Simon Duffill | SELLWOOD STUDIO | Where talent grows

Opportunity to join our group classes mid-semester

Unlock your child’s creative voice and build confidence through the power of performance! At Sellwood Studio’s group singing and theatre classes, students grow in a supportive environment where they learn ensemble techniques, vocal fundamentals, stage presence, and character work — all while making new friends and having fun. Whether your child is an experienced performer or just curious to try, our structured, age-appropriate curriculum ensures that every student is engaged and challenged. With the option to join mid-semester and small class sizes, now is a great time to jump in and experience the magic of group performance.

Meet a great teacher!

Jessica McRoberts

Jessica McRoberts has had a remarkable and fulfilling career in the theater industry, spanning over three decades Throughout her journey, she has had the incredible opportunity to work on Broadway, partake in National Broadway Tours, and contribute her talents to some of the finest regional theaters across the country. Her extensive collaborations include working alongside iconic figures such as Stephen
Sondheim, Maury Yeston, Tommy Tune, Chita Rivera, Gwen Verdon,Kathleen Marshall, Jerry Mitchell, Chet Walker, Wayne Cilento, Matthew
Warchus,Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice, David Leavau, Chris Gattelli,Michael Grief, and Craig Carnelia, where she has played a vital role as an associate on many distinguished productions. In recent years, Jessica has discovered a profound passion for directing, which has led her to helm various notable projects. Among her favorite directing credits are Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last Five Years” at the AEA Developmental Lab, as well as productions of “tick, tick… BOOM!”, “The Rocky Horror Show,” and “Matilda.” Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Associate Artistic Director at The Madison Theater and serves as a board member at The York Theater where she has a very exciting show she will be directing in 2026 to be announced soon ! Additionally, Jessica has shared her expertise and love for theater by teaching at several prestigious institutions, including STEPS on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, The Atlantic Theatre Company, Cap 21, Marymount Manhattan College, PPAS, and The Horace Mann School to name a few .

Matt Mancuso

Matt is an actor, dancer, and musical theatre performer based on the east coast. He has performed at such regional houses like Walnut Street Theatre, Music Theatre of Connecticut, and has been a member of premiere casts on both east and west coasts. He has trained at such prestigious institutions As The Baron/Brown Studio in Los Angeles and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. As a Professional Ballroom dancer, he has performed, instructed, and competed nationally in the American Rhythm style of ballroom dance.
Throughout his professional dance career, Matt has been a finalist in many competitions. He has danced in numerous live shows and has trained with well-known choreographers: Anna Trebunskaya, Carolina Orlovsky, Corky Ballas, and Jonathan Roberts. As a Musical Theatre choreographer, he has been an assistant on a productions of Evita and Rent and is a two time NJ Act Perry Award nominee for Guys & Dolls and Reefer Madness with his choreography/ business partner Amanda Papa.

“Toon in” with Miss Ashley

Fall Group Class Schedule Released

First Stage – A fun and welcoming introduction to the world of musical theatre.

Next Stage – For developing performers ready to grow their skills and confidence.

Main Stage – Advanced training for students preparing for big roles and big dreams.

With classes in Musical Theatre Dance, Acting, Audition Technique, Broadway Skills, Triple Threat, and more—all taught by incredible Broadway professionals—this is where young talent comes to thrive.

Let’s get you stage ready!

First Stage: A welcoming introductory level for young performers beginning their artistic journey. Designed for beginners, these classes build foundational skills in singing, acting, and movement in a fun, supportive and encouraging environment. First Stage nurtures confidence, creativity, and a love for the stage.

Triple Threat I

An energetic and fun-filled class where young performers build skills in singing, dancing, and acting. Perfect for kids who love to express themselves and want to explore all three areas of musical theatre in a supportive, confidence-boosting environment.

Musical Theatre Dance I

A high-energy class that blends Broadway-style dance with character and storytelling. Students build technique, confidence, and stage presence while learning choreography inspired by classic and contemporary musicals.

Bring The Sing

A lively and joyful singing class where young voices shine! Kids explore vocals, acting, and performance through fun Broadway and Pop songs, while engaging in theatrical activities that spark creativity and build confidence.

Broadway Skills: Acting and Improv

Designed for beginning and developing students, this fast-paced and fun class builds foundational acting and improv skills through games, scenes, and character work—boosting confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

Wicked Theme Class: Songs and Scenes

Dive into the magical world of Wickedby exploring key songs and scenes. This class combines singing, acting, and movement to bring the story’s unforgettable characters and moments to life. Perfect for fans eager to perform and connect with this iconic musical.

