Our Staff
Jenn Pina
Producing Artistic Director
Jenn has been an actor, dancer, director, teacher or student in theatres (and parks, street corners, studios,…) from California to New York, Massachusetts to Louisiana on and off for over 40 years. Jenn has been fortunate to have such playgrounds as the CCTC/HJT, Cape Rep, Provincetown Theatre, Cotuit Center for the Arts, the Experimental Theatre Wing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Tinbox Theatre, Happensdance Improvisational Wing, Sledgehammer Theatre, and Pilgrim Theatre. She is particularly drawn to working with very old scripts (Shakespeare, anyone?) and creating new work, both devised and scripted. She has premiered scripts by Eric Ehn, David Rosenthal, Kevin Rice, Laura Harrington and others, and is delighted to be producing 6 new works at CCTC/HJT this season. In 2015, Jenn co-founded ÁSA Theatre with fellow HJT alum Andy Arden-Reese. Since 2003, she has worked as an executive coach, using theatre-based techniques to help leaders around the globe hone their ability to connect with their audiences. Her client list is extensive, and she’s coached leaders at institutions such as Harvard Business School, Wellington Management, Bain Capital, TED, The Ariel Group, and UP Education Network. Over the decades Jenn has taught extensively; from pre-natal yoga and creative movement for pre-schoolers and their caregivers, to devised and experimental theatre techniques for teens and adults, to the art of storytelling for leaders. Jenn’s teaching style balances rigor with compassion, and both informs and draws upon ÁSA Theatre’s tenets of authenticity, specificity and abandon. She is a passionate advocate for CCTC/HJT’s value of inclusion and its mission to educate, empower, and inspire through the magic of live theatre. Jenn is a member of AEA
Emily Murray
Director of Education & Community Outreach
As a teaching artist, Emily (She/Her) possesses a unique ability to engage with children and ignite their imagination through theater. She designs and implements enriching educational programs that empower young minds to explore their creativity, develop self-confidence, and find their voice all while having fun and keeping the pressure off. She loves helping children find joy in performing! Emily strives to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported. She teaches and directs all over the Cape. She was last seen on stage in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at CCTC/HJT with her daughter Phoebe. Emily holds an MFA in Theatre from The Actors Studio Drama School in NYC.
Matthew Kohler
Technical Director & Facilities Manager
Matt (he/him) is a dedicated teaching theatre artist, contributing year-round to the vibrant arts community on Cape Cod. As the Technical Director at Cape Cod Theatre Company | Harwich Junior Theater since 2015, he has played a vital role in shaping the theatrical and educational experiences at the theater for many years. Beyond his responsibilities at the theater, Matt also serves as the instructor for Stagecraft and Theatre Technologies at Cape Cod Community College. His profound joy lies in fostering inspiration and learning among individuals of all ages who enter the theater’s doors. Matt considers it a privilege to mentor young minds, guiding them in exploring the world around them and cultivating skills that will last a lifetime.
Martha Paquin
Box Office Manager & Administrative Assistant
Martha’s first appearance at CCTC/HJT was in Little Women in 1999. Additional productions she has performed in on our stage include Promises, Promises, Seussical, Shrek, and Doubt. Martha has also served as stage manager here, and is happy to be working as Box Office Manager. When she is not at the theatre, Martha works for the Sandwich Public Schools.
Trish LaRose
Assistant to the Producer
Trish is thrilled to join the staff at CCTC/HJT and to be back in the building where she discovered her love for theatre at age 5. She has performed in NYC, Boston, Puerto Rico and on National Tours, has been a guest with the Cape Symphony, and can be seen all over the Cape from Provincetown Theatre to Cotuit Center for the Arts. She is a resident artist at Cape Rep Theatre in Brewster where she’s appeared in over 25 productions, including her commissioned sold out one woman show Come On-A My House. She was last seen on the CCTC/HJT stage as Piggie in the winter production of Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” She looks forward to being a part of the tremendous work Jenn, the staff, and teachers will create at this legendary institution.
• • • Our Teaching Artists • • •
Samantha Walker
Creative Drama 1 & 2
Samantha, a student herself of classes, has been a teacher at the theater since the age 15 where she started her journey assisting with Creative Movement. She has since taught Creative Movement and Creative Drama 1 & 2. Her love for theater and children inspired her to seek a degree in education. Samantha now also works as a first grade teacher at Hyannis West Elementary.
Calliope Pina Parker
Junior Players
Calliope is an interdisciplinary artist creating collaboratively on-and-off stages, screens, and studios, in Brooklyn, Cape Cod, and Austin. They hold a BA in Alternative Performance Practice and Art History from SUNY Purchase. Calliope is jazzed to return to their roots at CCTC in collaboration with life-long friend, playmate, and collaborator KJ.
