Staff

Rachael Biehler
Owner/Teacher

Proud wife and mother of two beautiful daughters, Rachael Biehler has been a Cast Member with the Walt Disney World Company for over 20 years. Her career with Disney has been filled with numerous live show performances and parades in a variety of roles ranging from Character performer to stilt walking, and even Puppeteering! Rachael currently teaches shows at the Walt Disney World Resort that include Finding Nemo the Musical, Festival of the Lion King, The Muppet Show, and many many more. She is extremely excited to share her knowledge and invest her acting and teaching skills to help mold and shape the future stars of Drama Kids of West Metro Orlando!

Diana Negron
Drama Teacher

Diana Negron is a bilingual actress who was raised in Orlando, Florida. Her passion for the arts started at a young age and she believes it is important to enrich young minds who have an appreciation for the arts. She recently graduated from the University of South Florida, where she received her B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. Her training has given her the proper tools to educate students through all aspects of theatre, including acting, vocal performance, stage combat, and dance. Her latest stage credit was Cofaltechqui in the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” in Cherokee, North Carolina. Some of her other credits include Gabriella in “Boeing Beoing”, Elder One in “Antigone”, Rosa in “Tiempo Muerto”, and Malinxe in “Mathematics of Love”. She hopes, through educational theatre, students will find confidence in themselves and develop a strong passion for the arts.

Katie Silson
Drama Teacher

Katie has been performing for over 25 years. She toured the US with her family as a singer from the young age of four. She has worked as an actor, singer and dancer with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and toured with “Disney Live”. Katie has three words she lives by and they are teach, lead, and inspire. She has a great love of children and wants to teach the next generation, lead them down a path for success and inspire them to be the best version of themselves both on and off the stage!

Britt Gazdacko
Drama Teacher

Britt Gazdacko has been working in theatre and film since graduation and holds her BFA from New World School Of The Arts in Miami where she studied the Uta Hagen technique and Meisner. She has trained under Burt Reynolds and has her certification of completion at Art SAK Studio for film. She is currently a member of the actors equity association of America ( A.E.A ) and is an equity vocalist at Walt Disney World.

Christina Carmona
Drama Teacher

Christina Carmona is the C.E.O. of Bad Kitty Films L.L.C. and City Producer for the 48 Hour Film Project Orlando. Also an actress, she has performed at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, & hosted the television show Indie Cinema Showcase, slated to return this winter. Christina currently rules the realm as the queen at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Multi-hyphenate, she has also worked on high profile media events such as the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, & The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt as a production coordinator. When it comes to filmmaking, Christina’s strong focus is writing & directing. Her award winning films have screened internationally and garnered a Telly award. She has also been featured in a multitude of award winning films and has been awarded “Best Actress” in multiple film festivals. With well over 10 years in the entertainment industry, Christina is no stranger to being in front of or behind the camera.

Ray Palen
Drama Teacher

Ray is thrilled to be working with Drama Kids International as he has decades of experience teaching Drama to young children through adults in New York. Ray left behind a Regional Theatre Group and Drama School he founded and ran on Long Island for over 15 years. He has acted in the Central Florida Region with STAGE (The Walt Disney World Theatre Troupe). Most recently he performed with the Moonlight Players of Clermont where he was seen in “And Then There Were None” as Judge Wargreave and “Dial ‘M’ For Murder” as Tony Wendice. Ray was nominated for Best Lead Actor (Drama) by Broadway World Orlando for his performance in “Dial ‘M’ For Murder”. He is a lifelong actor and published playwright who studied at the American Academy Of Dramatic Arts training with teachers like Oscar winner Jennifer Jones.

Desiree Montes
Drama Teacher

Desiree has 18+ years of performing experience. She works as a Principle Singer/Actress/Dancer for a few major them parks & resorts here in Florida. She has 9+ years of experience as an adjudicator for theatrical competitions as well as experience directing and holding private audition preparatory sessions. Desiree can be seen booking both seasonal & year-round projects for a few local entertainment companies, talent agencies & many theatre companies within and beyond Central Florida. She recently made her off-Broadway debut at the 2019 New York Musical Festival. She is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association.

