Teachers’ Bios

ACT is unique in that our teachers are performance-based educators with the desire to help each student achieve success as a performer. Through real-life experiences, educationally, professionally and through volunteering, our teachers set a high standard of goal-oriented education. Our teachers understand the importance of being a mentor and instill strong work ethics, integrity and a respect for the craft in each student.

• James Callaghan is currently a theatre major at Colombia Basin College. He is accomplished on stage as an actor, and was involved in the touring rep. production of Macbeth. He also has tech experience as a lighting and sound designer. He assists in building sets for CBC’s Summer Showcase.

• Ellie Alayne was born and raised in Yankton, SD. After high school she went on to study at Millikin University in Decatur, IL, for Musical Theatre. In 2004 Ellie studied Shakespeare and English in London, England for a semester. After, England Ellie transferred to the University Of South Dakota where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Acting. While at the University of South Dakota she also focused her studies on Musical Theatre and Children’s Theatre. Professionally Ellie has worked at the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer, SD, Theatre West Virginia in Beckley, WV, she has toured the country with Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s production of A Christmas Carol and with Missoula Children’s Theatre. Most recently Ellie has worked at The Gamut Theatre Group in Harrisburg, PA, where she performed in over 20 main stage productions and taught over 400 students in classes and camps. Ellie has been teaching theatre to students since 2000 and has been working professionally for 10 years. Some of Ellie’s favorite roles include; Buttercup in HMS Pinafore, Judith in Hayfever, Hope in Urinetown, Holly in The Wedding Singer, Diana in A Chorus Line, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, and Lady Anne in Richard III. Ellie lives in Kennewick with her fiance Mike, cat Kory, dog Cooper and hedgehog Walter. When not teaching and acting Ellie can typically be found crafting, and planning her upcoming wedding.She is thrilled to join the ACT family and to get to know all of the amazing students and parents.

• Hallie Harris has a multi- talented theatre background. Her experience includes acting both onstage and on camera. She is also an accomplished vocalist and musician and has studied various forms of dance. Her many tech talents include lighting and sound design, costume design, and hair and makeup for the stage. She has also been involved in several improve groups around the state. She also was the host/co-producer/creator of the online video Farmgirl Sisterhood.

• Julie Schroeder has been involved with different aspects of theatre for over 40 years. She has acted, directed, or has designed hair,
  makeup and costumed for over 100 shows. She has been involved with the Academy of Children’s Theatre since 1999, directed ACT’s award winningTroupe, and has been a part of the staff as the Education Coordinator since 2007. Her grandchildren are third generation ACT.