Megan Hasse (Ariel)
Megan Hasse grew up on a horse farm in northern Virginia and now resides in New York City. Previous credits include “An Evening of Achievement” with Reba McEntire at The John F. Kennedy Center (featured vocalist; “This Is Me” and “I Have A Dream”); Norwegian Cruise Line’s Oceania Marina (Production Singer/Dancer); Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth) and Mamma Mia! (Sophie) at Shenandoah Music Theatre; Saturday Night Fever (Pauline) at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre; Damn Yankees (Gloria) and Anything Goes (Hope) at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. BFA: Montclair State University. You can view her work at www.meganhasse.com.

Kristin Huffman (VI Moore)

Kristin Huffman appeared as a leading role in the Tony award winning Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim-"Company" directed by John Doyle.  She played the leading role of “Sarah” as well as flute, sax and piccolo. The production was filmed and aired on PBS's Great Performances. 

She has a career that has spanned over 30 years professionally performing with operas, theatres, symphonies around the US and she played “Christine” in the European tour of Phantom. 

Kristin is the Founder and Producing Artistic director of The New Paradigm Theatre. She produces video shows for broadwayword.com including her own educational show “Kristin’s Korner” where she interviews pros from the industry to get their advice about challenges and changes in the entertainment industry. She is a former Miss Ohio and was a runner-up to Miss America.  

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from both Capital University Conservatory of Music BM (Music ed: flute and voice concentration) and Northwestern University (Masters of Music- Opera) www.kristinhuffman.com 

Carolyn Savoia (Eleanor Dunbar)
Carolyn Savoia is beyond grateful to be performing LIVE! Regional: Music Theatre of Connecticut, ACT of CT, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, New Paradigm Theatre, Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Virtual: The Killing Kompany. She was most recently a part of The Ridgefield Theater Barn One Acts. BA Theatre, Wagner College. www.carolynsavoia.com

@carolynsavoia

Erika Spondike (Rusty)
Erika is thrilled to be back on stage performing in Footloose! She is a rising senior BFA Music Theatre student with a minor in Performing Arts Management at The Hartt School in West Hartford, CT. Favorite credits include Footloose (Urleen), Anything Goes (Erma), Crimes of the Heart (Chick), All Shook Up (Natalie), and Cyrano de Bergerac (Roxane). When not performing onstage, Erika can be found making skits on TikTok (@erikaspondike) where she has over 40,000 followers. www.erikaspondike.com

erikaspondike

erikaspondike

Craig Pinder (Rev. Shaw Moore)
Craig Pinder has played many leading roles in London’s West End theatres. An Original Cast member of Les Misérables in London, he also played Jean Valjean at the Palace Theatre. Other London credits include Tevye/company in Fiddler on the Roof, The Best Man, Floyd Collins, Veteran’s Day, The White House Murder Case, Macbeth with Mark Rylance, Mamma Mia!, Sunset Boulevard and Children of Eden. Craig has spent seasons at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre, and the Royal Exchange in the UK. He was in the Opening Season of Shakespeare’s Globe in London with Mark Rylance and has played various roles in rep theatres both in the UK and the USA. He has made several film and television appearances. A recent US tour of Romantics Anonymous was Covid-cancelled; but Craig is thrilled to be performing once again in Footloose at NPT in CT USA! Website: craigpinder.org

Jaiden Jackson (Joliene)

Jaiden Jackson is thrilled to be a part of her 5th production with New Paradigm Theatre. Credits include: Oliver, Peter Pan, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Bye Bye Birdie. Jaiden also enjoys dance and swimming on her swim team.   Jaiden wishes to thank her family for all their love and support.

Raul Calderon (Willard Hewitt)
Raul Calderon is EXHILARATED to be apart of The New Pardigm Theaters production of Footloose. He is a Junior B.F.A Musical Theatre Major at Western Connecticut State University. His past roles include J.D (Heathers), Moritz (Spring Awakening), and Leaf Coneybear (Spelling Bee). He’s grateful for the opportunity to be on the stage again, and looks forwards to seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the audience.

