Meet your instructors

Catalina is currently attending UMD, earning her BM in Vocal Performance. She is originally from the twins cities but loves living in Duluth. She has been in theatre and choir while growing up along with 13 years of girl scouting. She most recently was seen in UMDs production of the opera Street Scene in November. She loves working with kids and can’t wait to get started this summer!

Ava O’Brian is originally from the Twin Cities, but has found a new home in Duluth. She is currently in her first year at UMD, with a major in Musical Theatre and minor in Dance. She is incredibly excited to get to share the power of theatre with young artists. Her recent credits include Ellie Blake (Freaky Friday), Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables), and Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).

Keith Russell has been nerding out about improv for the last 20 years. As a core member of Spontaneous Productions, he has performed improv in a variety of venues around the Midwest. He loves sharing the rush of jumping onto a stage with no idea of what will happen next. As an educator of 23 years, he has taught improv to anyone willing to learn, from ages 9 to 99. Keith believes learning improv will improve every aspect of your life and make you a more enjoyable person to be around.

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 and community shows alike. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students 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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.