Kristen Teeter has been proudly teaching dance for over 30 years now. Her early exposure began in Southern California as an extension to her training as a competitive gymnast. This led to her pursuit of a dance degree from California State University, Fullerton where she graduated with Honors and then went on to continued dance education at professional studios and companies throughout New York City and Chicago. She has since choreographed, taught and performed at all levels throughout the United States. An avid mentor to youth seeking careers in dance and musical theatre, she has spent the last decade building and leading the dance program at a private high school in St. Louis while continuing to guest teach and consult nationwide for multiple summer intensives and professional workshops. Her proudest role is that of mom to four bright, kind and talented kids/young adults who continue to inspire her daily as they pursue their own exciting dreams in professional theatre, engineering, music, elite running, indoor rock climbing, occupational therapy, and more. 

Lara Teeter has performed, directed and choreographed for major regional theatre and opera houses nation-wide. He is currently a Professor of Theatre, Head of the Musical Theatre Program at the Webster Conservatory for Theatre Arts here in St. Louis. Lara has performed in three national tours and six Broadway shows, including the revival of the Rodgers and Hart classic, On Your Toes, for which he received a Tony nomination and Outer Critics Circle Award. From 1999-2004, Lara served as Artistic Director of Light Opera Works in the Chicago area, and in 2000 made his Carnegie Hall debut followed by his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut in 2001. Over these last few years, Lara has performed the role of Captain Andy in SHOW BOAT for Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, National Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera. Recordings include On Your Toes, Lady Be Good and the Grammy nominated Wizard of Oz. For the last 30 years, Lara has performed and directed for the St. Louis MUNY, the oldest and largest outdoor summer stock house in the country. Some of the MUNY shows include: Singin’ In the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, White Christmas, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Bye, Bye Birdie, AIDA, and most recently for the MUNY’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY. He is also active as a private coach for musical theatre dance, song study, and tap. Since 2009, Lara has directed and choreographed for the Variety Theatre Company which serves kids and teens with disabilities. He and his wife, Kristen, are the proud parents of Charlie, Elizabeth, Katherine and Maggie.

Gail Becker is a distinguished arts executive and Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) professional with a 35-year track record of institutional founding, creative direction, and talent development. As a Co-Founder and the Managing Director and Director of Education for Capital City Theatre (CCT), Gail has played a pivotal role in evolving Madison’s professional arts landscape. Through the creation of the CCT Conservatory, she has focused on bridging artistic vision with organizational sustainability, helping to advance the standards for professional training in the community. This executive expertise is further reflected in her 15-year tenure as the Director of the Overture Center’s Jerry Ensemble, where she oversees some of the state’s top youth musical theatre talent.

As a Director and Music Director, Gail has helmed a vast array of professional productions, including It’s A Wonderful Life: A New Musical, Murder For Two, Tick, Tick...Boom!, Edges, Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, Shrek, Fiddler On The Roof, Les Miserables, Brigadoon, Annie, Little Women, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Anne of Green Gables. 

Her performance career is equally expansive, featuring a national tour of Babes in Toyland and celebrated Chicago turns in Chicago (June), Sunday in the Park with George (Frieda/Mrs.), Merrily We Roll Along (Gussie), and The Pirates of Penzance (Edith). Locally, she has delivered notable performances in the World Premiere of Shining In Misery (Annie), the Regional Premieres of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Marya) and Tuck Everlasting (Mae), as well as featured roles in On The Town (Madame Dilly), Gypsy (Mazeppa), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Gail’s influence as an educator and consultant spans the most prestigious theatrical organizations in the country. Her instructional credits include the Capital City Theatre Conservatory, Edgewood College, the Kennedy Center High School Theatre Workshops, the Wisconsin Theatre Festival, the UW-Madison Theatre Department, and the UW Summer Music Clinic. She has also served as a vital clinician for the Madison Jerry Awards, CTM’s Academy, and the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). Beyond the stage, Gail leverages her vocal expertise as a voice-over artist, most recently, American Family Insurance, and currently as a Public Address Announcer for the Madison Mallards, the Night Mares, and various UW-Madison athletic teams. You can learn more about Gail at www.gailbeckertalent.com.