@_RaulCalderon_

Lance Jewett (Chuck Cranston)
Lance Jewett (Chuck) is excited to make his NPT debut! Some favorite roles and shows include GREASE (Danny) at Great Plains Theatre, BLOODY... JACKSON (Henry) at Casa Manana, BARE (Jason) with Theatre TCU, OKLAHOMA! (Curly) at Starlight Mountain Theatre, and FIRST DATE (Gabe) at Stage West. After growing up in Kansas City and graduating from Texas Christian University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Lance now lives in New York! Special thanks to his family, friends, TCU, LINK, and Abby! lancejewett.com

lance_jewett

lance_jewett

Lauren Eyerman (Alex/Ensemble)
Lauren is very excited about getting back into live performing and being in her first NPT production. Credits include: Oscar Delancey (Newsies), Reporter/Ensemble (Little Shop of Horrors). She also enjoys reading and singing in her schools choir. She thanks her family for all their support.

@laureneyerman

Ramone Nelson (Ren)
Ramone Nelson is ecstatic to be joining the company of Footloose at New Paradigm Theatre! Originally from Atlanta, GA, he is a graduate of The Florida State University with a BFA in Music Theatre (GO NOLES!). Regional credits: Guys and Dolls (Nicely) In the Heights (Benny), Chicago (Billy Flynn). "Thank you to New Paradigm Theatre, LINK, all of my teachers, The Hybrid Agency, and my family and friends for their love and support. @Ramone_Nelson. www.ramonenelson.com.

@Ramone_nelson

Sean Patrick Griffin (Coach Roger Dunbar)

Sean Patrick Griffin was a washed up 70's
child star when Maureen Hamill discovered
him at a singing competition in 2004.
Maureen took Sean Patrick under her wing and
guided him back to the stage and screen where he
continues to soar like the swan he is thanks to her.
Sean Patrick supports theklein.org/klein-theatre-arts
and itgetsbetter.org

@seanpgriffinct

@seanpgriffinct

Elijah Clark (Chad/Ensemble)

Eli has been working with the New Paradigm Theater Company for several years now. He is beyond excited to be back on stage this summer! Credits: Bye Bye Birdie

Michael Lepore (Male Swing (Ren, Willard, Chuck))
Michael Lepore is an actor, musician and songwriter from Trumbull, CT. He last worked with NPT as a production intern on their 2018 mainstage production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, where he served as a sometimes-rehearsal pianist, played the roles of Jehan and Aphrodisius, and understudied Quasimodo. He is a member of the Original Broadway Cast of Sing Street, set to return to a Shubert Theater between Winter 2021 and early 2022.

@MichaelLepore3

@itsmichael.lepore

Dominic Mantuano (Uncle Wes )
Dominic Mantuano is a powerful vocalist and performer who has been singing since the age of four. In 1999, he first came to international prominence after winning the World Championship of Performing Arts, beating out performers from 30 different countries in eight categories of music. Today, he maintains a prolific tour schedule throughout the United States and continues to sing a mix of classic and contemporary ballads, pop, and other genres.

Deb Antari (Betty Blast/Ensemble )
Deb is ecstatic to be in Footloose -singing is her “happy place”. Deb is a singer/songwriter and Cabaret Artist and has performed her Solo Cabaret Show at Don't Tell Mama in NYC. As a psychotherapist in private practice she specializes in healing PTSD and anxiety issues, including performance anxiety.

Debantari

Macie Cox (Wendy Jo)

Macie is excited to be back performing with NPT! She has been in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Bye Bye Birdie with NPT and participates in many of their events. She enjoys playing field hockey for her high school and kickboxing. Thank you to her parents!

@macie_cox_

Christopher Piazza (Ensemble)

Christopher is an 11 years old and a rising 6th grader at Weston Middle School. He enjoys reading Dav Pillky books, swimming, learning history on pod casts, television shows and a wide selection of books. He thanks his fifth grade teachers: Mrs. Huynh, Mr. Brod and Ms Caplan for supporting him! The karaoke Fridays were inspirational!  He also thanks his family who are pretty great too. 

