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Season 1 Artists & Adjudicators
Candice Neu
Director / Acting Coach
I fell in love with the stage in high school. It was my place of refuge, my place of “becoming”. It is there that I tried on all the personas that I wanted to become, where I rehearsed on the stage how to fight the real-life struggles, I faced at home. It was the stage that taught me how to become. Not simply how
to survive, but how to transcend. It was here that I learned that I could truly become anyone and achieve anything I wanted. It is my hope that programs like this remind and encourage young people to dream big, to passionately pursue those dreams, and to overcome anything that stands in their way. Thank you so much for allowing my dream to play out on this stage. I hope it has been an encounter that has emboldened these young people to push themselves beyond the limits they thought they had into what they once thought was impossible but has now become attainable.
-Candice Neu
I fell in love with the stage in high school. It was my place of refuge, my place of “becoming”. It is there that I tried on all the personas that I wanted to become, where I rehearsed on the stage how to fight the real-life struggles, I faced at home. It was the stage that taught me how to become. Not simply how
to survive, but how to transcend. It was here that I learned that I could truly become anyone and achieve anything I wanted. It is my hope that programs like this remind and encourage young people to dream big, to passionately pursue those dreams, and to overcome anything that stands in their way. Thank you so much for allowing my dream to play out on this stage. I hope it has been an encounter that has emboldened these young people to push themselves beyond the limits they thought they had into what they once thought was impossible but has now become attainable.
-Candice Neu
Haley Hogeland
1st Assistant Director
Jawara Mills
Host
Colin Burdge
Vocal Coach / Adjudicator
Colin Burdge, an Albuquerque native, has been an avid musician his entire life. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Gonzaga University. He has performed as a featured soloist with the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus and the New Mexico Philharmonic. Colin is very involved in Albuquerque community theatre, appearing in lead and principle roles at the Albuquerque Little Theatre, Landmark Musicals and Musical Theatre Southwest. Colin made his debut as a music director on MTS’ recent production of Nine. He is incredibly honored to serve as Assistant Music Director of the NM Gay Men’s Chorus and Director of the NM QTones.
Colin Burdge, an Albuquerque native, has been an avid musician his entire life. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Gonzaga University. He has performed as a featured soloist with the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus and the New Mexico Philharmonic. Colin is very involved in Albuquerque community theatre, appearing in lead and principle roles at the Albuquerque Little Theatre, Landmark Musicals and Musical Theatre Southwest. Colin made his debut as a music director on MTS’ recent production of Nine. He is incredibly honored to serve as Assistant Music Director of the NM Gay Men’s Chorus and Director of the NM QTones.
Jenni Hipolito
Vocal Coach / Adjudicator
Jenni is a New Mexico native and has always had a passion for music and the arts. She has done multiple shows with MTS as well as served on multiple committees. She had the pleasure of being the Assistant Music Director this past year with MTS’s production of Bonnie and Clyde. She works with APS as a 3rd grade teacher. She also directs the Jammin’ Jaguars Children’s Chorus for the upper elementary grades at her school. She studied Music Education while at the University of New Mexico and worked with the UNM Children’s Chorus where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She also has Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
Jenni is a New Mexico native and has always had a passion for music and the arts. She has done multiple shows with MTS as well as served on multiple committees. She had the pleasure of being the Assistant Music Director this past year with MTS’s production of Bonnie and Clyde. She works with APS as a 3rd grade teacher. She also directs the Jammin’ Jaguars Children’s Chorus for the upper elementary grades at her school. She studied Music Education while at the University of New Mexico and worked with the UNM Children’s Chorus where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She also has Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
Xavier Visage
Music Director for The Green