Stephanie Shea
Drama Teacher

As a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, Stephanie has been a comedic actor and stunt performer for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Walt Disney World. She has held various roles at Universal Orlando and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure which helped to hone her improvisational skills. Her love of Drama Kids began in 2018 when her daughter, Fiona, discovered her own enthusiasm for performing under the direction of Rachael Biehler. Now a teacher, Stephanie is driven to help other kids like Fiona find their creative outlet.

Mary Blazier
Drama Teacher

Having recently moved to the Orlando area, Mary has spent the last five years with Disney Cruise Line, performing as a Youth Activities Entertainment Host as well as training and leading as a Youth Activities Manager. With a degree in Music Education, she previously taught Pre-K -8th grade general music/choir and directed children’s musical theater. Mary has been active in theater since childhood and is excited to be a part of the Drama Kids community. She loves helping bring the joy of performing to children and seeing them shine through the confidence, creativity, and self expression that drama can bring.

Courtney Crain
Drama Teacher

Courtney Crain was born and raised in Kansas, and moved to Florida only 2 short years ago. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance. She loves all things theatre, film, and entertainment. She came to Florida to pursue working for another love of hers, the Walt Disney Company; she spent her magical time with the company in a variety of roles. Throughout her Disney career and her whole life, she has also spent
countless time with kids. It is time for her to combine her love of theatre and working with kids in the perfect place-Drama Kids!

Kennedy Keil
Drama Teacher

Kennedy has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Drama and Theatre for Youth from the University of Northern Iowa. She has taught numerous Drama-Based Lessons, been a Lead Teacher at camps, taught in classrooms, and much more. Kennedy also has a passion for performing. She worked at Walt Disney World as a Character Performer and performed in multiple shows during her college career. Kennedy’s goal is to create a safe theatre environment for students of all ages and abilities.

Chelsea Shepard
Drama Teacher

Chelsea spent her childhood traveling as a proud military brat. She discovered her love for theatre at a young age while performing with the Missoula Children’s Theatre in Germany. Then in high school she joined the Arizona Youth Chamber Ensemble as a soprano, performing in various music productions, including Dido and Aeneas and Amahl and the Night Visitors. She has studied theatre at Eastern Arizona College and at the University of South Florida, performing in various shows at both. She found a particular love for physical acting and pantomime. She worked at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for ten years in various shows and capacities, including as a character performer, puppeteer, emcee, and guide. Working with and performing for children is Chelsea’s passion and Drama Kids is the perfect way to continue that journey. She believes that through theatre, children learn to be themselves and gain confidence through self-expression.

Elizabeth Taylor
Drama Teacher

Elizabeth is a retired Elementary Teacher with vast experience in directing and writing dramas, acting, singing, dancing, and choreography. She has shared her passion by teaching within those genres for many years as well. She grew up dancing and performing and continues to find ways to incorporate them into her life. One highlight was working for Walt Disney and performing as a VIP character performer in the Indianapolis 500 parade and the Mayor’s Breakfast. She’s played various roles on stage, played in the orchestra, as well as costume design/sewing and alterations. “I believe being able to stand on a stage brings confidence in all aspects of one’s life and whether one becomes an actor, scientist, engineer, teacher, or other. Being able to speak in front of an audience will be a life-long asset. I see drama as a way of unlocking hidden potential and opening the creative treasure chest in all of us. You are never too old or too young to explore the stage and find your love of the arts.”

Danitza Mejias-Williams
Drama Teacher

Danitza is thrilled to be joining the Drama Kids of West Metro Orlando teaching team. Her interest in performing arts originated in dance. Danitza has had many years of performing experiences and opportunities that included dance and drama. Her love of theatre began in college where she took several acting and performing art classes, became a member of the drama club, and landing a lead role in her first big stage play. She is excited to develop this love of creativity, knowledge, and passion for performing arts with her Drama Kids class. She feels there is nothing like being able to educate young children about the art of theater, acting, and how to develop stage presence. Danitza loves being able to help children of all ages develop confidence, help them break out of their shells, and find the magic in theater!

Aaron Bray
Drama Teacher

Wisconsin native and U.S. Army veteran Aaron Bray began acting at age 8 in an afterschool program very similar to Drama Kids. He has been acting professionally on the stage and screen for the past five years in both Los Angeles and Orlando. In addition to theatre work, he brings his past experience as a classroom language teacher and camp counselor. His primary philosophy of acting is that performers need first discover the inner person they truly are, as every role they play will be some version of themselves. In addition to acting, Aaron loves to play the drums and learn new languages (he speaks fluent Mandarin and Japanese). The highlight of his career thus far has been sharing a scene with John Malkovich in the Netflix show “Space Force.”

