Artistic Director

Janet, a Broadway and television actress, founded THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL in 1993. A Yale University graduate, she made her Broadway debut in the hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical STARLIGHT EXPRESS and appeared in several television series.

Ms. Adderley has worked extensively coaching young actors for television and film including Modern Family actress, Sarah Hyland, Dear Evan Hansen star, Ben Platt, Alicia Morton in the lead role of ANNIE for Disney and the Cheetah Girls for their film debut on the Disney channel. She currently coaches young actors on set for Disney and Netflix. She is a resident of  Austin, TX and the proud mother of two amazingly gifted daughters.

Co-Artistic Director

Having been raised by a community of performing artists, Alana’s undeniable love of music, theatre, and dance were developed by age five. She began her journey in musical theatre at age eight, having performed in countless musicals – her favorites including CATS (Grizabella), RUTHLESS (Judy Denmark / Ginger DelMarco), INTO THE WOODS (The Witch), PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Mabel), WEST SIDE STORY (Consuelo), CHICAGO (Velma Kelly), and FOSSE A TRIBUTE (Sally Bowles). She has worked as a back-up dancer for Gwen Stefani and a featured dancer in LOVESTRUCK: THE MUSICAL (ABC Family) and ANNIE (the 1999 Disney remake). As a musician, she has performed with several incredibly inspiring artists her most memorable including David Foster, Katy Perry, Josh Groban, and Luther Vandross, and worked as a writer with the publishing department at Universal Music.

Although she still performs every now and then, Alana’s true passion lies in the artistic and emotional education of children. Their continued growth and the unbridled joy are what make her heart soar!

Administrative Consultant

Laurel has been teaching children for the past 15 years and couldn’t think of a better job! She graduated with her BFA in Musical Theater from California State University, Fullerton. She has taught in the LA, Orange County, and Seattle area. She is incredibly passionate about providing a nurturing and educational environment for students. She believes theater skills influence life skills and loves to watch all children transform into happy, respectful, creative, confident young adults! She now works as a Guest Talent Coordinator for Disneyland’s Imagination Campus but loves to still support ADDERLEY and her students when she can!

Artistic Director of Adderley Conservatory

Sabrina is excited to be sharing her dance and choreography experience with the students at The Adderley School. After graduating from the School of the Stuttgart Ballet with a Diploma in Classical Dance, her first contract straight out of school was with the Vienna Volksoper. Sabrina spent two years performing at the Opera house before she left to perform as Meg Giry in The Phantom of the Opera. She spent 16 years performing in Europe in Productions of, among others, CHICAGO, 42nd Street, The Producers, The Wild Party, A Chorus Line, and Romeo & Juliet. Sabrina made her Broadway debut in the revival of PIPPIN, performed at the Tony Awards, and then toured the USA and Internationally as Fastrada. Over the course of her three year run with PIPPIN, she is proud to say she has performed every single female role and ensemble position in the company. Sabrina was last seen performing as Velma Kelly in CHICAGO, and on the first national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In between performing, she teaches Dance and Musical Theatre Workshops and Choreographs regularly for No Square Theatre. She choreographed Beauty and The Beast, School of Rock, The Addams Family (Quarantine Version) and most recently, a production of the Musical Cry Baby.

Administrative Director/Instructor

Peyton Calhoon is an Austin native whose career spans performing and leadership roles. She studied at Shenandoah Conservatory, worked in New York City, and starred as a soloist in Las Vegas' Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show. Now the Administrative Director and Marketing Manager for Impact Arts, as well as an Associate Producer for Summer Stock Austin and Administrative Director/Instructor for ADDERLEY, Peyton brings her experience to new facets of the production process, excited to shape the future of performing arts. Peyton has always had a love for children and taught dance and musical theater classes since she was in high school. Peyton Calhoon has a deep love for the arts and takes pride in helping to spread the power of creativity and share the impact that the arts have had on her life.

