We ACT with Empathy: We will teach and empower students to understand and care for the feelings of others. We will use storytelling and theatre as tools to explore different perspectives, emotions, recognize commonalities, and reflect on our own behaviours.

We ACT in Play: We will let children be children and help artists of all ages find their inner child full of creativity, imagination, and playful impulses. 

We ACT with Confidence: We will create brave spaces in which students feel supported to try new things, challenge themselves, and grow as artists and individuals.

We ACT in Community: We will create meaningful connections and collaboration amongst students in all classrooms and programs to foster a profound sense of belonging, support, and friendship. 

We ACT with Artistic Excellence: We will equip students with strong foundational skills and instill appreciation for creative artistry and meaningful storytelling.

SHARISSE LEBRUN - Director of Education & Outreach

Sharisse LeBrun (she/her) is from Eqpahak/Fredericton, New Brunswick where she has worked in arts education for ten years. She has been Theatre New Brunswick's Theatre School & Young Company Director since 2018. She is thrilled to be joining the team at Neptune Theatre and can’t wait to get to know the students and artists that make it what it is. Education: MA in Theatre (UofT) and BA in English (STU). Recent Directing: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Neptune YPCo) Beneath Springhill, Sidewalk Chalk, S.T.O.P, Altar (TNB YOCO) and The SpongeBob Musical, Romeo & Juliet, Rose (TNB Theatre School). Recent Performance: Bluebirds (TNB) and The Company Store (Theatre Baddeck).

MADDIE MAITZEN – Theatre School Manager

Maddie Maitzen (she/her) has been involved with Neptune Theatre School for 5 years, starting as a student and YPCo member before becoming an instructor. She later joined the Theatre School Administration team as a Content Creator, Administrative Assistant, Songs for Seniors Program Coordinator, and Stage Manager. Maddie couldn’t have been more thrilled to take on the role of Theatre School Manager in January 2024! She recently made her Neptune Theatre mainstage debut in the Canadian Regional Premiere of Disney's Frozen. Maddie graduated from the Fountain School of Performing Arts with a Bachelor’s in Music - concentration in vocal performance. She loves performing opera, musical theatre, pop music and has a special interest in songwriting and post-production editing. 

SOPHIE WILCOTT - Outreach Coordinator & Teen Program Director

Sophie Wilcott (they/she) is a Maritime-based, multidisciplinary theatre artist with a dedication to theatre for young audiences. They have collaborated with Neptune Theatre, Theatre Nova Scotia, Prismatic Arts Festival, Atlantic Repertory Company, Theatre New Brunswick, Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, The Unnatural Disaster Theatre Company, The Voice Factory, Symphony New Brunswick, Connection Dance Works, and InterAction School of Performing Arts. In spring of 2023, they received a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Theatre (Acting) and a certificate in Dance & Movement Composition from Dalhousie Fountain School of Performing Arts. Sophie is a recipient of the prestigious Dalhousie Chancellor’s Scholarship (2019-2023), the Fountain School of Performing Arts Undergraduate Scholarship (2019-2023), the Christine Zinck (Theatre) Scholarship (2022), and the Arts New Brunswick Scholarship in (2019 and 2022).

SARA COURTNEY - Summer Camp Director

Sara Courtney (she/they) is a multidisciplinary performer from Ponamogoatitjg (Dartmouth), where she has been working in childcare, arts education for many years. She is a former student of Neptune’s Theatre School and now works as an instructor, administrator and stage manager (and loves it!). Sara has been working in children's theatre for over ten years, directing, choreographing and stage managing youth productions around the HRM. This is Sara’s 9th summer working at Neptune Theatre Camp!

LUCAS ARAB – Education Content Creator & YPCrew Program Leader

Lucas Arab (he/him) considers himself to be a "Professional Make-Believer" with the goal of creating immersive and visually intriguing storytelling spaces for all. He is a scenic designer who is passionate about theatre education for students of all ages. Lucas has designed the sets of many Neptune productions such as Mad Madge, The New Canadian Curling Club, Dear Rita, and four seasons of YPCo including Disney's Newsies and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. He has worked as an associate/assistant designer on Come From Away, Disney's Frozen and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. When Lucas isn’t designing for the stage, he is creating programing and content for Neptune Theatre School. Lucas is also the Regional Producer of the Canadian Improv Games in Nova Scotia. 

