Walltown Staff & Instructors
~~ Dance Instructors ~~ Dance Instructors ~~ Dance Instructors ~~ Dance Instructors ~~
Cynthia Penn-Halal: Walltown Children's Theatre Founding Artistic Director, Walltown Company Director
Modern/Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Jazz
After a six-week summer program in the late sixties, Cynthia left home at age fourteen to study dance professionally at North Carolina School of the Arts Carolina, and endured extensive training to become a dancer of the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company. She has performed with other major companies such as The Joffrey Ballet, Agnes de Mille Heritage Dance Theatre, DanzaHoy and Bella Lewitzky. Cynthia has worked with MacArthur and Kennedy Center Award legendary genius, Jacques d’Amboise of Natiional Dance Institute both in New York City and New Jersey as well as the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Since 2010. She is honored to be the recipient of a number of awards that has recognized her work as an arts educator and community leader. Her awards include the Kennedy Center, 1998 Miss North Carolina Pageant Woman of the Year, faculty recognition from UNCSA., The Kathryn H Wallace Award for Artists in Community Service, Spectacular Magazines 2014 Woman of the Year in the arts category, 2014 Cultural Enrichment Service Award by the W. Deen Mohammed Islamic Center and Z. Smith Reynolds sabbatical award.
Modern/Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Jazz
After a six-week summer program in the late sixties, Cynthia left home at age fourteen to study dance professionally at North Carolina School of the Arts Carolina, and endured extensive training to become a dancer of the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company. She has performed with other major companies such as The Joffrey Ballet, Agnes de Mille Heritage Dance Theatre, DanzaHoy and Bella Lewitzky. Cynthia has worked with MacArthur and Kennedy Center Award legendary genius, Jacques d’Amboise of Natiional Dance Institute both in New York City and New Jersey as well as the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Since 2010. She is honored to be the recipient of a number of awards that has recognized her work as an arts educator and community leader. Her awards include the Kennedy Center, 1998 Miss North Carolina Pageant Woman of the Year, faculty recognition from UNCSA., The Kathryn H Wallace Award for Artists in Community Service, Spectacular Magazines 2014 Woman of the Year in the arts category, 2014 Cultural Enrichment Service Award by the W. Deen Mohammed Islamic Center and Z. Smith Reynolds sabbatical award.
Grace Underwood: Walltown Competition Director
Walltown Dance Company Associate Director
Tap, Jazz, Tumbling Contemporary Dance
Grace is from Asheville, NC and she has danced since she was 3 years old. Grace started to compete when she was five years old and she has won several National and Regional Dance Competitions. She is experienced in all styles of dance, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, african, and acrobatics to name a few. Grace attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she was on the Goldduster Dance Team all four years of her schooling. The last two years she was the captain, she is a three time Collegiate All-American and also a three time Most Valuable Performer voted on by her teammates. Grace also received her Dance Minor from UNC-Charlotte. Grace truly enjoys teaching and sharing her passion for dance with students.
Walltown Dance Company Associate Director
Tap, Jazz, Tumbling Contemporary Dance
Grace is from Asheville, NC and she has danced since she was 3 years old. Grace started to compete when she was five years old and she has won several National and Regional Dance Competitions. She is experienced in all styles of dance, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, african, and acrobatics to name a few. Grace attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she was on the Goldduster Dance Team all four years of her schooling. The last two years she was the captain, she is a three time Collegiate All-American and also a three time Most Valuable Performer voted on by her teammates. Grace also received her Dance Minor from UNC-Charlotte. Grace truly enjoys teaching and sharing her passion for dance with students.
Darian M. Moore: Walltown Dance Company Associate Director
Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz
Darian was born in Durham, NC where he spent his time as child and young teen. He attended southern Durham High school and completed his diploma in the spring of May 2002 with a focus in dance, music and theater performance. In the summer June/July of 2002 Darian received a full scholarship to ADF (American Dance Festival) at Duke University where he studied various dance techniques: modern, Jazz, Ballet, African also Hip-Hop. During his time spent at ADF Darian was privileged with the opportunity of working with several artists/choreographers such as Andrea Woods, Chuck Davis, Donna Fey and many more. After completing the 6 week intensive program, Darian headed north to Philadelphia, PA where he began his undergrad studies in Dance at The University of the Arts. While serving his 4 years at UArts Darian took it upon himself to further his studies in all forms of dance. Darian had the opportunity to work with many professionals/instructors from all over the world such as Christopher Huggins, Brian Sanders, Curt Haworth and so many more. He later completed his degree at UArts with a Bachelor’s in Dance Performance and Education in the summer of May 2006.
In Darian’s post undergrad career he went off into the dance world to work with several companies and artist independently. Throughout his journey he was fortunate to work with such artist as Zane Booker (2007-2008), Contempray Dance Theater Company of Philadelphia, PA (2007). As the years progressed Darian developed his own style of movement which infused a combination of lyrical jazz, modern, African with an urban flair.
