Youth Program Staff
Central Florida Community Arts’ youth programs are proud to offer a wide variety of job, internship, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year, as well as mentorship programs and compensated professional and artistic development courses for current staff! We believe that our staff and volunteers are an integral part of our community and mission and strive to create opportunities for their growth.
Please email youth@cfcarts.com with any questions.
Youth Program Staff Development Initiatives
Weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7 PM
– Music Room 2, March 29 and April 5
– Black Box, April 12 to April 19
– Conference Room, April 26 to May 3
Compensation for attending is $100 total for all sessions (6 weeks.) Please email youth@cfcarts.com with any conflicts or questions.
Open only to current CFCArts Teaching Artists and Youth Staff. Click here to register.
Join a series of four artistic development workshops led by respected and experienced performing arts professionals in the central Florida community. This engaging course will feature performing arts professionals in a variety of areas, from directing to producing, and will teach you some tips and tricks to improve and expand your skill set and advance towards your artistic goals! Sessions will be anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes long and presenters will be announced closer to the first session.
Biweekly on Wednesdays, 7:30-9 PM
– Black Box, April 6 and April 20
– Conference Room, May 4 and May 18
Compensation for attending is $100 total for all sessions (4 weeks.) Please email youth@cfcarts.com with any conflicts or questions.
Open only to current CFCArts Teaching Artists and Youth Staff. Click here to register.
Current CFCArts Teaching Artists and Youth Staff are welcome to participate in our Mentorship Program. This program is an informal, flexible mentorship program that matches those desiring mentorship with potential mentors to help them achieve their goals as leaders, educators, artists, and community members.
Mentors are given resources such as gift cards to offset the cost of meeting with their mentees, upon request. Mentors and mentees are not compensated or charged for this program.
Open only to current CFCArts Teaching Artists and Youth Staff. Click here to register.
Upcoming Youth Program Staff Opportunities
CFCArts Youth Programs have several paid Summer Camp positions available for Teaching Artists from June 6 to August 5! Click here to view available positions and information (positions in yellow are available; click here for individual camp descriptions) and email leah@cfcarts.com with your preferred positions, performing arts teaching resume, 2-3 references (names and emails), and availability over the next 2-3 weeks for a virtual interview if interested.
CFCArts Youth Programs are open to interested high school, college, and early career young professionals for unpaid summer internships and volunteer positions. Email leah@cfcarts.com with a resume or overview of your experience within the performing arts and/or working with children, 1-2 references (names and emails), and availability over the next 2-3 weeks for a virtual interview if interested.
Current Staff
Music Programs Team
Ethan is an Alabama native and holds his Master’s of Music Education degree with a conducting emphasis from Auburn University. His love for the performing arts began with piano instruction in second grade. He has led music ensembles as a collegiate and drum corps drum major, youth orchestra conductor, and music director for children’s theatre. In 2015, he founded Drum Major Innovations, an educational institution that offers conducting clinics, camps, and competitions for aspiring drum majors. He currently serves as an instructor for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Ethan has performed with Disney Cruise Line, The Walt Disney World Resort, and Universal Orlando Resort.
Nathan Humphries started playing piano and singing when he was seven years old. Since then, his primary instrument has been the euphonium. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University. In college, he was selected as a featured soloist for the Auburn University Symphonic Winds, as well as a member of the National Intercollegiate Band (2013). Since then, he has been an active music teacher in both Orange and Osceola counties. He is also an active cast member with Disney Performing Arts and has been working events such as Festival Disney and Epcot’s Candlelight Processional since 2014. In Central Florida, he has performed with groups such as the Brass Band of Central Florida and the Orlando Concert Band. He is very excited to be a part of the CFCArts team!
Jaelin was born and raised in Valley, AL. Growing up he participated in community theater. He attended Auburn University Montgomery where he studied Mass Media Communications and took part in competitive cheerleading. Although his background is in cheerleading, he loves supporting the arts. Jaelin has also performed entertainment at Universal Orlando. He is excited to be part of the CFCArts family!
Delayna Wahlberg is a recent graduate of the College of Music at Florida State University, and she is so excited to be working with the youth program at Central Florida Community Arts. Her experience with both orchestra and theatre goes back to her middle school years when she first started playing the French horn and acting in community theatre productions. Throughout her high school and college careers, she has loved to combine her two passions by playing horn in musical pits. Now, she is proud to have the opportunity to utilize her experiences as an assistant teaching artist and youth orchestra program assistant.
Stefany Rodriguez is originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico! She attended La Libre de Musica, where she was classically trained in violin and voice. From there, she graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s in theatre studies and a minor in event management. CFCArts became the place where she developed a passion for teaching young, talented minds to express themselves creatively, and since then has taken on roles such as director of vocal and violin ensembles, and much more. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her amazing dog, Jude, and together they explore all of Orlando’s beautiful parks and walking trails!