ABBY JENKINS

Abby Jenkins (she/they) is so excited to be spending her first summer as a camp counsellor with Neptune Theatre! Abby has been a part of YPCo for a couple of years now and, most recently, has been in YPCo's production of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. She loves to sing, play guitar and act on stage, and she can't wait to have an awesome summer!

ALENA GRANDY

Alena is a recent graduate of Mount Allison University, where she completed Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Music. A passionate performer and teacher, she loves helping young performers build confidence, creativity, and a love for the arts. This fall, she will be teaching at Accents Music Learning Centre, where she is excited to continue sharing her enthusiasm for music and performance with students of all ages.

ALEX MACDONALD

Alex MacDonald (any pronouns) is beyond excited to be returning this summer to teach! Alex has been with the theatre school for many years, starting as a student and moving up to become an instructor. Alex has also taken part in YPCOs Almost Maine and The Prom! Alex cannot wait to meet new faces and see all the returning students! Get ready for a great summer with Alex!!

ANISA SOBHANI

Anisa Sobhani (she/her) is a recent graduate of Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program. Originally from Halifax, Anisa grew up training at Neptune Theatre through their Young Company and Prep Program. She began her teaching journey through Neptune Theatre School's summer camps, and has since taught for companies such as Innovative Arts and The Travelling Stage. Drawing on her years of dedicated training across singing, music, acting, and dance, she brings a deep appreciation for the creative process into the room. Anisa is passionate about creating warm, inclusive rehearsal spaces, fostering curiosity and confidence over perfection, and celebrating each student’s unique artistic voice.

AUDREY YOUNG

Hi, my name is Audrey and I am part of the staff with Neptune Theatre Camp this summer! I have been involved with Neptune Theatre School in many ways over the past few years. I am very excited to be teaching youth and sharing my love of theatre. I hope to encourage campers to have a fun experience and create new memories and friendships.

AVIVA MILLETT

This is Aviva’s 3rd summer teaching with Neptune. Aviva loves all things musical theater, and she is so excited to explore music, acting, crafts and fun with the kids!

BEN WALKER

Ben is happy to be back at Neptune Theatre School summer camps. Ben is an actor who has been involved in both theatre and film productions. Ben has a passion for improv and performing, and has performed with Neptune Theatres YPCO. He’s heading into Screen Arts at NSCC in the fall.

BRÉANN REYNER

Bréann (She/Her) is very excited to be back at Neptune Theatre Camps for her 6th summer! Currently doing her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry, she values her love for theatre and adores sharing the joy with the children she teaches. Bréann loves to teach music as well as dancing and acting, making crafts, playing games and of course  having fun with her students! See you all this summer!

CAROLINE BELL

Caroline Bell is an actor / creator from Saint John, New Brunswick. A graduate of George Brown Theatre School Caroline has turned her classical training into a joyful career performing with theatre companies across the Maritimes including: Atlantic Repertory Company and Theatre New Brunswick in NB, Watermark Theatre on PEI, and Ship’s Company Theatre here in NS. She has toured Canadian productions to Germany, France, and all across her home province. Caroline recently studied new play actor training at the Banff Center for Arts & Creativity and made her feature film debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. As a teacher Caroline is passionate about sharing theatrical skills that inspire creative expression and entertainment as well as help develop self confidence in moving through the world and on the stage. She has taught with Alison Dawn Voice & Music, ARC Academy, and prior to moving to Halifax, toured Elementary Schools in the Anglophone South School District teaching Being Active On Stage workshops.

CHARLOTTE CHADWICK

Charlotte Chadwick is thrilled to be part of the Neptune Theatre camp team! Charlotte has performed in productions including Peter Pan, Newsies, Pinocchio, The Wizard of Oz, Billy Elliot the Musical, and Matilda with organizations such as Neptune Theatre and Shakespeare by the Sea. She has trained extensively in acting, musical theatre, voice, and dance, and loves helping young performers build confidence, creativity, and imagination. Charlotte is excited to share her passion for theatre and storytelling with campers this season!

