a co-authored article on early Iraqi theatre in the online journal Arab Stages. He is the co-editor and co-translator of Contemporary Plays from Iraq, an anthology of nine works available for the first time in English.
Debbie BelueAssociate Professor of DanceB.A. Oklahoma City University, B.S. University of North Carolina-Greensboro, M.F.A. University of IowaLocation: Belmont Heights 216View BioDebbie Belue has been a part of the Belmont University faculty since 2000 and teaches dance technique classes in Modern, Jazz and Tap, as well as Dance Composition and The Dance Experience. As Director of Dance at Belmont she also choreographs for the Belmont University Dance Company, coordinates their activities and performances throughout the year, and works closely with the Musical Theatre Department in the School of Music. Since 2004, Debbie has served as the Artistic Director of Epiphany Dance Company, a professional modern dance company known for its innovative presentations of sacred dance. Epiphany performs throughout the Southeast, and under the direction of Ms. Belue has established apprenticeship and internship opportunities for Belmont students.
Ms. Belue holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of Iowa, a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in Dance from Oklahoma City University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Math from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She is a member of the National Association for Schools of Dance, the International Tap Association, and works diligently with the Tennessee Association of Dance to promote dance activities in Middle Tennessee. Debbie’s teaching career includes positions on the dance faculties of the University of Iowa, Oklahoma City University, Middle Tennessee State University, Nashville Ballet, Vanderbilt Dance Group, Nashville School of the Arts, and Metro Parks of Nashville. She has conducted master classes and workshops for national organizations and private studios around the country. With an extensive professional background in performance, her favorite personal performances include roles in 42nd Street, My One and Only, Jesus Christ Superstar, the National tour of Evita, and West Side Story (as Anybodys), and her solo performance of the “shadow” in her original concept piece, Dream Boogie, based on the poem by Langston Hughes.
Debbie’s primary specialties lie in the areas of American dance forms and in utilizing these unique forms in her choreography to connect dancers and audiences. Her choreography has been produced nationwide for numerous musical theatre productions and other dance groups. Debbie’s former students have been seen performing worldwide in jazz and tap companies, on cruise ships, in theme parks, in several companies of the Rockettes, and in Broadway productions of shows such as Fosse, Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The King and I, and many others.
Paul GatrellProfessor of TheatreB.S. Lindenwood University, M.F.A. University of GeorgiaLocation: Belmont Heights 201View BioPaul Gatrell is a Professor of Theatre and a professional designer. As the former Head of Design for Gary Musick Productions, he designed original productions for Celebrity Cruise Lines, The Lee Greenwood Theatre, and the Music City Bowl Half-time show. Additionally, he designed for over 250 plus corporate events including The Nashville Predators, Interstate Batteries, Robert Orr Sysco, DreamWorks, Kiwanis International, Ingram Books, l'Eté du Vin, Permobil, and many others. Paul also served as Assistant Technical Director and Head Scenic for the Tennessee (now Nashville) Repertory Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee. During his five years with The Rep, he built and painted over 30 professional productions including A Perfect 36, A House Divided, Little Shop of Horrors, The Tempest, Frankenstein, Oliver, To Kill a Mockingbird, and It's a Wonderful Life.
Paul has worked as a freelance set designer in Nashville for over 20 years. Recent set design credits include Twelfth Night, Richard III, Hamlet, A Comedy of Errors, and Romeo and Juliet with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, The House of Bernarda Alba, Sailor’s Song, The Piper, Vincent in Brixton, Sympatico, Marisol, Arabian Nights, Kimberly Akimbo, Warrior, and Glengarry Glen Ross for the Actors Bridge Ensemble, StoryBuilders and Home on the Morning Train for Theatre Craft, Inc., and Doubt for the Christian Leadership Conference. In addition, he has designed lights for End Days and The Nina Variations for Verge Theatre.
Paul has served as Producer for over 100 theatrical and dance productions. He has been the Technical Director for 42 productions. Paul has been the Lighting Designer for 23 productions including A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, Big Love, Dancing at Lughnasa, Bobrauschenbergamerica, and Uncle Vanya. He has been the Set Designer for 28 productions including Metamorphoses, Peter Pan, The Miss Firecracker Contest, The Flies, On The Verge, and Almost Maine. Paul has mentored over 45 student designs and 25 student stage managers.
