Meet Our Instructors


Our team of passionate and experienced instructors brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a love for teaching to every class. Each instructor is dedicated to guiding students on their creative journeys, whether they're taking their first steps on stage or refining advanced skills. With backgroungs in acting, dance, music, and beyond, our instructors are here to inspire, challenge, and support students at every level. Get to know the talented professionals who make our programs come alive.

 
 
 

David P. Smith

Director of Education

For over 20 years, David has worked in theater education all over Utah, receiving awards from Timpanogos Arts Foundation, Utah Theatre Association, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and Best of State. During that time, David helped to build Youth Theater programs at Westridge Elementary School, American Fork Youth Theater (now known as Timpanogos Youth Theater), and the Hale Academy for the Performing Arts and Education at Hale Center Theater Orem (now known as The Ruth). David holds a Bachelors of Music from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Media Music Studies and Contemporary Voice. David also composes music for both film and theater, including music and lyrics for the animated films The Swan Princess: A Fairytale is Born and The Swan Princess: Far Longer Than Forever. Other writing credits include Theater for Young Audience productions of Peter Pan's Great Adventure, Little Red, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, as well as Blink, a new full-length musical. David is also the creator and writer of Hale Centre Theatre's "troupe-in-a-trunk" and outreach program, The Story Weavers. David also acts as Associate Resident Director of HCT, directing such productions as My Son Pinocchio, School of Rock, Newsies, May We All, and Little Women. Other performance credits at HCT include Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Buddy in Elf the Musical, Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain, Caractcus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bert in Mary Poppins, Georg Nowack in She Loves Me, Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, and Jervis Pendleton in Daddy Long Legs.
 

 
 

Tianna Maxwell

Education Administrative Assistant

Tianna is excited to be working in the Education Department at Hale Centre Theatre. She has been involved in the theatrical arts since she was a young child and has been performing professionally for 6 years. Theatre for young audiences is one of her favorite types of performing and is currently involved in HCT’s educational outreach program called Story Weavers. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Utah Valley University. She has recently been seen on HCT’s stage in the productions of Singin’ in the Rain, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Les Miserables, Tarzan, and Seussical. Other credits include: HCTO - Newsies, Anything Goes, and The Little Mermaid; UVU: Legally Blonde, A Year with Frog and Toad, and 9 to 5. She has also worked at Walt Disney World as a character performer.
 
 

Education Staff

 
 

Ashley Carlson


Ashley is thrilled to be teaching tap for HCT. Her teaching experience goes back 20 years when she began teaching for Stars National Dance Team when she was 18. Not only does she currently teach privates, but she has taught at both Westminster College and UVU, as well as choreographs musical productions for theatres like HCTO, the Grand, Centerpoint and was resident choreographer for Bonneville High School for 10 years. She also has performed as an actor for HCT since 2002 off and on, most currently in Chitty, as her 27th show for them.

 
 

Bailee Morris


Bailee Morris has been teaching people of all ages to find THEIR voice for over 10 years since Graduating from BYU in the Music Dance Theater program. While there, she performed with the Young Ambassadors for 3 years traveling to Australia, Norway, Finland , Sweden, Cambodia, Thailand, and all over the US. Bailee has a passion for helping students find the confidence they need to audition and perform in all capacities. Specializing in Mix/Belt and Musical Theater Classical styles, Bailee teaches in the Contemporary Music and Music Dance Theater Department at Brigham Young University and in the Commercial Music Major at Utah Valley University. Bailee also sees students in her home studio where she helps students prepare for auditions all over Utah and elsewhere. Bailee is an actor who has been seen many times right here at Hale Centre Theatre. Some favorites include Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting, Katharine in Freaky Friday, Glinda the Good witch in Wizard of Oz, Mayzie in Seussical the Musical and her most recent role  as Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock. Bailee is the mother of 3 girls and wife to the best man on the planet- Taylor. She is thrilled to be a part of the Educational team here at HCT and can't wait to see the performers' growth as they progress through the programs offered!

 
 

Brittni Smith


Brittni has dabbled in all aspects of theater, including directing, house management, makeup artistry, production design, choreography, and performing, but her favorite is working with amazing youth performers. She has now directed more than 75 youth productions, and is learning new things every day. Brittni runs the successful drama program at Mountain Ridge Junior High, and recently earned the “Alpine School District Accent on Excellence Award” for excellence in teaching. Recent directing credits at HCT include “Frozen, Kids Edition,” “Finding Nemo, Junior Edition,” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” She is also a mom of three incredible kids.

