Staff

Alissa Clifton
Director

Alissa is a mother of eight. She spent the last 25 years volunteering at their schools, chaperoning, serving as secretary on the Student Advisory Council, and judging speech, debate, and dramatic competitions. Before that, she ran her own children’s party business. Alissa’s love of drama started at a young age when her father cast her in a church play and continued through high school as she participated in drama classes, performances, and competitions. As an adult, she has been involved in community performances throughout the years as a performer as well as writer and director. She is excited to share that passion through the Drama Kids program!

Emmy Stockman
Acting Academy Teacher

Emmy Stockman started taking drama in an after-school program similar to Drama Kids when she was in elementary school. From there she continued to study drama throughout middle and high school and received multiple awards for acting in state competitions. She studied theater at Shelton State College and has experience in community theater as well. Emmy has been involved of every aspect of theater from acting, technical, and set production to writing and directing. She is a mother of four and has taught children of all ages. She loves working with children and watching their confidence develop and their imagination expand as they experience the creative growth of the theater.

Chloe Allen
Drama Teacher

Chloe has participated in theater since middle school, and recently played a leading role as Betsy in Fort Walton Beach Stage Crafter’s presentation of Daddy’s Girl. She loved it so much she plans to take on more roles in the future. She moved coast to coast (twice) with her husband, two children, two dachshunds, and one fish! Chloe is excited to be one of Drama Kids’ newest instructors, as it combines two of her favorite things: theater and working with children!

Julie Thomas
Drama Teacher

Julia has been involved in theater since elementary school. She performed in numerous theater productions, from school  performances to community theater, and has been collecting acting credits since high school. She taught the arts at public schools, and continues this at home with her two kids, who at times are very dramatic. She looks forward to instructing drama kids and helping them sharpen skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Marla Merrill
Drama Teacher

Marla’s excitement for teaching drama began while assisting with a school musical production during her time as a private school teacher in Arizona. She loves helping students find their inner confidence and nurturing their individuality. As a military spouse, Marla has lived in many places and taught various students and subjects including 5th-grade classroom instruction, ESL, elementary physical education, emerging reading, and K-6 tutoring for kids with unique learning challenges. She is excited to be a part of the Drama Kids teams and looks forward to a fun and exciting year with her young performers!

Savannah Stockman
Drama Teacher

Savannah Stockman started out as a Drama Kid. She moved up through Acting Academy, worked at summer camps and as a teaching assistant before becoming a Drama Kids teacher. She loves singing and was an all-state vocalist. She’s been a part of numerous school and community theater productions as an actress, assistant director, or backstage crew. She loves helping other kids discover their passion for performing!

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.