RAPA's Staff
Judith A. Ranaletta - (RAPA Artistic and Creative Director, Founder/Director Roc City Singers)
Judith A. Ranaletta, newly appointed Artistic and Creative Director of Rochester Association of the Performing Arts, (RAPA), and it’s East End Theatre, is thrilled to bring her many years of knowledge, experience and expertise to the Greater Rochester region. She is the Founder and Director of the newly formed Roc City Singers Regional Show Choir, housed at RAPA. This premier group of singers and dancers has been invited to perform at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
In addition to teaching Master Classes at RAPA, and maintaining a private voice and acting studio, Judith is also the Resident Stage Director for the Empire State Lyric Theatre. Having directed the highly successful “Opera Rocks”, this past summer, Judith just recently assembled the 6 of her students, past and present, 4 of who are current Broadway performers, in a production of “The Tales of Custard the Dragon”. She looks forward to the ESLT’s first Chamber Opera Festival first weekend in March, for which she will be directing Rossini’s “La Cambiale di Martrimonio” and GIannini’s: Beauty and the Beast”.
Ms. Ranaletta received her Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College and did her Post-Graduate work, in voice, at the Eastman School of Music and the Vocal Arts Symposium in Spoletto, Italy. She is also a seasoned singer, actress and director, having performed in and directed nearly 200 productions, including numerous radio, TV and film works. Most recently, her production of “Phantom of the Opera” enjoyed 6 sold-out performances to nearly 10,000 people. Other favorite productions include “Chicago,” “Sweeny Todd,” and “Rent,” which she directed at RAPA.
Judith is also an international clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor for voice, music, theatre and choirs, and has served as the ACDA and NYSSMA State Chair person for Show Choirs and Music Theatre. Judith served as the Vocal Music and Drama Director at Greece Athena High School for 29 years before her retirement this past June 2011. Dozens of her students have gone on to achieve successful careers In the performing arts, both on Broadway, in National Tours, as well as in opera, on international recording labels, film and television. In fact, Judith as had up to 7 students performing on Broadway in a single year.
Among numerous awards, Ms. Ranaletta was awarded the Rochester Philharmonic “Teacher of the Year/Outstanding Choral Director” Citation, as well as recognized 11 times in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” and 3 times nominated for the “Disney Teacher of the Year.” She has also 3 times been recognized for her Artistic Achievement and awarded “Woman of the Year” by the Italian American Women’s Association, the Civic League and the Sons of Italy International Organizations.
Most recently, County Executive, Maggie Brooks, and the Monroe County Legislature recognized Judith for her outstanding contributions to the Rochester Community. The award states, in part: “Judith is known for encouraging her students to always strive for their best. She has continually instilled a drive in them to never give up and to remain committed to achieving their goals in life. Judith has helped launch the careers of many musical performers… Judith’s love of music and performing began at an early age and that passion has been carried throughout her life. The legacy for a love of the arts Judith has created in our community is truly something to be proud of.”
Kris Ashley - (RAPA Dance Educator, Principle Choreographer Roc City Singers)
Kris Ashley began her professional career as a Knicks City Dancer in the summer of 2000. For three seasons, she danced and choreographed for both the NBA and WNBA, sharing the court with the NY Knicks, NJ Nets, and NY Liberty teams. She was a choreographer and dancer for the opening of Little Steven’s (Van Zandt) Underground Garage radio show, sponsored by the Hard Rock Cafe, which debuted on 23 stations and is now heard in over 200 markets. Kris has assisted in classes with the Rockette’s at Radio City Music Hall, was recently offered a dance position with Jubilee, the longest running show in Las Vegas, performed at the infamous Friar’s Club in NYC, and provided entertainment for The String Cheese Incident at Hampton Coliseum in VA Fall of 2010.
In June 2011 Kris completed a year contract performing with the Almost Angels at Trump Taj Mahal’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, in the spring co-produced the Quarterly Arts Souiree at Webster Hall, studied improv comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and she continues as the Artistic Director/Choreographer and Co-founder of the Candy Janes, NYC's only rock n' roll comedy cabaret!
Kris has extensively studied theatre dance and for the past decade has been training and working along side the best teachers, choreographers, and dance professionals in New York City. As a choreographer her work has been acknowledged as “most entertaining,” “innovative,” and “conceptually creative." She has also been very active in the after-school programs where she has taught in the disciplines of hip hop, cheer, and creative movement. She spends much of her time traveling as a Guest Teacher/Choreographer to studios across the U.S, as far as Alaska in 2008. Kris has taught workshops with the International Teachers of Dance as well as judged on the competition circuit. Kris has been featured in many magazines including; Discount Dance, Weissmans’ Dance Catalog, and a feature article in Dance Spirit Magazine. Miss Ashley is a continuing student of dance and knows how important it is to stay in class in order to pass along the most current knowledge of dance to her students. Kris spent a few of her recent years working for and developing a child enrichment center to introduce dance and fitness at the early age of 3. While Kris was on staff she developed (4) 12 week curriculums, as well as a 36 week ballet/creative movement curriculum, both which currently serve as the dance programs foundation.
