Our Team

Kristal Mallookis

President

Originally from Littleton, Colorado, Kristal graduated from University of Northern Colorado and moved to NYC to pursue dance. Very soon after moving to the city, she started putting her entrepreneurship roots to use by working side gigs in between taking dance class and auditioning. Being able to find work for her actor/dancer/singer friends was exciting and fulfilling. In 2007 Mustard Lane launched and her vision of creating a transparent company with a safe and fun work environment came to life. Kristal is thrilled to bring that same passion to Off The Lane and the artistic community as whole.

Jillian Schiralli

Vice President & Social Media Manager

Jillian graduated in 2008 from Ball State University with a BA in Musical Theatre. Having grown up in the theatre world, she was thrilled when she booked the National Tour of “Cats,” only two weeks after graduating college. Immediately following her contract, she made the big move to NYC. After 10 years in the city, she now calls herself a true New Yorker! Soon after her move to the Big Apple, she started working with Mustard Lane in between performing gigs. Now with 10 years under her belt with the company, she works full-time as the Admin & Social Director, as well as the Event Coordinator for Meaux Space, the event space where ML headquarters are located. She is passionate about helping create beautiful events, whether at Meaux Space, Mustard Lane or her own self-produced vocal shows around the city. She is thrilled to bring her knowledge of the “NYC streets” to new mentees of Off the Lane!

Christine Rose Schermerhorn 

Secretary & Mentor

With experience from hosting to working on a Nickelodeon sitcom, Christine is a seasoned professional in all forms of the word. You may have seen her on The Rookie (ABC), Puppy Place (Apple TV), Henry Danger (Nickelodeon), Stars in the House (Sirius XM/The Actor’s Fund for charity), and Impractical Jokers (TruTV). Christine’s work ethic and attitude have carried her through New York City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Everyday is she grateful for the privileged life she has, as many black transgender women are underrepresented and at high risk of discrimination and danger. Her passion for OTL comes from the responsibility to help others when the opportunity arises, since she would not be where she is without the help of others.

Gerome Samante

Board Member

Gerome is originally from Hong Kong and has been in NYC for 11 years. He is now the producer for the iconic theatre-nightclub, The Box and has been in the production world for over 10 years. Gerome studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and participated in Musicals, Shakespeare and more 
Gerome is extremely honored to be part of the board of Off The Lane. He can’t wait to be a resource and to help educate the younger generation of artists making their transition to New York City. 

Ayana Bey

BOOST Co-Chair

Ayana Bey is an NYC based actress, singer, and voice over artist who is currently a mentor for Off The Lane’s Mentorship Program, as well as Co-Chair of the BOOST program committee. Throughout her 12 years in the business she has taught acting classes, workshops & mentors actors so they have the tools needed to sustain and blossom in the arts. She is also a proud alumni of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she received her MA in Classical Acting. Ayana is motivated to help and see artists develop their goals through the BOOST program.

Jillian Vitko

BOOST Co-Chair

Jillian Vitko is an NYC based performing artist with over 20 years of experience in education. She has previously worked with companies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Mentor, The YMCA as a Teacher/Program Director & EBL Coaching as a Special Education Tutor. In addition to Co-Chairing the BOOST Program, she serves as a Mentor for Off The Lane’s Mentorship Program, where she helps graduating college seniors transition to life in NYC. As both an artist & educator, she is honored to have the opportunity to further guide creatives to follow their passions & achieve their goals

Nichole Naccash

Mentorship Program Co-Chair

Nichole Naccash is an NYC based multi-hyphenate performing artist, with over two decades of theatrical experience to share. Originally from Virginia, she received her degree in Music-Theatre/Dance from Christopher Newport University, and quickly traded her sleepy little town for the city that never sleeps! She has performed all over the world, originating roles in national tours, theme parks, and most recently, across China for 6 months. She has a wealth of knowledge to share both in front of and behind the table- with specific experience in directing, producing, and casting.Throughout her career, Nichole has found immense fulfillment in assisting her friends and coworkers make their artistic goals and dreams come true- which led to her joining Off The Lane as a mentor in 2020. Over the last couple of years, she has watched with wonder and joy as OTL has guided so many artists in their theatrical journey. She is honored to have played a small part in that, and looks forward to all that is to come!