“Xavi” is a native of Santa Fe, NM and received his BA in Music from the University of New Mexico. He directed various church choirs around northern New Mexico for eight years and served as Interim Director of Music at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. His most recent musical theatre stage credits include “Joseph” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MTS), “Dr. Frank N. Furter” in Rocky Horror Show (SFP), “Chantal” in La Cage Aux Folles (Landmark) and “Bluff” in Mozart’s The Impresario (KH). He will be Music Derectimg FUN HOME at Mayucial Theatre Southwest in June 2020. @xavivisage
“Xavi” is a native of Santa Fe, NM and received his BA in Music from the University of New Mexico. He directed various church choirs around northern New Mexico for eight years and served as Interim Director of Music at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. His most recent musical theatre stage credits include “Joseph” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MTS), “Dr. Frank N. Furter” in Rocky Horror Show (SFP), “Chantal” in La Cage Aux Folles (Landmark) and “Bluff” in Mozart’s The Impresario (KH). He will be Music Derectimg FUN HOME at Mayucial Theatre Southwest in June 2020. @xavivisage
Aaron Howe
Vocal Coach
Aaron Howe has been making music in New Mexico for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University and his Master of Music from the University of New Mexico. He served as Music Director for Heights First Church of The Nazarene, Community of Joy Lutheran Church, and the Metropolitan Community Church in Albuquerque. He also directed the choral program at St. Pius X High School, and has worked as music director for many community theaters in Albuquerque, including Musical Theater Southwest, Albuquerque Little Theater, and Play Conservatory. Since 2010, Aaron has served as the Artistic Director of The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus, programming and conducting their concert season, and helping to fulfill their mission of changing the world through music. In 2013, Aaron co-founded The Rio Rancho Youth Chorus and has served as its Artistic Director since that time. In 2016 Aaron became the Artistic Director of the Zia Singers, a women’s chorus that has been performing in Santa Fe for over 25 years. In 2018 Aaron also took on the role of chorus master for Opera Southwest, a professional opera company that has been producing wonderful operas in New Mexico since the 1970s. Aaron is proud and honored to be an active participant in the wonderful musical arts community here in New Mexico.
Aaron Howe has been making music in New Mexico for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University and his Master of Music from the University of New Mexico. He served as Music Director for Heights First Church of The Nazarene, Community of Joy Lutheran Church, and the Metropolitan Community Church in Albuquerque. He also directed the choral program at St. Pius X High School, and has worked as music director for many community theaters in Albuquerque, including Musical Theater Southwest, Albuquerque Little Theater, and Play Conservatory. Since 2010, Aaron has served as the Artistic Director of The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus, programming and conducting their concert season, and helping to fulfill their mission of changing the world through music. In 2013, Aaron co-founded The Rio Rancho Youth Chorus and has served as its Artistic Director since that time. In 2016 Aaron became the Artistic Director of the Zia Singers, a women’s chorus that has been performing in Santa Fe for over 25 years. In 2018 Aaron also took on the role of chorus master for Opera Southwest, a professional opera company that has been producing wonderful operas in New Mexico since the 1970s. Aaron is proud and honored to be an active participant in the wonderful musical arts community here in New Mexico.
Jonathan Ragsdale
Choreographer for The Green
Jonathan is a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist with a full decade of professional experience in the theatre. Credits include National Tours: Finding Neverland, Memphis, Elf, Fame. Cruise lines: Norwegian, Holland America. TV: Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight. Choreography: In the Heights, Newsies (MTS) Footloose (ALT) Children of Eden (in spoken English and ASL) (PLAY Conservatory) BA in Theatre & Dance from UNM.
IG: @JRags YT: RagsdaleJT.
Jonathan is a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist with a full decade of professional experience in the theatre. Credits include National Tours: Finding Neverland, Memphis, Elf, Fame. Cruise lines: Norwegian, Holland America. TV: Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight. Choreography: In the Heights, Newsies (MTS) Footloose (ALT) Children of Eden (in spoken English and ASL) (PLAY Conservatory) BA in Theatre & Dance from UNM.
IG: @JRags YT: RagsdaleJT.