Locally, Kris is working as principle choreographer for RAPA’s newly formed group Roc City Singers, as well as guest choreographer and production assistant for Empire State Lyric Theater. This spring she will join the RBTL’s Stars of Tomorrow program as a dance adjudicator, choreographing Gananda HS production of “Footloose,” and teaching master classes throughout the Tri State area. Sharing her time now between Rochester and NYC, she is excited to be giving back to the town she calls home; by working with students and young professionals of dance who have dreams of performing on a bigger stage someday!
FuturPointe Dance (RAPA Dance Educator, Guest Choreographer Roc City Singers)
FuturPointe Dance is a young, dynamic contemporary dance company founded in 2009 in Rochester, NY. whose work is characterized by an eclectic, multi genre repertoire that is in touch with contemporary/ urban culture.
Through trans-media collaborations with photographers, videographers, visual artists, composers, live musicians & puppeteer, the company’s aesthetic is a collision of culture, rhythms & varied choreographic styles expressing theme, story & character.
FuturPointe’s fusion of caribbean & african diasporic dance, ballet, latin movement, reggae & urban vocabulary has engaged new & non-traditional dance audiences throughout Rochester, NY state & the Mid-West. Weekly classes are open to the Rochester community, and company members are actively involved in residencies and performances that educate, entertain, and promote the vitality and global presence of contemporary dance.
[FuturPointe]…”is accessibly emotional, dramatic, humorous, hard-core — and most importantly, fresh”. ~ANNA REGUERRA|DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE
GUY THORNE: Founder, Artistic Director
A native of Guyana (South America), Thorne moved to the island of Jamaica where he graduated with a professional diploma in Dance Theatre Production from the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. He moved to the US as a scholarship student at Dance Theater of Harlem NYC before becoming principal dancer with Garth Fagan Dance for 7 years. Thorne holds a BFA in dance from State University of NY, Brockport. Guy has over 15 years of professional experience & has toured extensively and taught master classes throughout the world including Italy, Germany, Hawaii, France, the UK & Austria. He has been reviewed favorably on several occasions by the NY Times & has danced in such notable US spaces as the Ted Shawn Theater (Jacob’s Pillow), The Lincoln Center & Kennedy Center among others.
…. the always impressive Guy Thorne… is all swagger, sexiness and youthful bravado in modern movements. ~Bernard J.Tarver
As founder, co-director, choreographer, performer & teacher of FUTURPOINTE DANCE Thorne’s current choreographic work explores the confluence of folklore, popular and contemporary dance forms infused with & his short film & multi- media creations. Most recently, Thorne was chosen by the JUBILATION FOUNDATION to be a 2012 Fellow.
N’JELLE GAGE: Founder, Associate Artistic Director
As soloist with Les Ballet Dimensions (Jamaica), ‘Jelle began her career under the tutelage of Norma Spence & Tatjana Sedunova (Artistic Director, Lithuanian Opera & Ballet Theater ). She attended Academia Ballet Clasico Nina Novak (Caracas, Venezuela) as a scholarship student, graduated from Escuela Nacional de Arte & interned with Danza Contemporanea de Cuba (Havana, Cuba). ‘Jelle has travelled to over 16 international cities in various capacities including senior dancer & assistant artistic director of L’Acadco Dance company (Jamaica), founder & choreographer of Caribbean Performing Arts Ensemble (Florida), & has a wide range of expertise from work in music video production & ad campaigns with international artists (ex. Sean Paul, Mutabaruka, Damian Marley, Third World). She has also worked as a cultural consultant for film (UK). As co-founder & director of FUTURPOINTE dance, ‘Jelle teaches Caribbean Contemporary dance techniques- Tecnica Cubana & L’AntechTM & directs company rehearsals.
HEATHER ROFFE: Director
MFA, currently teaches full-time as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Dance Department at The College at Brockport, and has also taught as an adjunct assistant professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and at St. John Fisher College. Roffe’s choreography has been presented in venues across the country, and has been commissioned by professional companies and dance programs throughout the US. She has performed nationally and internationally with the Garth Fagan Dance Company, and nationally, including at Jacob’s Pillow, the International Dance Festival, and the American Dance Guild Festival, with Bill Evans Dance Company, Assemblage Dance Company, and Burnidge-Clark Dance. She is thrilled to be co-directing, choreographing, performing and teaching for FUTURPOINTE DANCE Company.
MELINDA BLYTHE: founding dancer, teaching artist
Melinda was raised in Rochester, NY & attended the School of the Arts High School majoring in dance and drama. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a BA in Dance. Melinda’s focus has been in Modern dance, West African, Tap, Hispanic dance, and Afro House & has performed as a member of Voices Dance Ensemble, Sankofa African Dance Ensemble and Akoma Ntoaso Dance. She currently teaches and performs throughout Rochester City schools & for Garth Fagan School of Dance.