Vincenzo Hinckley

Mentorship Program Co-Chair

Vincenzo is a professional actor, writer, producer and improviser with over 15 years of experience in the field. He has had the pleasure of working with unique people in interesting projects of all caliber and loves sharing that with young artists. Having had the honor of being a part of Off The Lane’s one-of-a-kind Mentorship program for the last few years and the incredible team that’s behind it, he looks forward to continue doing what he loves most as co-chair, helping others reach their full potential

Jenna Craig

Content Creator & Development Assistant

Jenna Craig is currently double majoring in theater and journalism at Ramapo College of New Jersey.  After she graduates in May 2022, she hopes to secure a job in the entertainment industry either as an actress, arts administrator, or entertainment journalist. Jenna has been working in entertainment since she was 5 years old when she began a career as a child actress. As she got older, she fell in love with live theater, video editing, graphic design and writing, all of which have culminated in her career aspirations tod

Amanda Giampaglia

Social Media Intern

Amanda Giampaglia is currently a senior at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She is a global communication major and is also in the running to receive her elementary education certificate. Amanda is the Viewpoints Section Editor of The Ramapo News as well as the publicist of Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre Honor Society) on campus! Amanda has been involved with theatre from the age of 6 until today. She is looking forward to working alongside the team of OTL, and is so grateful for this amazing opportunity! Off the Lane is an incredible company and Amanda is thrilled to be a part of the team!

Sophie Brubaker 

Community Coordinator

Sophie Brubaker is a recent graduate of UC Davis with a BA in Theatre and Dance and a BS in Human Development. She was born and raised right outside of Sacramento, California, and while she plans to pursue some big acting dreams and move to NYC in the next few months, she’ll always be Californian at heart. Sophie’s first ever role as a stray goblin in a youth production of Narnia, the musical, was a seed that blossomed throughout high school theatre, UC Davis theatre, and multiple regional productions and musical concept albums. Sophie’s passion for art and theatre builds on her love for people. More than anything, she adores when people come together to tell stories and build community. The arts are a catalyst for loving and understanding each other better, and that is their greatest opportunity and obligation, and that is also why Sophie fell in love with the arts and artist community (and Off The Lane ;)).  In her extra time, you’ll find Sophie belting Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana tunes, sipping cappuccinos, and being a little too busy. Website: sophiebrubaker.weebly.com

Tristan Raines

School Partnership Committee

Tristan Raines (He/Him) is a freelance costume designer, artist, and educator based in New York City. Tristan has designed Off Broadway and regionally for 15 years. Select venues and companies include New World Stages, Barrow Street Theater, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Goodspeed, La Jolla Playhouse, Norweigan Cruise Lines, Samsung, Cirque Musica, CTG- LA, The Muny, Capital Rep, New Rep Boston, and The Maltz Jupiter Theater. Tristan is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. Tristan holds a BS in Technical Theatre with an emphasis in Costume Design from Northwest Missouri State University. He then received his MFA in Costume Design from Boston University. Tristan also studied musical theater and Shakespeare in London, England at Imperial College. Tristan has also received certification in Diversity/Equality, and Inclusion Leadership from The University of Michigan as well as certification in Inclusive Design of Online Curriculum from University of Colorado Boulder.

Mikayla Petrilla

Events Committee

Mikayla is a New York-based performer and digital marketer with a penchant for nonprofit work. An actor, singer and funny gal, she’s brought laughs and music Off-B’way at the Signature Theatre (New York Musical Festival), Joe’s Pub at the Public, 54 Below, Broadway Comedy Club, Future of StoryTelling, The Chain and, up until the pandemic, was at The McKittrick Follies at Sleep No More. You can catch her on TV on Investigation Discovery, CNBC’s Make It, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She is currently performing alongside Illusionist Matias Letelier, bringing music and magic to corporations such as Pzifer, Moderna + Johnson + Johnson. She’s a mentor with Off the Lane as well as Young Storytellers in NYC, and is a teaching artist with various theatre companies in the tristate area. Mikayla’s cornerstone is community (so Off the Lane is THE place to be!) and her vision is to make a career in the arts an accessible, tangible outlet for all, so everyone with a dream has an opportunity to succeed. She is excited to bring her interdisciplinary interests in performance, digital marketing, and education to Off the Lane in hopes to create and foster opportunities for the next set of bright-minded creatives, movers and shakers! 