Paul has taught at Belmont University since 2002 with brief stints as an adjunct in the mid-90’s. He received his B.S. in Performing Arts from Lindenwood University and his M.F.A. in Design and Technology from University of Georgia. He is the proud recipient of the inaugural First Night Award in 2010, the Nashville Scene’s Writers Choice Award for Best Set Design for Vincent in Brixton, and the “Best Play Award” from Broadwayworld.com for Vincent in Brixton and All My Sons. He is the proud father of two sons pursuing careers in the arts, husband to a wonderful wife who promotes education, and two dogs that just like to chase tennis balls and laze about.
Shawn KnightInstructorB.A. Belmont University, M.A. Auburn University, M.F.A. University of LouisvilleLocation: Belmont Little Theatre B-09View BioShawn Knight is a professional Equity actor living in Nashville, TN, where he has taught and performed for sixteen seasons. Currently an Instructor in Belmont’s Department of Theatre and Dance, Shawn teaches “Acting I, II, and III” to Musical Theatre Students, “Audition Portfolio,” “The Business of Show Business,” and various other courses in the department, while serving as the Director of the BFA in Performance. Shawn served as the faculty advisor and director for the Belmont Repertory Company for five seasons and recently piloted the Maymester class “Theatre for Change.”
Shawn holds an MA in English from Auburn University and an MFA in Theatre from the University of Louisville and teaches and directs frequently for Ensworth High School, Nashville Children’s Theatre, and Clarksville Youth Enrichment Programs. Shawn has instructed and directed theatre students and practitioners from the pre-school age through the college graduate level.
As a playwright, Shawn was a 2011 playwright-in-residence with the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, where he completed the play Henson under the mentorship of Tony-winner John Patrick Shanley. Shawn has written and performed ten one-man shows about famous American Golden Age composers, as well as several interactive murder-mysteries, in which audience members participate in the theatrics. Most recently, Shawn wrote the play 36, performed as part of Belmont’s 2020-21 season, inspired by the 100th anniversary of the final vote for Women’s Suffrage, which occurred in Nashville.
Shawn’s Equity acting credits include portraying such memorable characters as Mozart in Amadeus, Charlie in The Whale, Horton the Elephant in Seussical, Stephano in The Tempest, and Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. As a performer, he has been seen on stage at Tennessee Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Walla Walla, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Studio Tenn, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, and dozens of other venues. Before settling in Nashville, he performed, taught, and directed youth at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, a recipient of a Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre. As a director and musical director, Shawn has worked with Nashville Children’s Theatre, Belmont University, the Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Ensworth High School, and Bravo Arts.
Shawn received the 2012 Individual Artist Fellowship from the Tennessee Arts Commission and a 2016 First Night Honor for his performance as Amos in Nashville Repertory Theatre’s Chicago.
Carla LaheyAssistant Professor of TheatreB.A. Samford University, M.S. Florida State University, Ph.D. Louisiana State UniversityLocation: Troutt Theatre 106View BioCarla Lahey is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Education at Belmont University. She holds a PhD in Theatre from Louisiana State University, a MS in Theatre for Theatre Educators from Florida State University, and a BA in Journalism/Mass Communication from Samford University.
For the last fifteen years, Carla has taught and worked with students in various capacities. Before arriving at Belmont, she served on the theatre faculty at Hesston College, where she started a touring theatre company that performed for area high schools. For eight years, Carla taught middle school Theatre and Language Arts in the Florida public school system, where she established her school’s inaugural theatre program. In addition, Carla has led community theatre teen workshops and served as a teacher and Area Class Coordinator for Christian Youth Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA.
Carla’s research interests center on the intersections between faith and performance. She has presented her research at the Mid-America Theatre Conference, SETC Theatre Symposium, and the American Society for Theatre Research. Her recent project examines the way evangelical churches incorporate theatre in their ministry to children and youth.
Jessica MuellerAssociate Professor of TheatreB.A. University of Northern Colorado, M.F.A. University of California-IrvineLocation: Troutt Theater 114View BioJessica Mueller joined Belmont University in 2011 and teaches Costume Design, Stage Makeup, Design Audition Portfolio, and Theatre Experience, as well as specialty theatre courses specifically designed for Belmont’s University College. As resident costume designer at Belmont, she designs for both theatre and dance productions, maintains a student-manned costume shop, and coordinates costume stock rentals with the Belmont and Nashville community.
Ms. Mueller earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Costume Design from the University of California-Irvine (UCI) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO). She came to Nashville from Los Angeles where she worked as a stock costumer for the film and television industry for 2 years, working in a costume house assisting designers on costume pulls and rentals for period films and television productions including Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Hunger Games, Boardwalk Empire, Lawless, Mad Men, The Artist, among many others.