Olivia Sceppa (Urleen )
Olivia is very excited to be performing on stage in Footloose. Her previous show credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, (Ensemble) The Music Man, (Maud Dunlop) and Anastasia (The Dowager Empress). Olivia has also been dancing competitively for 14 years. She thanks her parents, and the cast and crew of this production.

Julia Allen (Donna)
Julia Allen is thrilled to be back on stage in Footloose. She is so thankful to Kristin Huffman, Clayton Winters and Elizabeth McGuire. A big shout out to Barbara Distinti, who gave Julia her first big break in theater.

Rydell Harrison (Principal Harry Clark)
Rydell Harrison is delighted to make his NPT debut! Rydell is a former music teacher, principal and superintendent and has been preparing for the role of Principal Clark his entire career. Although it's been a while since he's been on stage, Rydell has been busy as a singer-songwriter and is best known for his viral Superintendent Snow Day videos. Rydell holds degrees from Rutgers (BM), Duke (MDiv), and UNC-Greensboro (MSA, Ed.S and Ed.D).

@RydellEdLeader

Julia Vasas (Tammy Jo / Ensemble)
Julia Vasas, a rising freshman at Foran and ECA, is majoring in theatre and loves being onstage. She is grateful for all the opportunities she's been given and appreciates the support of her friends and family. Credits: Shrek, Jr. the Musical (ensemble).

Barbara Distinti (Ethel McCormack )
Barbara Distinti Bye Bye Birdie (New Paradigm Theatre), It’s a Wonderful Life (Stray Kats), Evita, Anything Goes (Pittsburgh Playhouse); A Funny Thing…Forum, Cymbeline, Tartuffe, Othello (Three Rivers Shakespeare). MFA Theatre, University of Pittsburgh and SAG member. Barbara directed and wrote House of Fury, A Coming Out Homecoming & The Phone Call with Connecticut FilmWorks. She is a member of Theatre Artists Workshop. Barbara taught drama at Easton Country Day School and is the founder of Acting Up Theatre Company – an adaptive theatre group for young actors with disabilities.

Marion Howard (Lulu)
Marion is thrilled to be perform again with New Paradigm Theater as Lulu in Footloose. Previous NPT shows include Bye Bye Birdie and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She has an extensive list of musical theater credits, over a lifetime of theater and opera performances, in lead and supporting roles.

Asha Douglass (Shawna)
Asha, age 11, is making her NPT debut with Footloose. She has been performing in musical theatre productions since she was 7. Credits: The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Alice in Wonderland (Little Alice), and Annie (Grace). She has been playing piano for four years and swims for Weston Swimming.

Amanda Heffernan (Adult Ensemble)
Amanda (Manny) Heffernan has been entertaining and annoying her friends, family, and coworkers with her singing and dancing since she first opened her mouth. In her spare time, she is a local practicing attorney. She thanks NPT for the opportunity to follow her dreams and join this amazing cast.

Ryana Louis
Ryana Louis is ready to hit the stage! Credits: Annie Jr(Orphan), The Music Man Jr(Alma Hix), and High School Music Jr (Sharpay Evans). Ryana has love for singing and dancing. She has also joined her school’s dance team in middle school. Ryana even played in a softball team. Thanks mom and dad.

Creflo Botweh (Lyle)

Creflo is 14 years old and started his career with NPT in Bye Bye Birdie. He has also participated in "So Ya Wanna Be a Broadway Star" as well as the NPT Holiday show.  In school he was in Annie, High School Musical, Aladdin and As You Like It.  Recently he was in Fame and is happy to be back at NPT in another show!

Kinnelle Botweh (Youth Ensemble)

Kinnelle is happy to be back with NPT. He's 12 years old and started his career with NPT in Bye Bye Birdie. He has also participated in "So Ya Wanna Be a Broadway Star" as well as the NPT Holiday show. 

