Walltown Children's Theatre Founder

Cynthia Penn-Halal
After a six-week summer program in the late sixties,  Cynthia left home at age twelve 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 National 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.

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Board of Directors

Kita Douglas
Board Chair

Zig Zigler once said that “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”
​-My goal as Board Chair is to ensure WCT is a very "lucky" organization!!

Kita Douglas is an educator and researcher in Durham who
has served as a tutor at Walltown since 2012.  A Ph.D candidate focusing on ethnic studies in the department of English at Duke University, Kita is committed to supporting youth as dynamic leaders and creative learners.  Kita is the recipient of  the 2016 Dora Anne Little Award given annually to a Duke student, undergraduate or graduate, who has excelled in service to the campus and community that extends beyond the classroom.

Bryan H. Stypmann
Secretary

Bryan is a Global Account Manager for NXP Semiconductors, a proud NC State alum, with degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering, and MBA. Bryan and his wife, Rissi Palmer (a WCT instructor), also run Baldilocks LLC to manage Rissi’s music career. He has two daughters, Grace (a WCT student) and Nova.

David Mills
Treasurer

Dave is the Finance Director of El Futuro, Inc., a nonprofit mental-health clinic for Spanish-speakers based in Durham. Dave is a licensed CPA who has worked in the nonprofit sector in North Carolina for two decades. Dave and his wife, Leila Keen, have two daughters, Eva and Rose. Rose is a longtime WCT camper and dancer!

Karen Dacons-Brock
Member

Karen is a former professor of theatre at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). During her tenure at NCCU, she taught performance courses, developed and produced new plays, directed theatrical productions, and promoted the University via edutainment performance tours. She was also the recipient of teaching and directing awards.

​Beyond the University, Dacons-Brock has collaborated on new play projects, served on boards, and directed productions for various theatre companies in the Triangle. She is a resident of Durham.

Nathan Snowden
Member

Nathan Snowden is a North Carolina native hailing from Onslow County who has a passion for the arts. Growing up Nathan excelled in voice, piano, and drums participating in multiple recitals and plays. Now as an adult he still has those passions but also has a passion for the Triangle community and seeing it thrive. Formerly he worked at United Way of the Greater Triangle where he served as a Manager of Corporate Philanthropy where he told the story of United Way to corporate audiences and cultivated strong relationships with external constituents and nonprofit leaders alike. Currently he is seeking his next professional opportunity and looks forward to his next chapter. He resides with his wife April in Holly Springs, North Carolina.​​

Leoneda Inge
Advisory Board Member

Leoneda Inge is the Changing Economy Reporter at North Carolina Public Radio – WUNC (NPR).  She has spent the past decade tracking job loss, gain and innovation in major North Carolina industries including Food and Agriculture, Tobacco, Furniture, Textiles and Biotechnology. 

Max Rose
Advisory Board Member

Independent consultant and writer. He received the L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science, graduated with highest honors and highest distinction from the University of North Carolina, and was awarded the Autry fellowship at MDC for commitment to equity and the South.

MaryBeth Panagos
Advisory Board Member

Currently serving as a Producer and Project Manager for Pro-Ficiency, MaryBeth is passionate about bridging the Biotech-Community Gap through grassroots efforts.  MaryBeth serves on the Walltown Children's Theatre Board to support the growth, aspirations and talents of Durham's youth.

Administrative team

“Being a good leader doesn’t always mean being out front.”

Cara M. Williams
Executive Director

As Executive Director, I see my role as setting the stage—putting the right systems, people, and support in place so our artists and instructors can shine. I believe in leading with collaboration, creativity, and care, making sure the work behind the scenes empowers the work on stage.
At Walltown, my mission is to build a strong foundation where youth artists thrive, teachers feel supported, and community stays at the heart of everything we do.

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​“If your event needs a spark of the arts, I’m your guy!”

Darian Moore
Brand Ambassador

Whether he's repping Walltown at community events, connecting with new families, or inviting artists into our creative circle, our Brand Ambassador is all about energy, outreach, and opportunity. From spreading the word about our programs to organizing student performances out in the community, he’s the bridge between our stage and yours.
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Want to collaborate or bring Walltown energy to your next event? He’s ready to help the arts take center stage—wherever you are.

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“Keeping us on task, on time, and on point.”