As a costume designer for theatre, opera, and dance, her favorite design credits include: Carrie (Street Theatre Company), Metamorphoses (Belmont), Mixed Bill X (Belmont) Outside Paradise (Actors Bridge), The House of Bernarda Alba (Actors Bridge), The Bacchae Trilogy (UCI)), Titus Andronicus (UCI), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UCI), Polaroid Stories (UCI), Street Scene (UNCO), Candida (UNCO), and The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail (UNCO).
She is a proud member of the IATSE Motion Picture Costumers Local 705 and the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT). She will soon join the leadership of the Costume Commission of USITT as Vice-Commissioner of Design Programming.
Adjunct Faculty
Veena BidashaAdjunct InstructorM.F.A. University of California at Los Angeles, B. A. California State University of NorthridgeView BioVeena Bidasha is an Adjunct Instructor in Theatre at Belmont University. Based in Hollywood, California, Veena Bidasha has been working as an actress as a guest-star, supporting, and co-star on union-based television shows, sit coms, films, national/regional TV commercials for over 30 years. Some credits include S.W.A.T., General Hospital, and Grey’s Anatomy. She has also worked as a performer in voice-overs, ADR, and looping for numerous projects including television shows for NBC/Universal, animation (Jungle Book 2, Happy Feet 2, Disney pilots), films (Mission Impossible, Bourne Identity), numerous radio ads/promos, video games, and TV commercials. She was also a guest on many news/talk shows such as The View, Live with Regis and Kelly, Fox Int’l News, Extra, VH-1, The Other Half (with Dick Clark), and E!. Bidasha is a SAG Member.
As a dancer and choreographer, she has been performing, teaching, and choreographing for over 30 years on national and international stages, music videos, films, television shows, industrials, and commercials. Even though she trained in numerous dance styles including ballet and jazz, her specialties are Bollywood and Belly dance. She not only created the first professional Bollywood Dance Company in North America, but also spear-headed and developed belly dance fitness in the US, Canada, and more. She created, wrote, produced, and performed in 15 of the most successful videos/DVDs which were sold both nationally and internationally in major retail stores (Target, Walmart, Ralph’s, Sam’s Club, Costco). Some of them were on Billboard’s Top Fitness charts, surpassing Billy Blanks “Tae Bo” and Jillian Michaels. Some of her credits include The Academy Awards, American Music Awards, and Dancing with the Stars, and music videos with Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, MC Hammer, Ricky Martin and more.
Veena loves the Lord! She is excited to be teaching at Belmont University.
Ross BolenAdjunct InstructorM.F.A California Institute of the Arts, B.A. Murray State UniversityView BioRoss Bolen is a Nashville-based actor, director, filmmaker and arts educator with over 60 professional regional theatre credits as an actor and director in Nashville, Cincinnati, Louisville, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles. Previously, Ross served as a faculty member in the department of theatre and dance at Murray State University and currently serves as director of the theatre program at Franklin Road Academy. Recent performance credits include Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Of Mice and Men, Frost/Nixon and Henry V.
Carrie GerowAdjunct InstructorB.F.A. New World School of the Arts-Miami, FloridaView BioCarrie Gerow earned her BFA in dance at New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. She has since danced with New Dialect, Epiphany Dance Company, Nashville Ballet 2, Momentum Dance Company, Karen Peterson and Dancers, a mixed ability company making works for able-bodied dancers alongside dancers with disabilities, as well as with the Limon Company during their residency at Vanderbilt University. Touring the South Eastern U.S., Brazil and the Caribbean with many of these and other dance ensembles created wonderful opportunities for her to experience a variety of techniques and movement voices. Carrie now serves on the faculty of Belmont University's dance program where she created and teaches the first dance kinesiology curriculum offered at the university. Having served as a teaching artist with the Art Smart Program through the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, she draws on the ideas of aesthetic education to facilitate her teaching. Carrie teaches private lessons in ballet, classical modern, contemporary techniques, Pilates, somatics and master classes for movers of all levels of experience designed to facilitate comfort, skill and pleasure through movement. In 2013, she developed Dancing into Self-Integration, a somatics-based practice designed to lead dancers and non-dancers alike into a greater awareness of and delight in their moving bodies. From 2012-2014, Carrie danced with New Dialect where she had the opportunity to participate in the creation of new works by Banning Bouldin, as well as join the roster of teaching artists for New Dialect’s Contemporary Cross-Training Series where she continues to refine her teaching practice in Limon-based technique. Carrie draws on her exposure to the finest dance makers and educators along with her own research and practice to create solo, duet and small group work in sacred spaces, investigating questions of respect, generosity, and understanding.
