Michele Sheehy
Artistic Director, CEO & Co-Founder
Michele co-founded Creative Kids Playhouse in 2011. There, she is passionate about delivering excellent theatre education in a supportive and inspiring environment. “I have tried to stay true to CKP’s founding mission of allowing children the opportunity to be creative, experience the exhilaration of performance, and grow from the many benefits of participating in a performance acting troupe.”
Michele has worked in musical theatre for over 30 years.…
Rachael Gafner
Production Manager, Mainstage Director, CATE Co-Chair, Set Design & Prop Master
Since joining CKP in 2012, Rachael is now immersed in every aspect of the company. If you’re not in her cast, you will always hear from her or see her at some point! Rachael is has been working as a theatre educator for the last 12 years, and is so honored to continue her journey with the most incredible actors, families, and team from CKP.…
Maureen Russell
Excalibur Players Director, Lead Choreographer & Creative Team
Maureen is an accomplished singer, dancer, actress and songwriter and is thrilled to be the director Excalibur Players and Choreographer for Creative Kids Playhouse! After earning her BA in Musical Theatre
from The University of Northern Colorado, she spent 4 years as the lead singer for Holland America Cruise Line, then 12 years performing and teaching in New York.…
Deva Marie Gregory
Creative Team
Deva Marie appreciates young actors’ creative spirits and the courage it takes to be on stage. She takes a whole hearted approach in her teaching style, taking time to get to know her actors and how to make them shine and connect with their audience.
Deva Marie has an accomplished professional career with over 15 years experience in stage screen and voiceover work.…
Evan Troutt
Accompanist & Creative Team
Evan has had the joy and privilege of working as a musical theatre teacher for over 10 years. He began teaching at the Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County in 2012 where is passion for theatre quickly became a passion for education. As well as CKP, Evan is currently a pianist and performing arts instructor at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and is an elementary school director at Top Hat 8 Repertory.…
Melissa Green
Stage Combat Director & Creative Team
Melissa has been with CKP since 2019 and is committed to providing theatre education to students of all ages and abilities. Her goal is to create a safe, creative environment for students to challenge themselves, support their peers, and discover the joys of performance. A classically trained performer, Melissa specializes in Shakespeare and stage combat, and is always ready to teach her students new skills.…
Rachel Anne Andres
Creative Team
Rachel graduated with a BFA in Acting from AMDA L.A. in 2019. She initially found her love for the arts in high school when she got her first role ever in Charlotte’s Web. After college, Rachel decided she wanted to combine her two passions of working with kids and performing. She is a nanny, a party character performer, and is excited to be a staff member at CKP this year.…
Isabel Grad
Creative Team
Isabel is a Creative Kids Playhouse alumnus with 12 years of musical theatre under her belt, and loves teaching at the company she learned everything from!
As a teacher at CKP, Isabel encourages her students to be true to themselves, and make strong choices when performing. “My favorite thing about working at CKP is helping my students find their true selves through theatre, and inspiring passion for years to come.” Isabel’s students inspire her craft every rehearsal and she is very grateful to be able to guide others along in their acting endeavors.…
Maryclare Ramirez
Social Media Manager
Maryclare is a proud Creative Kids Playhouse alumnus pursuing her BFA in Theatre from Texas Christian University. When not in Texas, she jumps at the opportunity to be inspired by the students at CKP. Maryclare loves to watch her students discover the same love for the theatre as she has, helping guide them to making important discoveries and choices in their characterization.…