Brienna Lacey
Board Liaison & Community Program Coordinator

Part organizer, part strategist, part behind-the-scenes superhero—our Board Liaison & Community Program Coordinator keeps Walltown’s wheels turning smoothly. From scheduling board meetings and strategy sessions to managing logistics for community programs, she’s the one making sure no ball gets dropped and no detail goes unnoticed.
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She dots the I’s, crosses the T’s, and makes sure the right people are in the right place with the right plan. Consider her the calm force keeping the calendar tight and the mission moving forward.

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“Making the numbers dance behind the scenes.”

Mariana Gomez-Arceo
Business Administrator

From setting up tuition plans to processing payments and keeping the lights on (literally), our Business Administrator keeps Walltown running smoothly. They handle the day-to-day logistics—billing, invoices, and all those behind-the-scenes details—so the rest of us can focus on the art.
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Have questions about tuition or payments? They’re the go-to for all things financial, with clarity, kindness, and just enough spreadsheet magic.

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“Yes, I’m the master
​zen-maker at Walltown.”

Christa Carter
Office Administrator

As the first face you see when you walk through our doors, our Office Administrator makes sure your entry into Walltown is joyful, welcoming—and maybe just a little more grounded. Between managing the flow of communication and calmly navigating the whirlwind of young artists in motion, she keeps things running smoothly with a peaceful presence and a deep breath.
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Need help, clarity, or just a moment of calm? She’s got you covered—with kindness, composure, and maybe a little yoga energy too.

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“Spunk, support, and a whole lot of hustle.”

Alicia Ronquillo
Office Assistant

Our Office Assistant helps keep Walltown running smoothly—answering questions, managing communication, and supporting families and staff with warmth and efficiency. While the Zen Master brings the calm, she brings the spark, adding her own joyful energy to the daily rhythm of our creative space.
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From fielding emails to whipping up last-minute flyers and newsletters, she’s always ready to jump in and keep things moving—with a smile, a laugh, and her digital toolkit close at hand.

Program Leadership & Artistic/Technical Staff

Walltown’s artistic programming is powered by a passionate team of program heads and teaching artists who bring vision, skill, and heart to every class and production.

Our Program Leaders guide each department—Music, Drama, Dance, and Tech & Production—shaping curriculum, mentoring instructors, and ensuring that each program reflects our values of excellence, creativity, and inclusion.
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Alongside them, our Teaching Artists work directly with students in the studio and on stage, offering expert instruction, encouragement, and inspiration across all disciplines. Whether they’re leading a warm-up, coaching a solo, or helping backstage, these dedicated artists are the heartbeat of our work—nurturing the next generation of confident, expressive performers and makers.

DANCE DEPARTMENt

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Grace Underwood
Director

Grace Underwood embodies Walltown: a beautiful balance of competitive, demanding dance and powerful relationships.  A lifetime dancer herself, Grace brings all her experience and talent to the next generation of dancers.
- Meghan Durkin

Tap  |  Jazz  |  Contemporary  |  Lyrical Dance ~ read Artist Bio…

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.

Nicki Miller
Ballet  |  Contemporary  |  Hip Hop

​Nicki began her ballet training at the age of 5, along with Tap and Jazz. She began studying and taking Ballet exams with the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) in England, and the Cecchetti Council of America in the U.S. Nicki went on to train in Ballet and Modern at Virginia School of the Arts and continued at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where she performed with the Kansas City Ballet. She has enjoyed performing with local companies including Nosi Dance, Gaspard & Dancers, KT Collective, Shaleigh Dance Works, and Soul Struck Dance Company. 

Darian Moore
Modern | Contemporary

Darian, a native of Durham, NC, discovered his passion for dance, music, and theater early on, graduating from Southern Durham High School in 2002 with a focus on the performing arts. That summer, he earned a full scholarship to the American Dance Festival at Duke University, where he trained intensively in modern, jazz, ballet, African, and hip-hop dance styles. Darian had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers such as Andrea Woods, Chuck Davis, and Donna Fey. Following ADF, he pursued his undergraduate studies in Dance Performance and Education at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he further refined his craft under the mentorship of internationally acclaimed artists including Christopher Huggins, Brian Sanders, and Curt Haworth, earning his degree in 2006.
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After graduation, Darian embarked on a professional dance career, collaborating with several companies and artists. He performed with Contempra Dance Theater Company and served as a guest artist with DC Contemporary Dance Theater from 2011 to 2013. His versatile experience across a range of styles and genres has enriched his artistry, allowing him to bring a deep, nuanced understanding of dance to his teaching and performances. Throughout his journey, Darian remains committed to inspiring the next generation of artists with the same passion and dedication that fueled his own growth.

