Staff

Shannon Sievert
Director

Hello! My name is Shannon Sievert and I am THRILLED to be taking on the role of Director for Drama Kids International of Tucson. I have my A.A.S in Theater & Entertainment Technology from Okaloosa Walton College, and my B.A. in Theater from Florida State University. While attending FSU, I was honored to be a member of the prestigious Flying High Circus.

I have been performing in some capacity for 28 years and have loved every minute of it! My dance training spans across all genres including ballet, lyrical, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, and musical theater. I have 10+ years of vocal training and have sung with multiple award-winning choirs. I currently sing with the R.E.D Band, which was created to raise money to send care packages to Airman deployed from Davis-Monthan AFB. On the technical side of things, I have worked as a ground rigger, head lighting technician, lighting designer, and sound designer/engineer. I have also dabbled in costuming and scenic design. I have extensive directing and choreography experience with both children and adults. Regardless of whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes, I love seeing a show come to life!

From an early age, I knew I wanted to teach theater and instill a passion for the performing arts in others. I have been fortunate enough to teach musical theater, vocal performance, acting, improv, and circus arts to students ranging from 4-20 years old. Becoming a part of the Drama Kids family has allowed me to continue sharing my love for theater while teaching invaluable skills to today’s youth. I love spending time with my students and watching them grow! When I’m not working you can find me sewing, cooking & baking, gardening, binge-watching Harry Potter, or spending time with my husband, son, and our three dogs.

Alexandra Kaplan
Assistant Lead Teacher

We are excited to have Alex Kaplan on board with us. Alex was a student at Live Theater Workshop for 7 years. In her last performance at LTW she played Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Alex has studied acting with Anna Risley who was a Saturday Night Live player and she is a student at Tucson High Magnet School where she passionately participates in their theater arts magnet program. In addition to performing at THMS, Alex is a regular cast member at the Roadrunner Community Theater in their Family Series. She looks forward to beginning her journey toward achieving a Bachelors of Fine Arts next year. Alex loves sharing her passion and excitement for theater with our Drama Kids students!

Nic Holt
Assistant Musical Theater Director

Hi, my name is Nic Holt. I graduated from the University of Arizona with my B.A. in Theatre Arts and have always had a passion for performing, improv, and everything fun and goofy. I grew up in Arizona and have been involved in many productions throughout high school, Pima Community College, UA’s Studio Series, and more. Theatre is so special because of the confidence and creativity it can spark in people; I’d love the  opportunity to spread that joy around. Some things I like to do in my free time are writing, rock climbing, playing with LEGO, and just being an all-around dork. I’m super excited to have some fun with Drama Kids and share the magic of creativity with as many children as possible!

Tori Garritt
Music Director

Hi, my name is Tori! I have a Bachelor’s of Music, concentration in voice, from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. Born and raised in Upstate New York, I participated in musicals and plays throughout high school, starring onstage, painting sets, choreographing dance numbers, and working backstage. Throughout college, I sang with the Ithaca College choral ensembles, premiered numerous works, and was involved in the development and recordings of new musicals. Additionally, I was a part of ICTV’s first musical theatre TV show, Subject to Change, and had the opportunity to program and perform a solo recital. In my free time, I am a figure skater, plant mom, and
coffee lover. I am so excited to be a part of Drama Kids and to help kids fall in love with creativity and the arts!

Samantha Cole
Drama Teacher

Hi, my name is Samantha Cole and I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I have been in theater arts since I was 5 years old and I have done many shows. I have also participated in all aspects of theater such as a acting, stage handwork, being a stage manager, light
technician and audio technician, and a set builder. Now I have been so blessed with the opportunity of be a Drama Kids teacher to your little ones. Outside of helping your children shine, I attend Pima Community College to pursue a degree in veterinary sciences in order to further my dream of working with farm animals. Don’t fret though, I look forward to working with this company for a long time.