CONOR POTTIE

Conor is very excited to be teaching your kids this summer. Conor has always had passion for theatre and is so excited to share that love with all your youngins this summer! He can't wait to make crafts and build stories with all your kids this summer. He is ready to have a rockin 'summer! Conor has performed in 6 YPCo shows and other school productions.

DYLAN JACKSON

Dylan Jackson (He/they) is a maritime based Actor, Improviser & Theatre Educator currently living in Ponamogoatitjg, also known as Dartmouth, NS. Having spent many a year in the theatre school as a youth/teen, Dylan feels very at home teaching the next generation of young actors & comedians. He is an alumni of Dalhousie University and attended the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. U.K. How fancy!  "I'd like to dedicate this summer of teaching to my two cats Mimi & Kiki, who I don't see as often as I should."

ELISE BLACKMORE

Elise Blackmore (she/her) is excited for her 1st summer as a Leader at Neptune Theatre. Elise made her YPCo debut in Newsies! Elise is so thrilled to spend her summer at Neptune!  She loves performing musical theatre, and has a special interest in writing plays and directing! She has written and produced two shows!

ELLA HAEFELE

Ella Haefele (she/her) is an emerging actor, creator and singer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Ella is part of the 2026 graduating class from Dalhousie University's Acting Program. She has been part of multiple shows with DalTheatre, including Mese Mariano, a devised production, Learning Curve, Everybody and The Odyssey. Ella has also produced many shows for the Dalhousie Theatre Society. She most recently worked as a Production Apprentice on Katerina Bakolias ' The Ghost of Violet Shaw at the Neptune. Ella strives to make theatre a safe space for everyone, no matter their experience level! She is so excited to join the team and hopes to be a supportive and welcoming voice in the theatre community, whether it is your first time at camp or your tenth.

GABRIELLE THERRIEN

Gabrielle (Gibby) Therrien (she/they/he), is a local professional actor and arts educator. Gibby is so excited to return for their third year teaching at Neptune! They strive to create educational spaces for anyone and everyone to feel empowered to create. She hopes students will have fun, make friends, and leave having learned something new!

JAMES ERSIL

James Ersil (they/them) is a theatre maker, educator, and big dreamer who is excited for a new summer with Neptune Theatre. They have most recently graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Education, and among other exciting things will be starting as a music teacher in the fall! Passionate about hands-on inclusive learning, they are thrilled to go into this new summer with fresh ideas and to make some theatre magic.

JORDAN ANGEVINE

Jordan Angevine (they/them) is ecstatic to be returning to Neptune’s Theatre School camps this summer! In their youth, Jordan also partook in Theatre School camps and is also a proud graduate of Neptune’s YPCo program after 4 years of performances. Outside of theatre, Jordan can be found creating art, cycling, playing D&D or helping out at the library.

KATIE FAUCETT

Katie is a recent grad of Acadia University, and will be attending MSVU for education in September. She was a part of Neptune Theatre’s YPCo when in high school, and was a professional dancer with the Amethyst Scottish Dancers of Nova Scotia for five years.

LIAM CONNOLLY

Hello! My name is Liam and I’m so excited for camp this summer! I have attended two Neptune camps and was in YPCo’s productions of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein and Disney’s Newsies. Outside of theatre I like to figure skate, dance, and watch movies. I cant wait to meet you all!  

LYLA EMERY

Hi, my name is Lyla Emery! I’m 15 years old and a performer and student at Neptune Theatre. I’ve been in numerous shows such as “Newsies” as Race, and “The Prom” as Ensemble for Neptune YPCo, and “Disney’s Frozen” as Young Elsa on the main stage. In my free time I love to play softball, go swimming, dance, and spend time with my friends. I look forward to working at Neptune this summer, and helping campers learn new things, make friends and have so much fun!

MJ MASSEY

Hello! My name is MJ Massey. I began Neptune Theatre camps when I was 10 years old and I absolutely fell in love with musical theatre and acting. A few years later, I auditioned for YPCO and found even more love for the craft. Performing brings a sense of belonging, imagination, teamwork and many more brilliant skills that shaped me into the person I am! I can’t wait to help kids find their own inner spark through performing.

