rachel
FOUNDER + Artistic Director
Inspiring people to discover their creative genius and grow artistically is Rachel's passion and life's work. She started INK Theater for the youngest among us to learn that they have unlimited potential to do extraordinary things. As an educator for the past 25 years, Rachel has written innovative curriculum and developed progressive educational programs (and pioneered a school!), coached individuals and classes of all ages in music, theater, and - her favorite - musical theater, and has traveled the globe bringing the hope and joy that only music and theater can bring to even the most remote villages in Africa. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Master of Music with an educational focus from University of Wisconsin.
kat
Program Director/Controller
Kat has been with INK since its 2017 launch and has loved watching each show come to life through the creativity and amazing minds of the students! Kat comes with a production based mindset after working from the top Live Entertainment company in the world producing stadium concerts, music festivals and managing some of the biggest actors/actresses on TV today. Kat’s favorite part of INK is that it each show is 100% created by the kids- from the scripts to the costumes “The kids create better than scripts than we ever could“! I can’t wait to continue to see each child grow more confident in who they are and to find the amazing stories inside of each mind!
jolene
Director of development
Jolene began performing at a young age, and continued her studies and love for the stage at Vanguard University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theater. Upon graduating cum laude, she moved to Los Angeles to run production at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, and presently manages artists and produces concerts, festivals, and national events at a top tier entertainment company. Jolene was overjoyed to join Ink, where her love for creating and development was combined with her love for kids. Involved with Ink since its inception, Jolene is honored and excited to step into the Director of Development role. "I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact Ink has on these kids, and I can’t wait to see how Ink will continue to shape the future generation!”
elizabeth
latin ballroom + Kids acting instructor
Elizabeth is a Texas-born actress and dancer now based in Los Angeles. When she’s not hustling to an audition, she enjoys spending her time teaching movement skills in organizations like INK that are making a positive and effective impact in their communities!
reid
scriptwriting + cinematography instructor
Having entered into a relationship with the performing arts at the tender age of 5, Reid has since refocused his creative drives toward artfully pushing buttons and sliding faders. But now, INK has provided an incredible opportunity to return to his deep love of stage and story, allowing him to teach the importance of realistic motivation, relatable themes, and well structured Google Docs to a younger generation.
dekontee
Improv instructor
In 2014, she graduated with a Degree in Musical Theatre from Vanguard University of Southern California, after graduating she attended Open Jar Institute in NYC where she learned from the best in Broadway. She studied improv at Second City in Hollywood and played on a musical improv team with Bill Chott (SNL, This is Us, Wizards of Waverly Place) had a residency at ComedySportz in Los Angeles. Dekontee worked at the Disneyland resort as a Guest Talent Coordinator for 3 years where she worked with students from all over the world. During that time she also worked with Disney’s Youth Education Series as a facilitator/teacher for Music 101. She is passionate about teaching and exploring creativity with kids!
shauna
Dance Instructor
Shauna is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer currently based in Los Angeles. She has danced and directed for the acrobatic LA based company, Diavolo | Architecture in Motion. Shauna has taught in colleges and programs throughout the US and overseas setting repertory and original works. She is currently building the Dance Ministry at Mosaic, South Pasadena and creating curriculum for the kids ministry. Shauna is well versed in Acrobatics, Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop and Improvisation. Shauna graduated from Wichita State University with her BFA in Dance and is excited to be sharing her knowledge of this universal art.