Joriah Kwame Flemming
Author/Composer of The Green
Madi Frost
Vocal Coach / Adjudicator
Madi Frost was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her career with theatre at the age of 9, where she honed her skills in live performance: singing, acting, dance, and improvisation and in high school she can begin her career in film. She holds Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Communication from the University of New Mexico where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Madi Frost was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her career with theatre at the age of 9, where she honed her skills in live performance: singing, acting, dance, and improvisation and in high school she can begin her career in film. She holds Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Communication from the University of New Mexico where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Ron Weisberg
Acting Coach / Adjudicator
Ron is an actor, writer, and director from The University of Texas at Austin where he helped create and perform in many a staged works and films. In 2010, Ron moved to New Mexico where he found beautiful opportunities working on films as either actor, writer, or director in the bustling TV and film industry. He was thrilled to act alongside brilliant actors in movies such as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Running With The Devil, as well as TV shows such as Nightshift, Dig, and Longmire, as well as Day 5 and The Chosen, made out in Texas. Ron began coaching the actors in 2011 as he identified a real need to help the growing number of local actors here in Albuquerque. Always in search of growth, Ron moved to Los Angeles in 2016 to train himself even more as an actor and work along side next-level professionals. That’s when New Mexico Film pulled Ron back as his coaching partner, Chris Ranney, uncovered the opportunity to pick up the torch at Sol Acting Academy in Albuquerque, which is now the destination for any actor seeking to grow their business and craft in the Southwest. Ron continues to write and direct projects created through the school and enjoys living in the ever growing film industry in New Mexico.
Ron is an actor, writer, and director from The University of Texas at Austin where he helped create and perform in many a staged works and films. In 2010, Ron moved to New Mexico where he found beautiful opportunities working on films as either actor, writer, or director in the bustling TV and film industry. He was thrilled to act alongside brilliant actors in movies such as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Running With The Devil, as well as TV shows such as Nightshift, Dig, and Longmire, as well as Day 5 and The Chosen, made out in Texas. Ron began coaching the actors in 2011 as he identified a real need to help the growing number of local actors here in Albuquerque. Always in search of growth, Ron moved to Los Angeles in 2016 to train himself even more as an actor and work along side next-level professionals. That’s when New Mexico Film pulled Ron back as his coaching partner, Chris Ranney, uncovered the opportunity to pick up the torch at Sol Acting Academy in Albuquerque, which is now the destination for any actor seeking to grow their business and craft in the Southwest. Ron continues to write and direct projects created through the school and enjoys living in the ever growing film industry in New Mexico.
Bradd Howard
Acting Coach / Adjudicator
Bradd Howard (acting coach) - Bradd is a 2009 graduate of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theater with an emphasis in clowning. For the last 11 years you may have seen his work performing along side the much loved performance group the Dolls where he often performed under his drag queen alter ego, Chastity Belt-off. Bradd loves teaching and collaborating with different groups and counts his time as the Artistic Director of the Buen Viaje Dance Company at VSA some of the most rewarding work he has ever done. Be on the lookout for Bradd's new webseries "Sometimes Y" premiering on YouTube in early 2020.
Bradd Howard (acting coach) - Bradd is a 2009 graduate of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theater with an emphasis in clowning. For the last 11 years you may have seen his work performing along side the much loved performance group the Dolls where he often performed under his drag queen alter ego, Chastity Belt-off. Bradd loves teaching and collaborating with different groups and counts his time as the Artistic Director of the Buen Viaje Dance Company at VSA some of the most rewarding work he has ever done. Be on the lookout for Bradd's new webseries "Sometimes Y" premiering on YouTube in early 2020.
J. Elaine Marcos
Adjudicator
Triple-threat Broadway
veteran J. Elaine
Marcos is known for her
brilliant comedic timing
and scene-stealing
performances. She
originated the roles of
Imelda Marcos in The Wedding Singer and
the unforgettable Cynthia in Priscilla, Queen
of the Desert, which earned her an Astaire
Award Nomination for Excellence in Dance.
She has also made her mark in film and
television, having appeared in Rent: Live, 2
Broke Girls, Law & Order: SVU and Morning
Glory, St. Vincent and the critically acclaimed
documentary Every Little Step.
Triple-threat Broadway
veteran J. Elaine
Marcos is known for her
brilliant comedic timing
and scene-stealing
performances. She
originated the roles of
Imelda Marcos in The Wedding Singer and
the unforgettable Cynthia in Priscilla, Queen
of the Desert, which earned her an Astaire
Award Nomination for Excellence in Dance.
She has also made her mark in film and
television, having appeared in Rent: Live, 2
Broke Girls, Law & Order: SVU and Morning
Glory, St. Vincent and the critically acclaimed
documentary Every Little Step.
Lara Dale
Adjudicator
Lara Dale was born in Santa Fe, raised in Corrales, and has had a long and varied career in the arts. She began as a child studying classical violin in Albuquerque, and ended up passionately pursuing ballet and modern dance into her twenties. Through tireless effort and training she acquired an ear for sonic nuances, and a strong sense of rhythm and physical precision that would eventually become the foundation for her career as a professional Foley Artist.