Administrator/Instructor

Benni grew up immersed in the LA theatre scene, and is so excited to help the next generation of musical theater stars blossom! On stage, some of her favorite SoCal credits include Susan Parks in Billy Elliot at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, Nancy in Fancy Nancy at Chance Theater, Tina Denmark in Ruthless at Theater Palisades and Flounder in The Little Mermaid at the Cupcake Theater. Her TV credits include Grace & Frankie (Netflix) and Sam and Cat (Nick). She spends weekends bringing Disney princesses to life at special events, as well as part time assisting Lisa Picotte at The Young Actor Workplace. She’s go grateful for the theatre teachers who instilled in her a lifelong love of this art form.

Administrator

Coy Branscum (Musical Theatre, BFA - Millikin University) has never been satisfied chasing just one passion, instead choosing to embrace life as a multi-hyphenate. Coy has spent his career filling a myriad of roles, including actor, singer, director, choreographer, educator, and cultural strategist. His work as an actor has allowed him to travel the globe, while serving as a specialty production vocalist and vocal captain for Celebrity Cruises Productions from 2016-2023. A highlight of his time there was being part of the U.S. inaugural cast of the Celebrity Beyond, where he was invited to perform for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and U.S. Olympic Gold medalist Simone Biles at the ship's christening. In addition to his work onstage, Coy is proud to be a longtime collaborator with Impact Arts, the company behind Summer Stock Austin, Texas Arts Project (TAP Camp), College Audition Program (CAP), and the Heller Awards for Young Artists — Austin’s regional high school musical theatre awards. Coy is thrilled to be joining the amazing team of dedicated educators/life-changers at The Adderley School! 

Acting credits include: Cabaret, Spamalot (Sir Robin), The Producers (Carmen Ghia), The Bremen Town Musicians, and Swing! with Summer Stock Austin; PIPPIN (Leading Player), and Oklahoma! (Ali Hakim), and Mary Poppins (Valentine) with Grandstreet Theatre; and A Man of No Importance (Robbie) and La Cage aux Folles(Chantal/Dance Captain) with Cape Rep Theatre. 

Directorial credits include: Sister Act with Summer Stock Austin (choreographer); Mamma Mia! (director/choreographer), Footloose! (director/choreographer),

The Addams Family (assistant director/choreographer), Much Ado About Nothing (assistant director), Little Shop of Horrors (choreographer), A Doll’s House (director), Over the River and Through the Woods (director), Clue: On Stage (director) with Dripping Springs High School. 

Administrator

Julia Fitzgerald is delighted to join the Adderley School team, bringing a unique blend of creative passion and high-level operational expertise to the team. 

A life-long lover of the performing arts, her journey began in the vibrant world of community theatre, and led her to pursue a dual degree in Theatre and Arts Management from the College of Charleston.

In order to support her theatre habit, Julia took "All the world's a stage" a little too seriously and accidentally transitioned into a successful 20-year career in the hospitality industry. 

A proud resident of New Orleans, Julia is a Mardi Gras parade enthusiast and mother of three, who thrives on the city's rich cultural energy. 

She is beyond thrilled and honored to return to her roots and support the artistic mission of the Adderley School.

Instructor

Valeria is an accomplished actor and singer with a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University. As an Argentinian-American, she brings a rich cultural background to her performing and teaching, and is bilingual in Spanish and English! Valeria grew up attending youth theater programs, which inspired her to pursue formal training in college and ultimately make a career out of performing. Throughout her performing arts academic journey, she was honored with the Brian Alfred King Award, given to a performer demonstrating strong work ethic, dedication, and powerful choices while remaining a strong role model, The Miller Scholarship, given to a performer displaying above and beyond ambition, consistent excellence, and promise, as well as a Performing Arts Grant and Talent Scholarship from Syracuse University.

Valeria has performed in many shows across the country, with her favorite roles including Heather Mac in "Heathers: The Musical," Esmeralda in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Mimi in "Rent," Olive in "25th...Spelling Bee," and Maria in "West Side Story." Valeria loves sharing her passion for musical theater with children, encouraging their imagination and instilling confidence through the magic of performing arts. After moving from New York to Los Angeles, she is excited to pursue more TV and film-related work while continuing to inspire young performers.

