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ABOUT US
training & direction
FROM THE PROFESSIONALS
We are fine art professionals, directing and coaching students who value art, creativity, design & expression. What does this mean for you? You can trust us to give you direct attention & expertise. We are fiercely committed to the success of each student as we mentor, coach and teach. We are dedicated to educating, empowering and building your confidence as a performer. At our studio, we will give you the tools to experience your potential and accomplish your dreams.
MEET THE TEAM
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Shelby Hovley
Executive Director
Shelby holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Weber State University. Shelby has been seen on the Carousel Theatre stage three seasons at Lagoon Amusement Park, performing their "Live in Living Color" Broadway Show, "Let's Dance" Pop-show, "Jungle Rhythm" Day Show and "Verano" Night Show (Swing). She has a solid background in Choreographing and Directing, her most recent credit was Hadestown: Teen Edition and Rodger & Hammerstein's Cinderella. She oversaw Peter Pan Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Shrek the Musical Jr. at Legacy Preparatory Academy South, where she taught the elementary school's choir & musical theatre program for three years. When she is not teaching and directing her passion for performance has given her opportunities to play, Jeannie in Nice Work If You Can Get It, Lola in Damn Yankees and Bambi in Curtains. Her most recent credit is Ariel in Footloose at The Ziegfeld Theatre with a tour to The Egyptian Theatre in Park City. She has performed in two world premiere productions: Girl of Glass & Of Myth and Mud, performances for which she received Irene Ryan Nominations for roles played. She competed in Irene Ryan Competition in Los Angeles, California in 2014. While attending WSU she held a Full-Time Department Scholarship, as well as secondary scholarships and attained a well rounded education including not only regular musical theatre curriculum but also Costume Design. She has costume designed for numerous productions, her most recent projects being, Beauty & the Beast, Into the Woods, Frozen Jr., Footloose, The Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, Shrek the Musical & AIDA. Shelby loves Backstage with her whole heart and jumps at every opportunity to meet and coach her students.
Landry Thomas
Artistic Director
Landry holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from Weber State University, where she was awarded a full-time departmental scholarship throughout her studies. While at WSU, she earned her second Irene Ryan Nomination for her performance as Tina in Ruthless and toured to Arizona playing Eila in Where Words Once Were, a role she also brought to the Irene Ryan competition. She has appeared on professional and community stages across Utah, including as Polly Baker in Crazy for You at CPT and as Gingy in Shrek at Ogden Musical Theatre. Favorite past roles include Janet Van DeGraaff in The Drowsy Chaperone, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Bambi in Curtains, and Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie. In addition to performing, Landry is an experienced director and educator. She has recently directed Descendants, Peter Pan, Legally Blonde, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Frozen. She has taught voice for nearly a decade and has extensive vocal training in both classical-legit and Broadway belt techniques. Her own musical theatre, dance and vocal training began early in life and continued consistently through college. Landry is also skilled in prop, set, and costume design, having contributed her creative talents to many productions in multiple capacities. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping young performers grow in their love and understanding of theatre.
Maren Abercrombie
Performing Arts Instructor
Maren has over twenty five years of experience in performing, directing, teaching musical theatre, and teaching private voice. She studied Theatre Teaching at Weber State University, and holds a Level 1 and 2 Certification in Evidence Based Voicework including Voice Function 101, and Mechanics of Mix and Belt from Maddie Tarbox Vocal Studio. Maren is passionate about teaching young people how to express themselves through music, singing, and acting. Some of her favorite music directing opportunities include: Suessical Jr, School House Rock Live Jr, Annie Jr, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Willy Wonka Jr, James and the Giant Peach Jr., and Matilda Jr. Her favorite roles include: Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Liesl VonTrapp in The Sound of Music, Edith in Pirates of Penzance, Cindy Lou in Winter Wonderettes, and Wendy in Peter Pan.
