The founder of Pride Performing Arts, Phyllis began writing and producing her own shows a half-century ago, while growing up in Virginia. She honed her acting chops over the years and is grateful to the caring and insightful teachers and directors who taught her that creating a believable character begins on the inside. While performing in over one hundred shows, Phyllis continued to direct youth productions, often creating original material for her students. She was the theater advisor at a number of schools and taught private classes, before spending years working at Airport Playhouse and Kids for Kids Productions, where she created her beloved Players’ Club. Now in Sayville, she is excited to finally make Pride Performing Arts all that she knows it can be! Welcome!

Carl J Ferrara has been a music educator for 30 years. He is a member of NYSSMA, NAfME, and SCMEA, where he was Co-chairman for the All-County Choruses for 6 years. He is also an official NYSSMA Voice Adjudicator. A songwriter and composer in his own right, he has written two musicals as well as several songs and choral works. His newest is a collection of Canons, Rounds, and Partner Songs will be available next year. He has been Music Director for productions and cabarets across Long Island and NYC, and is a member of the local rock band Rock Island Sound.

Aaron stepped onto the stage with his debut as a Lost Boy in Peter Pan when he was a child. He remained on the stage most of his life, accumulating more than 30 years of experience under his belt as performer, writer, producer and director. He is a seasoned improviser and teaches eight-week improv classes at Fountain House, a psychosocial clubhouse in Manhattan for individuals with severe mental illness diagnoses, helping them utilize improv and acting as a means of empowerment and confidence-building. He's currently Head Usher at Playhouse 46 and Creative Director of Spark Improv, a tech-focused improv group he formed to meld technology and theatrical audiences. He leverages his IT expertise as a freelance Sound and Lighting Designer for NYC's off-Broadway and improv theaters. www.aaronpaulley.com

A recent graduate from Carnegie Mellon’s Acting Program, Adam is excited to teach many of the skills and techniques that he uses when performing. He was most recently seen as Sonny Latierri in Grease at the Interlakes Theater and Oliver de Boys in Shakespeare’s As You Like It with the Carriage House Players. Adam is a dedicated performer and teacher eager to share stories with audiences and students alike.

Magician Joshy K is fun, funny and full of energy! This professional magician has been on TV, had his own Off-Broadway Illusion Show, performs for big name clients and companies as well as over 200 magic events a year! For over a decade he’s run summer camp magic programs at Frenchwoods, Future Stars, and Kids U! and taught nearly 100 private magic lessons each year. He loves being able to share magic year after year and inspire the next generation of magicians. Watch him light up your day with a friendly “Hey Joshy K!”

More about Professional Magician Joshy K.: https://youtu.be/m7LnLeOZE9I