LIAM J. KNIGHTEN: founding dancer, teacher
This native son of New Orleans he studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and graduated number one in his class with pre professional Theatre Arts Degree with a concentration in Musical Theatre. In 2008 Knighten toured to Germany with Garth Fagan Dance. He has also worked with the award winning Clark Academy of Performing Arts in Buffalo N.Y. In 2009
OLGA KRAVETS: dancer
NIEMA ATKINS: technical/ production assistant
Kevin Greene (“Booking Broadway”)
Instructor Kevin Greene, is a Broadway and Television veteran, who has performed with and auditioned for some of the biggest names in Broadway such as Jerry Mitchell, Kathleen Marshall, Frank Wildhorn, and Michael Greif just to name a few. He graduated Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and has taught many workshops to not only high school students but also with Broadway veterans. Through his work on Television and theatre he understands the need for subtlety, and economy of movement in scene work. He spends time emphasizing the need to be full educated and aware of every aspect of a scene.
Kevin has toured nationally with Forever Plaid and Mamma Mia, spent time on Broadway with “A Tale of Two Cities”, and worked on network television in “Gossip Girl” and “Grease: You’re the one that I want” and desires to bring his working knowledge back to his hometown. “ I look forward to working the next generation of stars, to help them reach their unending potential, and build up the kind of self belief and confidence that can only be gained on a stage.”
“He’s the real deal and I would count any aspiring student fortunate to learn from such an accomplished artist and true gentleman as Kevin Greene.” – Laura Osnes (Broadway Star of Bonnie and Clyde, South Pacific, Anything Goes, Grease)
“I have known Kevin for almost 10 years. And he is one of the most smart, hard-working, and charismatic people I know, besides his incredible talent. He also truly cares about his work as an actor, and I believe he will care about yours!” -Aaron Tveit (Broadway Star of Catch me If you can, Next to Normal, Enjolras in upcoming Major Motion Picture of Les Mis)
“Working with Kevin is relaxed and effective- and I leave as a more prepared actor. His commitment, knowledge of the craft, and enthusiasm is infectious.” – Janine DaVita (Broadway: Grease, Young Frankenstein)
Fred DiCesare (Roc City Singers Accompanist, Music Theory/Keyboard)
Mr. DiCesare is a classically trained pianist (Eastman School 1970) with 50+ years of experience in performance of Popular music, Jazz and Improvisation. During his 37+ years teaching general music and accompanying concerts and Broadway shows in the Greece School District, Mr. DiCesare has developed simple techniques to teach music theory that makes the concepts quickly usable on piano. College bound students will receive an understanding of harmonic structure (chords) and accompaniment patterns that can help with playing all styles of music. The ability to read simple piano pieces will enhance the total experience. Students must have a keyboard/piano at home for practicing purposes between lessons. “Triple Threat” students (sing-dance-act) need the ability to accompany themselves to perform more effectively in the “music” world.
Richard Mancini (Intro to Acting for kids and adults)
Richard Mancini has recently returned to Rochester after having lived in Washington, DC since 1979. He studied Visual Presentation and Interior Design at theRochester Institute of Technology, which brought him to work in the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Richard has worked in the theater professionally in Pennsylvania and during his retail design years has acted, directed and designed for the theater. Richard served three terms as President of Blackfriars Theater of Rochester, as well has taught theater to children in the Rochester Community for three years. In addition, Richard has directed several productions for Rochester music theater, Rochester opera theater and Blackfriars Theatre.
In the Washington area he had his hands in the Source, worked with Robert MacNamara at Scena for about thirty years and in staged readings at Embassy’s andWashington Art Club as well as many full staged productions, including The Shakespeare Theater, Studio Theater and is a founding member of the Washington Shakespeare Company (WSC), serving for three years on the Board of Directors.
As part of the (WSC), he was seen in Hamlet, Julius Caesar, The Birthday Party, Tiny Alice, Blood Wedding, his directing credits include, Saint Joan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Normal Heart. In addition to all his above credits, Richard has worked with, Folger Theater, Met Stage, Signature Theater, Erie Playhouse,Pittsburg Children’s Theater and the Phoenix Theater. He was recently seen in The Cherry Orchard at WSC, All That I Will Ever Be at Studio Theater and Benedictus at Theater J. Lastly, he is the recipient of The Mary Goldwater Award.
Alison Cuchiarale (Private Vocal and Piano Instruction)
Alison holds degrees in piano performance and music education from Columbia University, Manhattan School of Music and Syracuse University. Alison has had myriad performance, music directing and teaching credits throughout the New York State including A Touch of Dance Children’s Theatre, The Greece Athena Show Choir and Music/Theatre Programs, The Empire Lyric Opera Company, School of the Arts, RAPA, The Rochester Broadway Theatre League, Syracuse Stage, The Julliard School, The Metropolitan Opera Young Artists’ Theatre, The Paul Hindemith Music Festival in Blonay, Switzerland and has served as the senior pianist and assistant vocal coach for the Opera program at the Aspen Music Festival. Alison has a private studio in piano and voice.