 
 

Courtney McMullin


With a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from SUU and over 20 years of performance experience, Courtney is thrilled to join the Education Department at HCT. She strives to help aspiring performers discover and develop their unique voices through a holistic connection of mind, body, and creative spirit. Grounded in mask resonance and low-body support, her teaching focuses on integrating vocal technique with acting skills to cultivate well-rounded performers who connect deeply — not only with their characters but also with the world around them.

Some of her favorite credits include: Waitress (Francine, Jenna Understudy) with Pioneer Theatre Company; The Merchant of Venice (Vocalist, Ensemble), Othello (Emilia Understudy) with The Utah Shakespeare Festival; A Christmas Carol (Octet) with The Hale Center Theatre; Xanadu (Kira) with Iron Stage Theatrical; Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), Heathers (Heather Chandler), and The Spitfire Grill (Shelby Thorpe) with SUU.

 
 

Dale Hoopes


Dale Hoopes caught the musical theatre bug when he was cast as the title character in his 3rd grade production of Johnny Appleseed. He’s been a theatre kid ever since!!

With just over 15 years of professional experience in both performance and education, Dale holds an AFA in Musical Theatre Performance & Education from Western Wyoming Community College and a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Wyoming. His professional credits include performances with Starlight Mountain Theatre, Brigham’s Playhouse, and Hale Centre Theatre, appearing in productions such as The Addams Family, Elf The Musical, Hello, Dolly!, Singin’ in the Rain, Guys & Dolls, Mary Poppins, Crazy for You, Daddy Long Legs, She Loves Me, Murder for Two, and more.

As an educator, Dale has worked as choreographer for The Lehi Children’s Choir, artistic director for The Brigham’s Playhouse Singers, Director of Education and Outreach for Starlight Mountain Theatre Summer Youth Theatre, and instructor of odance at Lava Heights Academy.

Dale is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the youth of Utah, as they discover and develop their own theatrical craft.

 
 

Dave Tinney


Dave Tinney joined the Hale Centre Theatre full time in 2015 as Associate Artistic Director/Director of Education. Before coming to the Hale, he served for nine years as Artist in Residence in the Theatre Arts Department at Utah Valley University. In 2014 he received both the regional and national Outstanding Director of a Musical award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington D.C. He also taught for six years at Brigham Young University in the Music Dance Theatre program. While living in New York City, he toured as technical director with the Alwin Nikolais/Murray Louis dance company. Since returning to Utah, he has directed productions for Hale Centre Theatre, BYU, UVU, Sundance Summer Theatre, Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts, Hale Center Theater Orem, ASCAP Musical Theatre workshop in NY, and K.C.A.C T.F. Among his favorites are the regional premier of Boublil and Schoenberg’s The Pirate Queen for HCT, and 110 in the Shade starring Audra McDonald and Will Swenson for HCT Orem. A native of Rochester New York, Dave is happy to now call Utah his home.

 
 

DeLayne Dayton


DeLayne loves performing, directing, and music directing at our wonderful local theaters, HCT, HCTO, Scera, Sundance, and UVU. Favorite performing credits include: M'Lynn, Steel Magnolias;   Amy Hardcastle, One For the Pot; Miss Hannigan, Annie;  Dotty, Noises Off;  The Chaperone, The Drowsy Chaperone;  Mrs. Meers, Thoroughly Modern Millie;  Favorite Director and Music Director credits include: A Christmas Story, James & the Giant Peach, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Matilda, Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Sister Act, West Side Story.

DeLayne is a BYU graduate with a degree in Music and Family Science.  She loves her work with kids as Director/Instructor at Utah COPA and other youth programs. Her favorite role is wife and mom of 6 wonderful kids.

 
 

Elisse Shell


Elisse Shell-Morin is the owner and director of Classical Ballet Conservatory in West Jordan, and also co-owns a Disney Parade company called Epic Dance Tours. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Ballet and Modern Dance from Brigham Young University and was a member of their professional touring company, Theatre Ballet.

Shortly after graduating from BYU, Elisse was awarded a choreographic residency at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. After a chilly summer in San Francisco, she pursued her Master of Fine Arts in ballet with an emphasis on teaching and choreography from the University of Utah. During her time at the University, she served as an assistant professor, teaching both beginning and advanced ballet, pointe, character dance, and modern at the university.