In the spring of April 2008 Darian relocated to the Washing, DC area where he carried his dance career dancing part time. There he performed as guest artist with DC Contemporary Dance Theater (2011-2013). With DC Contemporary, Darian was able to embrace all styles and genres of dance. Today, Darian has taught and danced all along the eastern coast of the states and continues to gain new influences with his own movement and artistry.
Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz
Darian was born in Durham, NC where he spent his time as child and young teen. He attended southern Durham High school and completed his diploma in the spring of May 2002 with a focus in dance, music and theater performance. In the summer June/July of 2002 Darian received a full scholarship to ADF (American Dance Festival) at Duke University where he studied various dance techniques: modern, Jazz, Ballet, African also Hip-Hop. During his time spent at ADF Darian was privileged with the opportunity of working with several artists/choreographers such as Andrea Woods, Chuck Davis, Donna Fey and many more. After completing the 6 week intensive program, Darian headed north to Philadelphia, PA where he began his undergrad studies in Dance at The University of the Arts. While serving his 4 years at UArts Darian took it upon himself to further his studies in all forms of dance. Darian had the opportunity to work with many professionals/instructors from all over the world such as Christopher Huggins, Brian Sanders, Curt Haworth and so many more. He later completed his degree at UArts with a Bachelor’s in Dance Performance and Education in the summer of May 2006.
In Darian’s post undergrad career he went off into the dance world to work with several companies and artist independently. Throughout his journey he was fortunate to work with such artist as Zane Booker (2007-2008), Contempray Dance Theater Company of Philadelphia, PA (2007). As the years progressed Darian developed his own style of movement which infused a combination of lyrical jazz, modern, African with an urban flair.
In the spring of April 2008 Darian relocated to the Washing, DC area where he carried his dance career dancing part time. There he performed as guest artist with DC Contemporary Dance Theater (2011-2013). With DC Contemporary, Darian was able to embrace all styles and genres of dance. Today, Darian has taught and danced all along the eastern coast of the states and continues to gain new influences with his own movement and artistry.
Courtney Kristen Lui
Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary
Dance reel by KB Media!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqh6LaQEHHU
Matthew Bourne's New Adventures
Dance Artist · August 28, 2018 to present · London, United Kingdom. Currently performing in the 2018-19
World Tour of Swan Lake
The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre
July 2015 to present · New York, New York
Dance Lab NY: August 2015 to November 2015
Queen of the Night: Vacation Swing · June 2015 to December 2015.
New York, New York Peridance Capezio Center: May 2015 to June 2015 · New York City
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes: September 2014 to December 2015
Education: Duke University - Psychology · Business management · Durham, North Carolina
Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary
Dance reel by KB Media!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqh6LaQEHHU
Matthew Bourne's New Adventures
Dance Artist · August 28, 2018 to present · London, United Kingdom. Currently performing in the 2018-19
World Tour of Swan Lake
The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre
July 2015 to present · New York, New York
Dance Lab NY: August 2015 to November 2015
Queen of the Night: Vacation Swing · June 2015 to December 2015.
New York, New York Peridance Capezio Center: May 2015 to June 2015 · New York City
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes: September 2014 to December 2015
Education: Duke University - Psychology · Business management · Durham, North Carolina
Kristin Taylor Duncan
Contemporary
Kristin is a native of Durham, NC. She is a BFA graduate of the UNC School of the Arts. She has trained at Jacobs Pillow and at the Lou Conte Dance Studios in Chicago. She has apprenticed with Urban Bush Women, and worked with choreographers Nathan Trice, Bridget Moore, Christal Brown, Sidra Bell, Andrea Woods-Valdez, Helen Simoneau, Tania Perez-Salas Compania de Danza, Juel Lane, Gaspard Louis, and nosi DANCE theatre and Yuxtadanza Compania de Danza.
She has taught in UNCSA’s Preparatory Program, the Festival of North Carolina Dance, Enloe High School, Durham School of the Arts and Tri-Cities Performing Arts School. Kristin has choreographed works for Evening of Entertainment for Durham Public Schools performed at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Mrs. Duncan is a proud recipient of the Ella Fountain Pratt Emerging Artist Grant producing her first concert for
KT COLLECTIVE. Currently, she is the Dance Educator at Riverside High School, Encore Academy of Dance,
Ballet Schoolof Chapel Hill and Walltown Children’s Theatre. Kristin is excited to begin creating new works for
her dance company KT COLLECTIVE.
Contemporary
Kristin is a native of Durham, NC. She is a BFA graduate of the UNC School of the Arts. She has trained at Jacobs Pillow and at the Lou Conte Dance Studios in Chicago. She has apprenticed with Urban Bush Women, and worked with choreographers Nathan Trice, Bridget Moore, Christal Brown, Sidra Bell, Andrea Woods-Valdez, Helen Simoneau, Tania Perez-Salas Compania de Danza, Juel Lane, Gaspard Louis, and nosi DANCE theatre and Yuxtadanza Compania de Danza.