Tricia Swann
Drama Teacher

Tricia is excited to be joining Drama Kids this year! She is currently a UCF student who is studying elementary education and theatre. She loves all things theatre and music. She also is a current cast member at Walt Disney World in Magic Kingdom and has performed there as part of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. She has taught musical theatre in her hometown of Jasper, AL until moving to Orlando and is excited to help students find their own passion for theatre.

Fayte Civil
Drama Teacher

Fayte always had a desire to perform. Since she was a child, her personality was very animated. Although she did not have the opportunity to be involved in Theatre growing up, Fayte realized her passion for acting while in college studying Psychology at St Petersburg College. This realization led Fayte to change her major to Theatre. She relocated from Clearwater to Orlando in late 2017, and decided it was time for her to complete her degree. Fayte graduated from Seminole State College with an Associate in Arts degree in the Fall of 2020. Learning as much as she could, Fayte made the decision to finally pursue a career in Theatre in the Spring of 2022. Although Fayte has only recently landed a role for the first time, she is excited for what the
future holds.

Cody Hanford
Drama Teacher

I grew up in the business as a child actor. I have been performing in community theatre since I was three years old and started my professional career at ten, co-starring in the feature film Hounddog with Dakota Fanning. I then went on to originate the role of Flounder in Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Broadway and tour the US with the Radio City Rockettes. I have produced, directed, choreographed, and performed in multiple community/professional theatre and theme park productions. I met my wife in a community theatre production of A Chorus Line in our hometown Memphis, TN. We now have two kids who attend Sunset Park Elementary, Remmy (age 8) and Maxx (age 7). I am super excited to be joining the Drama Kids family!

Alyssa Hartley
Drama Teacher

Alyssa Hartey is a passionate, young teacher from South Florida! Alyssa has been performing for as long as she can remember and now has found passion is teaching the thing, she loves the most – THEATRE! Alyssa has been teaching theatre and dance for 8 years now and is so excited to be a part of the Drama Kids family!!!

Jackie Rowe
Drama Teacher

Jackie Rowe is thrilled to be joining the staff at Drama Kids. Jackie has a master’s degree in teaching Theatre for students K-12. She has performed for the past 20 years with professional, community, and children’s theatres. She is currently working in entertainment at multiple theme parks and resorts around Orlando. Jackie is also a proud Mom of twins

Michael Gleason
Drama Teacher

Michael Gleason is a performer in Orlando, Florida. Michael can be seen portraying iconic characters at Universal Orlando Resort as a show performer and puppeteer. Michael has a degree in Theatre Studies and has been acting for over a decade. When not performing, Michael is usually out roller skating, bowling, or playing board games with friends. Michael is very passionate about education and our youth, making sure they have a strong foundation from the very beginning. Michael is very excited to be working with Drama Kids!

Evonne Hurst
Drama Teacher

Ever since she was a little girl, Evonne has been in love with the arts. Evonne is a singer, songwriter, actor, playwright, director, and costume designer. She has performed in multiple plays and shows throughout Central Florida including a lead role in a musical at the Dr Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando and even wrote and directed a play called “The hardest Gift to Give”. Evonne currently plays the role of the singing sorceress, Celestina Warbeck, in Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando. She is
excited to share her experience and love for theater with the children at Drama Kids!

Amanda Kitta
Drama Teacher

A Pittsburg native and collegiate native, Amanda moved to Orlando over 25 years ago to pursue a lifelong dream of working for the Disney Parks. She enjoyed every moment of the 20 years she spent working with children. As a gymnast, she facilitated classes for children with autism and other language, communication, and social difficulties. Amanda is a proud mother of a beautiful 7-year-old daughter and is excited to further her love of the arts by being a part of the Drama Kids team “I cannot wait to watch the children shine on stage while I hold the spotlight!”.

Taylor Aldrich
Drama Teacher

Taylor Aldrich is a professional actor who has been performing in Orlando, NYC, LA, and regionally for nearly 18 years. She received her BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Drama ‘13. She is currently an Equity Performer for the Walt Disney Company. As well as performing Taylor has been a teacher, director and choreographer with several notable youth theatre programs since 2015. Her favorite role she has played so far is definitely Mommy to her incredible son!