Teaching Artists
Cathlyn Melvin
Development Director (Co-Founder)
Originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Cathlyn attended University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she received her BA in Theatre Arts while she tutored students, coached high school forensics and debate, and immersed herself in theatre! She has had the opportunity to work with many wonderful theatres across the Midwest, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare, and Youngblood Theatre Company. Chicago credits include Antigone and King Lear: A Radio Play with The Framework, three awesome kids' shows with GreatWorks Theatre Company, and the Jeff-Nominated productions Hickorydickory with Chicago Dramatists and The Count of Monte Cristo with Lifeline Theatre. Learn more about Cathlyn at www.cathlynmelvin.com.
Originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Cathlyn attended University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she received her BA in Theatre Arts while she tutored students, coached high school forensics and debate, and immersed herself in theatre! She has had the opportunity to work with many wonderful theatres across the Midwest, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare, and Youngblood Theatre Company. Chicago credits include Antigone and King Lear: A Radio Play with The Framework, three awesome kids' shows with GreatWorks Theatre Company, and the Jeff-Nominated productions Hickorydickory with Chicago Dramatists and The Count of Monte Cristo with Lifeline Theatre. Learn more about Cathlyn at www.cathlynmelvin.com.
Cassandra Quinn
Marketing Director (Co-Founder)
Cassandra is originally from Bedford, Indiana and graduated from Huntington University in with a B.A. in Theatre Performance and Sociology. She then spent a year and half working in various regional and educational theatres throughout the mid-west which eventually led to her moving to Chicago in 2010 to continue pursuing her career in theatre. Some of her Chicago professional credits include Space Wars: the Panto! at Piccolo Theatre, Devour with 20% Theatre and As You Like It with Spectralia Theatre. However the majority of her professional career has been serving as an actor, director, and educator for numerous educational theatres including GreatWorks Theatre and Imagination Theater, and CLIMB Theatre. To find out more about Cassandra's professional life outside of Compass Creative Dramatics, please visit www.cassandraquinn.com
Cassandra is originally from Bedford, Indiana and graduated from Huntington University in with a B.A. in Theatre Performance and Sociology. She then spent a year and half working in various regional and educational theatres throughout the mid-west which eventually led to her moving to Chicago in 2010 to continue pursuing her career in theatre. Some of her Chicago professional credits include Space Wars: the Panto! at Piccolo Theatre, Devour with 20% Theatre and As You Like It with Spectralia Theatre. However the majority of her professional career has been serving as an actor, director, and educator for numerous educational theatres including GreatWorks Theatre and Imagination Theater, and CLIMB Theatre. To find out more about Cassandra's professional life outside of Compass Creative Dramatics, please visit www.cassandraquinn.com
Angela Alise
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Angela Alise is an actress/singer originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She holds a BA in Theatre and Sociology from Loyola University-Chicago. Some of her favorite credits include: A Raisin in the Sun, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and A Crescent City Comedy of Errors all at Loyola. Hairspray (Drury Lane), Church (Red Tape), Rent (Ouroboros/Big Noise), For Colored Girls… (InnateVolution) and The Wiz (Dominican University). Angela has worked as a teaching artist for Erasing the Distance, and she been a member of the Social Issues Ensemble at Imagination Theater for almost 4 years. When not onstage you can find her working as the Office Manager at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, singing with the Sunshine Reggae Band or helping lead Prologue Theatre Company as their Interim Artistic Director.
Angela Alise is an actress/singer originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She holds a BA in Theatre and Sociology from Loyola University-Chicago. Some of her favorite credits include: A Raisin in the Sun, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and A Crescent City Comedy of Errors all at Loyola. Hairspray (Drury Lane), Church (Red Tape), Rent (Ouroboros/Big Noise), For Colored Girls… (InnateVolution) and The Wiz (Dominican University). Angela has worked as a teaching artist for Erasing the Distance, and she been a member of the Social Issues Ensemble at Imagination Theater for almost 4 years. When not onstage you can find her working as the Office Manager at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, singing with the Sunshine Reggae Band or helping lead Prologue Theatre Company as their Interim Artistic Director.
Ellen Cribbs
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Ellen Cribbs is an award-winning actress and published playwright. She earned her Acting BFA from Ithaca College and completed a graduate acting course at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England. Ellen spent a year long internship at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. where she taught children's acting workshops and residencies focusing on the works of Shakespeare. Ellen works as a professional actress in Chicago and has worked with companies such as Imagination Theater, First Folio Theatre, Citadel Theatre, and Fury Theatre.
Ellen Cribbs is an award-winning actress and published playwright. She earned her Acting BFA from Ithaca College and completed a graduate acting course at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England. Ellen spent a year long internship at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. where she taught children's acting workshops and residencies focusing on the works of Shakespeare. Ellen works as a professional actress in Chicago and has worked with companies such as Imagination Theater, First Folio Theatre, Citadel Theatre, and Fury Theatre.