Jen Donohoo

Ann Reinking Scholarship Program Director

Jen Donohoo (she/her) is a creative producer and director residing in New York City. Her experiences as a dancer, choreographer, educator, program director and collaborator have made her an asset to creative teams across the entertainment industry. Recent producing/content producing credits include: Disney Upfronts 2019 and Disney’s Road to the Upfronts 2021, Dancing For Democracy, Ares Capital Virtual Summits, Keysight World 2021 and Off The Lane’s Empower Artists Gala 2021.

Favorite Associate Director and Choreographer credits include: Marvel Universe Live (dir James Hadley), Freckled Sky (choreo. Stephanie Martinez), Evita (dir/choreo. Alex Sanchez), Guys and Dolls (choreo. Alex Sanchez), Ocean Aria (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines), and Lions Club International Ceremonies (Hamburg). As a dance captain, she worked on Follies (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, dir. Gary Griffin), A Chorus Line (dir. Mitzi Hamilton), A Christmas Carol, and Timon of Athens (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, choreo. Nic Blanc).

As a casting director/talent manager, she’s cast intimate to large scale events across the globe with companies like Disney, CBS, Bustle, Hermes, Royal Caribbean, Victoria’s Secret, Adidas, and Delta. Her stage management credits are primarily in the beauty industry, working on events like L’anza: The B.I.G. Show, International Beauty Show NYC + Vegas, and the American Beauty Show.

As an educator, teacher and mentor, she has had the privilege of working with students ages three to professionals in studio, university and master teacher settings over the past 25 years. More recent teaching credits include: Stage Door Connections, I Can Do That NYC, SUNY Purchase, Ballet Academy East, Ball State University, Lou Conte Dance Studio, The Joffrey Ballet, and Ruth Page Dance Center.

She also served as Vice President and Program Director for Off The Lane for nearly 3 years, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of every aspect of their programming from growth and content management for social media, newsletters, and blogs to managing staff, committee members and interns. She was also a producer of their Empower Artists Gala 2021, where the inaugural year winner of the Ann Reinking Scholarship Program was announced. In November 2021, after 11 months of development and collaboration with Ann Reinking Advisory Board members, she is thrilled to be continuing to work as the Ann Reinking Program Director with such a passionate group that is invested in keeping Annie’s legacy alive and passing along her love of mentorship to the next generation of artists.

Hinton Battle

Hinton Battle, three-time Tony Award winner is recognized as one of Broadway’s most respected musical stars. After studying at the renowned Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington DC and School of American Ballet in New York City, Hinton began his career on Broadway at the age of 15, originating the role of the Scarecrow in The Wiz. He has since gone on to build an impressive portfo- lio of work, dazzling audiences across the country and around the world for three decades, starring in some of the most memorable musicals, including Dancin’, Dreamgirls, Sophisticated Ladies, Chicago (Billy Flynn), Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Miss Saigon and The Tap Dance Kid. He is the recipient of numerous awards honoring his versatility as an entertainer, among them the NAACP Image Awards, Midtown International Theatre Festival Award, Fred Astaire Award, Ira Aldridge Award, Planet Connection Award, the 2012 Champion of the Arts Award from Big Boi’s “Antwan Patten” Big Kidz Foundation, and the Amas 2014 Rosie Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of extraordinary ac- complishment in the theatrical arts.

Hinton has easily crossed from stage to television and recording to producing, writing, directing and acting appearing in These Old Broads, Foreign Student, Touched By An Angel, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Smash, and opposite Jamie Fox in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls.

As a choreographer, Hinton’s credits include the 65th and 66th Academy Awards, the Outkast musical, Idlewild, Bolden, and Child Star: The Shirley Temple Story. Additionally he has directed and choreographed ballets for the Baltimore School of the Arts, Washington Reflections Dance Company, Jones Haywood School of Dance, and Philadanco. He directed and choreographed the Off-Broadway musi cals Respect, The Marvelous Wonderettes, the stage production of Evil Dead, and Sistas: The Musical, which aired 2013 on BET. Hinton Battle wrote, produced and directed the comedy drama, Love Lies the Tour, starring Grammy winners Brian McKnight, Angie Stone. He wrote, directed and choreographed Hinton Bat- tle’s American Variety Bang II produced by Yoshimoto at Osaki’s NGK Theatre to sold-out performances.
Hinton’s greatest joy has been the launch of the professional entertainment academy, Hinton Battle Dance Academy (HBDA). Since 2017 Hinton Battle and Yoshimoto Kogyo the co-founders have prepared students for successful career in the entertainment industry and life.