Heather Colb
Administrative Support

Hi! I’m Heather Colb and I am excited to become a part of the Drama Kids family. I have a BFA from Emerson College in theatrical design and an MS from Walden University in Education. I have been a certified teacher for 20 years, working with kids from preschool thru 12th grade, as well as adult education and ESL. In addition to my degrees and teaching experience, I have been involved with theater from a young age. Joining the drama department in high school marked a change in my confidence and ability to stand up in front of others. Through drama, I was able to ‘come out of my shell’. Taking part in drama allows children to explore their own ideas and performance in an environment where diversity and individuality is expected and welcomed. I look forward to passing this gift on to the students in my classes. Last Update

Sydney Edwards
Summer Camp Drama Teacher

Hi! My name is Sydney Edwards. I am currently pursuing a degree in Theatre Education at Grand Canyon University and have been passionate Please add bio here about pursuing a theatrical career since I can remember. I have experience on stage, as well as backstage, as a light technician, wardrobe supervisor, set builder, and costume designer. I’ve taught at multiple daycares and summer camps, and I am excited to merge my two passions together at Drama Kids! Theatre helps kids gain a special type of confidence and selfawareness, and I’m thrilled to be able to help your children grow and to motivate their creativity. In my free time I love to read, rock climb, and play with my pup! I’m so excited to be a part of Drama Kids for the summer!

Abel Wulfsberg
Summer Camp Drama Teacher

Hi! My name is Abel and I discovered I was a native Tucsonan at heart about 5 years ago after moving from Texas. I am a freelance artist and graphic designer, dreaming of working in children’s tv and media. Throughout high school, I volunteered to work with children, building their confidence and communication through outdoor programs. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to inspire and teach kids again as a Drama Kids summer camp teacher! I am an avid musical and theatre lover, and value all kinds of creative outlets that let kids show off their strengths and talents. I can’t wait to help your child show you all they are capable of!

Lauren Tancil
Summer Camp Drama Teacher

Hi! I’m so excited to have the opportunity to share my passion and experience for the theater with your children this summer! I  I’m a senior studying Law and Criminology at the University of Arizona. Since I was six years old, I’ve been involved in musical theater and have appeared in numerous performances throughout the greater Phoenix area at studios such as Theater Works, Spotlight Studios, and Creative Stages Youth Theater. I have a strong dedication to music and the preforming arts, and I am thrilled to be returning to musical theater and drama. I believe my unique experience, will not only help your children grow as performers, but will also help them become more confident and engaging public speakers. When I’m not spreading my love for the theater, you can find me playing with my cat, reading a good book, or jamming out to Wicked for the 100th time in my spare time.

Justin Jones
Summer Camp Drama Teacher

Hi! My name is Justin Jones, and I am very excited to be given this opportunity to help mentor and teach your kids. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX but currently, I am attending Pima Community College with the goal of transferring to the University of Arizona to obtain a master’s degree in education and history. Before starting college, I was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps for 5 years where I obtained valuable skills such as leadership, public speaking, communication, critical thinking,
and patience. I look forward to helping your child find their inner “theater self”, develop communication skills, and leadership traits.

Danika Durante
Summer Camp Drama Teacher

Greetings!

My name is Danika, and I am a native Tucsonan, and a graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s in science and Elementary Education. I have 8 years of experience teaching preschool through 5th grade in the Tucson and Benson school districts. During my spare time, I enjoy escaping to the cooler temperatures of our beautiful Mt. Lemmon area for hiking and camping or riding my bike on The Loop. I have three cats that I adore and I believe there’s nothing as great as the smell of an upcoming thunderstorm here in the desert. As an educator, I’ve always enjoyed how much fun it is to bring life to a classroom with each student’s unique characteristics and ways of expression. I’m thrilled and grateful to be joining the Drama Kids summer team and having fun watching your children grow in their creativity and wonder!

Claire McCarthy
Summer Camp Drama Teacher

Hi! I am a second-year film student at Arizona State University. Ever since I was a young girl, I have had a passion for telling stories, whether it be through drawings, dance, or the plays I wrote to share with my friends and family. In high school I  continued in my passion and took two years of theater arts before transitioning to behind the camera. I am looking forward to
working with Drama Kids and I am so excited to have the opportunity to inspire children to follow in their own passions and find a love of storytelling just as I did!