Our Instructors

Debbie Wilson

Acting Instructor
Advanced Tap Instructor

Christine Martorana

Christine Martorana

Tap Instructor
Tap Company Director

Photo of Susan Daughterty

Susan Daugherty

Ballet Instructor
Dance Technique Instructor

Jennifer Wittmayer

Private Vocal Instructor

Scott Rivers

Private Vocal Instructor

Rachelle Johnston

Jazz Instructor

Dana Tescher

Jazz Instructor

Katherine Craig

Tap Instructor

Katelyn Minnie

Group Vocal Instructor

Maddie Jantzen

Jazz Instructor

Alayna Fredianelli

Intro to Musical Theater Instructor
Acting Instructor

Jack Gregory

Intro to Musical Theater Instructor
Acting Instructor

Abigail Waymire

Group Vocal Instructor

Reese Throckmorton

Mini Me Instructor

Elliana Ray

Mini Me Instructor

Debbie Wilson
Acting Instructor
Advanced Tap Instructor

Debbie Wilson has been choreographing and directing musical theater for decades. But her experience lies in myriad arenas, including large-scale choreography for events ranging from the Olympics and Superbowl to the World Cup, Pro Bowl, and San Francisco Black and White Balls.

Debbie’s first love, however, is musical theater where she has performed in, directed and/or choreographed hundreds of productions including: Newsies, The Music Man, Frozen Jr., Cinderella, SpongeBob Squarepants, Cinderella, Matilda, 42nd Street, Pippin, Oklahoma!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Peter Pan, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story, Chicago, Follies, Les Misérables, A Chorus Line, Hairspray, and Anything Goes with Chita Rivera.

Debbie is the recipient of sixteen regional theatre awards for choreography, direction, and performance. She has been honored by the Interfaith Bureau of Sacramento and the California Assembly for her work with young people. Her students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in national tours, in international concert tap companies, modern dance companies, on cruise ships, and in TV and film.

Debbie taught for American Musical Theater of San Jose and was dance chairperson for the professional training and summer youth programs for twenty years. She also headed the dance department at Lincoln High Performing Arts Magnet. She has taught for many prestigious youth organizations and has been recognized repeatedly for her excellence and contributions to youth.

Debbie is proud to be a founder of El Dorado Musical Theatre and is its artistic director.

Christine Martorana

Christine Martorana
Tap Instructor
Tap Company Director

Christine Martorana has been a part of EDMT since 2001. She has been involved in the dance and performing world for many decades, teaching and guiding students of all ages. She began her teaching experience in the Bay Area at Hamilton Studio of dance and music, and following a career in sales and marketing, returned to teaching for over 12 years at Center Stage Dance Academy in El Dorado Hills. She created the tap performing companies FanTAPulous and SpecTAPular in 2008 and they now reside at EDMT. She currently teaches tap dance classes for ages 9 – adult at PAI in addition to being EDMT’s costume/prop rental manager.

She resides in El Dorado Hills with her husband Eric and is the proud mother of her three talented adult children; Megan, Emily, and Evan.

Photo of Susan Daughterty

Susan Daugherty
Ballet Instructor
Dance Technique Instructor

Susan Daugherty enjoys sharing her love of dance with all levels and ages. Susan Daugherty has taught dance at U.C. Santa Cruz and numerous studios in the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area. As a young dancer, she gained a solid technical background in ballet through her studies with Francisca and Dimitri Romanoff. Later, she had the opportunity to study extensively with some of the leaders in the modern and jazz dance world including, Utah Repertory Dance Theatre, Limon Company and Bill Evan’s Dance Theater.

While earning her B.A. at San Jose State University, Susan performed with the SJSU Resident Dance Company. She has also performed with various musical theater groups and dance companies in the S.F. Bay Area.

To help develop an appreciation for the arts among grade school students, Susan directed and performed with the “Dancing People.” This group was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts to bring professional performing arts to the public schools. She is happy to be working with the students at EDMT!

Jennifer Wittmayer
Private Vocal Instructor

Jennifer Wittmayer has been teaching children’s musical theatre in the Sacramento region and Bay Area since 1998, and is thrilled to once again work with the talented young people of EDMT! She holds a BA in Music from Santa Clara University and a Masters in Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Jennifer has served as Vocal Director for Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose and has directed musical theatre programs for Fair Oaks and Elk Grove Park Districts.

Jennifer has been with EDMT since 2008 and has served as Vocal Director for over 30 Main Stage shows, including; Les Miserables, Crazy For You, The Addams Family, Shrek The Musical, A Christmas Carol, Cats, Legally Blonde, and Singing in the Rain. Jennifer is the Vocal Director for EDMT’s touring company, High Voltage, and conducts private vocal instruction.

