Anne was in the first MainStage musical at ACT in 1995. The life skills she has learned and the friendships she has made because of the opportunities given her by ACT make her a strong advocate and dedicated staff member. As the Managing Director, Anne works to support the mission and vison of ACT by providing on-stage, off-stage, and learning opportunities to any young person in the greater Tri-Cities area interested in joining the ACT family. Please email her (anne@actstaff.org) with any and all ACT related questions!

Josh is a graduate from CWU with a BA in Theatre Arts: Youth Drama (2008) and SCT’s Teaching Artist Apprentice Program (2013). He has worked in children’s theatre as a director, teaching artist, actor, writer in Seattle, Los Angles and the Tri-Cities since 2005. Josh has directed many shows over the years including, Holes, Little Women: The Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Hobbit, Beauty and the Beast, Keeping Mr. Lincoln and Tom Sawyer. He will be directing Matilda and Freaky Friday this season for ACT.

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Bio Coming Soon

Julie Schroeder has been involved with different aspects of theatre for over 40 years. She has acted, directed,  designed hair, makeup and costumed over 100 shows. She has been a teaching artist with the Academy of Children’s Theatre since 1999, directed ACT’s award winning Troupe and Troupers, and has been a part of the staff as the Education Director since 2007. Currently, she also teaches drama with the Richland School District HomeLink program. In addition, Julie is the creator and director of Spectrum on Stage, a drama program for students on the Autism Spectrum. Her grandchildren are third generation ACT. She will be directing Junie B. Jones Jingle Bells Batman Smells this Holiday Season!

Kyla Haren developed a passion for community as a youth in the Academy of Children’s Theater since 2005! This laid the groundwork for her ability to do a bit of everything – and her DIY moxie. Although her title is officially Special Events and marketing manager, Kyla lends her professional, dynamic and energetic personality to all sorts of roles at ACT. We are fortunate to have her on our team!

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon.

Jessica Cole (Gaulke) is an ACT alumni and mother of two who has been involved in the ACT community for over 20 years. She earned degrees in Early Childhood Development and Theater from Eastern Washington University, and has since been cultivating arts-based education practices while raising her own children. Jessica loves facilitating experiences for kids that enrich their love for learning and performing. She believes that the arts give young children an opportunity to express themselves freely, leading to self-discovery and emotional and personal growth.

Zanna Grandinetti has a Masters in Education and she teaches 2nd grade at St. Joseph’s School. She grew up dancing and became a certified dance instructor with the Royal Academy of Dance. She then trained with Maine State Ballet where she learned to love Balanchine style of dance. Her specialty is ballet and jazz but she enjoys all forms of dance. Two of her children love acting and they are involved at ACT so Zanna enjoys sharing her dance knowledge to help the students at ACT become more experienced in dance.

Bio Coming Soon

Emily holds a BA in Theatre Arts and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counselin, and has been involved in theatre for 25 years. She is a professional counselor, comedian, and event host, and works with many local theatre companies including Mid Columbia Musical Theatre, and The Rude Mechanicals. Her recent resume includes Jesus Christ Superstar, Plaza Suite, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Nancy Drew: Girl Detective. She will directing The Jungle Book this spring with ACT!

Alexis is a recent ACT Alumni who has interned at ACT since 2018. During her high school years she got the opportunity to study Early Childhood Education at Tri Tech Skills Center, and will be continuing her education at CBC in the fall to pursue a career in teaching. Alexis is excited to teach and has a passion for serving others.

Jackson is an alumni of ACT’s program, he is passionate about theatre, dance, and the arts in general. He is currently a student at Columbia Basin College where he is working towards his teaching certificate.