She has taught in UNCSA’s Preparatory Program, the Festival of North Carolina Dance, Enloe High School, Durham School of the Arts and Tri-Cities Performing Arts School. Kristin has choreographed works for Evening of Entertainment for Durham Public Schools performed at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Mrs. Duncan is a proud recipient of the Ella Fountain Pratt Emerging Artist Grant producing her first concert for
KT COLLECTIVE. Currently, she is the Dance Educator at Riverside High School, Encore Academy of Dance,
Ballet Schoolof Chapel Hill and Walltown Children’s Theatre. Kristin is excited to begin creating new works for
her dance company KT COLLECTIVE.
Kyra McDonald
Ballet, Pointe Contemporary
Kyra is from Tampa, FL and started dancing when she was three. She has experience in ballet and contemporary styles. She was part of Next Generation Ballet’s Trainee Program for six years and has attended summer programs with Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Kyra graduated Berkeley Preparatory School in 2017 while teaching Dance at the Berkeley Academy for two summers. She has also taught ballet as an assistant teacher at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa for 4 years. She is currently attending Duke University pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering while dancing and choreographing with the Duke Dance Program and Devils en Pointe student group.
Ballet, Pointe Contemporary
Kyra is from Tampa, FL and started dancing when she was three. She has experience in ballet and contemporary styles. She was part of Next Generation Ballet’s Trainee Program for six years and has attended summer programs with Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Kyra graduated Berkeley Preparatory School in 2017 while teaching Dance at the Berkeley Academy for two summers. She has also taught ballet as an assistant teacher at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa for 4 years. She is currently attending Duke University pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering while dancing and choreographing with the Duke Dance Program and Devils en Pointe student group.
Liz Ciociola
Ballet
Liz is from Raleigh and started ballet when she was three years old. Growing up, dance was a source of inspiration and empowerment in her life. In high school, Liz attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for the pre-professional ballet program. In 2012, she performed the lead role of Clara in the School of the Arts Nutcracker. She attended summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. Liz graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2018 and is now working towards her goal of becoming a physician. Liz is teaching the Teen Ballet Company class for the Fall semester and is excited to share her passion for ballet with her students.
Ballet
Liz is from Raleigh and started ballet when she was three years old. Growing up, dance was a source of inspiration and empowerment in her life. In high school, Liz attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for the pre-professional ballet program. In 2012, she performed the lead role of Clara in the School of the Arts Nutcracker. She attended summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. Liz graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2018 and is now working towards her goal of becoming a physician. Liz is teaching the Teen Ballet Company class for the Fall semester and is excited to share her passion for ballet with her students.
Abigail Gomez
Ballet, Hip Hop
Abigail is 15 years old and has been a part of Walltown Children’s Theater since the age of 3. She will be an intern teacher this session. She has trained in many styles, from ballet, contemporary, modern, and lyrical to jazz, tap, hip hop, african, and latin. Abigail has taken classes from Geo Huebela, Fikshun, Comfort, Angel Roberts, Dena Rizzo, Kristin Taylor, and Debbie Allen. In the summer of 2018, she attended the Debbie Allen Summer Intensive in Los Angeles. She has assisted Bernadine Fields and Dena Rizzo for summer workshops. Currently, she’s a part of the Senior Dance Company and Competition team at Walltown. Abigail has been a part of some of our productions, playing Rebecca, Amber, Raina, Sugarplum and more in the Nutcracker. She also participated in our first Indigo Blue Musical. Abby takes dance at Jordan High School.
Ballet, Hip Hop
Abigail is 15 years old and has been a part of Walltown Children’s Theater since the age of 3. She will be an intern teacher this session. She has trained in many styles, from ballet, contemporary, modern, and lyrical to jazz, tap, hip hop, african, and latin. Abigail has taken classes from Geo Huebela, Fikshun, Comfort, Angel Roberts, Dena Rizzo, Kristin Taylor, and Debbie Allen. In the summer of 2018, she attended the Debbie Allen Summer Intensive in Los Angeles. She has assisted Bernadine Fields and Dena Rizzo for summer workshops. Currently, she’s a part of the Senior Dance Company and Competition team at Walltown. Abigail has been a part of some of our productions, playing Rebecca, Amber, Raina, Sugarplum and more in the Nutcracker. She also participated in our first Indigo Blue Musical. Abby takes dance at Jordan High School.
Mariana Gomez Acero
Contemporary, Hip Hop
Mariana was born and bred in Durham, NC. She began coming to Walltown Children’s Theatre at the age of 8 beginning with Hip Hop. Not soon after, she began taking other styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap. She joined the Walltown Dance Company at age eleven and began her pre-professional training. She has traveled with WDC and performed in Lynchburg, VA, Myrtle Beach, and in various statewide festivals. Mariana has worn many hats at Walltown Children’s Theatre including stage manager for Indigo Blue, rehearsal director and choreographer for the Walltown Dance Company, instructor, as well as production coordinator for the holiday production of the Durham Nutcracker. She has received classes from Kristin Taylor, Geo Huebla, Twitch, Fikshun, Comfort, Angel Roberts, Gev Manoukian, and Dena Rizzo where she served as Ms. Rizzo’s assistant in the WCT 2019 Dance UNIversTY.