Barbara Dickinson
Modern | Choreography

Professor Emerita of the Practice of Dance at Duke University, Barbara served as teacher for 34 years, and as Dance Program Director for eighteen years, overseeing faculty growth, guiding the focus of a greatly expanded curriculum, and establishing a major in dance. Barbara is a modern dance artist, trained extensively in the Cunningham and Limón techniques and in ballet, as well as training in African dance. She has created many large scale, full evening collaborative choreographic works including Walking Miracles, an original dance/theater production based on the stories of six survivors of child sexual abuse; and Contents Under Pressure, an exploration of the many faces of bias in society co-choreographed with Ava LaVonne Vinesett. In addition to over 100 individual works of choreography, she has choreographed a number of full evening works such as Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, performed with the combined choirs of the Duke University Chorale and the Durham Civic Choral Society directed and conducted by Rodney Wynkoop; and with vocal soloists, Metropolitan Opera's Louise Wohlafka and Frankfurt Opera's Nickolas Karousatos.  Barbara was the Founder and Artistic Director of the Ways and Means Dance Company from 1986-2002, and of Three For All, a company of dancer, poet, and pianist from 1981-87. She was a member of Manbites Dog Theater, a professional experimental theater company based in Durham, NC, from its founding in 1987 to its closing some 35 years later, serving as actress, choreographer, and movement consultant. Since the 1970’s she has performed, taught and presented her choreography in numerous concerts, master classes and workshops in schools, colleges, private studios and dance festivals throughout the United States. Her current research interest is age and the dance artist which has produced a chapter in Staging Age, eds. Marshall and Lipscomb by Palgrave Macmillan, 2010; and “Margie Gillis: The Indelible Art of an Integrated Artist” in Dance Chronicle, 41:2, 2018. Currently, as well as teaching at Walltown Children’s Theatre, she is part of Michael Kliën’s Social Choreography Group, and is researching Ballet and logos for an upcoming article. 

Sarah Bowdoin
Ballet

Sarah Bowdoin began her classical ballet training in Houston, Texas. She holds a BFA in Ballet Performance from The University of Oklahoma and a graduate degree in Arts and Cultural Management from The College of Charleston. Sarah has danced professionally with Charlotte Ballet, Palmetto City Ballet, Unbound Ballet Project, Holy City Opera, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, Killian Manning's No Forwarding Address, and Ballet Ashani, and has taught for numerous studios and schools in the greater Southeast region. She is also certified in Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga and Progressing Ballet Technique. Passionate about raising support for the arts, she is currently the Director of Development for the American Dance Festival, and a freelance grant writer for other nonprofit organizations.

Adrianna Law
Ballet | Tap | Jazz

Adrianna Law is a proud Walltown alum who began her dance journey at age 10 and went on to train and perform with the Walltown Dance Company and competition team for seven years. She has performed in signature WCT productions, including lead roles in The Durham Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol... What the Dickens, and has trained with renowned programs like Carolina Ballet, American Dance Festival, UNCSA, NYCDA, and Broadway Collective.
With experience in ballet, lyrical, jazz, and tap, Adrianna brings both technical strength and a deep love of performance to her teaching. Her goal is to inspire young dancers with the same passion and discipline that shaped her own artistic journey, nurturing both their skill and their confidence along the way.

Andrea Lara
Pre-Ballet | Latin | Fusion

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.

Mariana Gomez Arceo
Hip Hop / Lyrical

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.​ 

Damian Slade
Hip Hop | Tumbling

Damian Slade
Hip Hop | Tumbling

Damien Slade is a seasoned instructor with over a decade of experience teaching both gymnastics and hip-hop dance. A Durham native and Hillside High alum, Damien studied Elementary Education at Durham Tech and North Carolina Central University before launching his teaching career. He has served as a gymnastics coach at Bull City Gymnastics since 2011, working with children ages 4 and up at all skill levels. Simultaneously, he has brought his dynamic energy and expertise in hip-hop and breakdancing to students at Dance Theater South since 2010.
At Walltown Children’s Theatre, Damien has become a beloved instructor known for combining structure, athleticism, and creativity. His classes empower students to build confidence through movement—whether mastering a gymnastics sequence or breaking it down on the dance floor.