Gregory Butler

Gregory Butler (Director, Choreographer, Writer, Creative Director, Teacher, Actor, Singer, Dancer) is a former dance major of The Juilliard School. Gregory made his Broadway debut in 1986 in the musical Raggedy Ann. He has also appeared on Broadway in Chicago The Musical (Choreographed by Ann Reinking) and All About Me. Off-Broadway performances include Here Lies Jenny directed by Roger Rees, starring Bebe Neuwirth and choreographed by Ann Reinking. National tours: Applause (Choreographed by Ann Reinking), Chicago The Musical, Evita and Martin Guerre. He has performed in numerous stock and regional productions and tv and film while also directing and choreographing for theatre, tv, film and concerts. In 1997 Gregory was cast in the 1st National tour of Chicago and Ann Reinking chose him to be one of her two dance captains…life changing!
In 2005 he was asked to be one of the Associate Choreographers for the
six time Tony award winning show with the responsibility and honor to replicate Ann’s Tony award winning choreography around the world…life
altering! Gregory has been a part of the creative teams for productions of Chicago in Moscow, Denmark, Korea, Amsterdam, Germany and the U.S. In 2013 he was honored to choreography Chicago for the Musical Under
The Stars series at the iconic and historic Hollywood Bowl which was directed by Brooke Shields.
Gregory is excited to share Ann’s legacy with the world through this
scholarship program.

Caitlin Carter

Caitlin Carter has been working professionally as an actor, singer dancer for over 30 years. Her Broadway credits include
original companies of CHICAGO, VICTOR/VICTORIA, SWING, BELLS ARE RINGING and AIN’T BROADWAY GRAND. Her film
and TV credits include RENT, BIG EDEN, GUIDING LIGHT and numerous commercials. She is also very proud of her charity
work as a 10 year plus Career Transition for Dancer board member (Vice Chairmen 2013-2015), her work on The Dancers
Advisory Committee at the Actors Fund, producing the 2004 CTFD gala and co-producing with Bebe Neuwirth the 2018
and 2020 CTFD galas. Her work for Ann Reinking was a highly impactful and cherished part of her career. She is
honored to be helping to continue Ann’s legacy of artistry and mentorship.

Gary Chryst

Gary Chryst has staged CHICAGO choreography worldwide; staged PETROUCHKA for Mariinsky Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada; Jerome Robbins’ NY EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ for the Juilliard School; assisted Ann Reinking in a new production of the Kander and Ebb musical, THE VISIT; choreographed a new American production of SOUTH PACIFIC, NIJINSKY; co-choreographer of a new production of WEST SIDE STORY in Brazil. Mr. Chryst has extensive ballet and Broadway performing credits including the Joffrey Ballet, Nederland Dans Theatre 3, American Ballet Theatre, GUYS AND DOLLS, BOB FOSSE’S DANCIN’ and A CHORUS LINE; guest performances with Twyla Tharp, David Parsons, Lar Lubovitch, Eliot Feld, Jose Limon, Nureyev and Friends among others. In 2013, Jiri Kylian choreographed a work featuring Mr. Chryst, EAST SHADOW, which is touring throughout the world. In 2016 and 2017 Mr. Chryst appeared with American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House in Alexei Ratmansky’s THE GOLDEN COCKEREL as King Dodon.

Mindy Cooper

Mindy Cooper has had the privilege of spending the last 40 years as a working professional in the Performing Arts, as a Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Producer and Teacher/Mentor. From Dance Companies (Twyla Tharp Dance, Eliot Feld Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Thingsezisee’m Dance Theater) to Broadway/Off-Broadway (Chicago, Titanic, Song and Dance, Beauty and the Beast, Dracula The Musical, Being Seen, The Eternal Space, Men Are From Mars-Women Are From Venus, Live!, 50 Shades — The Musical Parody, Soul Doctor, Wrong Mountain) her passion for new works has always steered her career as a performer and creator. She is Co-Founder/ Co-Director of Catalyst: a Theatre Think Tank, a festival of new works on the campus of UC Davis, where she is a professor of Theatre and Dance. 

