FOUNDER/ DIRECTOR

Bethanie has worked in the performing arts since 2009. She began as an intern for Phoenix Entertainment under the mentorship of producer/director, Michael McFadden. During her time acquiring her Associates Degree, Bethanie crossed paths with Tad Janes, Artistic Director of the Maryland Ensemble Theater, who invited her to participate as an Assistant Stage Manager for the MET’s holiday main stage production. This was the spark that ignited Bethanie’s passion for the arts, and she set her sight on making in a career path.

Since then, Bethanie has earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Towson University in Theater Studies, and her Masters of Fine Arts from Catholic University of America in Directing for the Stage with a minor in Arts Education.

She has worked across the country for companies such as the Walt Disney World Company, Arena Stage in Washington DC, and the American Realness Festival in New York City. She has credits as a performer, stage manager, director, designer, administrator, and educator. When Bethanie made her way to Illinois in 2018, she leaned heavily into arts education, and found an unparalleled sense of gratification in teaching younger generations.

A huge thank you to all who have seen Bethanie to this point in her career as she embarks on this dream she has had for decades: to operate a unique establishment with the goal of providing a safe space for young performers, creators, and collaborators to learn. A place for students to unapologetically be themselves, take risk, and transform.

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Christina Pappa Washington is a classically trained mezzo-soprano with over a decade of experience in musical theater and a versatile background spanning jazz, R&B, pop, rock, and opera. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education with K–12 Vocal and General Certification from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she was awarded the Ida and Fanny Drubeck Vocal Award.

Christina has directed and music-directed numerous productions for both schools and community programs in Illinois and Iowa, guiding young performers in bringing stories to life on stage. She has also launched two successful musical theater camps—Star Power and Cabaret—where she designed curricula blending vocal technique, acting, movement, and ensemble skills. Her passion for nurturing performers extends into her private teaching studio, where she works with singers, pianists, and instrumentalists of all ages and levels.

With a background as both an educator and performer, Christina brings a unique balance of artistry and pedagogy. She incorporates vocal science and evidence-based technique to help students sing safely while developing their own expressive voices. Above all, she is committed to helping performers build confidence, grow as musicians, and discover the joy of storytelling through song.

Now back in her hometown, Christina is thrilled to collaborate with the vibrant theater community in the western suburbs of Chicago, inspiring the next generation of performers on and off the stage.

STAGE MANAGER

Sawyer is a senior at Naperville Central and plans to pursue her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Psychology. She has studied acting, singing and dancing since she was six years old and is passionate about encouraging younger students to pursue the performing arts. Sawyer is the Captain of Orchesis Dance Company at her school, as well as a seasoned actress. She has recently been seen as The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, Serena in Legally Blonde, Annie in The Play that Goes Wrong and Fiona in Shrek. Sawyer has been awarded four National Youth Arts Awards and was up for consideration for a Jimmy Award. She also attended ArtsBridge where she studied with top MT professors from around the country. Sawyer loves working behind the scenes as well, having stage managed, choreographed, assistant directed and been dance captain for several youth productions. Sawyer is so excited to start her work with Green Room and brings a wealth of experience and excitement to her role. She can't wait to see you on stage!

CHOREOGRAPHER SPRING 2026

Julia is thrilled to be joining the Green Room Theater School team for the spring season! Dancing since the age of three, Julia has studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop, and has been choreographing since high school. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre: Acting & Directing, with minors in Music and Dance, she has had the pleasure of working with companies like Theatre At Monmouth, Creakerbox Radio, Stonington Opera House, and Playhouse Square. Focusing in childrens’ theatre, she spent a year as an Acting Apprentice and Education Intern with Florida Studio Theatre, to then later return as a Teaching Artist. Upcoming she’s scheduled to tour with Bright Star Theatre Company and Chicago Kids Company. She’s so excited to work with some awesome theatremakers!

CHOREOGRAPHER WINTER 2026

DD is an alumnus of Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and San Diego State University’s BFA Dance program. ATL-born, LA-raised, and now Chicago-based, DD’s creative journey moves fluidly between stage, classroom, and community. A dancer and storyteller with a flair for authenticity, he brings a deep understanding of both the technical and the human side of movement.

His choreography and teaching have reached students and audiences from coast to coast. DD has served as a resident choreographer and educator for high schools and collegiate theatre programs across the country, crafting productions that blend rigor, joy, and representation. His credits include The Little Mermaid, In the Heights, Mamma Mia!, Elf the Musical, and Mary Poppins, along with original student work created during the pandemic. In one particularly powerful collaboration, he co-directed and choreographed a production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ led by students of color—an artistic statement that celebrated Black excellence and resilience amid a climate of social reckoning.

As a performer, his versatility has illuminated stages in Hair, Hairspray, Cabaret, Shrek the Musical, Saturday Night Fever, La Cage aux Folles, Dreamgirls, and Chicago.

DD takes pride in being a queer artist of color dedicated to expanding the reach of dance education and cultivating spaces where every artist feels seen, brave, and celebrated. His practice centers on truth-telling through choreography, and his mission is to amplify unheard voices while honoring the body as an archive of resilience and liberation.