MEET OUR TEACHING STAFF!
Tiffany Austin is a Converse College graduate, where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education with an add-on certification in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance. She grew up dancing and training right here in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tiffany has attended the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and American Ballet Theatre summer intensives and has choreographed multiple productions for the Spartanburg Youth Theatre. She is thrilled to share her passion for dance with others!
J.R. Bloomer is a 2020 graduate of Limestone University, where he earned a BFA in musical theatre. Though a Gaffney native, and a recent Spartanburg transplant, he has been involved with SYT for years as a part of SYT’s educational tour, SYT on Tour. Over the years, he has been involved in countless productions in the Upstate. With experience in performance, education, directing, sound design, and props, he loves all different parts of the creative process. Outside of theatre, J.R. enjoys spending time at the movies with his wife, Bre, and taking care of their pet snake, Persephone.
Anneka Brannon is a recent graduate of Wofford College, where she earned a BA in theatre and humanities. She is experienced both onstage and offstage, with favorite areas being acting, directing, and scenic carpentry. Anneka is an SYT alum, and she is stoked to return as an instructor!
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 an actor and filmmaker who grew up performing at Spartanburg Youth Theatre, where she first stepped onstage in third grade. After earning her degree in communications and cinema arts from Palm Beach Atlantic University, she's had the opportunity to work in film, TV, commercials, and theatre up and down the east coast. Ashley is proud to be back at the Spartanburg Youth Theatre as an instructor and assistant director. She continues to work professionally in film, television, and theatre. In addition to her work on set and on stage, she serves as Director of Programming & Education for the Tryon International Film Festival, as the City Producer for the 48 Hour Film Project South Carolina, and as a board member for Reedy Reels Film Festival. Ashley is passionate about helping young storytellers discover their creativity and confidence through performing and visual arts.
Chelsea Durrah is a voice teacher and choral director in the Upstate. She believes that the inherent vulnerability of singing often leads individuals to develop unsustainable habits that can negatively impact their vocal health. Her mission is to guide students toward vocal freedom by helping them rediscover ease and efficiency in singing!
Mary 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.
Laurelyn Korfhage is so excited to join the SYT team! Laurelyn graduated from Oklahoma City University with a BM in music theatre. She then went on to become certified in music education EC-12. Since moving to the Upstate, Laurelyn has continued to perform professionally while running her music studio, Lessons with Laurelyn. She works consistently with Greenville Theatre, Mauldin Theatre Company, and Greenville Theatre's educational tour. With over 15 years of choreography experience for musicals, show choirs, and dance programs, she has learned how to create fun and effective movement for all skill levels. Laurelyn can't wait to continue igniting a passion for performance with the youth of Sparkle City.
Liam MacDougall is a professional actor and teacher/coach of acting based in Spartanburg. He has over 18 years of acting experience and is a graduate of Brown University’s MFA acting program (Class of ’22). He is trained in stage combat, movement, and clown work. He runs Sparkle City Improv, an improv company based out of Spartanburg and Scrappy Shakespeare, a touring theatre company bringing devised Shakespeare work to the upstate. He is the full time instructor for theatre at Spartanburg Community College. He is also the co-owner of Big Brain Theatre Company, so check out our website at bigbraintheatre.com and come see a show!
Mary Thalassinos is a 2020 graduate of Wofford College where she received a BA in theatre and has been working with SYT ever since! She is the drama teacher for Duncan Elementary and has experience working professionally as an actor, educator, sound designer, choreographer, and director at various theaters including SYT, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Centre Stage, and Greenville Theatre. She is also a company member of Big Brain Theatre Company, performing improv and various productions around the area. A Spartanburg native, she is thrilled to be working with SYT - the place where she fell in love with theatre so many years ago!
Maddie Tisdel is excited for her third 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.
Emily Rose Watts is SYT's Scene Shop Assistant. Starting as an intern at SLT in 2021, she is glad to be given the opportunity to grow with this theater’s productions. Emily Rose graduated from Converse University with a BA in theatre. Previously she has worked with GLOW Lyric Theatre, Ballet Spartanburg, and the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra.