Dr. Michael Penna (Director/Choreographer):is very excited to be working on his 17th production here at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna has a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University, MA in Theater from Montclair State University, MPhil in Education from Walden University, and a PhD in Education from Walden University. Dr. Penna teaches Theatre in the Arts Academy here at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna has over 27 years of experience in the Theatrical Arts and has worked professionally throughout the country. Dr. Penna is proud member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. Dr. Penna is a Council Board Member on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a State Board Member for The New Jersey International Thespian Society and a Board Member for the National English Honor Society. Dr. Penna was the recipient of the 2025 Bergan PAC Theatre Award for Best Choregraphy for TRN's production of Crazy For You, the 2022 NJ State Teen Arts: Educator of the Year Award, the 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award: for Outstanding Educator, the 2022 Monmouth Arts: Arts Education Award, the 2022 International Thespian Society: Inspirational Theatre Educator Award, the 2019 Montclair State University Foxy Award for Excellence in Theater Education, and the 2018 Basie Award for Best Lighting Design of a Drama. Dr. Penna would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication and the administration for putting such trust in us all. Lastly, he would like to thank his amazing production staff for all that they do.
Zack Bliss (Technical Director/Lighting Designer): is happy to be continuing his work with Toms River North on his 14th production. Zack has been a lighting designer for over a decade and freelances at various theatres around New Jersey. His designs have been seen at Phoenix Productions and Exit 82 Theatre Company, where Zack was the Technical Director and Resident Lighting Designer for 6 years. His work has been recognized by the Broadway World New Jersey Awards and the bergenPAC's High School Musical Awards. He is very grateful for his fellow production staff for their endless help and guidance. It truly takes a village, and he hopes everyone enjoys the show that the cast and crew have put so much work into!