Ashlyn HallAdjunct InstructorB. A. Belmont UniversityView BioAshlyn Hall, an alumna of Belmont University, earned a B.A. in Spanish with minors in dance and journalism. She joined the University as an Adjunct Instructor in 2015 and has taught jazz and modern dance as well as choreographed original work for the Belmont University Dance Company's annual production, Mixed Bill.
A faculty member at Rejoice School of Ballet, Ashlyn teaches ballet, modern and tap, and she partnered with Gerald Watson (Nashville Ballet) to assistant direct Rejoice's annual classical ballets from 2015-2017. Meanwhile, she has worked with di Mossa, Epiphany, Blue Moves, and other local dance companies, performing throughout Middle TN and the Southeast at events like Nashville Ballet's Emergence and festivals including Nashville Fringe, Celebrate Nashville, Kindling Arts, and TN Association of Dance. Ashlyn also spent a few years in the San Francisco Bay Area curating and organizing a quarterly artist showcase for LEVYdance; teaching at Alonzo King LINES Ballet's community programs, Bay Area Children's Theatre, Berkeley City Ballet, and Adda Clevenger School; and performing with Stephanie Unger & Artists.
Ashlyn endeavors to help dance students uncover new connections between their minds and bodies, unlocking opportunities to relate more fully to one another and the world.
Allison HardeeAdjunct InstructorB.A. Belmont UniversityView BioAllison Hardee graduated from Belmont University with a B.A. in mathematics with minors in education and dance. She had the privilege of studying at the Gus Giordano Dance School through the College/Pro Summer Intensive and is also a member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, through which she is certified to teach ballet, tap, and jazz.
Along with teaching in the dance department at Belmont, Allison teaches ballet and tap at Rejoice School of Ballet. When she is not teaching, she is privileged to perform around Nashville in local theatre (most recently with Circle Players, Inc.) and as a guest artist alongside Epiphany Dance Partners. She is also a choreographer and is always looking for more opportunities to create.
Allison is passionate about the transformative power of dance and the spiritual, emotional, and mental depth it can facilitate. She is grateful for the opportunity to share this passion with others and help her students grow in their passion for dance as well.
Allison also has a master’s degree in mathematics and teaches in Belmont’s math department.
Allison LittleAdjunct InstructorB.F.A. Western Kentucky UniversityView BioAllison Little is a native of Franklin, TN and started dancing at the age of three. She got exposure at an early age to professional ballets, Broadway musicals, and competitions which helped give her the drive she now has as a professional teacher, choreographer, and performer. After earning her BFA in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Dance from Western Kentucky University she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her performing career. Allison’s professional experiences have taken her to LA, New York, Canada and even South America!
Allison loves performing in every genre of entertainment but her true passion is live theatre. Some of her favorite theatre credits include: The Broadway National Tour of CATS, How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Grand Ole Opry, The Nutty Professor directed by Jerry Lewis, West Side Story & Mamma Mia (Studio Tenn), A Chorus Line, All Shook Up and Guys and Dolls. Throughout her professional experiences Allison has had the privilege to work with some of the top choreographers and directors in the world. Choreographers like Travis Payne (Michael Jackson), Joann Hunter (School of Rock Bway), Gillian Lynne (CATS), Lisa Shriver (Ring of Fire B’way), Tony G.(Bring It On Films), Lee Martino (Ovation Award Winner) and Bob Richard (How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Directors like Jerry Lewis, Kristen Blodgette (Musical Dir CATS & Phantom of the Opera Bway), Richard Stafford (CATS), and Matt Logan (Studio Tenn).
The most rewarding aspect of all of her experiences is getting to share that knowledge and passion with others! Whether she is teaching a Masterclass, choreographing a music video for a recording artist, or creating a live show from scratch, Allison pours her love of dance and the arts into every project she has. Currently, Allison is in her 7th year teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Belmont University in the College of Music and Performing Arts’ Theatre and Dance Department. She is also a professional Choreographer for music artists and corporate companies, and teaches at various studios in the Nashville area. For additional information and a full list of credits go to www.allisonlittle.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram @allison_little_professional.
