Meet the Showtime Team

  • Jennifer is the Executive Director, Artistic Director & Co-Founder of Showtime Theatre Company, and Owner of Showtime Academy. Prior to settling in Rock Hill, Jennifer performed all over the world and the US in productions such as 42nd Street, The Music Man, Pippin, Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Singin' in the Rain, Cabaret, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as a Rockette. STC has had 10 successful seasons and is ready to welcome Season 11!

  • Maddie has been involved with Showtime since 2014. She has trained in ballet, tap, modern/jazz, and lyrical dance. She has extensive theatre experience ranging from performing, stage managing, and design, to direction and choreography. Maddie began her journey with Showtime as a director’s assistant where she was taught and mentored in teaching musical theatre. Since then, she has been a part of the direction team for five years, performed in the cast of multiple STC shows, taught workshops, instructed classes, and is involved with Boadway Bound Summer Camp. Maddie’s director and choreography credits with Showtime include Madagascar Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr, Moana Jr, Finding Nemo Jr, and the Academy Team for the Junior Theatre Festival. Maddie graduated from Winthrop University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has taught multiple elementary grade levels in South Carolina and Florida, Maddie is now dedicated full-time to Showtime Academy.

    Ms. Maddie says:

    "I am dedicated to providing a positive environment and growing a sense of confidence and acceptance in our space. I will work to refine my students’ dance technique skills and help them understand proper stretching techniques to grow flexibility in a safe and effective way. We will work on improving our balance, musicality and tempo, as well as picking up and retaining choreography. Education has always been a passion of mine, being a part of my class we will not only grow our knowledge and education of dance and dance terminology, but we will also grow useful leadership skills that can be applied in everyday life. Ultimately, students will grow a love for dance and performance, while discovering their abilities, areas of improvement, and strengths in a safe and positive space."

  • Robert has enjoyed being part of the theatre community for the past six years, spending time both performing and learning the ropes of teaching. With six years of tap training, he's developed a solid foundation in dance. Over the last four years, Robert has been teaching, sharing what he's learned with students in a way that's both engaging and supportive. He's also completed a variety of teaching classes and training over the past three years, always eager to find new ways to connect with and inspire his students. Whether in the classroom or on stage, Robert is passionate about bringing creativity and learning together.

    Mr. Robert says:

    "My classes will focus on developing a sense of tempo, rhythm, and technique, ensuring each student becomes a strong, confident tapper. We'll also cover a lot of tap terminology, so each student will be able to speak the language of tap with ease!  My goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where each student can grow and shine. I can't wait to begin helping others discover their rhythm and love for tap dance this season!"

  • Stacy Garrett McConnell, native of Greenville, South Carolina, holds a B.A. in dance education: K-12 certification and B.F.A. in dance performance/choreography from Columbia College, a M.F.A. in dance performance and choreography from Florida State  University. In addition to her training at CC and FSU, she has studied at The Ailey School’s (official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) Summer Intensive and American Dance Festival’s six week school. As a performer, Stacy has had the opportunity to work with a variety of artists and companies. She was a Faculty member at Winthrop University’s Department of Theatre and Dance from 2002-2019, teaching a range of courses from dance theory to a variety of  dance techniques and serving as Dance Area Coordinator for the ST-ARTS summer program for 10 years. Several of McConnell’s contemporary choreographic works including Classic (For You), Feelodin, and The Middle have been performed at an array of venues across the east coast. In addition, she has choreographed a variety of musicals including Oklahoma, Fame, & Once Upon A Mattress. 

    Ms. Stacy says:

    "I can assist performers with building a strong technique foundation and understanding body mechanics to lessen possible injuries. I can encourage students to go beyond their comfort zone to perform fully in all aspects of their classes and rehearsals to deepen their performance range in dance, voice and acting."

  • Allison joined the Showtime family in 2018.  She has enjoyed directing music for junior productions and the Showtime Theatre Company's Junior Theatre Festival Team in Atlanta,as well as performing in summer productions. Allison has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Furman University and a Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from Winthrop University.  She taught music in the Rock Hill Schools for 17 years. 
    Ms. Allison says:
    As a Music Director for the Showtime Theatre Company's team for the Junior Theatre Festival, I help students become more confident singing harmonies.  We focus on using good singing and breath technique to produce a strong, quality sound while performing challenging choreography. We prepare for the competition setting where students depend on both talent and intense preparation to deliver a high quality performance.  We earned an "Excellence in Music" award at the 2024 competition.

