Meet your instructors

Robert Lee has been working as a theatre artist in Duluth for more than a decade. In his time here he has directed more than 20 staged productions. He has had the honor of working with actors in all stages of their careers and prides himself on his ability to get actors to make deep personal connections with their work. He currently acts as the Managing Director of Renegade Comedy and as a freelance actor, director, and designer around town.

Miranda is thrilled to be part of the educational offerings at the playhouse! She is passionate about making sure that theatrical arts are available for everyone. Her career spans 20 years and includes acting, directing, set design, costuming and tech. As the founder of Northern Spotlight Theater in 2016, she has directed youth performances of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Give My Regards to Broadway, Babes in Toyland, and coming up in 2025, Golly Gee Whiz. She is also a historical costumer who is active at the Douglas County Historical Society and local historical re-enactments. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students to form connections through art to the world around them!

Shinedala Berg, is very excited to be back teaching again at Duluth Playhouse. Shinedala has done a few shows with the playhouse such as, Kinky Boots(2023) and Murder on the Orient Express(2024). Shinedala has a Bachelor of Art in Educational Studies from The College of Saint Scholastica. She is now, currently working on her Master of Library and Information Systems online through St. Catherine University to become, a Public Librarian. Teaching students about theatre and the arts brings her so much joy. CHEERS to having fun!

Raised in Rochester, MN, Toni is an Arts Administration student at UMD. She is also a graduate of the Disney College Program in Florida. Toni’s experience spans many disciplines such as acting, vocal performance, dance, stage management, and costume design. She has worked with professional companies from Minnesota to Missouri to Massachusetts. During the day she works in art grants administration. She is very happy to be here and loves the Duluth Playhouse community!

Sean Naughton holds an M.F.A. in Acting from The Ohio State University and is currently an Assistant Professor and Director of Theatre at the University of Wisconsin Superior. He has over twenty years of professional experience in theatre, film, commercials, improv, and new media that features extensive stage and on-camera work. He is a graduate of the renowned improv training center Improv Olympic in Los Angeles where he performed in over 200 long-form improv shows.

Kaitlyn Callahan is a current BFA Musical Theatre major and dance minor student at UMD. Originally from the Twin Cities, Kaitlyn has loved having the opportunity to teach the next generation of theatre artists right here in Duluth! Playhouse credits include Little Women (Amy), Kinky Boots (Nicola), and assisting and teaching with the DPH Youth Theatre.

In addition to performing in shows on the NorShor Stage, SJ is a singer-songwriter who performs locally under their artist name, S3RA. Their debut album what it needed to be is available on all streaming platforms.

is an equity performer, professional arts educator, and creator of new works. She graduated with her MFA in Acting from The Ohio State University where she taught Movement, Voice, Viewpoints, and Advanced Acting classes. She is passionate about inspiring actors to perform with more ease, presence, joy, and a sense of the whole ensemble.

Denise served as the Education Director of the Rochester Civic Theatre and the Theatre Director/Drama Coach at Byron High School. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas to DPH’s School of Performing Arts. Her vision perfectly aligns with the Playhouse's commitment to making the arts accessible to all and nurturing the next generation of artists and creative thinkers.

has had the pleasure to work on several Playhouse productions (Once, Ragtime, Little Women, The Musical), and has performed at several theaters in the Twin Cities (Artistry, Lyric Arts, Daleko). She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a BFA in Musical Theater in 2018, and is looking forward to collaborating with future young artists.

grew up in Duluth and earned her BA in Theatre Arts & Psychology from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. Her teaching artist experience extends into typically underserved groups including the deaf/blind community and the elderly community. Her hope is to aid in the development of upstanding youth citizens who will have a better sense of who they are through the tools of theatre!

is the Producing Artistic Director at Duluth Playhouse. He earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory and a MFA in Directing from Pennsylvania State University. Phillip lived and worked in NYC for nine years and has been an assistant for Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley and Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun.

has always loved dancing and is passionate about bringing quality dance opportunities to adults. She holds a BFA in art, design and dance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and she has studied tap with Hillary-Marie, Demi Remick, Sarah Reich, Kaleena Miller, Andrew Nemr and Lisa LaTouche.

is the Executive Director at Duluth Playhouse. He earned an BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Kentucky University and an MFA in Directing From Pennsylvania State University. Directing in Chicago, NYC and regionally, Wes has been an assistant to Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus and Tony Award nominees Michael Greif and Susan H. Schulman.

has been a dedicated educator and beloved fixture at Duluth Playhouse, where he has inspired countless students with his theatre expertise for over a decade. He expertly utilizes his theatre degree on a regular basis, most notably as a standout performer with Renegade Improv.

is a local theater educator and performer. She has taught with the Duluth Playhouse since 2005. Most recently she played Viola in Wise Fool Theater’s production of Twelfth Night. When she isn’t at the theater, she spends her time working her day job for the City of Duluth, reading, running and thinking about summer.