mindycooper.com

catalyst3T.com

Dylis Croman

Dylis Croman started her professional career in New York City dancing with The Feld Ballets/NY at the age of seventeen. She has been working professionally in the business for 23 years. Croman’s credits include Chicago, A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity, Oklahoma, Thou Shalt Not, Fosse, Movin’ Out, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. On television, she appeared as Andrew Daniels on “Guiding Light”, “Smash” on NBC and Fosse (trumpet solo, filmed for PBS “Great Performances”). She was introduced to the Fosse style at an early age by her mentor, Ann Reinking. Croman was deeply inspired by her teaching of this unique, stylized form of dance that powerfully resonates to this day. She now stars in her dream role of Roxie Hart on the national tour and Broadway productions of Chicago the musical. Dylis is proud and honored to share in the legacy and brilliance of the late, great Annie Reinking.

Charlotte d’Amboise

Erzsebet-Liz Foldi

A child actress and dancer, Ms. Foldi is best known for her role as Michelle Gideon in the Bob Fosse film “All That Jazz”. She studied dance at School of American Ballet, performed with NYCB in various children’s roles- including the role of Clara in Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” and was a member of Twyla Tharp Dance. Currently Ms. Foldi lives in Scottsdale, AZ where she enjoys horseback riding and has a private practice as licensed massage and lymphatic therapist.

Joel Grey

In a career that was launched in the early 1950’s, Joel Grey has created indelible stage roles each decade since Since then, his Broadway credits include the Stop the World I Want to Get Off, Half a Sixpence, Cabaret (Tony Award), George M! (Tony nomination), Goodtime Charley (Tony nomination), The Grand Tour (Tony nomination), Chicago (Drama Desk Award), Wicked, Anything Goes, and Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Joel’s dramatic stage roles include Marco Polo Sings a Solo, Give Me Your Answer, Do! (Drama Desk nomination), New York City Opera’s Silverlake (directed by Hal Prince) and Larry Kramer’s seminal The Normal Heart at the Public Theatre, which he also subsequently co-directed with George C. Wolfe in its Tony Award winning Broadway premiere (Drama Desk Award, Tony nomination).  

Joel received the Academy Award, the Golden Globe and the British Academy Award for his performance in the 1972 film version of Cabaret (directed by Bob Fosse). He is one of only nine actors to have won both the Tony and Academy Award for the same role.  

Joel is also an accomplished photographer. He has five books of photographs. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. His memoir, Master of Ceremonies, was published in February 2016 (Flatiron). 

Joel most recently directed the acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish which won the 2019 Drama Desk Award for Best Musical Revival.

Marilu Henner

Bonnie Oda Homsey

Born in Hawaii, Bonnie Oda Homsey is founding Director of Los Angeles Dance Foundation where she curated programming for American Repertory Dance Company’s rarely-seen reconstructions of 40+ masterworks. For a decade, she has provided arts consultancy and career development workshops around the country.  Bonnie serves on the Actors Fund Western Council working to establish free youth programming across the disciplines.  She is Adjunct Assistant Professor at USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.  Her article, An Action Plan for Artistic Identity and Career Development, was published in National Dance Education Organization’s Dance in Practice publication.  A former soloist with the Martha Graham Co., Bonnie performed on Broadway, toured domestically and internationally, originated roles with Rudolph Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn, and was featured in ‘Dance in America’ and ‘Life from Wolftrap.’   For 35 years, she served as a panelist for organizations including National Endowment for the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts, United States Artists, California Arts Council and municipal arts funders. She was Chair of Dance and Arts Advisory Board member for The Princess Grace Foundation USA.  Bonnie was part of the freshman class when The Juilliard School moved to Lincoln Center, and received her M.F.A. from University of California, Irvine as the recipient of the Chancellor’s Fellowship. 

Bebe Neuwirth

Bebe Neuwirth has been dancing, singing, and acting, on and off Broadway, throughout the US, on the West End of London, on TV and in Films for over 40 years. She’s been honored with many awards including Tonys and Emmys, and has an Honorary Doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music. She’s an Honorary member of IATSE Local One, and an Honorary Ziegfeld Girl. She is on the Board of Directors of AIM by Kyle Abraham. As a trustee of The Actors’ Fund, she founded their Dancers’ Resource, a program that addresses the particular needs of all dancers.