Minita Gandhi
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Minita Gandhi has resided in Chicago for the past six-years as a professional actor working at many regional theaters including Lookingglass Theater, Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theater, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She was most recently seen as Judith in Equivocation at Victory Gardens Theater. She has been a teaching artist for over a decade with experience in curriculum development and teaching students from pre-K- college. She has worked with Silk Road Rising on their Myths to Drama program focusing on the art history of India, Egypt, early-Islam, and the Greco-Roman period. She is a screening host for the Chicago International Film Festival and a media educator for Facets Independent Cinema. She proudly works with Imagination Theater doing assemblies on sexual abuse prevention and bullying. Minita also travels the US with corporate comedy improv group, Wavelength, helping educators deal with industry change through humor. Minita also offers private coaching to many wonderful acting students ranging from 4-40. She is passionate about arts education and will next be seen on stage at Victory Gardens theater as Vidya in Disconnect this January.
Minita Gandhi has resided in Chicago for the past six-years as a professional actor working at many regional theaters including Lookingglass Theater, Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theater, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She was most recently seen as Judith in Equivocation at Victory Gardens Theater. She has been a teaching artist for over a decade with experience in curriculum development and teaching students from pre-K- college. She has worked with Silk Road Rising on their Myths to Drama program focusing on the art history of India, Egypt, early-Islam, and the Greco-Roman period. She is a screening host for the Chicago International Film Festival and a media educator for Facets Independent Cinema. She proudly works with Imagination Theater doing assemblies on sexual abuse prevention and bullying. Minita also travels the US with corporate comedy improv group, Wavelength, helping educators deal with industry change through humor. Minita also offers private coaching to many wonderful acting students ranging from 4-40. She is passionate about arts education and will next be seen on stage at Victory Gardens theater as Vidya in Disconnect this January.
Amy Malcom
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Amy hails from Prairie du Chien, WI and attended college at University of Wisconsin-Parkside with a BA in theatre and a concentration in Acting. After touring with Missoula Children's Theatre for 8 months where she taught up to 64 kids a play in less than a week, she moved to Chicago where she has directed children's productions and taught worshops at Raven's Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, DreamBig and The Viola Project. She is currently a freelance teaching artist by day and an actor by night. Some theatre credits include: Lifeline Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare, First Folio and Quest Theatre Ensemble. Thank you for Compass Creative Dramatics for this opportunity!
Amy hails from Prairie du Chien, WI and attended college at University of Wisconsin-Parkside with a BA in theatre and a concentration in Acting. After touring with Missoula Children's Theatre for 8 months where she taught up to 64 kids a play in less than a week, she moved to Chicago where she has directed children's productions and taught worshops at Raven's Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, DreamBig and The Viola Project. She is currently a freelance teaching artist by day and an actor by night. Some theatre credits include: Lifeline Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare, First Folio and Quest Theatre Ensemble. Thank you for Compass Creative Dramatics for this opportunity!
Dimokratia Michalopoulos
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Dimokratia was born in Chicago, moved to San Diego for high school, and came back to Chicago to study theater. She recently graduated from Columbia College in Chicago where she received a B.A. in Musical Theater Performance and was last seen playing Joanne in their main stage production of RENT. Immediately after graduating she was lucky enough to have the opportunity to join Imagination Theater as an ensemble member. Dimokratia is also a vocalist and has been featured at The Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Power 92 Radio, and NBC 5 News. She currently performs at Davenport's Piano Bar, and sticking to her Greek roots, can be found singing bouzoukia at Spectrum Bar and Grill in Greektown.
Dimokratia was born in Chicago, moved to San Diego for high school, and came back to Chicago to study theater. She recently graduated from Columbia College in Chicago where she received a B.A. in Musical Theater Performance and was last seen playing Joanne in their main stage production of RENT. Immediately after graduating she was lucky enough to have the opportunity to join Imagination Theater as an ensemble member. Dimokratia is also a vocalist and has been featured at The Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Power 92 Radio, and NBC 5 News. She currently performs at Davenport's Piano Bar, and sticking to her Greek roots, can be found singing bouzoukia at Spectrum Bar and Grill in Greektown.
Shelley Nixon
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Shelley is an actor and educator in Chicago. As an actor, she works on stage, video and industrial projects, as well as in film, commercial and voiceover. She tours schools performing with GreatWorks Theatre Company, and works as a standardized patient helping educate current and future doctors. Prior to that, Shelley was on staff at Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park, IL for three years where she served as Artistic Director of Theatre for Young Audiences, Summer Camp Director and Acting Instructor. She is currently working towards a Masters of Social Work degree in Mental Health Counseling at UIC.