Contemporary, Hip Hop
Mariana was born and bred in Durham, NC. She began coming to Walltown Children’s Theatre at the age of 8 beginning with Hip Hop. Not soon after, she began taking other styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, jazz and tap. She joined the Walltown Dance Company at age eleven and began her pre-professional training. She has traveled with WDC and performed in Lynchburg, VA, Myrtle Beach, and in various statewide festivals. Mariana has worn many hats at Walltown Children’s Theatre including stage manager for Indigo Blue, rehearsal director and choreographer for the Walltown Dance Company, instructor, as well as production coordinator for the holiday production of the Durham Nutcracker. She has received classes from Kristin Taylor, Geo Huebla, Twitch, Fikshun, Comfort, Angel Roberts, Gev Manoukian, and Dena Rizzo where she served as Ms. Rizzo’s assistant in the WCT 2019 Dance UNIversTY.
Dominique Garrett
Hip Hop Dance
Dominique was born and raised right here in Durham and as a child, dance was the last thing on his mind. In 6th grade he attended Kestrel Heights School where he and his classmates were introduced to performing arts right here at Walltown! Dominique instantly fell in love with dance. Walltown took him in as family and began training Dominique in ballet, modern, and jazz. He has had intense ballet training at Bounds Dance Studio in Chapel Hill and was a member of Triangle Youth Ballet. Dominique was accepted into the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem for Ballet but continued his studies at Southern High School instead. As the years passed he slowly lost interest in the technical side of dance and began perfecting his hip-hop dance style. He has performed at the 2006 Gospel Choice Awards in Atlanta and is currently a guest teacher at 9th Street Dance studio. Dominique’s style of dance is influenced by Michael Jackson with a little bit of funk and a whole lot of swag.
Hip Hop Dance
Dominique was born and raised right here in Durham and as a child, dance was the last thing on his mind. In 6th grade he attended Kestrel Heights School where he and his classmates were introduced to performing arts right here at Walltown! Dominique instantly fell in love with dance. Walltown took him in as family and began training Dominique in ballet, modern, and jazz. He has had intense ballet training at Bounds Dance Studio in Chapel Hill and was a member of Triangle Youth Ballet. Dominique was accepted into the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem for Ballet but continued his studies at Southern High School instead. As the years passed he slowly lost interest in the technical side of dance and began perfecting his hip-hop dance style. He has performed at the 2006 Gospel Choice Awards in Atlanta and is currently a guest teacher at 9th Street Dance studio. Dominique’s style of dance is influenced by Michael Jackson with a little bit of funk and a whole lot of swag.
Andrea Lara
Latin Dance, Pop/Jazz Dance
Originally from Colombia, Andrea was born in a family of artists. Her mother, a folklore dancer and her father a songwriter and musician, influenced her love for music and dancing. At a very early age Andrea was dedicated to learn different Latin American folk dances at school of arts which she attended in Bogotá. She was later selected by the school to participate in school dance competitions around the country. At the same time she joined a Latin American folk Dance company where she participated in different performances like Tango, Flamenco, Mexican Jarabe Tapatio and other folk dances for seven years. After finishing school, even though she took a different path in College, she continued dancing as a hobby and stayed connected with her folk roots. Andrea came to the U.S five years ago and has been part of the Walltown Children’s Theater family for the past two years supporting her son Jahmal and arranging choreographies and summer camp classes. She has taken this opportunity to revive her passion for dancing and reconnect with her folk roots. Andrea brings to WTC new sounds and rhythms that will transport participants to the roots of Latin America.
Latin Dance, Pop/Jazz Dance
Originally from Colombia, Andrea was born in a family of artists. Her mother, a folklore dancer and her father a songwriter and musician, influenced her love for music and dancing. At a very early age Andrea was dedicated to learn different Latin American folk dances at school of arts which she attended in Bogotá. She was later selected by the school to participate in school dance competitions around the country. At the same time she joined a Latin American folk Dance company where she participated in different performances like Tango, Flamenco, Mexican Jarabe Tapatio and other folk dances for seven years. After finishing school, even though she took a different path in College, she continued dancing as a hobby and stayed connected with her folk roots. Andrea came to the U.S five years ago and has been part of the Walltown Children’s Theater family for the past two years supporting her son Jahmal and arranging choreographies and summer camp classes. She has taken this opportunity to revive her passion for dancing and reconnect with her folk roots. Andrea brings to WTC new sounds and rhythms that will transport participants to the roots of Latin America.