KJ Stewart
Junior Players, Playwriting, Clowning
KJ Stewart is a playwright/performer based in Brooklyn, NY. After growing up entrenched in the theater on the cape, they attended NYU Tisch School of the Arts and received a BFA in Drama. KJ’s original work has been produced at The Tank and The Wild Project’s Fresh Fruit Festival in NYC, as well as in workshops through the Executive Witches Playwriting group. KJ owes everything to CCTC/HJT and is thrilled to be returning in a teaching capacity this summer.
Mike Devine
Comedy Improv
Mike Devine is an actor, and improviser and can be seen in the 2021 film Free Guy. Mike has trained and performed at places such as The Second City and IO in Chicago. He has been performing in plays and improv all over Boston.
Bob Wilder
Director, Musical Director, Broadway Kids
Bob began enjoying the piano at an early age, soon the flute which he studied in college, as well as the harpsichord. He began theatre music direction during grad school, accompanied instrumentalists and vocalists, also. This continued during his NYC years while assistant music director/synth player and ballet accompanist. He has collaborated with many of the Cape’s theatres while living here for 25 years.
Erin O'Sullivan
Creative Drama 1, Creative Movement
Erin OSullivan has grown up taking classes and performing at the CCTC. She is currently studying Early Childhood and Special Education at Salve Regina University. The past few summers she has had the pleasure of teaching theatre classes here, pursuing her passion of working with children and encouraging imagination in every way possible.
James P. Byrne
Director, Designer, Creative Drama 2 & 3, Tech class
James has directed, designed, produced, taught, and acted in theatres from Boston to New Orleans, and from New York to Los Angeles. Regionally, Jim works extensively as a teacher, director, and designer for the award-winning sister theatres: Wheelock Family Theatre and CCTC. He also is the director and designer of The Gold Dust Orphans, winner of the 2004 Elliot Norton Award for Best Fringe Theatre.
Tess O'Leary
Director, Teaching Artist
Tess O’Leary grew up taking classes, acting, and eventually interning at the CCTC/HJT, and has been delighted to continue by teaching and directing here! In recent years, Tess has taught classes such as Junior Players, Shakespeare Shake-Up, and Imagination Stage, and has directed productions of Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and the children’s show Dragons Love Tacos.
LeVane Harrington
Actor, Audition Workshop
LeVane is performer and career coach, originally hailing from Harwich, now residing in NYC. You may have seen him on the CCTC stage in Gypsy, The Wiz!, A Little Princess, The Little Mermaid, Oliver!, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Music Man, Kids Celebrate Broadway, or Pippi Longstocking. LeVane has also performed across the country in various regional theaters. Aside from performing, LeVane loves to help people of all ages grow as humans and find their passion for performing. For more info and coaching inquiries visit: https://www.spotlightsuccessstudio.com/
Nina Schuessler
Director, Teen Acting, Scene Study
Nina retired in Spring 2022 as the Producing Artistic Director of Cape Cod Theatre Company/ Harwich Junior Theatre, Inc. having served for 25 years. She has been a driving force in Cape theatre for 45 years as a teacher, actor, and director. Nina is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, the Wellfleet Harbor Actor’s Theatre’s Lifetime in the Arts Award, and the Emerson College Teacher Award. At CCTC/HJT Nina supervised the production of over 260 plays and musicals including many world premieres by Cape and National Playwrights. Nina first performed on this stage as Katrin in I Remember Mama in 1975. Nina’s performed many favorite roles such as Jadis, The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; Martha in The Unexpected Man; Desdemona in Othello and the title role in Medea at CCTC/HJT; Bananas in House of Blue Leaves at APA; Kate Keller in All My Sons at Cape Rep; Frankie in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune and Denise in Savior of the Universe at WHAT to name a few.
Katie Graves
Stage Manager, Stage Management Class
Katie Graves (she/her) is a professional Equity Union Stage Manager with over 10 years of Union experience. She attended FGCU and was offered a union contract upon graduation. After finishing up her first season as an Equity Stage Manager, she decided to move to Boston to find more opportunities. Katie was able to work full time as a freelance theatrical technician and as a stage manager, working all over the New England Area. Katie worked several touring shows that passed through Boston as well as several IATSE contracts. She began working her summers on Cape Cod and in the off season, would travel back to Boston or to Atlanta for work. Some of her favorite Stage-Managing Credits include Murder for Two (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre), Lenin’s Embalmers (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Theatrical Outfit), Peter and the Starcatcher (HJT/CCTC).
