Lisa Beth Vettoso (Producer/Director 14-21): Aspire Performing Arts Company, founded in 2011, represents the culmination of Lisa’s 20+ years of experience in the arts and fulfills her dream of working with children in her own theatre company. With Aspire, Lisa has produced more than 60 productions and events. Previously, Lisa was Artistic Director of the BG Theatre Club for five seasons, directing, choreographing, and producing 15 shows. Lisa holds a B.A. in Communication and Theatre from Villanova University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Theatre from NYU. She is currently the Executive Director of Literature to Life, a non-profit arts in education organization. Lisa has also held leadership roles at The Art School at Old Church, The New York Pops, American Repertory Ballet, the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable, and Carnegie Hall. Lisa would like to thank her amazing family for their constant support and generosity, and her husband, Jay, for his love, for always listening, and for loving Aspire as much as she does. Everything today and always is for my little boy - Henry! This and every performance is dedicated to her mother, Alice Pachon, and her father, John Vettoso, who were Aspire PAC's biggest fans.
Brooke Rutkowski (Director 9-14) is a tri-state area based teaching artist, arts administrator, director, and actor. Her passion lies in utilizing theatre education to help students find their voices and self-confidence while building effective communication and collaboration skills. She attended Montclair State University where she graduated with an honors Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting and Rowan University where she obtained her Master of Arts in Arts Administration. Additionally, she holds her teaching license in the state of New Jersey, and is certified in youth mental health. She has taught, performed, and directed throughout the east and west coasts with Montclair State University, George Street Playhouse, McCarter Theatre Center, Marin Shakespeare Company, Equalogy, Aspire Performing Arts, Noteworthy Academy of Music, and White Plains Performing Arts Company. She extends a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable Aspire PAC team, the families of the performers for encouraging their artistic endeavors, and her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Casey Gorab (Music/Vocal Director 14-21) is excited to work on her third production with Aspire after working on their recent pilot production of Disney's Dare to Dream and their production of Mean Girls JR. She was introduced to Aspire as a performer around 2014 and is thrilled to return years later as a music director. In addition to music directing, she currently works as a composer for film and media, a private music teacher for voice and piano, and a performer at local restaurants and venues! She graduated Montclair State University with a degree in Music Composition and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at NYU for Screen Scoring. She’d like to wish a special thank you to her family and every other family here supporting their kids in their artistic journeys. They are all so talented and have such a big future ahead of them!
Chick Barnes (Music Director/Accompanist 14-21) Graduate Connecticut College, retired FA Prudential Securities, retired Music Director Annunciation Church Wayne. Over 30 years MD many North Jersey groups..Star Royale (Rhino Theatre), Pompton Lks; Brundage Park, Randolph; W Milford players, Bela Voce singers, etc. Highlight..60th birthday concert..Chick & Friends @ Weill/Carnegie Hall. Great fun working with this very talented Aspire family.
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