~~ Music Instructors ~~ Music Instructors ~~ Music Instructors ~~ Music Instructors ~~
Cara M. Williams: Walltown Children's Theatre Executive Director
Raising Voices Instructor
Cara has been touring for over 15 years both domestically and abroad as a co-director and soloist/lead vocalist for the One Human Family Choir. She has also performed solo at various programs, and ceremonies including weddings, festivals, and other public/private events . A respected choir clinician, facilitator, organizer, and mentor, Cara has presented choir clinics and music workshops across the United States and in Canada. Cara specializes in bringing singers and musicians of diverse backgrounds/populations together to present musical models of unity to the wider community. Cara’s voice is warm, soulful , and filled with emotional energy. Deeply rooted in spiritual/Gospel music, and heavily influenced by classical, R&B, funk, and jazz greats, her versatile vocal style is evident in her performances. Although Cara is best known for her work with groups that include both children and adults, Cara has conducted children’s choir workshops in Kelowna, British Columbia, Columbus OH, Conway/Myrtle Beach SC, and Durham NC. In addition, Cara annually travels to Louhelen Bahai School in Flint, MI to serve as Musician in Residence where she conducts age specific music workshops daily, culminating in a music concert presenting each class separately and the entire group as a whole. Participants aged 4 to 80 travel from across the US and Canada to participate in her workshops at the School. Cara always explains to audiences that music has a way of touching hearts before the mind has a chance to alter the message – which is why she continues to use her musical abilities as a vehicle to bring diverse peoples together
Raising Voices Instructor
Cara has been touring for over 15 years both domestically and abroad as a co-director and soloist/lead vocalist for the One Human Family Choir. She has also performed solo at various programs, and ceremonies including weddings, festivals, and other public/private events . A respected choir clinician, facilitator, organizer, and mentor, Cara has presented choir clinics and music workshops across the United States and in Canada. Cara specializes in bringing singers and musicians of diverse backgrounds/populations together to present musical models of unity to the wider community. Cara’s voice is warm, soulful , and filled with emotional energy. Deeply rooted in spiritual/Gospel music, and heavily influenced by classical, R&B, funk, and jazz greats, her versatile vocal style is evident in her performances. Although Cara is best known for her work with groups that include both children and adults, Cara has conducted children’s choir workshops in Kelowna, British Columbia, Columbus OH, Conway/Myrtle Beach SC, and Durham NC. In addition, Cara annually travels to Louhelen Bahai School in Flint, MI to serve as Musician in Residence where she conducts age specific music workshops daily, culminating in a music concert presenting each class separately and the entire group as a whole. Participants aged 4 to 80 travel from across the US and Canada to participate in her workshops at the School. Cara always explains to audiences that music has a way of touching hearts before the mind has a chance to alter the message – which is why she continues to use her musical abilities as a vehicle to bring diverse peoples together
Rissi Palmer
WT Novas, Triple Threat Singing and Songwriting
Since releasing her self-titled CD in October 2007, singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer has received widespread media attention including The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, People Magazine, GIANT, New York Post, VIBE, CBS Saturday Early Show, Huffington Post, Extra, CNN, Rolling Stone, PerezHilton.com, as well as an appearance on the nationally syndicated Tavis Smiley Show and NPR’s The State of Things.
Palmer's singles "Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me,” and “No Air” were all on the Billboard Country Charts, making her the first African-American woman to have a song on the country charts in 20 years. She recorded an exclusive EP for Starbucks, her videos were fan favorites on CMT and GAC and she has been an invited performer at the White House and the Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions. Rissi’s songs have appeared on television shows such as Saving Grace, Army Wives, and Heartland and in the feature film The Woodsman starring Kevin Bacon. Ms. Palmer is also the co creator and co-host of “The Relative Pitch”, an open mic for youth 18 and under held monthly in Raleigh, NC. Having written her first song at 6 and receiving her first publishing deal at the age of 19, Rissi has taken her years of songwriting in Nashville and New York City and created a curriculum for students who are interested in lyric and music composition. She is passionate about helping her students find and develop their own unique voice and style by teaching the differences and similarities of various genres (i.e. Country, R&B, Pop, Rock, Indie, etc), encouraging students keep a journal, and using various exercises to dissect and learn the techniques of great songwriters of yesterday and today..
WT Novas, Triple Threat Singing and Songwriting
Since releasing her self-titled CD in October 2007, singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer has received widespread media attention including The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, People Magazine, GIANT, New York Post, VIBE, CBS Saturday Early Show, Huffington Post, Extra, CNN, Rolling Stone, PerezHilton.com, as well as an appearance on the nationally syndicated Tavis Smiley Show and NPR’s The State of Things.
Palmer's singles "Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me,” and “No Air” were all on the Billboard Country Charts, making her the first African-American woman to have a song on the country charts in 20 years. She recorded an exclusive EP for Starbucks, her videos were fan favorites on CMT and GAC and she has been an invited performer at the White House and the Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions. Rissi’s songs have appeared on television shows such as Saving Grace, Army Wives, and Heartland and in the feature film The Woodsman starring Kevin Bacon. Ms. Palmer is also the co creator and co-host of “The Relative Pitch”, an open mic for youth 18 and under held monthly in Raleigh, NC. Having written her first song at 6 and receiving her first publishing deal at the age of 19, Rissi has taken her years of songwriting in Nashville and New York City and created a curriculum for students who are interested in lyric and music composition. She is passionate about helping her students find and develop their own unique voice and style by teaching the differences and similarities of various genres (i.e. Country, R&B, Pop, Rock, Indie, etc), encouraging students keep a journal, and using various exercises to dissect and learn the techniques of great songwriters of yesterday and today..
