Broadway Bootcamp (Southport Studio Theatre)

Our faculty is hand-picked with our values in mind: top-drawer theater specialists who also love working with young people. We have several Broadway actors who return regularly because of their belief in the quality of training for these students. We also have wonderful teachers within the local community who have joyously shared their talents with us.

Frank Root (Artistic Director, Beginning & Advanced Acting) has recently been featured in "42nd Street" on Broadway. He has taught acting at NYU's CAP21 Program and has directed and choreographed several shows including "Into the Woods", "42nd Street", and "She Loves Me" at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. Frank has also recently performed at the famed Goodspeed Opera House in "George M", as well as numerous national tours, Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

Marianne Challis (Managing Director, Vocal Consultant) has a large private studio in New York City, with students acting in shows that include "Oklahoma", "Les Miserables", "42nd Street", "Beauty and the Beast", "Chicago" and "Cabaret". Marianne has been vocal consultant for Lincoln Center and many Disney projects. She has sung in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, and many cabaret venues in Manhattan.

Abigail Root (Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer) is currently pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University. A Broadway Bootcamp veteran, she has appeared in 3 of the shows, and has been a counselor and choreographer for the past 5 years. Abigail has recently appeared in Illinois Wesleyan's production of "The Country Club." She appeared locally as Peter Pan in Curtain Call's production, and participated in Fairfield Rotary's Follies for 4 years. She has studied with many of the top voice, acting, and dance teachers in New York City.

Phillip Bettencourt (Musical Direction, Choreography) Having studied at the acclaimed Boston Conservatory, Phillip has performed in Boston Symphony Hall and several NYC Off-Broadway houses. Phillip has also taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and St. Luke's School, and teaches private voice lessons. After founding his own summer theatre program in 1998, Phillip came to Broadway Bootcamp in 2003.

Susan Terry (Beginning & Advanced Acting) has 17 years acting experience. Susan made her Broadway debut in the original cast of "Evita". Other Broadway credits include "Zorba", "City of Angels", "Anything Goes" at Lincoln Center, and "Sondheim: A Celebration at Create Hall". She has worked with many top directors in the field in New York City and regional theatres.

Susan Owen

Allie Schulz

Kirsten Wyatt

	Frank Root (Artistic Director, Beginning & Advanced Acting) has recently been featured in "42nd Street" on Broadway. He has taught acting at NYU's CAP21 Program and has directed and choreographed several shows including "Into the Woods", "42nd Street", and "She Loves Me" at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. Frank has also recently performed at the famed Goodspeed Opera House in "George M", as well as numerous national tours, Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
	Marianne Challis *(Managing Director, Vocal Consultant)* has a large private studio in New York City, with students acting in shows that include "Oklahoma", "Les Miserables", "42nd Street", "Beauty and the Beast", "Chicago" and "Cabaret". Marianne has been vocal consultant for Lincoln Center and many Disney projects. She has sung in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, and many cabaret venues in Manhattan.
	Abigail Root (Assistant Artistic Director, Choreographer) is currently pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University. A Broadway Bootcamp veteran, she has appeared in 3 of the shows, and has been a counselor and choreographer for the past 5 years. Abigail has recently appeared in Illinois Wesleyan's production of "The Country Club." She appeared locally as Peter Pan in Curtain Call's production, and participated in Fairfield Rotary's Follies for 4 years. She has studied with many of the top voice, acting, and dance teachers in New York City.
	Phillip Bettencourt *(Musical Direction, Choreography)* Having studied at the acclaimed Boston Conservatory, Phillip has performed in Boston Symphony Hall and several NYC Off-Broadway houses. Phillip has also taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and St. Luke's School, and teaches private voice lessons. After founding his own summer theatre program in 1998, Phillip came to Broadway Bootcamp in 2003.
	Susan Terry *(Beginning & Advanced Acting)* has 17 years acting experience. Susan made her Broadway debut in the original cast of "Evita". Other Broadway credits include "Zorba", "City of Angels", "Anything Goes" at Lincoln Center, and "Sondheim: A Celebration at Create Hall". She has worked with many top directors in the field in New York City and regional theatres.