Madeline Nelson
Performing Arts Instructor
Madeline Nelson is a dancer, teacher, & choreographer based in Salt Lake City, UT. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois where she trained at Driven 2 Dance for 11 years. Her early training began with ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and participating in competitions across the Midwest. Madeline graduated with a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah in May of 2024. Madeline is currently a dance teacher & choreographer for Backstage Performing Arts. She also works as a dance specialist for Tanner Dance. As a part of the Arts in Education program, she visits schools all throughout Salt Lake County to teach dance and movement fundamentals. Madeline enjoys getting to teach and work with so many amazing students all throughout Utah.
Anne-Marie Chugg
Performing Arts Instructor
Anne-Marie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting with a Minor in Music from Utah State University. Her training includes Stanislavski acting technique, Fitzmaurice voicework, Laban movement, and certification in both Single Sword and Unarmed Stage Combat. At USU, Anne-Marie also found passion and experience not only in acting and music, but also within playwriting, directing, and theatre for young audiences. She has performed and participated in outreach programs for both The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Abilene, etc) and Getting Near to Baby (Willa Jo), experienced by over 2,500 elementary students apiece. She also has experience in film, originating roles and helping to direct in the mini-series Good Company, the original film Re[FUSE], and local commercials. Other favorite roles include: The (obsolete) Unkindness of Ravens (Bee, Salt Lake Acting Company), Julius Caesar (Decius Brutus), and Xanadu (Erato). Her experience in both music and theatre helps to define her teaching style– seeing what magic happens when music students view their music as their scene partner, and acting students find the rhythm and musicality within the spoken text.
Emily Frazier
Performing Arts Instructor
An Orange County native and graduate from the Musical Theatre program at the University of Utah. Emily is a performer and teacher all across the valley. Currently she is performing in the ensemble of Wizard of Oz at The Ruth! Other recent credits include Lagoon Amusement park Nightmare Cabaret, Sundance Newsies where she served as Assistant choreographer and Newsie Swing covering 14 roles, Katie Gardner in the University of Utah’s production of The Lightning Thief. Before moving to Utah she performed professionally all around Southern California in regional theatres as well as amusement parks! She also appeared on America’s Got Talent Season 13, AGT Champions, WE Day 2019 with Pentatonix, and Red Nose Day with her choir Voices of Hope Children’s Choir, you can even find her soloing on several of the virtual choir videos on their youtube channel! When she’s not performing she loves teaching young artists to dream big just as she was taught! Emily has taught dance and theatre for the last 10 years and specifically loves teaching Musical Theatre, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop!
Kate Erickson
Performing Arts Instructor
Kate Erickson has found a new home in Salt Lake City after living in the Midwest most of her life. As a kid, Kate danced competitively and was also involved in many music and theatre programs and productions. After graduating High School, Kate went on to study at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she obtained a B.A. in Environmental Science, a B.A. in Political Science, and minored in Dance! She has had the opportunity to perform works by world renowned choreographers such as Jack Samuel Gill and Dorris Ressl. She also performed works by UMD faculty members; Rebecca Katz Harwood, Ann Bergeron and Matthew Wagner, including an immersive dance theater production of "Out of Town". Kate not only had the chance to perform, but also create many works of choreography during her time at UMD for various showcases, including her personal favorites “Water Night,” and “Lose Your Soul”. In addition to choreography, Kate has had the opportunity to design lighting as well as costuming for her own works as well. Teaching dance, for nearly a decade, has brought Kate so much joy, she loves to watch her students grow and learn as dancers, and also humans! When Kate is not teaching or working, she is probably exploring the mountains with her friends!