Check out her website! valeriamariajohnson.com

Instructor

Krystal von der Lieth began acting at age 3 and immediately fell in love with being on stage. A classically trained dancer, she always felt more comfortable as the "dancer" in any ensemble.  At age 11 she joined the Adderley School and truly found her love of being a triple threat, performing in shows such as CATS, FOSSE, CHICAGO, A MY NAME IS ALICE and many more. She continued to study and also began teaching her own classes at Adderley in her early teens and loved sharing her passion with the next generation!

She moved to the Bay Area at age 20 and spent 5 years touring as a Performer Educator at Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theater Programs.  She met her now husband and moved to Colorado where she went back to her love of teaching. At Grand Junction Academy of Dance and Absolute Dance she taught all styles of dance. She also began musical theatre programs at both studios.  She continued performing with multiple performance companies in CO such as Encore Productions, High Desert Opera, and The Cabaret Dinner Theatre, THE WOMEN (Sylvia), ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Columbia), CHICAGO (Velma Kelly).

Now a mom of 3 kiddos, she and her children have worked extensively in the entertainment industry for the past 10 years..  Krystal is so excited to return to her roots and rejoin the Adderley staff teaching yet ANOTHER generation of kids to love the performing arts!

Instructor

After receiving her MFA in Acting from the prestigious Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Chelsea has appeared in numerous prime time TV shows. A few of the shows she’s worked on are: Fox’s GOTHAM (recurring for 3 seasons), DEAD TO ME (opposite James Marsden, Linda Cardellini, and Christina Applegate), and guest starring on the long running BLUE BLOODS. Chelsea spent many summers teaching and directing at kids’ musical theatre camp at her hometown church, and loves helping kids find their own unique creative expression! Chelsea currently lives in Los Angeles and enjoys cooking, taking Pilates classes, and making her own short films! 

Instructor

Kirkland is extremely excited to join the Adderley School team, inspiring children through theatre. He is no stranger to the stage. In his most recent production, Kirkland was poised to embody the role of “Chad” in the phenomenally nonsensical production of “Disaster”.  Other notable performances on the Rivertown stage include the theatre’s 2021 production of Hello Dolly. Subsequent Rivertown roles include Cabaret (Victor), Matilda (Big Kid/Featured Ensemble), SpongeBob the Musical (Larry the Lobster/Gary the Snail), Sister Act (Curtis), and Toxic Avenger (Black Man).

At Le Petit theatre, Kirkland performed in its production of Choir Boy (Super), led by original broadway cast member Nick Ashe. In his time working with Jefferson Performing Art Society, he’s performed as Rocky (Rocky Horror), Harold Ickes (Annie), and Quale in the season’s run of South Pacific. Some of his most notable performances on the Theatre Baton Rouge MainStage include Newsies (Specs/Darcy), Sister Act (Curtis) and Hair (Hud) in addition to roles like Teen Angel (Grease), Harker (Dracula), and King/Sawyer (Big River) performed in various home theaters. 

When not on the Rivertown stage, you can catch Kirkland, singing his own original music from his debut album, “Unrequited”. With this project, Kirkland has been fortunate enough to perform at many iconic New Orleans venues like at Tipitina's or Howlin’ Wolf. However, nothing compares to his experience making his 2025 Jazz Fest (Congo Square) and Bayou Boogaloo Debuts. You can also spot Kirkland singing bluesy gospel harmonies with The Asylum Chorus.

In 2025, Kirkland served as the interim executive director for Mess Arts and launched a mobile concert series — City Sounds. Currently, he serves as the Youth Arts Program Theatre Teacher for Bates Dance Festival in Lewiston, Maine. He earned his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science at LSU and uses his years of education, performance, and arts advocacy by serving on the Kaleidoscope Theatre and Black Americana Fest Boards of Advisors. Kirkland is super excited to put all this experience to good use with the Adderley Team. 