Elisse has performed in eight shows at the Hale. Her favorite productions include Mary Poppins and Cinderella, which reflects her deep love for Disney.

Elisse has choreographed and taught all over the Wasatch front, including as an adjunct professor at BYU. She is also the Resident Choreographer for Mountain West Ballet. Her choreography is featured in three parades annually at Disneyland, through her parade company, Epic Dance Tours. Past works include The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Show, Utah Opera, Utah Ballet, Youth America Grand Prix, Universal Ballet Competition.

 
 

Greg Harrison


Greg Harrison loves helping singers discover the magic in their voices. Since 2014, he has created a fun, supportive environment where students can explore new sounds without judgment. Combining precise technical knowledge from his classical training with contemporary vocal approaches, Greg helps singers develop reliable skills they can trust - whether they're performing in school musicals, preparing for college auditions, or singing just for fun.

At Hale Centre Theatre Sandy, he has performed as Oberon in Maury Yeston's "Phantom," George Widener in "Titanic," and Yussel in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Additional roles include Cogsworth and Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast," The Man in the Yellow Suit in "Tuck Everlasting," Diesel in "West Side Story," and Ensemble in “Sweeney Todd.” 

Greg's classical training includes leading roles with the University of Utah Opera Program as Nemorino in "L'Elisir D'amore" and Ramiro in "La Cenerentola." He has also performed with Utah Opera in productions of "La Boheme," "Carmen," and "Moby Dick."

"You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love." ―Jim Carrey

 
 

Haley Wawro


Haley is thrilled to be teaching at The Hale! She currently serves as the Director of Education for the nonprofit One Voice Children and is also an adjunct faculty member at Utah Valley University, where she teaches private voice in their musical theatre program. Haley holds a BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University and an MFA in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. While she teaches a wide range of vocal styles, her passion lies in exploring contemporary musical theatre and pop music.

 
 

Janae Klumpp


Janae is a professional singer based out of Northern Utah. She’s most known for her work with BYU Noteworthy, who she performed with for three years. Janae has performed for Jay Leno, The Today Show, in Canada, Japan, and across the country. In 2017, she was nominated for best female collegiate soloist for her work with noteworthy, which she won runner up for. She’s recorded for and performed with Natalie Weiss, Joey Contreras, EFY, Hilary Weeks, The Forgotten Carols, Michael McLean, and several movies.


 
 

Jane Jackson


Jane Jackson is thrilled to be teaching at Circus Camp this year! She has over a decade of teaching experience, including 8 years as a high school dance teacher at Herriman High School and 2 years at South Jordan Middle School. During her time at Herriman, she coached both the ballroom team and the dance company, guiding students in artistry, performance, teamwork, and personal growth.

Alongside teaching, Jane has performed in a variety of experiences in the dance and theater community. After earning her BA in Dance from BYU–Idaho, she danced with several small start-up companies before performing at Hale Centre Theatre as an aerialist and ensemble member from 2018–2024. Her credits there include The Wizard of Oz, Seussical, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid, and Around the World in 80 Days.

Jane has taught a wide range of ages in studios and schools—from young children to teens and adults—and currently works as the Recreation Program Manager at Aerobatics Performing Arts Gym, where she supports youth in developing artistry, athleticism, and confidence. She is passionate about blending dance, circus arts, and expression to create meaningful learning experiences for young performers.

 
 

Joni Newman


Joni has loved theatre since before she knew what it was, and spent most of her early childhood acting out her favorite stories in the living room for her family until her parents finally had no choice but to enroll her in acting classes. She has long believed in the power of storytelling and is thrilled to help share and foster that love in young performers. Joni has a broad range of experience in the arts and in education, and has worked as actor, director, and dramaturg in productions across the United States. She earned her MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences at the University of Central Florida and her BA in English Education at Brigham Young University. In addition to her work on stage, Joni also writes for Utah Theatre Bloggers as a reviewer and sings with the Amavi Chorale at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Some of her favorite roles have included Cinderella (Into the Woods), Catherine Simms (The Foreigner), Shelby (Steel Magnolias), Sister Leo (Nunsense), Fairy May (The Curious Savage), and Marian Paroo (The Music Man).

