Meet the Team

LAURA CASWELL - Director of Education

Laura (she/her) has been a part of Neptune for over a decade, playing various roles on stage (including 5 witches!) as well as a director and choreographer. Laura trained in Musical Theatre in New York City and London, England earning a Masters in Performance through the University of East Anglia. She has also trained extensively in improv, puppetry, voice work, singing, dance, acting, and film and television. Laura has worked as an artist and educator at theatres all over the country.

Working as a teacher in all forms of performance of all levels led to Laura taking over the role of Director of Education at Neptune. She is excited to be sharing yet another summer with her incredible staff and wonderful students!

MADDIE MAITZEN - Theatre School Manager

Maddie (she/her) has worked at Neptune Theatre School for over 4 years as an instructor, content creator, administrator, stage manager, and Songs for Seniors coordinator. She is thrilled to take on the role of Theatre School Manager. Maddie is a graduate of vocal performance at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, at Dalhousie University. She has studied opera but she also enjoys singing musical theatre and pop music. Maddie is an amateur song writer and has spent time composing songs for a new musical that was workshopped at Neptune Theatre in August 2021. Maddie is interested in post-production editing and she directed, produced, and edited a full-length virtual musical during the first few months of the pandemic.

JULIA TOPPLE - Theatre School Administration

Julia (she/her) is a local performer who has worked for the Neptune Theatre School since 2009. Julia has worked in just about every department at Neptune, and most recently debuted as a director of Neptune YPCo's The SpongeBob Musical.

Julia is thrilled to announce she will be attending Dalhousie University's Law program in the fall. She has loved her time with the Neptune Theatre School, and will continue to work with the education department as long as they'll have her! She could not imagine a more magical place to learn and grow as an artist and as a person than at the Neptune Theatre School. She is constantly inspried by the generous love, support, and magic the incredible staff, students, and parents share during each and every program. You're all incredible!

AMANDA BURNETT - Camp Director

Amanda is excited to be taking on the role of camp director this summer. She is also currently an elementary public school teacher with 24 years of experience. A dedicated Neptune Theatre School mom, Amanda is looking forward to having fun with the next generation of theatre artists! 

LUCAS ARAB - Education Content Creator

Lucas considers himself to be a “Professional Make-Believer” with the goal of creating immersive and visually intriguing storytelling spaces for all. He is a graduating Stage Design & Technical Theatre student at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, at Dalhousie University. Lucas has worked with Neptune Theatre, Atlantic Canada's largest professional theatre, for five years as an instructor, digital content creator, and designer. He has designed two Neptune YPCo proudtcions, The SpongeBob Musical and Little Women. In his spare time, Lucas is taking audiences behind the scenes on social media or coaching his high school competitive improv team. 

HARMONY ADESOLA - Content Creator

Harmony (he/him) is finishing his studies at Dalhousie University. He has been working in the film industry for years, creating numerous music videos and short docs with his work showcased on numerous social media venues, including his own YouTube channel. He is a filmmaker, actor, and musician, with aspirations to build his craft in order to be a successful artist working in the Nove Scotia Film & Music Industry. He was most recently nominated for the 2023 ECMA for Video Director of the Year.

EMMA DAVIDSON - Instructor & Camp Director (Teen Programming)

Emma Davidson (she/her) is a 21-year-old Music Theatre Performance student entering the final year of her degree at Sheridan College. She began her training at Neptune 15 years ago, and has since partaken in 3 of Neptune's YPCo shows (Les Misérables, Frozen Jr., & The Hobbit) and studied with Neptune's Prep Program. She is thrilled to be assisting with the camps that taught her so much about her passion!

NOAH TRAN - Instructor

Noah Tran (he/him) is a multidisciplinary performer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has trained in the arts for the past ten years and spends his time creating, performing, and teaching through music and theatre. Noah has worked with the Neptune Theatre School as a student, actor, and instructor, performing with the Youth Performance Company as well as teaching summer camps and seasonal classes for youth. Select credits include Little Women, Frozen Jr.,The Hobbit (Neptune Theatre School). He recently appeared in Neptune Theatre’s holiday production Elf the Musical.

SARA COURTNEY - Instructor & Assistant Camp Director

Sara Courtney (she/they) is a multidisciplinary performer from Ponamogoatitjg (Dartmouth), where she works primarily in childcare. Sara is a former student of Neptune’s Theatre School and now works as an instructor (and loves it!). Sara has been working in children's theatre for over five years, directing, choreographing and stage managing youth productions around the HRM. In their spare time she loves painting, baking and doing fun crafts!

SARAH SMITH - Instructor & Assistant Camp Director

Sarah Smith (she/her) is a multidisciplinary theatre artist and musician based in Halifax (Kjipuktuk). A former YPCo student, Sarah has been teaching at Neptune Theatre School for five years. Sarah has a BFA in Theatre from Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Certificate in Musical Theatre from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She is also trained in classical violin and fiddle, and both modern and Highland dance. Sarah has worked with a variety of theatre companies throughout the maritimes, including Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, Terra Novella, Whale Song Theatre, Theatre Perimetric, and Beyond the Overpass. She also wrote and directed her first play, VomBoss for the 2021 Halifax Fringe Festival, which won an audience choice award. When not working in theatre, Sarah can be found hanging out with her handsome dog, Rupert.

SAFFRON HYDE - Instructor

Saffron Hyde (she/her) is overjoyed to be a part of the Neptune Summer Camp team once more! Saffron has taken many classes at Neptune, and has also performed on stage in many of Neptune's YPCo shows. This fall, Saffron will be continuing her studies in Musical Theatre at Sheridan College. Overall, Saffron loves theatre and cannot wait to share this passion with everyone at camp this summer!