NOAH WINDOVER

Noah Windover (He/Him) is thrilled for his first summer as a Half-Day Leader/Assistant Instructor with Neptune Theatre. Noah recently made his YPCo debut performing in their production of Disney's Newsies playing the role of Romeo. Noah has also recently done the Leader In Training program at Neptune's march break camps! Noah has performed in other productions before such as his High schools productions of Cinderella and Legally Blonde, Unicorn theatre's Finding Nemo Jr, and some student plays! Noah also has experience in the technical side of theatre, being the Production Tech Director at his high school. In his off time, Noah likes to run, play the drums, and listen to music.

RYLAN HISLOP

Rylan Hislop is a young performer from Nova Scotia with a passion for music and theatre. He plays piano and saxophone and has trained in voice and musical theatre performance. Rylan has appeared in three productions with Neptune Theatre’s YPCo program, including The Prom, Heathers: Teen Edition, and Newsies.

SARAH MACINISS

Sarah MacInnis (she/her) is excited to be returning to the Neptune Summer Camp team this year. She has participated in community and school theatre as well as Neptune camps and workshops. She most recently performed in DalOpera’s production of Little Women. Sarah will be returning to Dalhousie University to continue her degree in voice. Sarah looks forward to once again sharing her love of drama and musical theatre through teaching this summer!

SCARLETT REYNOLDS

Scarlett Reynolds (she/they) is so excited for her 1st summer with Neptune’s Theatre School!  Scarlett is so grateful to have been involved with Neptune Theatre through YPCo for the past two years! She has worked with The Studio at SBTS, and trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for 4 years. Scarlett is passionate about helping young performers build confidence, get creative, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment.  She can’t wait to share her love of theatre with campers this summer!

SOLÈNE GADBOIS

Hello! My name is Solène Gadbois. I first joined Neptune’s Theatre community as a child at a summer camp. I have been a part of four Ypco shows. Neptune is such a positive and supportive place and a great space to learn. I just finished my second year in a Musical Theatre program at St. Lawrence College and I am so excited to share my love for theatre with all of you! See you at camp!

SOPHIE NADEAU

Sophie Nadeau (she/her) is an improviser, content creator and all around human who loves to share her passion for theatre and exploration. Sophie created Spontaneity Improv Co. in 2022 and has been running improv classes, workshops, and producing shows all year round! She has been a player, volunteer, coach and instructor with the Canadian Improv Games the last 12 years and has performed improv with Saint John’s Improvisation Corporation and HRM’s Make Em’ Ups. Sophie has taught improv classes with Neptune Theatre School for the last 8 years, teaching students from youth to adult. She has coached improv teams and led improv workshops and classes with the HRCE. Sophie has 15 years of dance training in tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre. Sophie is a graduate of the Screen Arts film program at NSCC and loves making digital content. She has performed theatre with Kennebecasis Valley High School, KV Players and Saint John Theatre Company and has written and produced 8 original Fringe Festival shows. Sophie is very excited to be encouraging young performers to be everything they want to be! Her favourite type of dog is all of them and her favourite Summer Blizzard®️ Flavour is Cotton Candy.

SZERAFINA PANACCI-MACCALLUM

Hi! My name is Szerafina, I am a youth actor here at Neptune, and this is my first year leading though I’ve enjoyed camps here for many years. I love singing and everything about the performing arts, and I am so excited to meet new people and have fun this summer!

TENNESSEE TOOMBS

Tennessee Toombs is a musical theatre instructor and performer who has been a member of Neptune Theatre’s Youth Performance Company (YPCo) for the last four years. He is passionate about art, and focused on helping campers discover the magic of theatre.

ZYA LANGDON

Zya Quarmyne-Langdon (she/her) is a theatre performer and instructor from Kjipuktuk (Halifax). Zya has trained at various programs across the HRM, including Neptune Theatre’s YPCO, Shakespeare by the Sea’s Youth Company, and more, as a dancer, singer, and actor. In her spare time, she loves to dance, sing and hang out with her dog!