 
 

Jordyn Durfey


Jordyn has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Southern Utah University; she is a BAST trained singing teacher and a licensed Kindermusik Instructor. Some of her other favorite projects include: Tale of Two Cities (swing and Assistant Director) at WVA. Bright Star (Alice Murphy) and 9 to 5 (Doralee) at the Zig; The Magician’s Elephant (Gloria), Christmas Carol (Belle) and The Light in the Piazza at HCT; The Spitfire Grill (Percy), RENT (Maureen), and Heathers the Musical at SUU; Pride and Prejudice (Jane) at West Works Theatre; Noises Off (Poppy) at Simon Fest; South Pacific, Amadeus, and Charlie’s Aunt at The Utah Shakespeare Festival.

She spends almost everyday singing her heart out with her voice students or to her dogs, and is passionate about participating in local and international humanitarian work.

 
 

Josh Durfey


Josh Durfey is a passionate and skilled actor, director, and educator with over a decade of experience in the performing arts. Having begun his professional journey at Hale Centre Theatre in 2010. Then studied for a Bachelors in Fine Arts, emphasis in Classical Acting from Southern Utah University. Josh has since built a multifaceted career grounded in creativity, dedication, and technique. His expertise spans a wide array of theatrical skills, from dramaturgy and character analysis to dialect coaching and stage combat.

As a private acting coach, Josh leverages his diverse skill set and hands-on experience in education to guide aspiring performers; helping them develop their skills in Shakespeare, movement, stage combat, voice & dialect, scene work, and audition preparation. His commitment to fostering a supportive, collaborative, and fun learning environment makes him a sought-after mentor dedicated to helping his clients achieve their fullest potential.

 
 

Karlie Dodds


Karlie Dodds has trained and performed for over three decades across Utah, Los Angeles, and New York City. Her background includes jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, modern, hip hop, and musical theatre, with additional training at Broadway Dance Center, the Alvin Ailey studios in NYC, and with Expansion Dance Company under Bonnie Story (High School Musical).

She began her dance journey in the Stars Dance Program before continuing her training at Synergy Dance Academy, Janet Gray Studios, and Ballet West. Karlie was a two-time 5A State Champion as a member of the Bingham High School Minerettes Drill Team and later earned a minor in Modern Dance from the University of Utah.

In addition to teaching at competitive and performance-based studios throughout Utah, she has choreographed high school theatre productions and pageant performances. Karlie is passionate about helping young performers grow in confidence and tell meaningful stories through movement and is honored to be part of Hale Centre Theatre’s youth education program.

 
 

Lindsey Smith


Lindsey D. Smith graduated from the University of Utah with her BFA in Modern Dance and has worked as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher ever since! She spent 5 seasons as a Radio City Rockette and has performed all around the country. At Walt Disney World, she was a performer, a choreographer for Disney Event Group, and a choreographer/teaching artist for Disney Performing Arts.  Lindsey is a versatile artist and enjoys pushing students to be adaptable to all styles of choreography. In the corporate world, Lindsey worked with many clients including: Walmart, Sherwin Williams, IAAPA, Farmer's Insurance, and Chick Fil-A to name a few. Theatrical choreography credits include: Hale Centre Theatre (UT), Silver Dollar City (MO), The Orlando Rep (FL), the Garden Theatre (FL) and the Orlando Fringe Festival.

 
 

Melinda DeBirk


Melinda has been on directing teams for educational theater in California and Utah and loves working with youth! Along with being a working actress and singer at venues like Tuacahn, Hale Centre Theatre, and Abravanel Hall, she currently teaches voice from her home and at Utah COPA. She graduated with a degree in Theater Arts from BYU. She lives in American Fork with her husband, 3 daughters, and dog!

 
 

Ryan Simmons


Ryan is a Resident Director at the Hale Centre Theatre recently helming our productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello, Dolly!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, One for the Pot, and The Play That Goes Wrong. As a familiar performer on our stages, his HCT credits include The Cat in the Hat (Seussical), Passepartout (Around the World in 80 Days), Mr. Wormwood (Matilda The Musical), Lumiere (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), and the titular role in The Nerd in both our 2016 and 2006 productions. He has served as an adjunct professor in the Theatre Department at both Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University. 