Nana Botweh (Children Ensemble)

Nana is 8 years old and happy to be making her debut with NPT after watching her brothers perform in shows!   She has also participated in "So Ya Wanna Be a Broadway Star".  

Helen Hen (Bobbi Jo/Ensemble)

Helen Hen is so excited for Footloose! She’s loved working with New Paradigm Theatre in Bye Bye Birdie, South Pacific, and three Holiday Shows and she hopes to continue participating in shows for many years to come. She’s also enjoyed editing videos for NPT and co-hosting Leading Ladies on broadwayworld.com.

Steve Taylor (electric bass)
Steve Taylor has been playing bass with local jazz and pop groups in the NY-CT-NJ area for over 30 years. Steve studied music at Berklee and New England Conservatory in Boston and holds a BA in Music from Reed College in Portland, OR. He works a “day gig” as a freelance graphic designer. He is also a singer and board member in the Oratorio Society of Queens.

Margot Weiss (Stage Manager)
Margot Weiss is thrilled to be a part of NPT this summer. She has recently graduated from Connecticut College with a BA in theater, specifically stage management. Favorite shows include The Wolves (Conn College), South Pacific in Concert (NPT), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare on the Sound). 

Max Caserta (Guitarist)
Max Caserta is a professional guitarist based in CT. Max graduated from Western CT State University in 2020 with a B.S. in Music Education. While attending WCSU, he honed his skills studying under great jazz players such as Jimmy Greene and Chris Morrison. Currently, he continues to play a variety of professional gigs around the CT/NY area. Styles of expertise include jazz, blues, funk, rock, and r&b.

@max_cmusic

Mark Holleran (Videographer and Editor)
Mark is Chairman of the Board of the New Paradigm Theatre, and the videographer and editor for all the video portions of Footloose. Holleran Media Productions has been "putting messages in motion" since 2005 - please visit us at holleranmedia.com

Steve Musitano (Drums/Cowboy Bob )
Cowboy Bob is very excited to be playing Steve! He has always dreamt of being able to play the drums and act like a normal person. When he’s not galavanting around in chaps and sunglasses, he can often be found outside nightclubs and bars bumming sodas and parading around in acid washed jeans, a half buttoned shirt and driving a beat up Z28 Camaro. He’s just waiting for that one girl to take him home so he can move out of his moms basement. Will he find his love in this show? Stay tuned…

Clay Zambo (Keyboard)
Clay Zambo’s work as composer-lyricist include WINDJAMMERS (Northern Sky, WI), VOWS, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL EXPERIENCE (Fairfield Center Stage). His score for the ballet OCEAN will premiere this fall in La Jolla, CA. He is a faculty member at the University of Hartford, and works frequently as a music director, vocal coach, and keyboardist in CT and NY. A proud member of the Dramatists Guild and BMI, he is a runner, a pretty good cook, and associate producer of ABC’s $100,000 Pyramid.

@clay_zambo

@clayzambo

Peggy Samuels (Production consultant )

 Peggy R. Samuels: Previous credits include Bye Bye Birdie with NPT, FIGARO and DAMN YANKEES! At Queens College; DEAR ELIZABETH with The Womens Project Theater; DUTCH MASTER at Prospect Theater Company; TAPE with Naked Angels; HOME OF THE BRAVE at The Jewish Rep;DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS for The Drama League of NY; THE WOMENS EVENT for The Center, and AUDUBON GALA for The Audubon Society.  Peggy would like to thank, as always, Kit and Buddy for their love and support.

Shawna Pelletier (Assistant Stage Manager)
This is Shawna's first production with NPT. Hailing all the way from Manchester, CT, they have been involved in various professional and community theaters throughout the state such as Hartford Stage and Hole in the Wall Theater in New Britain, respectively. Much love and gratitude to the cast and crew, family, and friends.