Brianna Haufman is a recent UCF graduate and active member of the Central Florida performing arts community. Having graduated with an interdisciplinary studies degree with emphasis in theatre, event management and nonprofit management, she has learned the ins and outs of Orlando nonprofit theatres both on stage and off. Her most memorable achievement was co-directing the Athens Theatre’s first fully-masked summer production of Disney’s High School Musical Jr. during the pandemic for an audience on Zoom. Brianna still works as a teaching artist for various theaters and is currently the assistant director for the Youth Vocal Ensemble at CFCArts.
Willy Wonka Jr. Creative Team
This is Josh Cassady’s fourth production with CFCArts after moving back to Orlando in 2020. Born in Orlando but raised in Grand Rapids, MI, he earned his B.A. in theatre from Michigan State University. In college, his favorite shows to work on were Frankenstein and Oklahoma! Since joining the CFCArts family, he has enjoyed being involved with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Charlotte’s Web. He is thrilled to be stage managing Willy Wonka Jr. this spring, as it was the first musical he ever performed in (as an Oompa Loompa). Outside of theatre, he likes to do yoga, spend time outdoors, and put countless hours into his favorite game, “Animal Crossing.”
Shannon Ricks is so excited to be assistant stage managing for Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.! She recently assistant stage managed for Charlotte’s Web at CFCArts and for another show at her school.
Sara Jacobson is a junior at Orlando Christian Prep. This is her fourth season at CFCArts. Other credits include student stage manager for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The 39 Steps, and other shows at CFCArts. She was the stage manager for Native Voices at PlayWrights Roundtable. She performed in and assistant directed for Flood Insurance and stage managed The Answerer, Willy Wonka, and Snow White, all at Orlando Christian Prep. She is currently the production manager for Mary Poppins at her high school. She is also the vice president of Thespian Troupe 8757. At the District Five Thespian competition she received an Excellent for her duet scene and a straight Superior for her student directed scene, which she is taking to the Florida Thespian State competition. She hopes you enjoy Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.!
Johnny Guignet has been involved with CFCArts since the fall of 2021. He is currently an education intern. Previous productions with CFCArts include The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Charlotte’s Web. When he is not working on productions with CFCArts, he is teaching second graders.
Lindsey DeHaen is so proud to be a part of the CFCArts family because of their commitment to diversity and inclusion; not only as a teaching artist, but also as a parent whose child has found a home at CFCArts! She grew up on stages and in studios as a dancer and singer and trained at AMDA in NYC. She is a former Disney cast member and some of her favorite memories there are the special moments bringing children on stage during Festival of the Lion King. She spent a decade as a pediatric RN until life finally came full circle, and she found that her true passion is for nurturing the whole child. Her mission is to meet children where they are and through the arts give them an avenue to connect to their hearts, minds, and personal experiences and have them leave as more confident little humans ready to explore the world.
“She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes.” – Kate Spade
Caroline is a board certified music therapist with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music therapy from Florida State University. She has been practicing music therapy for over six years. An Orlando native, she is excited to be back in her hometown practicing music therapy after working in Boston, MA for several years. Caroline has experience working with infants and toddlers in Early Intervention programs and with students of all ages in the public school system. In addition to her music therapy endeavors, Caroline has performed all over the east coast as a vocalist, both as a soloist and in choral and a cappella groups. Caroline could not be more thrilled to be part of the CFCArts music therapy team, SOAH, and the Academy.
A Michigan native, Patrick Lienemann received his B.A. in stage management from Wayne State University in 2015 after serving in the United States Army as a combat medic. His experience includes design and operation for lighting, audio, management, technical direction, special effects, pyrotechnics, scenic, labor, and various other roles over the years. Highlights include Walt Disney World special events, Universal Studios nighttime spectaculars, SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, founding The Underground (an “Emerging Artist Initiative” with Wayne State University), working with touring acts such as J. Cole, Lindsey Sterling, and Usher, and brewing a great cup of coffee whenever one is needed. Patrick has had a passion for the arts for as long as he can remember, performing and creating from a young age. Patrick is currently the technical coordinator for CFCArts, designing and overseeing production for the Children & Youth Arts Programs.
Sydney Pigmon is a recent Rollins College grad who majored in performance. She was recently the audio technician for CFCArts production of Charlotte’s Web and she is so happy to be back. She sound designed for multiple shows in Rollins’ student directed series as well as performing on the Annie Russell stage. She is so excited to be the audio tech for Willy Wonka Jr. and Aida, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Kimberly Murray Patel is thrilled by the opportunity to work on costuming for CFCArts. She has been sewing since she was five years old and recently combined these skills with her love of theatre. She has costumed numerous productions for schools and community theaters in the West Orange County area. Kimberly was recognized in the Trash 2 Trends 2022 Keep Orlando Beautiful runway show for creating the “Most Wearable” look. Kimberly’s handmade accessory line Sugarsnap is available in small boutiques around Central Florida. She would like to congratulate the cast and crew for creating a fantastic production.