Sarah Law:
Triple Threat Singing, Musical Theatre
Sarah has a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Her passion for the creative arts began as a young girl and has since then only continued to grow. From putting on backyard productions of Disney’s The Newsies with her sister after school ̶ to being one of the pioneer students in the show choir “Cabaret Singers” at her high school ̶ to performing for several years in a holiday show that had thousands in attendance! She has enjoyed being a part of many small stage productions filling the role of actor, dancer, and singer as well as choreographer, stage manager, set designer, and assistant director.
Sarah ultimately chose to pursue the creative path of fine arts and design with a focus on children’s growth, behavior and learning styles. Her twenty plus years working with children has allowed her to understand how children grow and learn best. Sarah considers it a privilege to have worked with many families, mentoring children through life lessons and learning each child’s unique character and personality so that she’s better able to help them mature and take on life with a full toolbox. This has also allowed her to offer guidance and support to many parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and caretakers of children. She is currently writing a book for anyone with children in their lives, that she believes will assist in giving children the guidance and support they need to thrive and grow into happy adults that positively contribute to the world around them. Her passion for the creative arts and her expertise in children’s growth and behavior naturally combine to create a unique skill set that she hopes will make a positive difference for years to come.
Triple Threat Singing, Musical Theatre
Sarah has a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Her passion for the creative arts began as a young girl and has since then only continued to grow. From putting on backyard productions of Disney’s The Newsies with her sister after school ̶ to being one of the pioneer students in the show choir “Cabaret Singers” at her high school ̶ to performing for several years in a holiday show that had thousands in attendance! She has enjoyed being a part of many small stage productions filling the role of actor, dancer, and singer as well as choreographer, stage manager, set designer, and assistant director.
Sarah ultimately chose to pursue the creative path of fine arts and design with a focus on children’s growth, behavior and learning styles. Her twenty plus years working with children has allowed her to understand how children grow and learn best. Sarah considers it a privilege to have worked with many families, mentoring children through life lessons and learning each child’s unique character and personality so that she’s better able to help them mature and take on life with a full toolbox. This has also allowed her to offer guidance and support to many parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and caretakers of children. She is currently writing a book for anyone with children in their lives, that she believes will assist in giving children the guidance and support they need to thrive and grow into happy adults that positively contribute to the world around them. Her passion for the creative arts and her expertise in children’s growth and behavior naturally combine to create a unique skill set that she hopes will make a positive difference for years to come.
James Gilmore
Guitar
James Gilmore is a guitarist, composer and improvisor who plays and teaches guitar in Greensboro and the Triangle. He leads several groups under his own name, including a modern jazz trio/ quartet and a free improv group called the FreeTet. He performs regularly in the area. His compositions have been performed by the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and he was co-organizer of the Varipop Music Festival in Durham in 2016. He runs a yearly free-improvised music series in the Triangle region of North Carolina. James is a member of the label and collective ‘Out and Gone Music’, which released his ‘Bag of Tricks vol. 1’ in October 2017 and ‘Bag of Tricks vol. 2’ in June 2018. www.jimmygilmoremusic.com - www.jamesgilmoreguitarstudio.com
Guitar
James Gilmore is a guitarist, composer and improvisor who plays and teaches guitar in Greensboro and the Triangle. He leads several groups under his own name, including a modern jazz trio/ quartet and a free improv group called the FreeTet. He performs regularly in the area. His compositions have been performed by the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and he was co-organizer of the Varipop Music Festival in Durham in 2016. He runs a yearly free-improvised music series in the Triangle region of North Carolina. James is a member of the label and collective ‘Out and Gone Music’, which released his ‘Bag of Tricks vol. 1’ in October 2017 and ‘Bag of Tricks vol. 2’ in June 2018. www.jimmygilmoremusic.com - www.jamesgilmoreguitarstudio.com
Eka Ebong
Piano
Eka has played the piano for 12 years, and is excited to share her knowledge of theatre and piano with the Walltown community. Eka is doing double duty as an instructor in WTown's drama program teaching acting and improvisation.
Piano
Eka has played the piano for 12 years, and is excited to share her knowledge of theatre and piano with the Walltown community. Eka is doing double duty as an instructor in WTown's drama program teaching acting and improvisation.
Nava Barman
Creative Rap
“Nava Barman is a Duke University graduate and is currently in his second year of medical school in Philadelphia. He taught several semesters with Walltown as an undergraduate, and is continuing to work with our students this semester, virtually. Whatever free time he has away from the books, he spends as a songwriter and hip-hop lyricist. As a high school student in Denver, Colorado, he developed a taste for composition and performance with his high school funk/hip-hop band. They performed at several small venues in the Denver area as well as two shows at the historic Gothic Theater in downtown Denver. Nava then landed in Durham as an undergraduate, where he continued his hobby and passion for writing rap throughout his college years, releasing a small independent album in 2016. He performed these songs during small showcases at Duke, and one single from the album received limited airplay on the radio.