Abrielle Hambleton
Performing Arts Instructor
Abrielle is currently earning her Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre at Weber State University. Throughout her collage career she has had the opportunity to be cast in several shows put on by the department, some of which include Jane Eyre, Sweeney Todd, In Pieces and Nunsense. There she also learned scenic painting and prop construction skills. Abrielle has performed on several community and professional stages throughout Utah. Some favorite roles include Sherrie in Rock of Ages, Janet Van DeGraaf in The Drowsy Chaperone, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Mrs. Reed in Jane Eyre, Thea in Spring Awakening, Ghost of Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol and Blind Mouse in Shrek. In addition to performing, Abrielle is an experienced artist in many different mediums. She does a lot of mixed media collage art, painting, digital art, jewelry making, furniture upholstery, and anything that strikes her fancy. If she sees something that looks interesting or fun, she will teach herself to do it. To peruse her art portfolio, visit her instagram (@abriellemakesstuff). Abrielle is passionate about teaching students about the real world of theatre, how it is magical and vulnerable and also hard work. She loves to build their self confidence and make them resilient, strong vocalists and actors who will go far in their theatre journeys
Emily Smith
Music Director
Emily has been working in theatre for over ten years, with experience both onstage and off. For the past five years, she has focused on music directing and working with private voice students of all ages. She holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal pedagogy from Weber State University and is certified in Level 1 Evidence-Based Voicework through Maddie Tarbox Vocal Studio. She loves helping students grow not just as singers, but as storytellers—especially when they discover that music can be a way to express something they didn’t have words for. Some of her favorite music directing projects include The Addams Family, Willy Wonka Jr., Descendants, Chicago Teen Edition, and Mamma Mia. Onstage, she has performed as Betty Haynes in White Christmas, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes.
When she’s not teaching or in rehearsal, Emily can usually be found spending time with her daughter or watching reruns of classic TV shows.
Matt Stokes
Technical Director
Matt Stokes is a highly experienced electrical and sound engineer, and technical director for Backstage, with a passion for creating seamless, high-quality performances. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Matt has developed an exceptional skill set in managing the technical aspects of live events, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition to his technical expertise, Matt is also a talented performer, he has a passion for musical theater, and his favorite shows include the classic Tale of Two Cities, Forever Plaid and the modern hit Curtains. Matt is a highly skilled and dedicated professional with a passion for creating unforgettable performances. He loves being a part of Backstage and looks forward to working with so many new and upcoming performers in the industry!
Kyle Lawrence
Playwright & Voice Instructor
Kyle has over 15 years of experience in musical theatre as a performer, designer, composer, and director. He studied Musical Theatre at Weber State University and has a Level 2 Certification in Evidence Based Voicework from Maddie Tarbox Vocal Studio. He’s worked with theater companies all along northern Utah, including Backstage Performing Arts, Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Good Company Theatre, Ogden Musical Theatre, and Salt Lake Acting Company. He now lives in western Massachusetts continuing to write and teach theatre while working as the education director for the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Emma Stringham
Office Admin & Costume
Emma graduated from Brigham Young University - Idaho with a Degree in Technical Theatre and Design with an emphasis in Costume Construction. Sewing was a love that came only a few years ago, but Emma has made sure to practice wherever she can, to become a true master at patterning and stitching. In addition to costume construction, she has experience in directing, choreography, design and music. Emma loves performing! Some of her favorite roles include Polly in Crazy For You, Wendy Jo in Footloose, and Ensemble in Anne of Green Gables. She is excited to be joining the ranks of Backstage Performing Arts and to work with everyone who comes through the door.
Abbie Dearinger
Stage Manager
Bio Coming Soon...
Canada Johansen
Performing Arts Instructor
Canada has been dancing for several years and loves that she has the chance to teach! Canada loves being on stage, and behind the scenes as a choreographer. Canada also loves to sing, and has been singing since before she could talk. Her favorite musical is She Loves Me, and her favorite type of dance is contemporary. She has recently had the opportunity to perform in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella", 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and "She Loves Me". She is currently working on a degree in Cybersecurity at Western Governors University. Canada Hopes to continue gaining experience in theatre and dance and is excited to help others find a love for it!
OUR
SPACE
Our studio provides the best space for any performer. From our spring floors to our beautiful mirrors, performers will feel confident in their own skin ready to brace any performance with style and class. We have three creative spaces, voice studio, dance studio and performance studio. Contact us if you would like to rent our space for any event, gathering, performance, recital, or reception. backstageperformingartsutah@gmail.com
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