Saturday Theater Club: Wicked

Create your own original, fully staged version of Wicked by reimagining its themes, characters, and songs. This collaborative theater experience lets students explore creativity through acting, singing, and staging as they bring a fresh take on the beloved musical to life.

Next Stage: Intermediate classes for young performers who have completed foundational training or receive a recommendation or invitation. This group advances technique, stage presence, and artistic expression, preparing members for higher-level performance opportunities and continued artistic growth.

Triple Threat II

A dynamic class that develops skills in singing, dancing, and acting. Ideal for young performers ready to grow in all areas of musical theatre while building confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

Broadway Skills: Vocal & Acting

For developing students ready to grow, this class focuses on vocal technique, acting, and storytelling through song. Students build confidence and stage presence while learning to connect emotionally with material.

Musical Theatre Dance II

Wicked Theme Class: Songs and Scenes

Mainstage: For more advanced students looking to deepen focus and elevate performance.

Acting Technique:

Take your acting to the next level! This class is for performers ready to dive deeper—sharpen your focus, connect with real emotion, and make bold, powerful choices on stage and screen. Build confidence, presence, and control in every performance and every audition. For experienced students looking to book those bigger roles.

Audition Prep: Acting the Song

Work with a Broadway pro to elevate your audition skills! This class focuses on song interpretation, character work, and performance techniques to help young performers deliver authentic, confident, and compelling auditions.

We look forward to seeing you all in class!

Nicole Karrs

Mezzo-soprano Nicole Karrs is a recent graduate of Stony Brook University, where she earned a Doctorate in Vocal Performance. With over 10 years of private teaching experience, she had previously taught undergraduate voice at Stony Brook. On stage, Nicole has performed in a variety of roles with Stony Brook Opera, including Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro, Costanza in L’Isola Disabitata, and Mrs. Herring in Albert Herring.

As a young artist, Nicole has showcased her talents in both musical theatre and opera productions with regional companies such as Central Florida Lyric Opera, Nickel City Opera, Miami Music Festival, TUNDI Productions, and most recently, the Northern Lights Music Festival. Among her favorite roles are Madame de la Haltere in Cendrillon, Olga in Eugene Onegin, and La Zia Principessa in Suor Angelica.

Evan Waaramaa

Evan Waaramaa is a performing musician, composer, educator and content creator currently living in New York City. He can often be spotted playing fusion jazz on a red keytar at Manhattan clubs like Groove, Harlem Nights, and Silvana.

He can also be spotted in a wide variety of music videos performing with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Troy Ramey. He routinely releases compositions and music analysis videos at his YouTube channel BitBlitz. And in the summers he can be found leading rock bands and recording classes as the head of Creative Arts at Park’s Music Department in Brookline, MA.

Combined with his experiences as a private instructor and having taught at NYU Steinhardt Evan has experience teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Natalie Pereira

Natalie Pereira is a writer, singer, teacher, and performer based in New Jersey. She graduated from Syracuse University with a B.A. in Music with Performance Honors and a B.A. in English and Textual Studies. Natalie writes and performs her own original music, singing at venues such as 54 Below, and is working on and performing in new and developing musicals. Her first solo album is slated to be released soon!

Natalie has fully immersed herself in the New Jersey youth theater community, directing and music directing numerous shows. She has performed, directed, and music directed at the Summit Playhouse, a venue close to her heart (notably – The Prom, Seussical Jr., and many more); music directed and taught at Centenary University’s Youth Performance Workshop; and run various theater and voice classes at the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. She is an active vocal teacher and coach, working with students from kindergarten to post high school.

Natalie is invested in using art and expression to build confidence, relationships, and happiness. As a teacher, she believes in building strong foundations in technique while finding and fostering each student’s individual voice.

Joseph Mathusek

Joseph Mathusek is a composer, performer, pianist, and director based in New Jersey. During his studies of vocal performance at Brigham Young University-Idaho, Joseph has performed various new musical works such as: That They May Have Joy (Ethan Wickman) and A Song Cycle (Ryan Terry). Joseph is also a highly sought after accompanist by vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

Joseph has composed a number of both large and small-scale works ranging from theatre pieces to commissioned choral arrangements that have been performed for thousands of audience members. Together with collaborator John Ertman, Joseph has written two musicals: Alone (American Music Theatre Project, Concept Album), And Mews (Commissioned 2023).

Joseph is an experienced private educator, teaching both voice and piano to students of all ages and backgrounds.

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SELLWOOD STUDIO | Where talent grows

Author: Simon Duffill