Scott Rivers
Private Vocal Instructor

Scott Rivers began training vocally at the age of 16. He has trained privately with Kathy Wood, Professor Elizabeth Bossard, BYU-Idaho, and locally with Kathy Visher. In addition, he’s participated and soloed with the Sacramento Valley Choral Society.  Currently, his album A Prayer unto Thee(2014) is available for listening on multiple streaming services, including Spotify, Prime Music Unlimited and Apple Music.

His theatre journey at EDMT began over 20 years ago on stage, starring in numerous lead roles, including Harold Hill/The Music Man, Lil’ Abner/Lil’ Abner, Scarecrow/The Wizard of Oz, Albert Peterson/Bye Bye Birdie, and Billy Crocker/Anything Goes.

Scott also works as the makeup designer for EDMT. As a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor of Fine Arts: 3D emphasis, Scott enjoys creating with his hands. He uses his talents to design prosthetics for characters on stage. His recent makeup work has been seen in Beauty and the Beast, the Wizard of Oz, Finding Nemo and the Addams Family. He currently provides private vocal lessons. He loves the process of helping his students develop their voice, learn vocal techniques, and increase their confidence. His hobbies include throwing fine art pieces, singing, and fishing. He resides in Folsom, Ca with his wife, Elizabeth, and two amazing children, Olsen and Lucie.

Rachelle Johnston
Jazz Instructor

Rachelle Johnston has been singing and dancing since she was 4 years old and living in the competitive dancing world for a good part of her life. She caught the musical theatre bug as a freshman in high school and has never looked back.

She is a choreographer in the Sacramento, Davis, and Roseville area and before that she was a performer at theme parks in Southern California. She has taught competitive dance troupes for numerous years and, thanks to her amazing students in the past, has been able to sneak theatre vibes into most of her dances.

She is the Associate Creative Director for Sacramento Kickline and the Founder/Director of the ‘3000 Miles Off Broadway’ Sacramento Performing Troupe.  By day she is a Corporate Event Planner and by night she is either choreographing or belting songs in her kitchen with her 2 kids. Rachelle is thrilled to be working with EDMT as one of their Dance Instructors and Choreographers.

Dana Tescher
Jazz Instructor

Dana Tescher is an accomplished choreographer and teacher with over 14 years of experience. She earned her black belt at the young age of 11, showcasing her dedication and passion for movement. Transitioning from martial arts to dance, Miss Dana has honed her skills through training in various disciplines including gymnastics. She has showcased her talents as a featured dancer in productions such as “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Anything Goes,” and “Les Miserables.”

Miss Dana pursued her dance education at Folsom Lake College and American River College, specializing in Composition and Production. During her time at Folsom Lake College, she served as the treasurer and Vice President of the Mosaic Dance Company from 2009-2012. She organized multiple successful dance tours that provided performance and workshop opportunities with industry professionals.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Dana has excelled as an artistic director for teen and senior dance troupes, focusing on touring performances and competitive dance. Her choreography has been recognized with awards such as Best Choreography in 2021, along with accolades for “Creative Concept” and “Storyteller” from 2019-2023. Her competition troupes consistently rank in the top ten and have earned highest technical placement awards.

Miss Dana firmly believes that dance is a universal language that allows people to express themselves in ways words cannot. She is passionate about sharing her journey with others and inspiring them to embrace their true selves with confidence.

Katherine Craig
Tap Instructor

Katherine Craig started taking tap classes when she was 11 years old and couldn’t get enough of it! She had the privilege of studying under Ms. Christine for many years and performing in the original SpecTAPular group. She began her involvement with EDMT in 2006, performing in over 15 shows. Taking on roles such as Annie Oakley/ Annie get your Gun, Belle/Beauty and the Beast, and Reno Sweeney/ Anything Goes. She also performed with EDMT’s original High Voltage group, performing in places like Disneyland and the State Capital. She now resides in Placerville with her husband and 4 children but has never lost her love of theater and all things performing! She is so excited to be back at EDMT working with all of the kids!

Katelyn Minnie
Vocal Instructor

Katelyn Minnie grew up performing with El Dorado Musical Theatre. She has been with EDMT since 2011 and performed in 28 shows. Notable roles include Ella/Cinderella, The Ghost of Christmas Past/A Christmas Carol, and Babette/Beauty and the Beast.

Katelyn’s training includes 11 years of tap and vocal lessons, eight years of jazz, and six years of acting classes.  She has also participated in workshops and masterclasses with EDMT, EKM Vocal Studios, Broadway at Music Circus, and at Lenaea High School Theatre Festival.

When not teaching vocals, Katelyn trains dogs! She recently trained Bug and Buster to play Toto in EDMT’s production of The Wizard of Oz and hopes to continue to train dogs for the stage.

