THURSDAY FACULTY

  • Mike Ruckles (M.M., SVS, PAVA-RV) is a vocal technician and singing voice specialist based in New York City. He maintains one of the city’s premier voice studios specializing in healthy, transformative technique for Musical Theatre and contemporary commercial singing. His clientele includes Tony, Grammy, and Oscar winners, with students performing in leading roles on Broadway, the West End, national tours, and concert stages across the world.

    His methodology integrates a broad spectrum of pedagogical modalities, drawing from Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Lessac, Estill, Stemple, Body Mapping (Conable), Laban, and Fitzmaurice Voicework, among others. As an SVS, he collaborates closely with leading NYC laryngologists in the care and rehabilitation of injured voices. Mike is also privileged to work closely with some of the industry’s most respected musical directors, composers and casting directors, allowing him to remain at the vanguard of the latest vocal trends and industry standards. 

    He serves as production vocal coach for several long-running Broadway shows and for film/TV. From 2013 to 2016, he was Associate Music Director and conductor of the Tony Award-winning A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder on Broadway.

    A frequent lecturer/clinician, Mike was a guest speaker on the topic of vocal rehabilitation for Weill Cornell Medicine’s Center for the Performing Artist, and has lectured on belt voice for Dr. Ingo Titze’s esteemed Summer Vocology Institute. He is a frequent clinician for both the Westminster Voice Pedagogy Institute and the Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop (Boston Conservatory/Berklee), and in the summer of 2024, Mike was honored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing as a Master Teacher, serving as a mentor for the NATS intern program.

    Mike served as musical director/private voice faculty for the School of Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Northern Colorado for eight years before heading East. He studied piano at the University of Southern Colorado before completing a vocal performance degree and M.M. at UNC, training under esteemed pedagogue Dr. Melissa Malde. His thesis, “Aesthetics and Pedagogy of the Belt Voice” was completed in 2002, and has proven influential in revamping the training of Musical Theatre performers, particularly at the university level. Mike has also taught on the voice faculty for the New Studio on Broadway at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, at the New York Film Academy, The Growing Studio (NYC), the Broadway Theatre Project, and the Broadway Collective.

    He is a proud member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the Voice Foundation, the New York Singing Teachers’ Association, and the Pan-American Vocology Association, having earned their distinguished “PAVA Recognized Vocologist” designation. 

    www.mikeruckles.com @rucklesvoice

  • Kate Morton, mezzo-soprano, is a Cherokee Nation citizen from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Arts from The Juilliard School and a Bachelor of Music in Music Theater and Vocal Performance from Oklahoma City University. At Juilliard, she performed as a soloist with New York Festival of Song, La Chatte/L’Ecureuil in L’enfant et les Sortilèges, and Sœur Mathilde in Dialogues des Carmelites.  In 2026, Morton will be a Resident Artist with the Glimmerglass Festival performing in their productions of Oklahoma! as Ado Annie and in Madame Butterfly. Morton was a Schwab Vocal Rising Star at New York Festival of Song’s Caramoor Residency and a summer Festival Artist with Opera Saratoga in their productions of She Loves Me (Ilona Ritter) and La vie Parisienne (Madame de Folle-Verdure). Morton has performed with Lincoln Center, Opera Saratoga, Opera Montana, Caramoor, National Sawdust, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and Canterbury Voices. She recently premiered the role of Loksi’ in Jerod Tate’s historic Loksi’ Shaali’ with Canterbury and the OKC Philharmonic. Morton has been a guest artist with the Seagle Festival, Alexandria Summer Nights, and the Castleton Festival. Morton’s other credits include Stéphano in Roméo et Juliette, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, and Sor Andrea in With Blood With Ink. Morton is also a proud recipient of the Novick Career Advancement Grant, Timothy Long Award, and Cherokee Nation Trail of Tears Award.

  • Sarah Hinrichsen is a New York City–based performer, director, and producer originally from Southern California, with a career spanning Broadway, international concert production, and large-scale cruise entertainment.

    As a performer, she toured nationally as Rachel in the 1st National Broadway Tour ot Escape to Margaritaville and has appeared in leading roles including Winnifred (Once Upon a Mattress), Gabrielle (Cinderella), Marian (The Music Man), and Katherine (Newsies). She was also an original cast member of The Imbible at New World Stages Off-Broadway in New York.

