Moana Jr. Team
Elyse Petty DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER
Meet Elyse Petty, Elyse is a Senior Early Childhood Education major at Winthrop University. She will graduate as a certified teacher for pre-k through 6th grade. She is embarking on her sixth year of teaching and directing at Showtime and has spent years before that as a director’s assistant being mentored in teaching music and theatre.
In addition to this, she has spent five years as the lead teacher and director of Broadway Bound Summer Camps. She grew up being trained in music and theatre, and has been in various instrumental music, choir, and musical theatre competitions throughout her lifetime. She has gained multiple superior ratings, awards in vocalist of the year, choreography execution, and more.
Throughout her time at Winthrop, she has spent three years on the President’s list and has held presidential and other officer positions in multiple organizations. She is very passionate about the arts and the impact they can have on children in multiple facets of their lives. Being able to see students grow in their theatrical skills as well as in their leadership and confidence levels brings an immense amount of joy to her and she can’t wait to continue to support and watch this growth!
Maddie Brannon Director/Choreographer
Maddie Brannon has been involved with Showtime since 2014, and feels lucky to be returning for another STC season. Growing up Maddie attended York County School of Ballet for 10 years, receiving training in ballet, tap, modern/jazz, and lyrical dance. She has participated in theatre from an early age, through her school years. She has been a part of a variety of shows including Guys and Dolls, Tarzan, Hello Dolly, Godspell, and Romeo and Juliet as Juliet.
Maddie attended Winthrop University and graduated in 2018 with a bachelors of science in Elementary Education. She is currently entering her fifth year teaching as a third grade teacher in Clover, SC. Outside of teaching Maddie has carried on many different roles within the Showtime company. She has assisted Jennifer Read with many Showtime productions since its beginning in 2014, performed on stage in the cast of multiple STC shows, taught workshops/classes, and collaborated with camp director, Elyse Petty, to roll out summer camp in 2018.
Maddie’s director and choreographer credits with Showtime include Madagascar Jr. (2020) and The Little Mermaid Jr. (2021). Maddie is thrilled to be returning for season 9 with Showtime!
Megan Calkins Music Director
Megan Calkins is a local choral director teaching in the Rock Hill School District with a passion for music and teaching. She grew up in the area and later attended Winthrop University. There, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education. Megan has participated in many of Showtime Theatre Company's Summer shows, but her biggest joy comes from teaching students at the Showtime Academy. This year she will be music directing their production of Moana Jr. and teaching the ukulele classes.