Staff
Alena Popova
Owner & Director
Alena Popova is the owner and director of Drama Kids Charleston, a parent of three, and a strong believer in the power of the arts to help children thrive. All three of her children are actively involved in theater, giving Alena a firsthand understanding of how performance-based programs build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
In addition to leading Drama Kids Charleston, Alena is a professional photographer with extensive experience working with children of all ages. Her background has taught her patience, creativity, and how to connect with kids in ways that make them feel comfortable, supported, and confident being themselves.
As both a parent and an educator, Alena is committed to creating a safe, structured, and encouraging environment where children can grow, express themselves, and have fun while developing essential life skills. She is proud to serve families throughout the Charleston area and looks forward to nurturing each child’s confidence—on and off the stage.
Pamela Kahl
Drama & Acting Teacher
Pamela Kahl grew up in Southern California, where she began her career in modeling and screen acting with Irene Gallegher at the Screen Children’s Agency in Burbank. A second-generation ballet dancer, Pamela honed her craft with prestigious companies including Media City Ballet, Jazz Dance LA, Aeolian Ballet Theatre—where she starred as a soloist in Les Sylphides—and West Valley Ballet Company, dancing principal roles in The Nutcracker. Trained in ballet, jazz, character and modern dance under notable educators such as Marat Daukayer, Patrick Frantz, and Michael Menna, Pamela enjoyed a vibrant dance career before taking a decade-long hiatus to raise her family..
Rediscovering her passion for performing, she reentered the stage with a Tribute to Gershwin alongside Alice Nemecek’s NJ Chamber Company Ballet Enchanté. In recent years, Pamela has taught ballet part-time at various NJ studios—including SMAPA; Sharon Miller’s Academy of Performing Arts, and Artist in Motion—as well as privately in Glen Ridge. Her journey also led her back to acting, where, after training with Trudy Steibl at HB Studios and attending a Broadway intensive with John Leggio and Jamibeth Margolis, she has taken on roles in productions across the Tri-State area, such as Juror 8 in 12 Angry Women and Velma in WSS. She was the assistant director for an original track with Alpha NYC, which she casted and stared in some roles. Pamela further showcased her versatility with The Montclair Orchestra during their 2018 opening concert, A Shakespeare Evening. A devoted mother who continues to work and volunteer in the arts, and is excited to share her expertise with the Charleston community, inspiring young performers and enthusiasts alike. Currently a freelance ballet teacher for the city at JIRC, employed at Kids Garden as a teacher, and with Drama Kids.
Ava Mueller
Drama & Acting Teacher
Ava Mueller joined Drama Kids Charleston South in May 2022. She has helped assist in workshops, summer camps, as well as Lower and Upper Primary classes. She is now the lead teacher for the Lower and Upper Primary classes and Acting Academy. Ava teaches with high energy and encourages the use of creative movement and original vocal ideas. She is a Theatre major and was part of Georgia Southern’s improv troupe; she has been in multiple shows, such as The Addams Family, I and You, Time Flies, Carrie, and The Murder Comedy Mystery of the 1940s.
Kate Yarbray
Drama & Acting Teacher
Kate Yarbray is currently studying performance and technical design at the College of Charleston. She realized her passion for children’s theatre at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre, where she worked for six years. She believes nothing compares to the joy of seeing a child transform through the performative arts. As a member of Drama Kids, she wants to encourage even more children to fall in love with theatre!
Madelyn LaBarge
Drama & Acting Teacher
Madelyn (Maddie) LaBarge is a junior at the College of Charleston. She is a Theatre major with a double concentration in Performance and Theatre for Youth. Maddie has grown up doing theatre both in and outside of school. Maddie worked with Showtime Theatre Company up until her high school graduation. She has also interned at Junior Theatre Festival Atlanta for the past two years and started interning at Junior Theatre Festival West in 2024. A fun fact about Maddie is her favorite role she’s ever played was Sven in Frozen Jr! Maddie would like to thank Drama Kids for this opportunity and is so excited for this new chapter!
Maxim Zakharchyk
Drama & Acting Teacher/Staff
Maxim Zakharchyk is an 18-year-old senior Theatre Major at Charleston County School of the Arts. Throughout his high school career, Maxim has dedicated himself to developing both his craft and stage presence through rigorous conservatory-style training and live performance.
He has proudly represented his school at the Thespian Festival, where he further refined his performance skills and collaborated with fellow young artists from across the state. Maxim is best known for his role as Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story, where he brought strength, vulnerability, and emotional depth to the iconic hero. In addition to Atreyu, he has taken on several other major roles in school productions, demonstrating versatility, discipline, and a strong commitment to character work.