Marcos Zagala
Breakin'

Marcos "Just Do" Zagala
Breakin'

Marcos “JustDo” Zagala is a skilled breakdancer specializing in Poppin’, Breakin’, and Contemporary styles. As part of a local breakin' collective, he brings dynamic energy and creativity to Walltown, where he leads Breakin’ sessions—such as those featured during our “Day of Dance” event, alongside workshops in Hip Hop and Vogueing. He has also performed at regional arts events, including the May 2018 Love Graham Arts Festival, sharing his passion for dance with diverse age groups and experience levels.

Christa Carter
Yoga

Christa is a North Carolina native who enjoys laughing and being surrounded by family and friends. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012 with a degree in Anthropology. For the past seven years she has been working with children in various settings including nanny and preschool teacher. Through the years, she has enjoyed learning how the body moves by dancing and practicing yoga. As her love for yoga grew, she began to pursue avenues to teach yoga in the community. In 2021, joining her passion for youth and yoga she completed yoga teacher training through Growga Kids Yoga. Ultimately, her passion is to empower youth to appreciate their body and cultivate social emotional growth through a fun and engaging yoga practice.

Tech Department

Erin Bell
Lighting Director

Erin Bell is a theatrical lighting designer and event photographer based in Durham, NC.

​Lighting design credits include Indigo Blue, The Durham Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol: What the Dickens?!? (Walltown Children's Theatre), What If I'm the Becky? (The Rebecca Show), Momversations, Dance Nation (National Women’s Theatre Festival), Peerless, Garbologists, Single Black Female (Bulldog Ensemble), Motherworld (Monét Marshall), Infinite Infant (Miki Zhu), Choreolab 2023 (Duke Dance Department), Coming Back for Me (Cary Playwrights' Forum), Harold & Maude (Theatre in the Park), and could be worse (real.live.people).

Erik Benson
​Production Manager

Erik Benson has worked as a stage carpenter, lighting electrician, entertainment rigger, technical director, scenic automation operator, production manager, scenic and lighting designer, and a lover of live performance for more than 30 years. From his start in theater at Watauga High School, NC Governor’s School, and Duke University, Erik has gone on to work at Brandeis University, Appalachian State University, and on Broadway. Working with companies like riverrun theater, Atlantic Theater Company, Newton Repertory Theater, Manbites Dog Theater, The Justice Theater Project, and Bulldog Theater, he loves to design, build, and present drama for our times. The chance for him to teach, work, and learn at WTC is his way to give the joy of theater to a new generation!

Erik is a member of IATSE stagehand local #417 and lives in Durham with his wife Laura and three children. When he isn’t in the theater, he is bringing up his own theater kid, is active in the Rotary Club of Durham, plays music with the band Tiny House, and is an avid ice hockey coach (and player!)

Alicia Best
Set Designer

Taari Coleman
Set Designer

Sara Law
Costuming | Props Master

Sarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and has over 20 years of experience working with children, blending her passion for the creative arts with a deep understanding of child development, behavior, and learning styles. From backyard productions of Newsies to performing in large-scale shows and serving in roles such as choreographer, stage manager, and assistant director, Sarah’s lifelong love of the arts has shaped her journey. Her work mentoring children and supporting families has inspired her to write a forthcoming book aimed at helping adults guide young people toward confident, joyful lives. With a unique combination of artistic talent and developmental insight, Sarah is committed to nurturing creativity and character in every child she works with.

Brianna Williams
Audio Production Recording | Engineering

Brianna has been passionate about music and audio from an early age, growing up immersed in choirs and performance classes at Walltown Children’s Theatre. With several years leading children’s camps and extensive hands-on experience working in production services at East Carolina University, she brings both expertise and enthusiasm to teaching audio tech and sound design. A longtime hobbyist in music tracking and recording, Brianna now channels that experience into guiding young students through the fundamentals of live sound, recording, and audio production—helping them develop technical skills alongside their artistic creativity.