As Nava has grown in his life experiences, his sound matured as well to reflect all that he has learned and reflected on. Nava’s musical journey culminated in the release of his debut studio album, ‘chasing magnolias’, in the summer of 2020. His latest album has a reflective, somber tone, dealing with topics such as nostalgia, lost relationships, and longing in a time defined by quarantine and isolation. He hopes through Walltown he can teach young students to use writing and music as a means for self-expression, and to use songwriting and freestyle rap as fun ways for students to decompress and communicate their thoughts and feelings.”
Creative Rap
“Nava Barman is a Duke University graduate and is currently in his second year of medical school in Philadelphia. He taught several semesters with Walltown as an undergraduate, and is continuing to work with our students this semester, virtually. Whatever free time he has away from the books, he spends as a songwriter and hip-hop lyricist. As a high school student in Denver, Colorado, he developed a taste for composition and performance with his high school funk/hip-hop band. They performed at several small venues in the Denver area as well as two shows at the historic Gothic Theater in downtown Denver. Nava then landed in Durham as an undergraduate, where he continued his hobby and passion for writing rap throughout his college years, releasing a small independent album in 2016. He performed these songs during small showcases at Duke, and one single from the album received limited airplay on the radio.
As Nava has grown in his life experiences, his sound matured as well to reflect all that he has learned and reflected on. Nava’s musical journey culminated in the release of his debut studio album, ‘chasing magnolias’, in the summer of 2020. His latest album has a reflective, somber tone, dealing with topics such as nostalgia, lost relationships, and longing in a time defined by quarantine and isolation. He hopes through Walltown he can teach young students to use writing and music as a means for self-expression, and to use songwriting and freestyle rap as fun ways for students to decompress and communicate their thoughts and feelings.”
Ernest McHenry
Drumming
Bio under construction
Drumming
Bio under construction
~~ Acting Instructors ~~ Acting Instructors ~~ Acting Instructors ~~ Acting Instructors ~~
Dilsey Davis: Associate Acting Director: Acting
Acting, Improvisation, Acting on Camera
Dilsey is a writer, producer, director and actor who enjoys using the magic of storytelling and the moving image to shape and influence culture. She has been working in the film and television industry for over 18 years. Mrs. Davis has studied acting at UNC-Chapel Hill, HB Studio in New York, Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and Lesly Khan Studios in Los Angeles. She is the founder and president of Café con Leche Media (CCL Media). CCL Media is an independent media production company in Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC dedicated to creating high quality projects. Mrs. Davis has created television programs and short films that combine both entertainment and messaging to effectively reach underserved audiences. Her work includes the award winning short film The Other Side, adapted from a children’s book of the same name. She also created, produced and directed the African short Wedding Day starring the popular South African actor Kenneth Nkosi (District 9, Tsotsi, No 1 Ladies Detective Agency). Most notably, she was the creator, producer and director of the award-winning “Nuestro Barrio” (Our Neighborhood), the first Spanish language series to air on English language television in the United States. In addition, she has produced a children’s short animation series entitled Adventures with Fit and Newt, as well as a multiple commercials, public service announcements, and industrial videos. She is currently writing and developing two new film projects under her company’s banner, while working as a story consultant for a Los Angeles based production company.
Acting, Improvisation, Acting on Camera
Dilsey is a writer, producer, director and actor who enjoys using the magic of storytelling and the moving image to shape and influence culture. She has been working in the film and television industry for over 18 years. Mrs. Davis has studied acting at UNC-Chapel Hill, HB Studio in New York, Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and Lesly Khan Studios in Los Angeles. She is the founder and president of Café con Leche Media (CCL Media). CCL Media is an independent media production company in Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC dedicated to creating high quality projects. Mrs. Davis has created television programs and short films that combine both entertainment and messaging to effectively reach underserved audiences. Her work includes the award winning short film The Other Side, adapted from a children’s book of the same name. She also created, produced and directed the African short Wedding Day starring the popular South African actor Kenneth Nkosi (District 9, Tsotsi, No 1 Ladies Detective Agency). Most notably, she was the creator, producer and director of the award-winning “Nuestro Barrio” (Our Neighborhood), the first Spanish language series to air on English language television in the United States. In addition, she has produced a children’s short animation series entitled Adventures with Fit and Newt, as well as a multiple commercials, public service announcements, and industrial videos. She is currently writing and developing two new film projects under her company’s banner, while working as a story consultant for a Los Angeles based production company.
Alicia Best
Poetry, Creative Writing, Set Design & Modeling
Alicia was raised in Durham, NC and started taking classes at Walltown Children’s Theatre the first year it opened. She has been involved both as a student and a teacher, on and off, since she was 11 years old. As a teenager Alicia started doing Slam Poetry competitions, winning Slams around the country, and she was briefly on the National Slam Team of MO. However when the coaches encouraged her to conform to a ‘Slam style sound’ and discouraged individuality, she decided to take her pursuits elsewhere. Her poetry has taken many forms since then, and she studied Playwriting and Performing Arts at Bennington College in VT. She has dabbled in fiction, prose, and many forms of poetry, these days her main gig is writing and performing songs in a band called ‘A Different Thread’. She is excited to explore different forms of writing with the students of Walltown this summer.