Sara Breitfelder is excited to be costuming again! Sara started at CFCArts as a theatre intern in 2019 and worked on many shows as a costumer with Christine Hicks. After graduating from Valencia College in 2019, Sara officially joined the CFCArts team, and currently works as the School of Arts & Health administrator.
Rachel Johnson is thrilled to be back this season with CFCArts. Her previous work with CFCArts includes assistant stage manager for Meet Me in St. Louis. Originally from St. Louis, Rachel holds a technical theatre degree from The University of Missouri – Columbia. She works in stage management with theaters around the Orlando area including Osceola Arts and Marshall Ellis Theater. When not at a theater, she can be found working as a merchandise cast member at Walt Disney World Resort. Rachel is thrilled that you are here today to support these wonderfully talented youth and hopes you enjoy the show!
Erika N. Robinson has had the privilege of working within the entertainment arena for the past twelve years. She has a background in elementary education (University of Central Florida) and in CTV (Regent University). Erika’s most recent accomplishment is having a one-act script produced by the Playwrights Workshop of Brevard. In addition, Erika has written and directed several short films/plays, and has experience working in youth programs (Nonprofit Initiative) and in public education (developing art programs). In her downtime, Erika enjoys working behind the scenes for CFCArts (youth theatre programs) in Orlando, FL. Erika is an educator, director, writer, and a visionary as well as hopes to serve the arts community well by continuing to create inspirational projects in Orlando and abroad.
Aida Creative Team
As a student of the arts and a graduate of the New York Film Academy, Regina Thurston is excited to be involved in the production of Aida with CFCArts. Having joined Central Florida Community Arts in the summer of 2021, she is happy to put her previous experience as an assistant teaching artist (Meet Me In St. Louis, Fall 2021) and her experience as an assistant director and choreographer (Charlotte’s Web, Spring 2022) to use to help these talented student artists to shine.
Ethan Lolley is an Alabama native and holds his Master’s of Music Education degree with a conducting emphasis from Auburn University. His love for the performing arts began with piano instruction in second grade. He has led music ensembles as a collegiate and drum corps drum major, youth orchestra conductor, and music director for children’s theatre. In 2015, he founded Drum Major Innovations, an educational institution that offers conducting clinics, camps, and competitions for aspiring drum majors. He currently serves as an instructor for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Ethan has performed with Disney Cruise Line, The Walt Disney World Resort, and Universal Orlando Resort.
Rachel Johnson is thrilled to be back this season with CFCArts. Her previous work with CFCArts includes assistant stage manager for Meet Me in St. Louis. Originally from St. Louis, Rachel holds a technical theatre degree from The University of Missouri – Columbia. She works in stage management with theaters around the Orlando area including Osceola Arts and Marshall Ellis Theater. When not at a theater, she can be found working as a merchandise cast member at Walt Disney World Resort. Rachel is thrilled that you are here today to support these wonderfully talented youth and hopes you enjoy the show!
Sydney Pigmon is a recent Rollins College grad who majored in performance. She was recently the audio technician for CFCArts production of Charlotte’s Web and she is so happy to be back. She sound designed for multiple shows in Rollins’ student directed series as well as performing on the Annie Russell stage. She is so excited to be the audio tech for Willy Wonka Jr. and Aida, and hopes you enjoy the show!
This is Josh Cassady’s fourth production with CFCArts after moving back to Orlando in 2020. Born in Orlando but raised in Grand Rapids, MI, he earned his B.A. in theatre from Michigan State University. In college, his favorite shows to work on were Frankenstein and Oklahoma! Since joining the CFCArts family, he has enjoyed being involved with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Charlotte’s Web. He is thrilled to be stage managing Willy Wonka Jr. this spring, as it was the first musical he ever performed in (as an Oompa Loompa). Outside of theatre, he likes to do yoga, spend time outdoors, and put countless hours into his favorite game, “Animal Crossing.”
Destany Sherman is in her second year as a teaching artist at CFCArts. From Sweet Home Alabama, she has been a dancer since the age of five, and being in the arts has always been a passion of hers. After becoming more involved with theatre in college, and moving to Florida to work at Disney, she knew that the theatre was her career path. Destany’s current involvements include choir, youth theatre, and adult theatre. Her dreams are to one day own her own theatre to enrich children and adults through the arts! She wants to thank everyone who has helped and supported her throughout the years to get her to where she is now. Whether onstage, backstage, behind a spotlight, or in a classroom, her heart belongs to the performing arts.