Claude Kerven
Smartphone Filmmaking
Kerven’s career began with the debut of his short film “Candy Store” which won an Academy Award for Best Dramatic Student Film. In 1982, he directed a series of Afterschool Specials for ABC-TV, including the Emmy Award winning “Starstruck” and the Director’s Guild of America-nominated “High School Narc.” Kerven also directed over 25 short films for Saturday Night Live, including the much celebrated “Synchronized Swimmers.” His most recent directorial work, “They Never Found Her” starred Madmen’s Elisabeth Moss and Fargo’s Peter Stormare. In 1990, Kerven co-authored “Mortal Thoughts” for Columbia Pictures, starring Bruce Willis, Harvey Keitel and Demi Moore. As Chair of the 1-Year and 2-Year Filmmaking Programs at the New York Film Academy, a role he has held since 1994, Kerven has developed and implemented innovative course objectives to engage and effectively teach students in the areas of directing, screenwriting, acting for film, cinematography, editing, production workshops and producing.
Terry Norgeot
Director, Choreographer, Tap Teacher
Terry has appeared in productions from New York City to South America. Broadway and National tours include Hello Dolly, My Fair Lady, No No Nanette, Cabaret, Annie Get Your Gun, Roberta, Anything Goes, and Babes in Arms. She was a featured dancer with the Jerry Ames Tap Company at Lincoln Center and assisted Jacques d’Amboise at The National Dance Institute. Terry directed and choreographed more than 30 shows regionally including the Off- Broadway musical The Black Monk, The Love Note, Little Women the Broadway Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, Harry Connick Jr’s The Happy Elf, A Year with Frog and Toad, Celebrate Broadway, HJT’s Broaday Kids, Freckle Face Strawberry, The Full Monty, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wiz and In The Heights. Terry has taught dance for over 40 years and is currently teaching and Cape Cod Theatre Company. During the summer she can be found at The Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans., which she and her husband have owned for 30 years.
Suzette Hutchinson
Choreographer, Broadway Kids
Suzette Hutchinson has a degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. She has been teaching modern dance on Cape Cod for 25 years – currently at the Cape Cod Ballet Theatre and the Reaching Heart School of Ballet (she also taught at the Academy of Performing Arts and the Cape Cod Community College for 20 years). Prior to moving to the Cape, Suzette taught dance in the RI public schools for the Chance To Dance program. She has been on the faculty at CCTC/HJT since 2000, teaching musical theatre and she has choreographed numerous productions here and at many other Cape Cod theatres, including the Academy of Performing Arts, Chatham Drama Guild, Cotuit Center for the Arts and Cape Rep.
Cat Perry
Costumer, Tech Class, Adventures in Sherwood Forest/Wonderland
Cat and her family recently relocated back to the Cape after 25 years of being away. During that time, she earned a master’s degree in Costume Design from North Carolina School of the Arts met and married an amazing man/scenic artist. Freelance design work took her to many different venues and places including an assistant costume design residency at Opera Theater St. Louis and assisting on several national tours. She was the resident costume designer for the FSU Conservatory master’s program at the Asolo Theater in Sarasota Florida. While she was there, she honed her cutter/draper skills for The REP where she was able to work on Broadway bound shows like A Tale of Two Cities and The Plexiglass Slipper. Her costume design for Mirandolina earned her the J. Handlemann critic’s choice award for best costume design in the Tampa Bay area.
Chelsea Brown
Musical Theatre, Encampo
Chelsey has been performing professionally in for over 12 years but found her true passion in teaching theatre! She has been teaching theatre and dance classes for 6 years in both California and Massachusetts. She has been a director, musical director and choreographer for Bay Area Children's Theatre, LaMorinda Performing Academy and Musical Theatre Works in California and works at both HJT/CCTC and Cape Rep Theatre on Cape Cod. She lives in Brewster with her amazing husband, daughter, and two greyhounds. Chelsey holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University.
Seamus Sartin
Teaching Assistant
Seamus has been an active member of the Harwich Junior Theatre/Cape CodTheatre Company since he was 18 years old, and has continued to hone his craft with a little dash of everything: from building the sets to assisting with classes, to acting in shows and managing the stage, he has slowly been learning every aspect that he can, heavily inspired by his mentor, Matthew Kohler, so as to be able to productively react to whatever the theatre needs at all times. Having gone from an apprentice to an over hire, to an Assistant Technical Director in recent years, Seamus has gained quite a lot of traction in the theatre community all over Cape and is wildly excited to continue his journey with his wonderful team at CCTC.
