Michael Seidel (Director) is the Drama Director at Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation and is excited to be directing this year's production of The Outsiders. He is a 2005 graduate of Wagner College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Education for grades K through 12. Throughout his theatrical career, he has performed, produced, directed, and designed numerous plays, musicals, and films. Some of his favorites include The Producers, Holes, Spamalot, Les Miserables, Angels in America, and Waiting for Godot. During his time in Orange, Michael has led many school productions, including Annie, Guys and Dolls, Juliet and This Guy Romeo, and High School Musical. He would like to thank the talented cast and crew for their passion and commitment, and he wishes everyone the best as they take the stage. He also extends heartfelt thanks to his wonderful family. A special shout out to Cass, Graeme, and Elanor for their big hugs and constant support after all those long rehearsal nights.
Jennifer Persaud-Parris (Assistant Director) serves as a Confidential Secretary at Scholars Academy and is in her second year with the production team at Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation. With nearly three decades of experience in the theater industry, Jennifer has supported countless musical and theatrical productions, often alongside her three children, through school plays, church productions, and community performances. Some of the musicals she has worked on include Annie, Holes, Moana, Aladdin, Into the Woods, Guys and Dolls, as well as numerous Christmas, Easter, Black History, and Hindi productions. Her multicultural background and personal journey enrich her work, giving her a unique artistic voice and perspective in the world of musical theatre. Outside of her professional life, Jennifer is a proud mother of three and draws inspiration from crafts, nature, and the beauty of all four seasons. She would like to thank our talented cast for bringing these characters to life and carrying these memories with them, as well as our Administrative Board Members for allowing her to be a part of this adventure.
Tammy Baldwin (Stage Crew Manager) graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health and later earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Ms. Baldwin has been a teacher in Orange for more than 31 years and has served as Stage Crew Advisor for over 21 years. She has contributed to the production teams of numerous shows, including Dracula, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Julius Caesar, Beauty and the Beast, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Little Shop of Horrors, The Great Gatsby, Grease, Sherlock Holmes, Aida, Twelve Angry Men, The Wiz, The Odd Couple, Sister Act, The Complete History of America Abridged, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Guys and Dolls, Game of Tiaras, Strange Happenings at the School Library, The Theory of Relativity, Puffs, High School Musical, Juliet and This Guy Romeo, Freaky Friday, The Alibis, Annie, and Holes. Ms. Baldwin is incredibly proud of her stage crew and their hard work and accomplishments in set construction, lighting, and acoustical technology. She would like to thank her crew, the cast, the production team, and her family for their ongoing support and encouragement.