  • Lynsay grew up in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. She found a love for theatre from an early age by attending local community performances. She graduated from Winthrop with a Business Marketing degree and decided to make Rock Hill her home. Lynsay loves traveling, especially to New York, and she loves attending Broadway shows. When she isn't singing along to a Broadway musical, you can likely find her spending time with her super pampered pup, Landon.

  • Mrs. Julie has been an avid lover of art since she was a child. She always loved creating things with her hands whether it be sewing, sculpting, painting or just drawing doodles! As a means to earn an income for her family, she started decorating custom cakes and was able to utilize her artistic gifts by making fondant sculptures and other varieties of edible art. Her biggest dream was to one day become a Commissioned Artist and that dream became a reality this past Spring. She will be able to reveal her Artwork in November and is beyond excited to show everyone! 

    Ms. Julie says:

    "My focus for the Art students is to show them a variety of mediums and techniques to create their very own masterpieces. I will be incorporating some of my favorite Famous Artists into the lessons and will give the students an opportunity to create their own version of those Artists’ works. I hope that my students learn to love art as much as I do and that their confidence grows as Artists as they learn and create!"

  • Jennifer studied the art of dance at Sullivan Dance Studio, Broadway Dance Center NYC and Monsters of Hip Hop. This is where she gained qualifications in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Hip Hop. It has been said that she is one to captivate an audience. Growing up she competed and won numerous awards as well as went to Barcelona Spain and won the World Cup. Jennifer has worked professionally in the performing arts industry for many years with a traveling tour performance company called Rad a Tat. She has also collaborated with numerous artists in the music industry such as Kesha, Pussy Cat Dolls, Jessie J, Amanda Dunn just to name a few. Jennifer has vast experience in teaching dance and has choreographed for many shows, conventions and competitions.

    Ms. Jen T says:

    “I love teaching dance just as much as performing. Being able to help the youth reach their dreams is completely incredible. In my class I will help you bring together physical and mental strength, help develop coordination and rhythm as well as build your confidence and self-assurance. I will help you learn how to not only learn the movements but listen to the music and let your bodies do the talking of expression.”

  • Jessica is excited to return for what's sure to be another amazing year at Showtime Academy! A native of Rock Hill, Jessica discovered her passion for the stage while participating in local productions at York County Ballet and Rock Hill Community Theatre. She continued her dance education - focusing on ballet and pointe, modern, jazz, and tap - at the American Ballet Theater and Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City. In high school, Jessica attended the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities as a Drama major. In her senior year, she was named a YoungArts Silver Medalist in Spoken Theater and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, ultimately performing at the Kennedy Center. Jessica next attended Yale University where she studied a variety of acting techniques, as well as playwriting, directing for film and stage, experimental theater, clowning, improvisation, and theater history. She performed in dozens of productions at Yale - including playing Sheila in Hair, Owen Meany in A Prayer for Owen Meany, and Austin in True West - and continued her dance education as part of the Yale Dance Theater, originating new works by resident artists from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Trisha Brown Dance Company. She also studied classical theater at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and Oxford University in London. Since graduation, Jessica has shifted her focus to education, sharing her passion for theater in the classroom, while privately tutoring students of all backgrounds and nationalities academically. She feels extremely fortunate to work with the students of Showtime! 

    Ms. Jessica says:

    "As a dance instructor, my goal is to help your child learn excellent dance technique in an encouraging, inspiring environment. We will focus on mastering proper posture and alignment, developing core strength, improving flexibility and agility, and building coordination. I can introduce your child to a wide array of dance styles - including ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and lyrical - so that your child is comfortable and confident picking up new choreography with ease. This technique-based approach will give your child the freedom to tackle any dance form that interests them - at Showtime and beyond!" 

    "As an acting and voice instructor, my goal is to introduce your child to the craft of acting while building their awareness and consistent application of healthy, supported vocal technique in song and speech. I can teach your child about the historical significance of theater and its cultural evolution while introducing them to fundamental acting principles found across many acting methods, including classical, Stanislavski, Meisner, Adler, Hagen, and more. I can also teach your child about breath support, proper alignment, and vocal production while leading them in exercises that will help with range, projection, pitch, enunciation, and confidence. Most importantly, my goal as an acting and voice instructor is to inspire your child's passion for performance by encouraging their imagination, fostering their creativity, and challenging them to work hard and stay curious!" 

    Mr. Robert says:

    "My classes will focus on developing a sense of tempo, rhythm, and technique, ensuring each student becomes a strong, confident tapper. We'll also cover a lot of tap terminology, so each student will be able to speak the language of tap with ease!  My goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where each student can grow and shine. I can't wait to begin helping others discover their rhythm and love for tap dance this season!"