Elizabeth M Stewart (Lighting Designer)
Elizabeth M. Stewart is a New York based lighting designer and interdisciplinary artist whose work has been seen in New York, London, Philadelphia, and more, in venues ranging from art gallery basements to off-Broadway theatres. Recent credits include Machine Learning Hamlet; or, Text Like Daggers (Meta-Phys. Ed), Prospect Hill (Piper Theatre), Eve (Pigeonholed Theatre Company), Where’s Charley? (Manhattan School of Music, Riverside Theatre), Бабушка | BAb(oo)shka (14th Street Y), Beyond the Light (Theatre Exile/Philadelphia Fringe), Oceanborn (Rave Theatre Festival), Noirtown (Witness Immersive), and Between the Threads (NVJCC, HEREArts). Elizabeth was a 2018 Hangar Theatre Design Fellow, is a proud member of the Ring of Keys, and is a resident designer with both WWTNS? Theatre Company and The Arctic Group. She is currently a second year MFA candidate in Brooklyn College’s Performance & Interactive Media Arts program, and is a member of the art collective Smear Campaign. ElizabethMStewart.myportfolio.com

LizMStewart

liz_m_stewart

Katherine A. Griffin (Company Manager/Assistant Director)
Katherine A. Griffin (she/her/hers) is a neurodivergent teacher of the Deaf, activist, and theatre artist in CT. Her tenure with NPT started in 2013, and she currently serves as the Director of the NPT Youth Board. She recently graduated with her Master's in Curriculum & Instruction from UConn. She is currently teaching Deaf+ high school students at the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT. Katherine strongly advocates for equity and accessibility for disabled and neurodivergent individuals in the worlds of education and the performing arts. She wants to thank Kristin and the NPT family for cultivating and maintaining a radically inclusive, accessible, and loving space for artists of all identities.

J. Clayton Winters (Director/Choreographer )
J Clayton Winters (Director/Choreographer) is the full-time Director of Worship and Arts at Trinity Baptist Church in Fairfield, CT, a Musical Theatre Director and Choreographer and former Director of Musical Theatre at Samford University, Clayton has been blessed to work with Professional and University Theaters across the US. Credits include Amazing Grace the Musical - The New World Theatre MOTB (Choreography and Fight Direction) Ring of Fire - Riverside Center (Direction and Choreography), Gypsy - Great Plains Theater (Choreography), The Secret Garden - Red Mountain Theater (Choreography), The Producers - Virginia Rep Assoc. Choreographer w/ Patti D’Beck, Jane Eyre, Bat Boy, Pretty Funny - Samford University (Direction and Choreography), The Christmas Carol - the University of Oklahoma (Assoc. Director), Fun Home - Virginia Tech (Choreography. He is so happy to be working on this production with the wonderful team at New Paradigm Theatre!

@theauditionboss

@jclaytonwinters

Scott Cally (Scenic Designer)
Scott Andrew Cally is Professor of Design and Technology at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn and a freelance designer in the New York area. Recent Design credits include: Sweeney Todd, Spring Awakening, Smokey Joe’s Café, Parade, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Drowsy Chaperone, Our Lady of 121st Street, Violet, Hamlet, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, Evita, Clybourne Park, Peter and the Star Catcher, Uncle Vanya, The Wild Party, Ubu Roi, Crazy for You, A Little Night Music, and Hand to God. His work for Evita was recently selected for publication as part of the 2018 USITT Design Expo. Lighting Design at Fairfield University: Pack of Lies and Silent Sky. At Seven Angels theatre in Waterbury: Always a Bridesmaid, Altar Boyz, Last of the Red Hot Mommas. www.scottcally.com