Madison Ugan
Sound Design | Tech

Madi is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill studying psychology & dramatic arts. Using the skills she's cultivated through the various leadership, performance, technical, and design roles she's held, Madi aims to inspire young minds to harness the power of sound in the theatrical storytelling process.

Cara Williams
Live Sound Reinforcement

In addition to her performance career, Cara has spent many years providing live audio support for choirs and bands, gaining hands-on experience in sound reinforcement and live mix engineering. She now shares that knowledge with Walltown’s Behind the Scenes (BTS) students, training them to run audio for live shows with professionalism and confidence. Her guidance helps young tech crew members understand the vital role sound plays in a successful production—and empowers them to take the lead behind the board.

Drama DEPARTMENt

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Dilsey Davis
Drama Programs Director

My life's mission is to use the arts, and particularly film, to advance society by building social bridges and fostering a greater understanding of the equality of all people. A huge part of realizing that mission is taking part in the training and education of future artists.

Read Artist Bio…

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.

Bailey Behr-Douglas
Storytelling | Improv

Bailey (they/them) has worked for WCT for two years in the ASA program as well as creating the Dungeons and Dragons Improv and Collective Storytelling Class in the most recent year. They are a big believer in learning through doing, and as they work to sharpen their skills of teamwork, communication and telling a story everyone has fun in is only a step away from what they experience on the stage at Walltown. 
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Bailey has also been involved at the Raleigh Improv, the US' second largest comedy venue where we platform any and all of the best comedians. If they are not there or at WCT, they enjoy reading, doodling, singing and making their loved ones laugh. 

Music Department

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Cara Williams
Director

I always say that "music has a way of touching your heart before your head ever has a chance to mess with the message".  It's why I choose music as my primary vehicle to bring diverse peoples together.

Voice | Tech ~ read Artist Bio…

Cara is a seasoned vocalist, choir director, and workshop clinician with over 15 years of experience touring nationally and internationally as co-director and lead soloist of the One Human Family Choir. Her warm, soulful voice and emotionally powerful performances are deeply rooted in spiritual and Gospel music, enriched by influences from classical, R&B, jazz, and funk. Cara’s work brings together singers and musicians from diverse backgrounds, creating inclusive musical experiences that promote unity and connection.
She has led choir clinics and music workshops across North America, inspiring audiences and participants of all ages—from children to adults—to discover the transformative power of music. Cara also serves annually as Musician in Residence at Louhelen Bahá’í School, where she conducts daily workshops culminating in concerts that highlight the unique voices of each class and the group as a whole. Through her teaching and performing, Cara continues to use music as a bridge to touch hearts and build community.

Christian Foushee-Green
Voice | Piano

An organist, musician, vocalist, performer, composer, and educator. The Chapel Hill native grew up at historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Carrboro. This church had a close relationship with Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, Chapel Hill during his formative years. He began playing the piano at age four and was active in music ministry at St. Paul. Christian attended the Durham School of the Arts studying saxophone, piano, voice, and African percussion. He received the honor of “Best Musician” in his graduating class. He entered and graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He has been the Director of Music at historic Mount Zion in olde Georgetown Washington, DC, First Congregational Church, Plympton, MA, St. Joseph’s CME Church, Chapel Hill, NC, and other congregations. In addition to his music leadership in congregations, Christian teaches adults and children piano and vocal lessons around the Triangle, including those is assisted living facilities.

Charles Edward Newkirk, Jr
Guitar

​It's important to not only teach the youth to play an instrument, be a good musician, but also a good person. I truly belive the youth are not just our future but our now. It's our responsibility to teach them well. 

“Charles Newkirk is a Grammy nominated guitarist, composer, and songwriter who has established a career as being one of the most versatile live entertainment providers. He grew up in Raleigh, NC, listening to the sounds of gospel at his church. This sparked an appreciation for the emotion and sanctity of music. With plans to go to college and major in engineering, Charles made a change to pursue music. He proceeded to attend NCCU and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree, concentration in jazz performance. Jazz was not his passion but was a great foundation to understand and learn any style of music. For over 2 decades, Charles has worked with various artists and cover bands.” 

