MEET OUR TEACHING STAFF!
Alexa Cotran is a native of Columbia, SC, and currently works as the Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Spartanburg High School. Alexa holds a B.M. in music education with a vocal performance certificate from the University of South Carolina Honors College, as well as a Masters of Music in choral conducting from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. While in Columbia, Alexa worked as one of the music directors for Town Theatre's Youth Theatre program. She taught voice lessons, as well as musically directed the youth productions. Outside of the classroom, Alexa has loved performing since she was a child. She was involved in performances at Town Theatre, in the Broadway Bound Theatre Company, Opera at USC, and Mercer University Opera. If she is not rehearsing a choir or in a theatre, you can find Alexa playing with her two cats, trying new restaurants, or exploring a new city!
Ashley Crane is thrilled to be back at SYT where she grew up performing. After graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Cinema/TV program and working with SYT to launch screen acting classes, Ashley moved to NYC to work with Industry Leading Acting Coaches Denise Simon, Penny Templeton, Bob Marks, T. Schreiber, and ReelArc! Ashley’s clients have worked on- and off- Broadway, gone on National Tours, and worked on shows like John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch, Saturday Night Live, I Am Frankie, Victorious, and more! She has had the opportunity to act up and down the east coast, and write for film, television, and theatre! When she’s not at SYT, studying in her adult acting class, coaching NYC clients over Zoom, or writing, she loves hanging out with her Shih Tzu Maddie and rock climbing!
Rhodes Farrell is a versatile videographer/producer and community builder in the Upstate of South Carolina. As the Founder of Film Bar Greenville, he grew the community to over 2000 members and organized film challenges that produced over 40 original short films. Rhodes also serves as the Executive Director for the Reedy Reels Film Festival, supporting independent filmmakers and fostering cinematic appreciation. He is also the owner of Scenic Rhodes Productions with nearly two decades of experience in corporate, short-form, narrative, event, and documentary filmmaking. Beyond these roles, Rhodes shares his expertise on his YouTube channel and podcast, "Indie Film Hub."
Mary Ashton Garrett is a recent graduate from Converse University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in music education with a performance certificate in voice and a concentration in music theory. Throughout her academic career, she showcased her vocal talent in various productions, including notable operas such as The Girl in the Train and Cendrillon. Mary Ashton brings a wealth of experience in teaching both music theatre and classical vocal styles. She has a passion for nurturing young talent, having spent three consecutive years as a counselor and music teacher at the Fine Arts Day Camp, at Converse, where she worked with children to develop their musical and performance abilities. Her dedication to both performance and education enables her to create a dynamic and engaging environment for her students.
Serger Jimenez is a recent graduate of Converse University, where he earned a dual degree in musical theatre and Hispanic studies. Throughout his time at Converse, Serger was actively involved in numerous theatrical productions, both on campus and in the broader community, gaining experience as a performer, collaborator, and creative leader. With a deep passion for storytelling, Serger is especially committed to using theatre as a tool for education, empowerment, and cultural connection. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, he understands the transformative power of the arts and is driven to make theatre more accessible to under-served communities! Now, Serger is focused on sharing his love for performance with the next generation. He hopes to teach, mentor, and inspire local youth through SYT and help them find their voices.
Rachel Johnson is an SYT alum, and a graduate of Wofford College with a BA in theatre and music. Aside from teaching, Rachel has combined her passions to become a music director and composer for musical theatre. Her favorite works so far have been composing the music for the world premiere of The Missing Moon by Kerry Ferguson, and arranging/ composing the score for Failure: A Love Story at Wofford Theatre. When not at the theatre (which is rare), Rachel enjoys reading, playing piano, and cuddling with her poodle named Poodle.
Adam Sanders has been the Artistic Director of SYT since 2015. Adam grew up in Spartanburg and developed his love for theatre at SYT. He loves leading the theatre that raised him! He previously worked with the South Carolina Children's Theatre as a teaching artist, director, and touring actor. Adam's favorite part of his job is directing, having directed many productions including Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, Songs for a New World, Disney's The Lion King Jr., The Drowsy Chaperone, Disney's Newsies Jr., Godspell Jr., Disney's Freaky Friday, Elf the Musical Jr., Disney's Aladdin Jr., Mamma Mia, Seussical Jr., and many more. Outside of the theater, he's an instructor at CycleBar Spartanburg. While Adam loves all his roles, his favorite role is husband to his favorite person in the world, his beautiful wife Kelsey!
Maddie Tisdel is excited for her second season as Education Coordinator at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre! She graduated cum laude from Converse University with a double major in musical theatre and history. She has worked professionally in the Upstate since 2018 at the Warehouse Theatre, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Centere Stage, Glow Lyric Theatre, Scrappy Shakespeare, Sparkle City Improv, and her favorite place, SYT! She loves being an instructor and director here; helping kids connect through the joy of play and storytelling. She also loves broadening theatre accessibility in Spartanburg through SYT On Tour. Outside of theatre, Maddie enjoys cooking and baking, gardening, and spending time with her partner Austin and her cat Al.