Instructor

Ms. Danette is a joyful singer, performer, and teaching artist who loves sharing the magic of music and storytelling with young people. Growing up surrounded by music from her family and inspired by jazz, gospel, and soulful classics, she discovered early on that music is a powerful way to connect, express feelings, and build confidence. Danette has performed on many stages across the globe and brings that real-world experience into the classroom in a fun, encouraging, and creative way. At The Adderley School, she is excited to help students use their voices, imaginations, and teamwork to shine both onstage and off.

Annie is enthusiastic about joining the ADDERLEY team, leveraging her rich experience in performing arts, which includes an MFA in Creative Writing from UNO and a musical theatre degree from Ole Miss. With a strong commitment to mentoring young artists for the past 15 years, she has an impressive track record of over 40 musical theatre performances in various cities and has directed indie films. Collaborating with her Le Petit Theatre co-star Alix Page in the ADDERLEY workshops is an exciting adventure. Annie is proud of her one-woman show, Last Gaia Standing, which allowed her to fulfill her dream of performing in New York, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Annie is dedicated to equipping her students with the tools and experiences they need to realize their artistic goals. “To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Instructor

Alyssa Daigle is a dedicated performer and Musical Theatre student at Loyola University of New Orleans with a minor in Social Media Communications. She found a love for the stage her sophomore year of high school with the Jesuit Philalectic Society and is committed to supporting young performers the way she was supported by her previous directors. She was last seen in Loyola University's production of Alice By Heart (Ensemble/Alice Spencer Understudy) and is also the lead female singer of her band Da Funky Pawpaws. Her passion for the arts is unending and she wishes to share the love and power that art possesses with generations to come.

Instructor

Emory Farber is a born and raised New Orleans actress who loves nothing more than combining her love of theatre, with her passions for education. She is a dedicated artist, a hard worker, and a current musical theatre student at Loyola University. She has worked in theatre education for many years, from directing large scale productions, to teaching focused courses like theatrical makeup. Performing since the age of seven she has been a part of countless productions, some of her favorites include: Singing In The Rain (Lina Lamont), The Addams Family Musical (Morticia Addams), The Crucible (Abigail Williams), and The Music Man (Eulalie McKechnie Shinn). Ultimately, she hopes to inspire young actors the way her incredible teachers have done for her.

Instructor

Himshree Neupane is a theatre artist from Nepal, based in New Orleans. She holds an MFA in Film and Theatre Performance from the University of New Orleans and a BA in Theatre Arts from McNeese State University. She is also a certified SAFD Actor Combatant. Some of her stage credits include The Moors, She Stoops to Conquer, No Exit, The Secret Garden, Frog and Toad, Kiss me Kate and Once Upon a Mattress. At CYT Lake Charles, she served as a teacher/director and directed her first musical, James and the Giant Peach. She is thrilled to work with young performers at The Adderley School.

Choreographer

Noah Wood graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre-Dance Emphasis at Roosevelt University. There he has been seen as “Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street.” He recently made his Chicago debut as a Swing in Anything Goes at the Porchlight Theatre. He’s spent several summers with Impact Arts’ Summer Stock Austin in various productions including “Mad Hatter” in the regional premiere of Alice’s Wonderland, “Benny” in In The Heights, “Scarecrow” in The Wizard of Oz, and this year “Nathan” in Guys and Dolls. Noah has also starred in two original movie musicals with the same company- How To Musical Theatre and Scout. Sending tons of love to friends and family!

Choreographer

Monique joined the Adderley Family in 2011! A Boston Conservatory graduate & National Award Winning Choreographer. Most recently choreographed, "Celebrating The Music Footloose!" with Kenny Loggins at The  Adderley School in Santa Barbara.

Orchestrator

Erik Telford is an award-winner composer and trumpeter based in Austin, TX and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. He has performed as a leader or sideman on four continents with artists such as Bill Berry, George Bohannan, Maria Schneider, Joshua Redman, James Williams, Elias Haslanger, Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, and Louie Bellson. He has been an artist at the Monterey, Montreux, North Sea, Melbourne, and Yokohama Honmoku jazz festivals.

Erik has been working with Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theatre and THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL for over 5 years.