Erick Crepsac
Drumming | Percussion | Rhythm Foundations

Born in Long Island, NY and later raised in Raleigh, NC, percussionist Erick Crepsac is a multi-talented instrumentalist & middle school math teacher.  In addition to  performing with his own band "Reel Deep", Erick has also been performing with 2x Grammy considered and NC Music Award recipient, Jason Damico as well as R&B sensation, "Reese Royal". Erick is also married and has one lovely daughter named Rainbow. ​

Brianna Williams
Piano Lab | Voice

Involved in music since she was born, Brianna was taking part in many different choirs since she was able to hold a tune and attending classes, both music and dance, at Walltown Children’s Theatre from the age of 5.

Brianna plays many different instruments and is currently the president of ECU's music-oriented service fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. She writes and composes music of her own and hopes to inspire a love of music in other children and youth through teaching high school choir or band, or elementary school general music.

Brianna’s goal is to inspire young singers and pianists to find their own musical voices, fostering confidence and joy through personalized instruction rooted in both technical skill and creative expression.

Rissi Palmer
Songwriting | Voice

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.

Estelle Avbuere
Voice | Musical Theater

Estelle Avbuere is a singer, actor, and vocal coach from Greensboro, NC, currently pursuing her Master’s in Music and Music Education through Columbia University. She teaches voice privately and has led both virtual and in-person singing and performance classes with various arts organizations. Estelle also hosts the internationally ranked Sing Confidently, Live Creatively podcast, where she shares vocal tips and interviews with Broadway performers, NYC actors, and Grammy-winning artists.
A passionate performer, Estelle sings background vocals for local artists and leads worship at RCCG Restoration. Her acting credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Comedy of Errors with Shared Radiance Performing Arts. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from VCU, studied voice privately, and earned a Professional Certificate in Voice Technique and Musicianship from Berklee College of Music. Estelle is driven by a deep love for helping people of all ages reconnect with their creative voice.

Sara Law
Musical Theater

Sarah brings a lifelong love of the stage to Walltown’s Musical Theater program, with experience as a performer, choreographer, set designer, and assistant director. From her early days putting on neighborhood shows to performing for thousands in large-scale productions, Sarah’s creative journey has always centered on storytelling through song, movement, and design. With a background in graphic design and over 20 years of experience working with children, she blends artistic vision with a deep understanding of how young performers learn and grow. Sarah is passionate about helping students build confidence, character, and presence both on stage and in life.

Larissa Oryshkevich​
Singing (ages 3-5)

Raised in New York City to Ukrainian immigrants, Larissa received classical piano training for 12 years but felt compelled to explore other forms and styles of musical expression.  After learning many varieties of dance including Haitian and Congolese, she ended up with a degree in Dance Education from Hunter College. 
       
​Upon settling in NC where she raised her three sons, she entered the early childhood field.  For 24 years she ran her own Waldorf-inspired childcare program “Hearts in Harmony” and also became a Music Together teacher, leading classes in Durham and Cary.  She also participated in Music for People workshops before joining One Human Family choir in 2009.  She is a passionate advocate for making music a central part of childrens’ lives because of its social, emotional and cognitive benefits.   She also believes making music is an innate capacity available for anyone to develop regardless of prior experience and is nurtured best in a supportive, engaging, playful community.

After School Arts (ASA) Program

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Sarah Law
​Program Coordinator

I believe everyone is artistic and I love exploring the mutual connection we all have through our individual creative expressions.

Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and brings over 20 years of experience working with children, combining her creative talents with a deep understanding of child development and learning styles. A lifelong performer and artist, she has filled roles both on and off stage—from actor and dancer to choreographer and set designer. In the ASA program, Sarah uses her artistic background and mentoring skills to create a fun, supportive environment where children can grow in confidence, creativity, and character.

Adrianna Law
Program Assistant

Adrianna Law is a Walltown alum who began dancing and performing at age 10, growing through the ranks of WCT productions and the Walltown Dance Company. She has played lead roles in shows like The Durham Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol… What the Dickens, and trained with prestigious programs such as Carolina Ballet, ADF, UNCSA, and Broadway Collective. A versatile performer and teacher, Adrianna has taught ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz, and brings her passion for dance, music, and theatre to the ASA program—where she inspires the next generation with creativity, discipline, and joy.

To Be Hired
Program Assistant

To Be Hired
Program Assistant