She moved to NYC to pursue dance, but a broken foot that refused to heal diverted her into the East Village performance art scene. Hired initially as an administrative assistant to the legendary Howard Guttenplan at Millennium Film (RIP), she also helped coordinate cutting edge screenings for up and coming independent filmmakers, and logged countless hours organizing and archiving their careers and histories. Those Millennium files are now permanently housed at the MOMA.
She did a monologue series in the East Village that generated an underground buzz, and was then subsequently invited to be part of an avant garde experimental play premiering at the Viennese Opera House. It changed her life completely, and she managed to parlay her overseas trip into an extended creative venture spent in Hamburg, Berlin and Paris, before moving back to the States.
She moved back to New Mexico in 2006, nursing her first husband through a brutal and ultimately deadly form of cancer. After his passing in 2008, feeling adrift, she happened into the burgeoning Albuquerque film scene, initially becoming involved as an actress and storyboard artist, with the long term goal of becoming an independent filmmaker and, ultimately, a documentarian.
Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. She met her second husband and a chance post on ‘craigslist film jobs’ led to an apprenticeship as a Foley Artist. She trained closely with the acclaimed Ellen Heuer of ET and Dirty Dancing fame, and is delighted to have had the rare, unique opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about the esoteric, somewhat secretive art of Foley.
She enjoys passing that knowledge on to aspiring independent filmmakers through lectures and demonstrations. It is her profound belief that “Foley has the power to make a bad film better, and a good film great.” She can be reached at www.footvoxstudio.com
Lara Dale was born in Santa Fe, raised in Corrales, and has had a long and varied career in the arts. She began as a child studying classical violin in Albuquerque, and ended up passionately pursuing ballet and modern dance into her twenties. Through tireless effort and training she acquired an ear for sonic nuances, and a strong sense of rhythm and physical precision that would eventually become the foundation for her career as a professional Foley Artist.
She moved to NYC to pursue dance, but a broken foot that refused to heal diverted her into the East Village performance art scene. Hired initially as an administrative assistant to the legendary Howard Guttenplan at Millennium Film (RIP), she also helped coordinate cutting edge screenings for up and coming independent filmmakers, and logged countless hours organizing and archiving their careers and histories. Those Millennium files are now permanently housed at the MOMA.
She did a monologue series in the East Village that generated an underground buzz, and was then subsequently invited to be part of an avant garde experimental play premiering at the Viennese Opera House. It changed her life completely, and she managed to parlay her overseas trip into an extended creative venture spent in Hamburg, Berlin and Paris, before moving back to the States.
She moved back to New Mexico in 2006, nursing her first husband through a brutal and ultimately deadly form of cancer. After his passing in 2008, feeling adrift, she happened into the burgeoning Albuquerque film scene, initially becoming involved as an actress and storyboard artist, with the long term goal of becoming an independent filmmaker and, ultimately, a documentarian.
Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. She met her second husband and a chance post on ‘craigslist film jobs’ led to an apprenticeship as a Foley Artist. She trained closely with the acclaimed Ellen Heuer of ET and Dirty Dancing fame, and is delighted to have had the rare, unique opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about the esoteric, somewhat secretive art of Foley.
She enjoys passing that knowledge on to aspiring independent filmmakers through lectures and demonstrations. It is her profound belief that “Foley has the power to make a bad film better, and a good film great.” She can be reached at www.footvoxstudio.com
Jonathan Juarbe
Adjudicator / AMDA Director of Admissions
Alissa Hall
Choreographer / Adjudicator
Alissa Hall has been studying dance for over 43 years, from ballet to contemporary dance to musical theater, and bellydance. She has performed over a hundred times on many local stages with companies such as Southwest Civic Ballet, NM Ballet Theatre, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Musical Theatre Southwest, and many more. A choreographer for over 29 years, and in several forms, she most recently co directed and choreographed CHICAGO at Musical Theatre Southwest to rave reviews and an entirely sold out run. Some of her most influential master teachers include Gelsey Kirkland, Rima Vargas Vetter, Zoe Jakes and Joanne Emmons.