Shelley is an actor and educator in Chicago. As an actor, she works on stage, video and industrial projects, as well as in film, commercial and voiceover. She tours schools performing with GreatWorks Theatre Company, and works as a standardized patient helping educate current and future doctors. Prior to that, Shelley was on staff at Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park, IL for three years where she served as Artistic Director of Theatre for Young Audiences, Summer Camp Director and Acting Instructor. She is currently working towards a Masters of Social Work degree in Mental Health Counseling at UIC.
Dylan S. Roberts
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Dylan S. Roberts is the Co-Artistic Director with the Framework Theatre, based in Chicago, IL. Before moving to Chicago he served as the Artistic Director of Two Weeks Productions. Dylan served as Stage Manager with Midwest New Musicals for their 2011-2012 Season. In the summer of 2010 he toured with Missoula Children's Theatre where he sang, danced and taught children The Jungle Book. Dylan has also served as a guest Stage Combat Teacher with The Viola Project in Chicago.
Dylan S. Roberts is the Co-Artistic Director with the Framework Theatre, based in Chicago, IL. Before moving to Chicago he served as the Artistic Director of Two Weeks Productions. Dylan served as Stage Manager with Midwest New Musicals for their 2011-2012 Season. In the summer of 2010 he toured with Missoula Children's Theatre where he sang, danced and taught children The Jungle Book. Dylan has also served as a guest Stage Combat Teacher with The Viola Project in Chicago.
Isaac Samuelson
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Isaac obtained his BA in Performing Arts and Social Justice from the University of San Francisco and attended the American Conservatory Theater's Summer Training Congress. His past roles have included Chrysale, "The Learned Ladies," Oscar Wilde, "Gross Indecency" and most recently Charlie Brown, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." He also performs interactive children's theater with "Imagination Theater," and "Shakespeare All Stars."
Isaac obtained his BA in Performing Arts and Social Justice from the University of San Francisco and attended the American Conservatory Theater's Summer Training Congress. His past roles have included Chrysale, "The Learned Ladies," Oscar Wilde, "Gross Indecency" and most recently Charlie Brown, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." He also performs interactive children's theater with "Imagination Theater," and "Shakespeare All Stars."
Maggie Scrantom
Summer 2013 Camp Educator
Maggie is a recent transplant to Chicago and absolutely loving it. She graduated with honors from the University of Iowa in 2010 with a degree in Literature and Theatre, and she attended LAMDA for a Shakespeare Intensive Study. She has appeared as Laura/Anne in Lifeline’s The Woman in White, Audrey in Two Pence Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Shelby on St. Sebastian’s Steel Magnolias, and two editions of The Waltzing Mechanic’s El Stories. Maggie is also a proud member of The Waltzing Mechanics, a documentary theater company, and will be appearing their upcoming production Over My dead Body. She recently participated in the Shattered Globe protégé program.
Nick Stockwell
Summer 2013 Camp Educator (Chicago & Sheboygan)
Nick Stockwell was born in Boulder, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado where he graduated in 2009 with a BFA in Theatre Performance. Post graduation Nick helped create Devil's Thumb Productions in Boulder which successfully ran for 3 seasons producing 7 shows in Boulder and 1 in Chicago. Nick arrived in the Windy city in May of 2010 and started working as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Grove High School speech and debate team. He has had the privilege of working on many wonderful projects, both on stage and film, and if you are interested to know what he is currently up to you can visit his website www.nickstockwell.com
Nick Stockwell was born in Boulder, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado where he graduated in 2009 with a BFA in Theatre Performance. Post graduation Nick helped create Devil's Thumb Productions in Boulder which successfully ran for 3 seasons producing 7 shows in Boulder and 1 in Chicago. Nick arrived in the Windy city in May of 2010 and started working as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Grove High School speech and debate team. He has had the privilege of working on many wonderful projects, both on stage and film, and if you are interested to know what he is currently up to you can visit his website www.nickstockwell.com
Freelance Artists
Kristen P. Ahern
Costume Designer
Kristen P. Ahern has been designing costumes for theatre and film in the Chicago area for over two years following graduation with her B.A. from Western Michigan University. In this time she has had the pleasure of working with many companies including Sigsaly Entertainment, Collaboraction, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, and Eclipse Theatre Company as well as suburban children's companies Big Deal Productions and Metropolis Theatre. Kristen is also the costume shop manager at Dominican University and a company member of Strange Bedfellows Theatre. Kristen is grateful to have the opportunity to be an artist and collaborator in this wonderful environment and to introduce a new generation to the performing arts. For more information please go to www.behance.net/kristenp.