Music Director/Pianist

Austin is a B. Iden Payne and Central Texas Excellence in Theatre Award nominee and a two-time recipient of the BroadwayWorld Austin Award for "Best Musical Direction". Music direction credits include Ghost Quartet (Penfold Theatre); Nunsense and Ruthless (City Theatre); Evita, Rock of Ages, Man of La Mancha, Shrek, My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol, Spamalot, Smokey Joe’s Café, Damn Yankees, and Tarzan (Georgetown Palace Theatre); and numerous youth productions throughout the Austin metroplex. Mr. Kimble has traveled across the country with The Adderley School, rehearsing and performing with their productions of A... My Name is Alice, Pippin, Oliver, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. He holds a bachelor’s of music degree in jazz piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin and has performed worldwide. In 2022, Mr. Kimble accepted a position as Lecturer and Associate Music Director for Texas State University's Department of Theatre & Dance. He also teaches a studio of private students in the areas of piano, trumpet, voice, music theory, improvisation, and audition technique.

Pianist

Matthew Lowy is an NYC-based composer, music director, arranger, and pianist. He spent several years touring with musicals nationally and internationally, including An American in Paris (music supervision, orchestrations), A Chorus Line (U.S., Japan, and Shanghai; music director/conductor/orchestrations), and 42nd Street (U.S.; music director/conductor). Matt also worked as a keyboard sub at Beetlejuice on Broadway, and as a rehearsal pianist for the 2018 production of A Chorus Line at City Center. Matt has been working on the New Voices summer conservatory at the Paper Mill Playhouse in NJ for eleven years, as a music director, conductor, arranger, and accompanist. He is currently a composer in the Advanced BMI Lehman Engel Advanced Musical Theater Workshop, where he received the First Year Jerry Harrigan Musical Theatre Award in 2019. His original musicals have been performed at the New York International Fringe Festival (Fallen Skies, Overall Excellence Award in Music Composition), NYTF Winterfest (These Walls; winner, best short), and Sound Bites. Matt holds a B.M. in Music Composition from The Boston Conservatory. matthewlowy.com

Musical Director

Ben has worked with the Adderley School for the Performing Arts and Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theatre since 2013, including their 2014 production of Les Misérables, numerous other smaller shows, as well as two performances for Ms. Oprah Winfrey. He is an LA-based pianist and composer who has music directed and/or accompanied over 125 musical theatre productions across Southern California, Seattle and New York City, for many theatre companies, including 5 Star Theatricals (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Center Theatre Group (Los Angeles), the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (Beverly Hills), and the AfterWorks Theatre Project (NYC). He is associate accompanist for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. In 2013 he was nominated for a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Musical Direction for the Southern California premiere of Carrie at Out of the Box Theatre (Santa Barbara). His song "Heaven" premiered on American Idol Season 17. He earned his B.F.A. in Piano from CalArts — where he gave the Wild Beast Music Pavilion concerto premiere with Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2 — and his M.A. (with distinction) in Music Industry Administration from California State University, Northridge. His 15-minute musical, A View From The Moon, premiered in August 2020 at the Academy for New Musicals. He is currently pursuing his M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Songwriting at NYU Tisch School for the Arts.

Pianist

Judy was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and began playing the piano as a toddler. She went on to attend the prestigious Juilliard School of Music and later received her Bachelors degree in Music from SMU in Dallas, Texas. After her schooling, Judy moved to Los Angeles. Immediately she began musically assisting the likes of Michael Kidd, Gower Champion, Tommy Tune, Ron Field, Joe Layton, and Michael Bennett. At the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera she worked on many of the great American musicals produced by Impresario Edwin Lester.

Among them were ANNIE GET YOUR GUN with Debbie Reynolds, MY FAIR LADY with Douglas Fairbanks Jr., CAMELOT with Robert Goulet and Carol Lawrence, OLIVER with Karen Morrow, and MY ONE AND ONLY with Tommy Tune and Lucy Arnaz. Her television credits include Sun City Scandals with Johnny Carson, Hallmark Hall of Fame, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Pinocchio with Danny Kaye, Sandy Duncan, and Charlotte Ray.