Poetry, Creative Writing, Set Design & Modeling
Alicia was raised in Durham, NC and started taking classes at Walltown Children’s Theatre the first year it opened. She has been involved both as a student and a teacher, on and off, since she was 11 years old. As a teenager Alicia started doing Slam Poetry competitions, winning Slams around the country, and she was briefly on the National Slam Team of MO. However when the coaches encouraged her to conform to a ‘Slam style sound’ and discouraged individuality, she decided to take her pursuits elsewhere. Her poetry has taken many forms since then, and she studied Playwriting and Performing Arts at Bennington College in VT. She has dabbled in fiction, prose, and many forms of poetry, these days her main gig is writing and performing songs in a band called ‘A Different Thread’. She is excited to explore different forms of writing with the students of Walltown this summer.
Angela Ray
Acting, Improvisation, Acting on Camera
Fresh off her New York Times critically acclaimed performance on the hit show, Atlanta on the FX Network, Angela Ray is an actress, author, spoken word artist and award-winning speaker. A few of her other television credits include Robbie on Comedy Central, The Resident, Insatiable and Queen Sugar. She is best known as “Carol”, the shady landlord on Tyler Perry’s Love thy Neighbor. A few of her film credits include Keeping up with the Joneses with Zach Galifianakis, and Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween.
Angela got her start performing in theatre. She made her professional debut at the National Black Theatre Festival where she starred in the play Blues for two consecutive biennials. Later she stepped behind the scenes directing and writing in theatre. Her first play, Aluta Continua, was presented to the University of North Carolina as a part of its Bicentennial Celebration and was based on actual events. She was nominated as best supporting actress in a comedy play for her role in The Dance on Widow’s Row by the Triangle Theatre Awards. She was also named an Emerging Artist in Drama by the Durham Arts Council.
An education advocate, Angela has also taught acting, speaking, and writing. She began as an undergraduate teaching assistant in Public Speaking with a student at UNC. She later taught drama for the Upward Bound Program at UNC, the Southeast School of the Arts, Walltown Children’s Theatre, and Spirithouse. She taught creative writing and acting for nine years for Duke Youth Programs as a part of the university’s continuing education program. Currently Angela coaches actors one on one.
Moriah Swick
Improvisation, Acting (ages 4-6)
Moriah is a North Carolina native who’s passions have always been art, community, and education. She was raised just west of Chapel Hill, NC on a 20+ acre oasis of forests, streams, fruit trees, animals, and flower gardens. She spent most of her childhood outdoors, building forts in the woods, pretending to be a fairy, chasing butterflies, and painting anything she could find. Her earliest creative influence was a book of Maurice Sendak’s “Where The Wild Things Are” which you will see as the mural backdrop for her class Acting Up A Story. Moriah holds a PhD in Sociology and currently teaches part-time at Living Arts College where she educates students pursuing degrees in Filmmaking, Animation, Music Production, Interactive Media, and Game Design. She also has over 15 years of experience with school-age children as a camp director, afterschool director, art instructor, and she holds seats on several non-profit boards in our community. Moriah’ son Sidney, a five-year-old Actor, looks forward to engaging your child in imaginative play during class as well.
Improvisation, Acting (ages 4-6)
Moriah is a North Carolina native who’s passions have always been art, community, and education. She was raised just west of Chapel Hill, NC on a 20+ acre oasis of forests, streams, fruit trees, animals, and flower gardens. She spent most of her childhood outdoors, building forts in the woods, pretending to be a fairy, chasing butterflies, and painting anything she could find. Her earliest creative influence was a book of Maurice Sendak’s “Where The Wild Things Are” which you will see as the mural backdrop for her class Acting Up A Story. Moriah holds a PhD in Sociology and currently teaches part-time at Living Arts College where she educates students pursuing degrees in Filmmaking, Animation, Music Production, Interactive Media, and Game Design. She also has over 15 years of experience with school-age children as a camp director, afterschool director, art instructor, and she holds seats on several non-profit boards in our community. Moriah’ son Sidney, a five-year-old Actor, looks forward to engaging your child in imaginative play during class as well.
Eka Ebong
WT3T Acting, Improvisation, Playwriting
Eka is from Harrisburg, North Carolina. She is an Electrical Engineering major at Duke University. She has been acting since she was a young girl, and has been involved in local productions from Atlanta to Durham, including In The Heights at Duke University. Eka is doing double duty as an instructor in WTown's music program teaching piano.
WT3T Acting, Improvisation, Playwriting
Eka is from Harrisburg, North Carolina. She is an Electrical Engineering major at Duke University. She has been acting since she was a young girl, and has been involved in local productions from Atlanta to Durham, including In The Heights at Duke University. Eka is doing double duty as an instructor in WTown's music program teaching piano.