Kristen P. Ahern has been designing costumes for theatre and film in the Chicago area for over two years following graduation with her B.A. from Western Michigan University. In this time she has had the pleasure of working with many companies including Sigsaly Entertainment, Collaboraction, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, and Eclipse Theatre Company as well as suburban children's companies Big Deal Productions and Metropolis Theatre. Kristen is also the costume shop manager at Dominican University and a company member of Strange Bedfellows Theatre. Kristen is grateful to have the opportunity to be an artist and collaborator in this wonderful environment and to introduce a new generation to the performing arts. For more information please go to www.behance.net/kristenp.
Jimi Bonogofsky
Illustrator
Jimi hails from Redding, California, and graduated from Huntington University with a B.S. in Digital Media Arts: Animation. Jimi is an illustrator and animator, with a passion for storytelling. She is never without a sketchbook and will twitch erratically if not allowed to release from her mind the world of all things cute and fantastical. She also has a heart for families who are looking at adoption, and has had the honour to design adoption profiles to make those dreams come true. She is currently employed at Simpson University as the Creative Design Assistant in addition to working on illustration and design freelance projects. Her animation has been featured in numerous film festivals including “I Think I Might Be” in the Chicago International Children's film festival and the "Tiger's Gift" which won best Animation at the Sundial festival in 2012. To find out more about Jimi’s projects and work you can visit http://jkbono.com.
Jimi hails from Redding, California, and graduated from Huntington University with a B.S. in Digital Media Arts: Animation. Jimi is an illustrator and animator, with a passion for storytelling. She is never without a sketchbook and will twitch erratically if not allowed to release from her mind the world of all things cute and fantastical. She also has a heart for families who are looking at adoption, and has had the honour to design adoption profiles to make those dreams come true. She is currently employed at Simpson University as the Creative Design Assistant in addition to working on illustration and design freelance projects. Her animation has been featured in numerous film festivals including “I Think I Might Be” in the Chicago International Children's film festival and the "Tiger's Gift" which won best Animation at the Sundial festival in 2012. To find out more about Jimi’s projects and work you can visit http://jkbono.com.
Spencer Jones
Musical Arranger
Spencer is the Director of Choirs at Omro Middle and High School in Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a degree in Music Education. While at UW Oshkosh Spencer took private composition lessons with Dr. James Chaudoir. Spencer has composed and conducted pieces for the University choir, chamber ensembles, and the Omro Singers. Along with composing Spencer is a member of the Master Singers men’s choir and is forming an elite men’s ensemble that will perform works from the Renaissance and Baroque time periods.
Spencer is the music coordinator at Immanuel UCC church in Neenah where he formed the SBS choir which performs during Sunday services. Outside of composing, and working with choirs he runs his own piano studio. During any free time Spencer enjoys spending time with his wife, two dogs, three cats, his friends, and kayak fishing.
Spencer is the Director of Choirs at Omro Middle and High School in Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a degree in Music Education. While at UW Oshkosh Spencer took private composition lessons with Dr. James Chaudoir. Spencer has composed and conducted pieces for the University choir, chamber ensembles, and the Omro Singers. Along with composing Spencer is a member of the Master Singers men’s choir and is forming an elite men’s ensemble that will perform works from the Renaissance and Baroque time periods.
Spencer is the music coordinator at Immanuel UCC church in Neenah where he formed the SBS choir which performs during Sunday services. Outside of composing, and working with choirs he runs his own piano studio. During any free time Spencer enjoys spending time with his wife, two dogs, three cats, his friends, and kayak fishing.
Mel Ruder
Sound Engineer
Mel Ruder is very active in the theatre and music scenes in Chicago where she sound designs and DJs. She is an Artistic Associate for 20% Theatre Company Chicago and most recently sound designed their production of Electra and Orestes. She is also a member of the Catharsis Junkies, a team of devoted artists who are dedicated to producing art that is rich in spectacle and content and relevant right now. Earlier this year she featured her DJ skills for “Our Fair City” season 3 Launch party, and the video release party for Chicago based band, Fatally Cool. Mel can be found as a music engineering ninja in various locations throughout the city, including Hamburger Mary's every 3rd Thursday of the month for OUTRock Chicago. When not working, she may be found drinking coffee and adding to her addiction of Pintrest. For more information about Mel and booking, please visit www.djcatnip.com.
Mel Ruder is very active in the theatre and music scenes in Chicago where she sound designs and DJs. She is an Artistic Associate for 20% Theatre Company Chicago and most recently sound designed their production of Electra and Orestes. She is also a member of the Catharsis Junkies, a team of devoted artists who are dedicated to producing art that is rich in spectacle and content and relevant right now. Earlier this year she featured her DJ skills for “Our Fair City” season 3 Launch party, and the video release party for Chicago based band, Fatally Cool. Mel can be found as a music engineering ninja in various locations throughout the city, including Hamburger Mary's every 3rd Thursday of the month for OUTRock Chicago. When not working, she may be found drinking coffee and adding to her addiction of Pintrest. For more information about Mel and booking, please visit www.djcatnip.com.
