Ashley has studied voice for over 15 years, since she was first introduced to the world of musical theater as a child. When she was cast as “Dorothy” in her elementary schools production of The Wizard of Oz her passion for singing, and all things theater, blossomed and never stopped growing! She participated in drama club and chorus all throughout grade school while taking voice lessons. Then continued her studies at Holyoke Community College as a Jazz Voice Major, and went on to participate in various community theater productions. She also teaches private voice lessons to students of all ages.

It was during the 2021 Exit 7 Players production of The Wedding Singer where she met choreographer Debra Vega - who asked her to join as Vocal Coach for her new program, Broadway Brings Joy! Ashley was beyond thrilled at the opportunity to teach students about singing, all things theater and all the JOY that comes with it - especially along side such a talented and inspirational woman whom she looks up to. She joined Debra on this wonderful endeavor and has loved every minute of it! 

Ashley is also Co-Owner of The Wonderland Works Company, where she works as a Character Performer - portraying princesses, superheroes and more - appearing at various birthday parties and events! She has been a “professional princess” for over 5 years and loves nothing more than bringing magic into peoples lives through the art of performing. 

Courtney just completed her Masters of Social Work degree this past summer of 2024 and is excited to join the team of councilors at Holyoke High School this Fall. She completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA in May of 2023.

Courtney is a lover of all things music and dance! She grew up in her dance studio studying all types of dance with a focus in hip hop and jazz. She also was in her Elementary, Middle and High School Show Choirs from the second grade until graduating. She performed music selections from “Journey” to “Disney,” and everything in between.

She has also worked with kids/teens in many different settings, most recently as the Assistant to the Director of the Eureka! Program for Girl’s inc of the Valley and currently in the Wellness/Counseling Office at Holyoke High School. Courtney also serves her community on the Board of Directors of the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice, named for her late “Grampy” who also cared deeply about uplifting his community.

She is elated to have assisted Ms. Debra in Broadway Brings Joy this past year and is thrilled to offer her own class to our littlest actors starting in Sept 2024!

Maddie has been dancing for 16 years and has been involved in community theater for 12 years. She has taken tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, pointe, and modern classes at The Dance Company in Springfield, MA since the age of three. She also taught tap and ballet to ages 4-6 for two years during high school.

As for theatre, Maddie fell in love with Broadway and New York City at an early age and for years now Maddie has traveled into NYC to see Broadway shows that captivate, inspire, and make her dance in her seat. As for her own theatre career, Maddie has been in countless shows with St. Michael's Players of East Longmeadow, MA. She is currently a Board Member and runs the Social Media and Website for the theatre. After a break because of Covid, Maddie decided she wanted to join the offstage team and start working closely with the production team, volunteers, and cast. This discovery has been life changing for Maddie as it led her to work alongside Debra Vega as her assistant on multiple shows. With all of Debra Vega's wisdom being poured into her, Maddie choreographed a musical at the age of 17.

Today, you can find Maddie at Central Connecticut State University studying Mathematics for Secondary Education. She continues to seize every opportunity to dance and help out in the arts.

Photo Credit: Kat Kattler