  • Jalen is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in music. He has appeared in several local theatre productions and performed with a number of choral ensembles. With over 10 years of experience as a performer, Jalen is excited to share his love of theatre and music with all of his students at Showtime.

  • Colleen's professional experience is in Television and Radio Broadcasting as a Creative Services Producer, Voice Over Artist, Special Assignment Reporter, Radio Host as well as TV Production. In the past, Colleen has served on the board of Rock Hill Theatre where she was responsible for audio and lighting design. She has worked with Showtime Theatre Company and Showtime Academy as an actor, assistant choreographer, assistant director, and instructor for more than 5 years. Colleen is a certified Group Fitness, Yoga, and Pilates Instructor and has taught dance and fitness for over 25 years.

  • Hello! My name is Elyse Petty and I am so excited to begin Season 11 with Showtime Academy. This will be my eighth year teaching and directing at Showtime and I know it will be an amazing year. In addition to teaching at Showtime, I also teach in the Rock Hill School District. I graduated from Winthrop University in 2023 with my degree in Education. I love working with all of my students to help them learn and grow in all aspects. My love for the arts is deeply rooted in me as I grew up surrounded by all things music and theatre! I have been trained in and received awards and superior rankings in vocal music, instrumental music, theatre, and directing. When I am not working with students or in the theatre, you can find me spending time with my family and dogs, baking, or at the beach! 

    Ms. Elyse says:

    "Having formal training in education has impacted my work at Showtime greatly. In my classes you will find that students are not only learning all of the technical aspects of music and theatre, they are also learning how these skills can apply to helping them within their personal lives. My background in education allows me to make sure students are receiving training that is meaningful to them and targeted towards their age and ability levels. My knowledge of our school system allows me to seamlessly integrate what students are learning or hearing during the day into their artistic training. In addition to this, I can help train my students in educating and directing as it applies to young students specifically if that is something they are passionate about. It is important to me that my students feel confident, loved, and supported in their learning space. Without this, they will not be able to truly thrive. I want all of my students to know that they belong and there is a space for them in our community. First and foremost, I work tirelessly to instill a true love of theatre and the arts in my students. It is my hope that they use this to help fuel them when times get tough. Whether they end up pursuing theatre professionally or not, I always want my students to be able to come back to the arts to fuel them with positive memories and a feeling of love and support. "

  • Cameron Wood (she/her) was born in Orlando, Florida and currently resides in South Carolina. She recently obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Cameron began dancing at the age of three, developing a strong sense of a variety of movement styles and techniques. She participated in both the 2019 and 2020 Joci Awards in San Antonio, Texas where she was awarded a scholarship from the Las Casas Foundation, now named The Majestic Empire Foundation. In addition to her performance accolades, Cameron has a passion for teaching others and has received various choreography awards for her work. For the last 5 years, she has been teaching and gathering information on how to not only facilitate the most well-rounded dancer, but create an atmosphere for students to thrive off their own creative ambitions. Cameron hopes to further her choreographic endeavors after college and pass on her knowledge to the next generation of eager learners. 

    Ms. Cameron says:

    "My mission is to instill a great love of dance, while inspiring self-confidence, discipline and respect for the performing arts. My class will provide a solid technical foundation and a knowledge of proper terminology for the developing dancer. I believe having an awareness of poise, alignment and technique will allow students to step into any room with confidence! In addition to a strong focus on technique, I aim to create an environment where students can explore their individual movement and express what makes them unique.  My goal is to give each individual student the tools they need to take dance as far as they dream to take it!"

  • Laura Rae has been with Showtime from the very beginning. She’s enjoyed performing on stage while also participating in many leadership positions here. She’s assisted with the elementary-aged productions as well as Broadway Bound summer camp for the last few years. Laura Rae strives to ignite a creative and artistic spirit in the lives of these young performers.

    Ms. Laura Rae says:

    "This year I am teaching toddlers all the way up to middle schoolers! I am incredibly excited for the opportunities ahead this year and I am ready to teach these students everything I know. I want my classes to feel like a comfortable space for students to be themselves without any judgment. I will always attempt to learn and grow myself, so I can ensure these students are behind the best versions of themselves that they can be."

    Mr. Robert says:

    "My classes will focus on developing a sense of tempo, rhythm, and technique, ensuring each student becomes a strong, confident tapper. We'll also cover a lot of tap terminology, so each student will be able to speak the language of tap with ease!  My goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where each student can grow and shine. I can't wait to begin helping others discover their rhythm and love for tap dance this season!"