Maddie Jantzen
Jazz Instructor

Maddie Jantzen is an EDMT alumna who has over 10 years of ballet, jazz, tap, acting, and vocal training under her belt. Having performed in 25 shows with the company, she possesses a unique understanding of a young performer’s path to success. Her experience also includes two years on EDMT’s premiere performing ensemble, High Voltage, and four years on EDMT’s Tap Company. She has studied under true professionals in masterclasses with both EDMT and Broadway at Music Circus. She is thrilled to share her knowledge and expertise with her students, and feels blessed to be able to play a part in their theatre journey.

Alayna Fredianelli
Acting Instructor
Intro to Musical Theater Instructor

Alayna Fredianelli, also known as Layni, has been on stage since she was 6 years old, and has performed in over 25 EDMT productions. Some notable roles include Dorothy Gale- The Wizard of Oz, Morticia Addams- The Addams Family, Gabriella Montez- High School Musical, Mrs. Paroo- The Music Man, Charlotte– Cinderella, and Madame de la Grande Bouche- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Layni’s professional training includes 9 years of acting, jazz, & vocal lessons, 6 years of ballet for musical theatre, & 8 years of tap technique classes. Layni is proud to be part of SpecTAPular Elite in her 6th season with EDMT’s Tap Company and she is a 3rd year member of High Voltage. She has taken several Master Classes and intensives in New York City and has been fortunate to perform with Disney’s Dance the Magic on Broadway and in Disneyland.

Through Layni’s years of musical theatre experience she has made many discoveries, and she is thrilled to share them with her PAI Classes! Her passion lies with character development and she will demonstrate the importance of it to her students. She will have them explore the many different ways of creating characters, as well as giving them many tools and exercises to help them better prepare for possible auditions and callbacks. She hopes to inspire them to find their voice, develop their own individual acting style, and to help them find their self confidence.

Jack Gregory
Acting Instructor
Intro to Musical Theater Instructor

Jack Gregory has been performing with El Dorado Musical Theater for 4 years. He has been in 10 shows and a part of High Voltage for 4 years. Some notable roles include, Gomez Addams/Addams Family, Troy Bolton/High School Musical, Gaston/Beauty and the Beast, Mayor Shinn/Music Man, and Jacob Marley/Christmas Carol.

Jack’s training includes 4 years of Jazz, 5 years of vocal lessons, and 4 years of acting. He has also participated in many master classes and workshops with EDMT and Voicewire.

Jack is looking forward to sharing his acting experience with the Intro to Musical Theatre and Acting students. He enjoys the process of breaking down characters, learning new ways to play each character, and how to bring ones personal light to a role. He strives to teach young performers the basis of acting, so they can feel more confident when performing.

During Jack’s free time when he is not teaching Acting or Intro to Musical Theatre, he loves to hang out with friends, play the guitar, and continue improving his craft. He enjoys going on hikes, going to the beach, and watching the sunset. Jack is hoping that his students walk away, eager to learn more about Musical Theatre so they can develop the passion and love for it as much as he does.

Abigail Waymire
Vocal Instructor

Abigail Waymire has been preforming with El Dorado Musical Theater for 7 years, participating in 17 productions. Most recent roles include, Alice Beineke/The Addams Family, Taylor McKessie/High School Musical, and Glinda/The Wizard of Oz.

Abigail’s training includes eight years of vocal instruction, jazz and tap as well as three years of ballet. She has also been a member of High Voltage and Tap Company for three years and has assisted with PAI instruction for group vocals, jazz and ballet. Most recently, she was the vocal assistant for The Addams Family.

Abigail is looking forward to sharing her knowledge of the voice and how it works when singing. Much of her love for musical theater vocals stems from finding songs that are loved and helping to connect emotion and understanding to the lyrics and tune to create an inspiring performance.

Reese Throckmorton
Mini Me Instructor

Reese Throckmorton has been performing with EDMT for the past nine years. In addition to acting, she has been dancing since she was three years old. Reese started with two years of ballet and then moved onto to jazz for seven years and tap for five years. Reese has also been a teacher/counselor for EDMT summer camps and a helper for multiple training shows. She is currently a second year member of High Voltage.

Reese looks forward to utilizing her years of experience to help teach and inspire the young students and help them bring out their inner shine.

Elliana Ray
Mini Me Instructor

Elliana Ray has been dancing since the age of 4. Her dance experience includes, ballet, jazz, and tap. She has performed in 8 EDMT shows including all training shows, Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Decendents, High School Musical and Addams Family. She is also a member of EDMT Spec Tap Company. Elliana has worked as a princess for many birthday parties, and has loved being an EDMT Summer Camp Counselor. Her love of working with children has come from when she was young and all the dancers/actors were so helpful and kind. She aspires to be just like them! Her passion for dance and theatre will bring a fun energetic environment where our Mini Me kiddos will learn their first basics of singing, dancing, and acting.

First Class 100% Money-Back Guaranteed
Banner of the Performing Arts Institute of El Dorado Musical Theatre
keyboard_arrow_up