Staff

Deanna Stickles-Bach
Director, Owner

Deanna is a proud mother of two – and “Drama Mama” to all her Drama Kids across the Capital Region. Deanna holds a BA in Music Performance and Elementary Education from Vassar College and attended graduate school at the University of Albany where she earned her MS in Literacy and Elementary Education. She has been involved in theatre all her life as a professional actress, director and art educator. A certified NYS teacher, she has over eighteen years of teaching experience, working with children of all ages. When she found a program that was focused on building confidence, speaking and acting skills in children, Deanna knew it was the ideal match for her talents and passion. She is proud to have made a dramatic difference in the lives of thousands of Capital Region children! Deanna shares her own story of personal development through drama in this article, “The Benefits of Drama Education.”

Jillian Becker
Artistic Director

JJillian is thrilled to be celebrating her sixth year with Drama Kids as our newly appointed Customer Care Ambassador and Supervising Teacher! Graduating from SUNY Albany in 2009, Jillian earned a BA in Theatre with a concentration in directing and production, as well as a minor in English with a concentration in Shakespearean Studies. After being a part of the local theatre scene for many years as an actor, director, producer, stage manager, dramaturg, and costume/prop master, Jillian feels she has now found her true calling in teaching at DKI. She feels privileged to be helping to guide the youth of the Capital District to confident self-expression through drama.

Jillian is also the proud new mother of Jordyn Grace. A Drama Kid since birth!

Kristyn Youngblood
Drama Kids Media Specialist & Online Instructor

Kristyn is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, a local professional actress, and a graduate of the University of Albany’s Theatre Department. She has been an Arts Educator for over ten years in the Capital District – starting out as stage manager and director of her local community theatre youth program right after high school. When Kristyn found Drama Kids seven years ago, she knew she found a perfect fit. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s confidence bloom through drama, and to watch a student shine on (and off!) the stage.

Kristyn recently relocated to Massachusettes (and is getting married September 2018!), but will be continuing her work with Drama Kids from afar. Our #ProjectSilverScreen mastermind will continue supporting Drama Kids’ as our Marketing and Media Specialist, and Teaching Consultant.

Jake Goldsmith
Teacher

Jake Goldsmith is very excited to be starting his first year with DKI! He has been acting since he was the age of 6 and has never looked back! Jake is thrilled to be returning to the Capital Region after touring the country as a director and theatre arts educator with Missoula Children’s Theatre. He received his BA from Providence College in theatre and dance, with additional music theatre training at Carnegie Mellon. An avid performer, Jake has performed locally with Galway Players, Park Playhouse and HMT. Some of his more notable roles were Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man. Jake hopes to inspire the youth of the world to value the arts as much as he does!

Joshua Horowitz
Teacher

Josh is excited to be starting his 2nd year as a DKI Teacher! He was a student of Drama Kids for 6 years, then joined the Student Intern program his final year and subsequently graduated into a Teaching Apprentice position. He has a great appreciation for all the Drama Kids International format offers in the development of talent and confidence in children of all ages. He is currently going for his BS in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, and a minor in Theatre at the University of Albany. He recently had an internship as a Math Educator, in which he learned about curriculum creation using online resources amongst a team of educational content creators. He also is a member of the SUNY Albany Percussion Ensemble.

Join our team! Drama Kids is seeking dynamic and fun part time teachers to meet our growing class schedule.  Please visit our Contact Us Page and submit your interest.