Sean MartinAdjunct InstructorB.F.A. Abilene Christian University, M.F.A. London Academy of Music and Dramatic ArtView BioSean Martin is a Director, Actor and Educator, with over a decade of professional experience. His career thus far has taken him throughout all of North America as well as Europe. Sean attended the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and holds Graduate degrees in both Classical Acting and Directing. He also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Abilene Christian University in Texas.
As an educator, Sean was selected as the 2014 Fred Coe Artist-in-Residence at Vanderbilt University, providing him with the opportunity to direct for both the main stage and studio as well as teach a variety of classes. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Belmont, Lipscomb and Trevecca Nazarene Universities. Prior to working in Nashville, Sean served as a guest lecturer both at his alma mater LAMDA, and The Poor School in London. He is a certified Stage Combatant with an Advanced Level Three Certification from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.
During his career, Sean founded and continues to be involved with two highly successful companies. FreeTrade Productions is a multimedia production company involved in Theatre and Film and produces work all over the world from its home base in London. Their first production was the world premiere of Keepsake by Gregory Beam at London’s renowned Old Red Lion Theatre. His other venture, Penfold Theatre Company, is a multiple award-winning company in Austin, TX. It produces a full season of plays each year, as well as serving its community through educational outreach and workshops.
Directing Credits include: Richard II by William Shakespeare (Nashville Shakespeare Festival); Top Girls by Caryl Churchill and After the End by Dennis Kelly (Vanderbilt University); The world premiere of Keepsake by Gregory Beam (Old Red Lion Theatre, London); The new writing festival Write/Cycle (Drayton Arms, London); A Midsummer Nights Dream by Shakespeare (LAMDA, London); Two Rooms by Lee Blessing (Linbury Studio Theatre, London); A new devised play Verloren Herinneringen (De Acteers Studio, Den Hague); Samuel Beckett Your Ride is Here by J. Michael Straczynski (Linbury Studio Theatre, London); The LAMDA tour of Touched by Stephen Lowe (Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Yorkshire); The Man of Mode by Sir George Etheridge (LAMDA, London). *He also had the exciting opportunity to direct several scenes and assist award-winning director Lyndsey Turner with the 2011 Royal Court Gala in London's Shoreditch Town Hall with performances by Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Macfayden, Toby Jones and Rachel Stirling.
Eric Pasto-CrosbyAdjunct InstructorB.F.A. University of Colorado-BoulderView BioEric D. Pasto-Crosby graduated for the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.F.A. in performance. A loyal member of Actor's Equity Association and the Society of American Fight Directors, he makes his living acting and choreographing fights for film and stage in Nashville. He teaches Film Experience, Acting for Film and Stage Combat at Belmont University, trying to always make sure pictures on stage and screen are clear, safe and make sense to the story being told.
Maggie PeltonAdjunct InstructorB.F.A. Juilliard SchoolView BioMaggie grew up in the New Jersey Ballet Company. Her studies expanded to other disciplines while attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the Martha Graham and Jose Limon schools in New York City. After receiving her BFA in dance from the Juilliard School and a scholarship from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, she was asked to join Ailey II which performed all across the United States and the Caribbean. Ms. Pelton had the great honor of being the last female chosen by Alvin Ailey himself to join his first company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre which tours internationally. While living in southern California and now Nashville, Maggie has danced in television commercials and music videos and has gone on to teach, choreograph and act as a consultant for dance and fitness in various projects. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Belmont University and faculty member of Cookeville Leisure Services, Franklin Athletic Club and YMCA of Middle TN. She continues to serve as a guest artist teaching master classes and dance workshops. Maggie is certified in many group fitness disciplines but her passion lies with Zumba! She is kept very busy at home with her children Jonah, Levi and Mikyah.
C.J. TuckerAdjunct InstructorB.A. Western Kentucky UniversityView BioCynthia (C.J.) Tucker is a classically trained actress with over 20 years of professional acting experience. She has worked extensively on the stage, in film and television. After working in New York and Los Angeles for 10 years, C.J. moved to Nashville where she still performs.
C.J. has a B.A. in Theatre. While in New York, she studied the Meisner Method with the legendary William Esper, Voice for the Stage with Robert Williams of Juilliard, Play Analysis at New York University and “the Method” at the Actor’s Creative Studio with Lee Strasberg protege, Ernie Martin. C.J. spent a season at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville under the artistic direction of Jon Jory. C.J. is a member of the Actors Bridge Ensemble where she works as a director, actress and instructor.