    As a director, Sarah has worked with Royal Caribbean International Entertainment on the original musical The Effectors, and served on the creative team for the inaugural production aboard Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. She has served as a Resident Director for Royal Caribbean for multiple ships. Most recently, she was Associate Director on the world premiere of The Great Emu Wars at Goodspeed Opera House and on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Olney Theatre Center, and has directed numerous 29-hour readings and developmental workshops in New York and Los Angeles. A strong advocate for new work, she is passionate about shepherding projects from early development through full production.

    In addition to continuing to audition and perform for stage and television, Sarah serves as Director of Operations & Development for 10th & Main Productions, alongside founders Susan Egan and Adam J. Levy. She produces and directs large-scale theatrical and symphonic concert events in partnership with Disney Concerts, as well as championing the Broadway Stars Series for Disney Cruise Line. Currently, she is developing a "Broadway HITS!" production for the Taipei Cultural Center, debuting in April.

    Raised in a family that operates one of the largest costume companies on the West Coast, Sarah grew up immersed in the infrastructure of live performance — a foundation that continues to inform her leadership in large-scale entertainment. She is passionate about building sustainable, artist-driven creative ecosystems within the cruise, concert, and Broadway industries. 

  • Shortly after graduating from Oklahoma City University, Sarah started her five year career with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on the Adventure of the Seas. In 2021she was honored to come back for Adventure’s Return to Service. She went on to perform in the Quantum of the Seas’ Two70 show “Starwater”, and then returned to the Adventure of the Seas to serve as Dance Captain and Company Manager. You can now find Sarah at the Steps on Broadway Academy as a Jazz teacher and Community Outreach Coordinator. 

    @sarah_e_harrison 

  • Messina Paratore is a New York City based performer and arts manager from Chicago, IL. She graduated with a degree in Dance Management in 2023, and embarked on her first cruise contract with Holland America Line soon after! Since moving to NYC in 2024, she has performed in the city, regionally, and internationally on another HAL ship. Now that she's back, she works as a Show Supervisor at RWS Global and administrative staff at Dance Lab Studios. When she's not performing or working, she loves taking class, crafting, making new recipes (@messi.eater), and exploring the city's vast food scene with friends! She is so excited to connect with all you STARS! 

    @messina.paratore

  • Katie Pohlman is a professional dancer, actor, and singer from Omaha, NE based in New York City. She graduated from Oklahoma City University with her Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance. Katie is currently a vacation swing in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on tour. She has spent the past several years performing as a swing on Broadway, national tours and regional theaters and is excited to bring this skill to OCUNYC! 

    @kbpohlman

  • Jasmine Forsberg is a New York City-based actress, songwriter, and voiceover artist originally from Orlando, Florida. She is currently performing in Six on Broadway as Jane Seymour. Other Broadway credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends and Here Lies Love. Off-Broadway/Regional: Broadway Bounty Hunter, I & You: The Musical (McCarter), A Grand Night for Singing (Goodspeed), Love in Hate Nation (Two River Theater), and Wild Fire (Denver Center).

    In addition to performing onstage, Jasmine writes her own music and is often in the recording booth. Her debut single, “do you”, is available for streaming on all platforms. Jasmine’s original music was also featured in the Hallmark film “One December Night” (in which she made her TV debut). She recorded her first animation voiceover as Mama Elephant in the Nick Jr. series, “Wonder Pets”. Jasmine is a proud alumna of the Musical Theatre program at Penn State University. www.JasmineForsberg.com