Chris Coogan (Music Director)
Chris Coogan has spent a lifetime astounding audiences with his jazz and gospel music.   The N.Y Times calls him “a masterful pianist”.  Winner of the John Lennon song Writing Competition, he has recorded 8 CDS featuring his original jazz and gospel music.  He has performed at Manhattan’s Blue Note and Montreaux Jazz Festival and shared the spotlight with musical legends Bette Midler, Donna Summer, Paul Shaffer, Stevie Van Zant, Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love, Mavis Staples, Phoebe Snow, Aztec Two Step, Lesley Gore, Blue Oyster Cult, Gene Cornish and Felix Caviliere of the Rascals, Steve Cropper of Stax Records. He’s accompanied Gene Wilder, Kelly O’Hara, James Naughton. Played jazz with Harold Danko, John Pattituci, Randy Brecker, Larry Coryell, Dave Liebman, Sal Salvador, Will Lee, Shawn Pelton, John Tropea and Liberty Devitto, Rob Mathes and made arrangements for Teo Maceo. Chris has entertained Bill and Hillary Clinton, Paul Newman, Jo Ann Woodward, Martha Stewart and Whoopi Goldberg.  His TV credits include Celebrity Jeopardy, the Arsenio Hall show, a PBS documentary with Brain Keane on evangelist Amy Semple McPherson, BBC America’s series “Copper” and four national spots for The Humane society.  As a gospel artist, Chris has performed with Take 6, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Maya Angelou and Richard Smallwood.  As a writer/arranger Chris founded and directs the good news Gospel Choir.  He performs regularly at churches, festivals and fundraisers.  Most weekdays you will find Chris teaching Jazz piano and gigging with his quintet.  “I see myself as a catalyst who uses the medium of music to bring people together.”

Theresa Stark (Production Supervisor)
Theresa Stark- (Production Supervisor) is very excited to be part of NPT 2021 season. Some of her past regional and stock credits include: Westchester Broadway Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, The Ivoryton Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Westport Country Playhouse, Goodspeed, Stamford Theatre Works, Elm Shakespeare, Summer Theatre of New Canaan, Barrington Stage, Berkshire Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Yale Opera, The Quick Center and The Stamford Symphony. Theresa serves on the Eastern Developing Theatre Committee and the National Stage Manager’s committee for Actors’ Equity Association and also works as a dog handler for William Berloni Theatrical Animals, Inc.

billyandjoonie

Elizabeth McGuire (Associate Choreographer)
Elizabeth McGuire is excited for her first production at New Paradigm Theatre! Elizabeth is a Theatre Artist, Choreographer and Educator based in New York City. Regional credits include: 42nd Street at Ogunquit Playhouse with Randy Skinner, Pauline in Saturday Night Fever at the The Fireside Theatre, Kristine in A Chorus Line at The Lexington Theatre Company (The Lex), and Ensemble credits in The Music Man, Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, and 42nd Street at the Lex. Associate/Assistant choreography credits include: Something Rotten at Cape Rep Theatre and Newsies at The Lex. Additionally, Elizabeth helps to train and motivate young artists through The Artist Development Program at The Lexington Theatre Company. Many thanks to Family, L&J, Clayton, Jessie, Evie, Kristin and the whole NPT team! Enjoy the show! Ex 14:14 www.elizabethjmcguire.com

@eliz_mcguire

Elizabeth A. Saylor (Costume Designer)
Elizabeth A. Saylor - Liz has over thirty years of experience as a costumer, wig and makeup artist and teaching artist with companies in the NY/CT area such including Ivoryton Playhouse, New Paradigm Theater Company, Madison Lyric Stage Company, Bridgeport Downtown Cabaret Theater, ARTFARM Shakespeare Company, Hartford Stage, Goodspeed, Connecticut Opera, Oddfellows Playhouse and Yale Opera. She has worked on Broadway showcases, off-Broadway productions and costumed staged readings. She has been as a visiting teaching artist and costumer for Manhattan College Players. Film and media experience includes independent films, commercials, public service announcements and series such as “The Case Files of Dr. Henry Lee” on Tru TV. Her work has been screened at Sundance and Telluride film festivals. Liz has developed curriculums for both an online and in-person workshop, GREEN COSTUMING: Recycling, Reusing, and Repurposing Garments and Textiles for Costume and Stage Makeup and Wigs for Actors. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. Examples of her work can be viewed on her website www.wigmubyesaylor.com.