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Don Stansfield, Summer Camp Director
Don studied musical theatre, acting, speech and dance at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, and has performed professionally in New York, Boston and in regional theatre. He attended New York University where he received his undergraduate degree in communications, and his masters in the Arts and Humanities. Since moving to South Florida in 2002, Don has taught drama to students from 5 years old to high school, and is actively involved in South Florida Theatre. He was recently seen in the Caldwell Theatre’s production of “Something’s Afoot.” Don is also a long time member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
Karen Saunders, Summer Camp Music Director
KAREN SAUNDERS, upon graduating Hofstra University, began teaching choral music in Oceanside, New York. At the age of 30 she decided to pursue a career in the entertainment business. At an “open mike” call in the city, Rodney Dangerfield just happened to be in the audience and after she finished singing, Rodney approached her and asked Karen to be his opening act.
From opening for Rodney she began to share the stage with such luminaries as Jay Leno, Robert Klein, Billy Crystal, Rita Rudner, Jackie Mason, David Brenner, and Joy Behar, just to mention but a few.
The versatility of her instrument has allowed her career to be quite a varied musical one taking her from the world of avant-garde twentieth century music to Atlantic City to Broadway through Jazz and Blues to an act that encompasses almost all of these styles.
Karen plays the piano, the cello, is a recipient of numerous awards for her singing and her act, and is listed in the International Who’s Who of Musicians.
She starred in the 25th anniversary production of “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris” in New York City, has performed in small intimate clubs, such as the Plush Room in San Francisco, to Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and The New York Pops.
Karen has coached Broadway actors for their auditions both vocally and for cold readings and created nightclub acts for performers.
Karen believes that every child should be made to feel like they are a star and that it is her job to inspire and get out of each child in a nurturing way all that they can be so that their hearts will soar.....so they will have an experience of a lifetime and those that will continue on the road professionally will have gained insight into their musical selves and grow as an artist. Karen is a member of Actor’s Equity.
Michael Pilato is delighted to rejoin the production team heading the Sol Children Theatre Performing Arts Camp of 2010! Michael is a current B.F.A. Musical Theatre Major at Penn State University with an extensive background in actor’s training and vocal performance. He graduated from the four year Musical Theatre training program at American Heritage on full scholarship, and he has previously studied at Emerson College, in Boston, MA, as a B.F.A. major. Michael has spent the last four years working in close conjunction with Sol Childrens Theatre Troupe. In addition to coaching the last six camp shows, Michael most recently directed last summer’s main stage production of Warren Grave’s Beauty and the Beast. He emphasizes in nurturing children’s creativity and understanding. The theatre is meant for much more than guiding a child across the stage and instructing him or her to pose. It is suppose to be fun and stimulating at the same time, and there is no child we are beyond working with. Let there never be a dull moment in Summer 2010!!!
Jennifer Mathie, Summer Camp Dance Director
Jennifer Mathie is a native Floridian and graduate of Dreyfoos High School of the Performing Arts. She continued her education at Oklahoma City University as a scholarship student in Dance and Musical Theatre. Her professional credits include: Fosse, national tour; New York City Center Encores! Follies; Radio City Rockette; Original Company, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; Spamalot, national tour. Jennifer has also enjoyed a career in modeling and commercial work with some of her SAG credits including: EBay, Hoover, The Sopranos and Hitch. In addition, Jennifer has been a master teacher at numerous dance studios throughout the country and recently returned from India where she received her certification in yoga.