Lexy Hatch
Teen Acting & Improv
Alexys Hatch (she/her) is a student at Indiana University pursuing a self-designed degree in Drama for Youth & Communities. This past school year Alexys has been exploring theatre and drama education through a multi-part dramatic development workshop series. Her most recent acting experience includes IU Theatre & Dance’s production of Orlando (Troupe Member 1/Desdemona) in Fall 2023 and MFA thesis production Why Liliya Why (M’other) in Spring 2023. Alexys just finished directing an original work, Amusement Park on the Moon, in the Spring. Prior to that she worked on two operettas, Un Mariage par Quiproquo and Catherine ou la Belle Fermiere in Spring 2023, as well as her own original work, The Empty Room, in Fall 2022. Alexys loves sharing theatre with fellow artists and looks forward to this summer at the CCTHJT!
Xevi Pina Parker
Teaching Assistant
Xevi Pina Parker is a sophomore at Monomoy Regional High School and has been doing plays at CCTC/HJT since she was 4. She has grown up taking (and now teaching) the CD and tech classes with Emily Murray and Matt Kohler.
Gianna Casale
Teaching Assistant
Gianna is a senior at Nauset Regional High School and lives in Brewster. She has performed in many shows at the theater as well as run crew and stage managing! She is grateful for all her mentors at the theater!
Trenton Hatch
Teaching Assistant
Trenton Hatch is from Fishers, Indiana, and grew up spending his summers at the Cape Cod Theatre Company. He was a technical, teaching, and grounds intern during the 2022 and 2023 summer seasons and received the Doane Award in 2022 for his work in reimagining the third floor. Trenton is passionate about keeping the invaluable tradition of the Harwich Junior Theatre alive and contributing to the vibrant community found on Cape Cod.”
Olivia Thompson
Teaching Assistant
Olivia is a freshman at NYU. Her most recent roles include Ziggy in Three Little Birds, a regional premiere, ensemble in the Lightning Thief, Yellow Dragon in Dragons Love Tacos, and Lennox in the Macbeth at Cape Cod Theatre Company. She’s also been in her high school’s productions, most recently as Ms. Andrew in Mary Poppins, and Norma Corwin in A-Haunting We Will Go.
Anthony Teixeira
Creative Drama 3
Anthony has performed on the CCTC/HJT stage as Elephant Gerald in Elephant & Piggie, Gomez in The Addams Family, and a barbershop quartet singer in The Music Man. He has also performed with Cape Rep Theatre, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Eventide Arts, Theater Under the Stairs, NEMPAC Opera Project/Boston Festival Orchestra, and as a soloist with the Cape Symphony. Anthony studied musical theater at the University of Southern Maine and toured with an educational theater troupe across the country for many years. Since returning to the Cape, he has worked extensively with students with diverse abilities as an arts educator and paraprofessional
Jane Staab
Teacher, Director
Perry Gill
Teaching Assistant
Perry Ainsley Gill is a junior theater major at Walnut Hill School for the Arts. She was most recently seen at Cape Rep Theater as Janet Van De Graff in Nauset High School’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Other favorite roles include Leontes in A Winter’s Tale (Young Company, Cape Rep) Martha in The Secret Garden (CCTC) and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (CCTC). Perry’s additional performance experience includes recognition as Barbershop Harmony Society’s Patriot Division Youth Quartet Champion, as well as five years of vocal education at the Studio of John Murelle. Cape Cod Theatre Company has become Perry’s home as she grew up in the theater’s acting and dance classes, and she now is a part of the internship program they offer. In addition, she participates as the youth representative for their board of directors. This theater has captured Perry’s heart and she hopes that it will never let go.
Oharra Avis
Tap for beginners KIDS!
An HJT stage alumni, Oharra has appeared in numerous dance and theatre productions on and around Cape Cod. After a long hiatus from performing, Oharra has returned to teach Tap Class at Cape Cod Theatre Company. At age three, Oharra began shadowing her older brother to his tap classes with Elaine Chase at the Orleans Recreation center, and from there, her love of tap was born. Continuing in Tap studies, including being Elaine’s last private student before she retired, Oharra received extensive tap dance training, along with other forms of dance and theater classes through graduation. She hopes to share her experience and love for this unique form of dance to her students. When she’s not tapping, Oharra manages Nauset Marine’s Marina facility in East Orleans.
Paige Neal
Ben Colgan
Singing for the Stage, Musical Director
Ben Colgan is a musician who was raised on Cape Cod who has a knack for bringing out people’s musical talents. He started piano at 6 years old, was singing prior to that, and was a gigging performer by middle school. Having directed many shows and ensembles over the years, Ben loves classical, jazz, theatre, and more!