ALEX MACDONALD - Instructor

Alex (He/They) is so excited to be back teaching with Neptune this summer! Alex has been taking Neptune classes since he was very young, and has been working with the Theatre School for a few years. When Alex isn't teaching or volunteering with Neptune, they enjoy singing, swimming, and hanging out with friends. Alex can't wait to meet everyone and teach all summer!

TAYA MILLER - Instructor

Taya (she/her) is very excited to be working as an assistant with the teen camps this summer. Taya is a student in the Bachelor of Arts program at Saint Mary's University, with the goal of becoming a teacher. Taya has attended numerous camps and classes at Neptune. She was a member of YPCo and performed in Neptune's production of Frozen. Taya was also involved with musical theatre at Citadel High. Taya is looking forward to spending the summer at Neptune!

AMELIA PENNEY-CROCKER - Instructor

Amelia Penney-Crocker (she/her) is an artist and student from Halifax, NS. She grew up attending Neptune camps and is overjoyed to be returning as a staff member. Amelia has done the YPCo boot camp and performed in YPCo's The Hobbit and Little Women. She also has done four shows with Shakespeare by the Sea's young company. Amelia enjoys writing, reading and filmmaking and it looking forward to an exciting summer!

EMMA GOLDEN- Instructor

Emma Golden (she/her) is a Neptune Theatre School alumna and is excited to return back to Neptune this summer. Emma is currently completing her 'Honours Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre Performance' at Sheridan College, and is thrilled to spend the next couple months with the students of Neptune Theatre School. Emma is a cat lover, knows every Taylor Swift song, and loves to sing. Most importantly, she is ​dedicated to fostering a brave, compassionate, and creative environment where every student feels like they can shoot for the stars!

EMMA TOOPE - Instructor

Emma is thrilled to be returning as a camp instructor for 2023. She has been a member of YPCo since 2017 and is excited to share her love for theatre with a new generation.

DANIEL NWOBI - Instructor

Daniel (he/him) has just completed his third year at the Fountain School's Acting Program. He strives for versatility in his craft and encourages the revealing of authentic emotion and vulnerability in performances. Most recently, he featured in an episode of Trailer Park Boys, and prior to that, he appeared in the FSPA devised production, Not Now, Not Yet. Born with a deep love for drama and improvisation, he aims to share this experience through his performances and his journey through education.

CHLOE DIONNE - Instructor

Chloé Dionne (she/her) has just graduated from her Bachelor of Music degree with concentration in vocal performance at Dalhousie University. Chloé is passionate about singing in many genres such as opera, pop, and musical theater. She also loves writing her own songs and composing for strings. Recently, she participated in a music production workshop with Nova Scotian artist and producer Erin Costelo in which she performed and workshopped her own song along with a band. In the fall, Chloé will be going to the University of Toronto to complete her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance. She is excited to share her love of music and singing this summer at Neptune!

KAITLYN THOMPKINS - Instructor

Kaitlyn Thompkins (She/her) has just finished her second year at Dalhousie completing a Bachelor of science in Biochemistry while also enrolled in their Acting program. This is Kaitlyn's first summer with Neptune but she has been working alongside them as a teaching assistant and door monitor. In high school she taught theatre camps at her local theatre (Centre Stage) and is very excited to be joining the Neptune Theatre school team!

HERMIONE DAVIS - Instructor

Hermione Davis (she/her) is a theatrical and musical artist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In the past year, she has released some of their original music as an independent musical project called Here Lies Herm, has performed improv and other comedy with Spontaneity Improv Co., and performed as Shirley-Anne Gallant in Grafton Street Dinner Theatre’s Back to the East Coast (running until July 29th). As an educator, Hermione has taught Neptune Theatre school classes for the Summers of 2021, 2022, and is returning for the Summer of 2023. For upcoming projects, you can find them on @hermionetamlin on Instagram.

JARA CHISHOLM - Instructor

Jara (she/her) is an artist and performer originally from St. John's Newfoundland, where she foud her love for theatre going to camps and classes there. After moving to Halifax, Jara quickly found her community at Neptune, and was a part of last year's YPCo show Little Women! She has previously taught as an assistant instructor during March Break and PD Day Camps at Neptune, and is overjoyed to be back this summer!

ALENA GRANDY - Instructor

Alena Grandy (she/her) is a Bachelor of Music student at Mount Allison University who is passionate about musical theatre. She has been involved with theatre her whole life and has choreographed several shows. She is so excited to be joining the Neptune Theatre Summer Camp staff this summer!

SARAH MACINNIS - Instructor

Sarah MacInnis (she/her) is excited to be joining 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 Cobequid Educational Centre’s production of Footloose and was a vocal coach for Bible Hill Junior High’s musical production. Sarah will be studying theatre at Dalhousie University in the fall and looks forward to sharing her love of theatre and musical theatre through teaching this summer.

NETANYA BACKHOUSE - Instructor

Netanya Backhouse (she/her) is an accomplished theatre instructor and choreographer, and is excited to bring her extensive theatre and acting experience to Neptune Theatre School fpr the first time. With a background in film, television, and stage productions, Netanya has honed her skills in various roles and genres, showcasing her versatility and passion for the craft. Her theatre credits include standout performances as Medda Larkin in "Newsies," and Martha Dunnstock in "Heathers," among others. Netanya has received training in voice, improv, and musical theatre from reputable institutions and instructors around Nova Scotia. In addition to her acting prowess, she has excelled as a choreographer, choreographing for multiple performances and productions over the past five years. Netanya's ability to collaborate with actors of all skill levels and create engaging routines and workshops that highlight their strengths has been consistently demonstrated throughout her career. With her exceptional talent and dedication, she is excited to inspire and guide aspiring actors at Neptune Theatre School.