Alissa Hall has been studying dance for over 43 years, from ballet to contemporary dance to musical theater, and bellydance. She has performed over a hundred times on many local stages with companies such as Southwest Civic Ballet, NM Ballet Theatre, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Musical Theatre Southwest, and many more. A choreographer for over 29 years, and in several forms, she most recently co directed and choreographed CHICAGO at Musical Theatre Southwest to rave reviews and an entirely sold out run. Some of her most influential master teachers include Gelsey Kirkland, Rima Vargas Vetter, Zoe Jakes and Joanne Emmons.
Deidre Michelle
Choreographer / Adjudicator
Deidre landed her first big print job for the New York Times Magazine at age 13 training under John Robert Powers where she eventually earned certificates in Modeling, Runway and Commercial. At age 16 Deidre booked her first big dance gig for the New Years show in Paris, France. After 22 years of dancing and modeling in New Mexico, Deidre moved to Los Angeles, CA and continued training and teaching at the world renowned dance studio Millennium Dance Complex. During her time in LA, she has danced for a number of main stream artists. In 2010 she was even asked to teach for Madonna in Malawi, Africa at Home of Hope orphanage through Madonna's Raising Malawi program where she learned true appreciation for teaching and life.
Deidre is extremely honored and excited to share her knowledge and experience with the entertainment community.
Deidre landed her first big print job for the New York Times Magazine at age 13 training under John Robert Powers where she eventually earned certificates in Modeling, Runway and Commercial. At age 16 Deidre booked her first big dance gig for the New Years show in Paris, France. After 22 years of dancing and modeling in New Mexico, Deidre moved to Los Angeles, CA and continued training and teaching at the world renowned dance studio Millennium Dance Complex. During her time in LA, she has danced for a number of main stream artists. In 2010 she was even asked to teach for Madonna in Malawi, Africa at Home of Hope orphanage through Madonna's Raising Malawi program where she learned true appreciation for teaching and life.
Deidre is extremely honored and excited to share her knowledge and experience with the entertainment community.
Allison McDonald
Choreographer / Adjudicator
Allison was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary in Albuquerque since age three. From 1996-2007, she had the privilege of dancing for The Performers Ballet and Jazz Company. In 2009, Allison began her professional dance career at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She has danced in the stage shows “Celebrate The Season” and “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” and has danced in classic Disney parades such as “Celebrate A Dream Come True,” “Block Party Bash,” “Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun,” and “Disney’s Electrical Parade.” Allison had the honor of returning to New Mexico to dance as a guest artist for the Performers Ballet and Jazz Company from 2010-2013. In 2011, she became a company dancer with Festival Ballet Albuquerque, where she danced lead roles in various ballets. In addition to training and performing, Allison has been teaching various styles of dance and choreographing since 2008. She has taught and choreographed at various dance studios and schools throughout New Mexico, as well as been a guest teacher in different states in the U.S. Allison is currently represented by DME Talent Agency. She has been booked for shows on Netflix, as well as a new movie for Disney+. Allison plans to continue to pursue her passion for dance as she books more roles and performances, and shares her knowledge in the industry through teaching.
Allison was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary in Albuquerque since age three. From 1996-2007, she had the privilege of dancing for The Performers Ballet and Jazz Company. In 2009, Allison began her professional dance career at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She has danced in the stage shows “Celebrate The Season” and “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” and has danced in classic Disney parades such as “Celebrate A Dream Come True,” “Block Party Bash,” “Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun,” and “Disney’s Electrical Parade.” Allison had the honor of returning to New Mexico to dance as a guest artist for the Performers Ballet and Jazz Company from 2010-2013. In 2011, she became a company dancer with Festival Ballet Albuquerque, where she danced lead roles in various ballets. In addition to training and performing, Allison has been teaching various styles of dance and choreographing since 2008. She has taught and choreographed at various dance studios and schools throughout New Mexico, as well as been a guest teacher in different states in the U.S. Allison is currently represented by DME Talent Agency. She has been booked for shows on Netflix, as well as a new movie for Disney+. Allison plans to continue to pursue her passion for dance as she books more roles and performances, and shares her knowledge in the industry through teaching.
Jake Allen Sheets
Choreographer / Adjudicator
Lindsey Meek
Production Assistant
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