Chita Rivera

A theatrical icon and one of Broadway’s greatest triple-threat talents, Chita Rivera is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history having earned 10 nominations, won twice and received the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.  A versatile actress/singer/dancer, her most recent starring roles include The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway; the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele and the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age nine) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from the legendary choreographer George Balanchine. Chita’s first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam.  Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink (Tony Award), Chicago, Jerry’s Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award), and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful.  On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, Can-Can with The Rockettes. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009 and received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002. In 2019, Chita performed her solo concert at London’s Cadogan Hall; in 2018 she was honored as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy; in 2016 she headlined at Carnegie Hall and in 2015, Great Performances aired their special Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ To Do, a retrospective of her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. Her current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing.  Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente.

Chris Reinking Stuart

Peter Talbert

Melissa Thodos

At the age of six, Melissa Thodos wanted to really MOVE….so she did, by training at the Evanston School of Ballet, choreographing in High School as part of “Esande” the Evanston Township High School dance Club , and doing both at  Skidmore College.  Following academia, she  became a  featured performer educator and choreographer with The Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble performing works by Paul Taylor, Lar Lubovitch and Ze’eva Cohen among others until founding Thodos Dance Chicago in 1992.  Thodos Dance Chicago served as a platform for her own  choreography and for other American choreographers from the national dance  landscape. Melissa has collaborated with such noted artists as Ann Reinking, Yoko Ono, and architect Jeanne Gang to bring blended vision and  voices to the stage and to many communities.  For a quarter of a century, the Company performed in over 25 states and 6 continents, and beyond  the stage Melissa created a professional environment that not only  trained dancers,  but also nurtured  them as choreographers, and mentored them  to grow as educators. The NEW Dances  chorography project was part of the Thodos Dance Chicago’s fabric and  structure  since 2000 and this special creative project for our community continues in collaboration with DanceWorks Chicago.

Tommy Tune

Tommy Tune is one of the country’s most prolific performer/director/choreographers and is celebrating his golden decade on the great American stage. He has received 10 Tony Awards, which includes the 2015 Tony for Life Achievement in the Theatre, The National Medal of Arts, 8 Drama Desk Awards, 3 Astaire Awards, and multiple Life Time Achievement Awards including the Society of Directors and the Choreographers’ George Abbott Award.

 A native Texan, Mr. Tune began his career as a dancer in the Broadway shows Baker Street, A Joyful Noise and How Now Dow Jones. He has received Tony Awards for The Will Rogers Follies (Direction and Choreography), Grand Hotel (Direction and Choreography), My One and Only (Actor in a Musical and Choreography) Nine (Direction), A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine (Choreography) and Seesaw (Featured Actor in a Musical). Tune received two Tony nominations (Direction and Choreography) for The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. 

Film credits include Hello Dolly!, The Boy Friend, and Mimi Bluette…fiore del mio giardino, and in 1999, he made his Las Vegas debut as the star of EFX at the MGM Grand Hotel.  Tune is the recipient of the National Medal Of Arts, the highest honor for artistic achievement given by the President of the United States, and he has been honored with his own star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into The Theater Hall of Fame by Gwen Verdon.  In 2009 the New York Landmarks Conservancy designated Mr. Tune as a Living Landmark. In early 2015 Tune received rave reviews for his tap dancing and singing role in the Encores! production of Lady, Be Good! at New York City Center. He is currently touring the country in his one-man show, Tommy Tune Tonight!. 

William Whitener

William Whitener performed worldwide and on Broadway with The Joffrey Ballet, Twyla Tharp Dance, Bob Fosse’s Dancin’, New York City Opera and Martha Clarke’s Garden of Earthly Delights. He choreographed over sixty dances for Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Ballet Hispanico, Seattle Repertory Theater, Seattle Opera and John Curry’s Ice Theatre. He has also created dances for stage and television for Ann Reinking, Tommy Tune, Bill Irwin and Faith Prince and staged the debut of American Ballroom Theater at The Kennedy Center and BAM. Mr. Whitener has set Twyla Tharp’s ballets in the U.S and France and assisted Mr. Robbins with pre-production for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. He served as Artistic Director for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal and Kansas City Ballet. He was an evaluator for the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, a jury member of Benois de la Danse and has served on a variety of panels including the NEA and Pew Charitable Trust Fund. He has taught ballet, modern dance and composition at Harvard University Summer Dance, Cornish College of the Arts, University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Ballet and was the Director of Dance at Concord Academy.