 
 

Spencer Lawson


Spencer S. Lawson began dancing at age 8 when he took his first tap class. He was hooked!  He continued his training, focusing on Standard and Latin Ballroom, Jazz, Ballet and Tap with Janet Gray Studios and The Dance Centre. Spencer attended The Hartt School at the University of Hartford where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.

Working as a professional performer for 8+ years in across the country and in New York City., some of his favorite credits include: Off-Broadway: Anything Goes! Regional: White Christmas (Ogunquit Playhouse), 42nd Street (NH Theatre Award for Best Actor as Billy Lawlor), A Christmas Carol (Hartford Stage), ZM: A Zombie Musical (Goodspeed Opera House), Mamma Mia (Arrow Rock Lyceum), and Young Frankenstein (Theatre by the Sea)

Spencer returned home to Utah in 2020 and received his MBA from SUU. He is a published Baker and Food Blogger, Dance Teacher, and serves on the board for the Salt Lake City Cultural Core. He now works in Advertising as a Senior Strategist and performs with Hale Centre Theatre, recently seen in The Addams Family, Fiddler on the Roof, Elf the Musical, Titanic, and Singin' in the Rain.

 
 

Suzy Cropper


Originally from Citrus Heights, California, Suzy is an experienced performer, musical director, and director. As a performer, Suzy has sung the national anthem at NBA games and was the first place winner in the California State Talent competition. Suzy performed with the BYU Young Ambassadors, at Lagoon in the Main Stage Show, and at Opryland’s Fiesta Texas. Suzy has worked as a professional studio vocalist, and is currently a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

She was the founder and director of Main Stage Academy in Windham Maine, a musical theatre training center for young performers, where she taught and led students on performing tours to Boston, New York, and Florida. Suzy also worked with children and teens as a musical director or director in many local theatre productions. Some of her favorites include Mary Poppins, Singin’ in the Rain, Frozen, Shrek, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King, and Into the Woods.

As a private vocal instructor for over 25 years, Suzy has worked with hundreds of students, including young artists who have gone on to perform on Broadway and in national touring casts. She holds a BFA in Music Dance Theatre from BYU and a Master’s Certificate in Vocology from Lamar University.

Suzy and her husband Bryce are the parents of 5 children and recently relocated to Utah after living in Maine for 20 years. She is thrilled to be part of the Hale Center Theater team, where she continues her mission of empowering young performers to gain confidence, develop their craft, and build lifelong friendships.

Besides being a Broadway nerd, Suzy loves chocolate, smelling flowers, jet skiing, and Disney magic.

 
 

Tanner DeHaan


Tanner has a BA in Choral Music Education from the University of Utah. He is currently the choir director at West Jordan Middle School and principal accompanist for the Utah Voices. Tanner has studied singing and piano since he was young and especially enjoys collaborating with other artists. You may have recently seen him in Hale Centre Theatre’s production of School of Rock. Other show credits include Always Patsy Cline, Daddy Long Legs, Bright Star, Tuck Everlasting, and Forever Plaid. In 2015 Tanner traveled to France with the University of Utah Chamber Choir where the choir received first prize in the Florilége Vocal de Tours competition. He is happily married to Elizabeth. Together they have two beautiful daughters.

 
 

Tanner Summens


Tanner holds a BFA from Utah Valley University in Musical Theatre Performance. He has worked as an educator in the arts for the past eight years, teaching a variety of dance, voice, and acting. He believes that anyone and everyone is capable of performing and has a place within the arts. Choreography Credits include: Disney’s Descendants, The Little Mermaid, Newsies Jr. Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Seussical Jr. Music Direction Credits include: Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story, Frozen jr. As a performer, Tanner has worked throughout the state at Hale Centre Theatre, The Ruth, West Valley Arts, Sundance, and internationally for Disney Entertainment.

 
 

Zac Zumbrunnen


Zac is excited to be a part of Hale Centre Theatre’s education program, having been performing for HCT for nearly 25 years. Zac holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Education from the University of Utah, and has been teaching drama for 20 years - first for the Park City School District and currently at Evergreen Junior High with the Granite School District. Zac has also taught and directed for the University of Utah’s Youth Theater Program, the Egyptian Youth Theatre in Park City, and The Children’s Museum of Utah. Some of Zac’s favorite acting credits at HCT include Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mayor Shin in The Music Man, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, General Gangis Kahn Schmidt in Seussical, Mr Bumbble in Oliver, and Daddy Murphy in Brightstar.