Janine Sobeck Knighton has vivid memories of herself as a child, acting out elaborate, fantastical, romantic stories that she created for her Fisher Price people. Now, as a professional playwright/screenwriter/dramaturg/story consultant/educator, she gets the chance to invent, develop, and share stories every single day. Beyond being a storyteller, Janine loves to consume stories (whether in book, movie, or television form), travel the world (15 countries and 27 states before COVID slowed her down), eat chocolate, grow flowers, take walks, hang out on the beach, and belt showtunes whenever possible.
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Carlee Baldwin has a passion for creativity! Both music and theatre have a big place in her heart, which is why she loves teaching voice as well as performing. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, and is currently earning her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. When she isn’t performing or studying, Carlee likes spending time with her husband and dog, playing games, watching good films, and cooking. Carlee believes that everyone has the ability to be creative in their own unique way. Whether that’s through acting, playwriting, singing, or dancing, everyone should take part in the arts!
McKell Petersen was known as a kid to place all her stuffed animals up on her keyboard and conduct them in her imaginary orchestras and choirs. McKell found a passion for music in fourth grade that quickly branched out into passions in theater and performance. McKell Petersen is a recent graduate from Utah Valley University with her Bachelor of Fine Arts, and is now a working actress and musician. McKell has many passions in the arts including Shakespeare, songwriting, voice over, and music directing. Outside of theater, McKell loves card games, campfires, travel, and 2,000-piece puzzles! McKell loves working with kids and helping them develop skills in music, theater, and art. She could think of no better way to spend her time than creating ways for kids to explore their imaginations and learn about the arts!
Rhani Alam has had a passion for performance since age five, when his seaside reenactment of a weather report was cut short by an untimely wave crashing into him. Perpetually making up for that initial performance, he developed a love of varying artistic disciplines such as directing, acting, writing, and teaching. While pursuing his Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre at Utah Valley University (UVU) he has directed for the Theatre, Youth, and Education (TYE) Center, the Covey Center for the Performing Arts, and UVU. Having worked as a teaching artist in varying capacities, he has a strong passion for helping young performers find their confidence, realize their potential, and avoid untimely crashing waves.
Makenzie Hawkins has had an appreciation for the arts since she was little. Growing up, she loved watching her sister perform on the stage and loved listening to the soundtracks of various musicals. Before Makenzie graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation, she worked at the Theatre for Youth and Education (TYE Center). At the TYE Center, she loved being able to stage manage a couple of Jr. musicals and workshops. Currently, Makenzie works as a Disability Support Professional in her community. She firmly believes that the arts can inspire creativity and foster confidence- therefore, she shares any facet of the arts with others every chance she gets in her home and professional life!