  • Hunter Bird (he/him) is a Brooklyn-based director and writer of new works, particularly new music theater.  Currently,  the Associate & Supervising Resident Director for Masquerade (immersive Phantom of the Opera), Artistic Producer of The New York SongSpace, and Artistic Consultant for Center Theatre Group. Writer/Director:  The Pansy Craze starring Mason Alexander Park and guest starring Laverne Cox, Sasha Velour, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Evan Rachel Wood, Jackie Cox & Lea Delaria,  (Audible Theater, London’s Underbelly Boulevard developed with Rachel Brosnahan’s company Scrap Paper Pictures),  She Reached for Heaven (SOMA Stage, Red Mountain Theater Company, Nashville Rep), and The Golden Record (Ferguson Center for the Arts). He's developed new work with Ars Nova, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Roundabout Theater Company, Village Theater, The McKittrick Hotel, Musical Theater Factory, NAMT Festival, and the Getty Villa. He's held writing residencies at the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, Warren Miller PAC, and Rhinebeck Writers Retreat. Previous Associate/assistant director for Lynne Meadow, Des McAnuff, Diane Paulus, Alex Timbers, Pam MacKinnon, Susan Booth, Graciela Daniele, Doug Hughes, Gilbert Cates, Kristin Hanggi, The Debate Society, V (formerly Eve Ensler), and the National Theater of Scotland.  Awards / Affiliations: MTC Jonathan Alper Directing Fellow, The Civilians R&D Group, the MTC Samuel J. Friedman Assistantship, SDCF Observership, The UCLA Emerging Director Award, Gilbert Cates Fellowship.

    @hunter_bird  / hunter-bird.com

  • Adam White is a 2022 graduate of OCU, where he earned his BM in Music Theatre. He currently serves in a season-long position as Executive Office Intern at the Metropolitan Opera, after previously working in Production supporting international artist immigration processes. In addition to his administrative work, Adam is Senior Teaching Faculty at Meisner in Music, where he teaches Meisner technique for singers and mentors an international cohort of teachers in integrative and holistic artist training. He maintains a private studio in New York City and is certified in Evidence-Based Voicework. He also served as Associate Director for the Off-Broadway premiere of Welcome to the Big Dipper! at the York Theatre. Adam is especially invested in trauma-informed pedagogy and in cultivating healthier leadership and organizational culture within opera, with a deep commitment to the art form’s long-term vitality and growth. 

    @_adamjwhite | adamjwhite.net

  • Maddie Rodrigue is a New York-based performer, choreographer, and educator. Maddie made her debut as a Radio City Rockette in 2019, and has since been performing annually with the dance company in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Maddie has also appeared as a Rockette for live televised appearances such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Live with Kelly and Mark, NBC's Today Show, and for special appearances at Madison Square Garden and the Entertainment Community Fund (formly Actor's Fund). Maddie has been a featured performer in multiple seasons of Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and can be seen dancing in Lionsgate’s film, “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret.” As a teacher and choreographer both nationally and internationally, Maddie is inspired by collaborative creative processes and prioritizes interpersonal connection and empathy in her approach to leadership. She is a touring faculty member with DEViATE Dance Convention, the Director of Dance for Young Artists of America Summer Programming, a choreographer of full length musicals for regional theaters,  and the resident guest choreographer for Lyford Cay International School dance program. As an instructor, Maddie has led classes for The Radio City Rockettes, Steps on Broadway and Steps Academy, Broadway Dance Center, New York City Dance Alliance, and curates workshops for educational dance companies and studios across the country.  Maddie is a proud graduate of Pace University’s BFA Commercial Dance program, holds her secondary degree in Arts & Entertainment Management, and is represented by Clear Talent Group. madelinerodrigue.com @maddierodrigue

  • Hails from Pittsburgh! OFF-BROADWAY: Masquerade. REGIONAL: Oklahoma!, Jersey Boys, Carousel, and She Loves Me (BroadwayWorld Award). CONCERTS: Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Tulsa Symphony, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Jimmy Award Nominee. 2026 Lotte Lenya Emerging Talent Award. BM from Oklahoma City University. 

  • Mariah Reives began dancing at the age of three in NC. She studied at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts for High School. She then went on to Marymount Manhattan College where she graduated with a B.A. in Teaching Dance Arts. She is currently playing Liz in the longest running Broadway show, CHICAGO. Some of her other favorite credits include Original Broadway Companies of The Great Gatsby and Funny Girl, and Cassandra in the First National Tour of Cats the Musical. She has been seen on television for The Tony Awards, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and most recently The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon dancing for the release of Taylor Swift’s new album “The Life of a Showgirl”. Reives created a professional workshop for aspiring artists called ‘The Performers Circle’ and is excited to guide the next generation of Broadway stars!

    @mariahreives 

  • As Director of Sea Productions at RWS Global, the team and I oversee all RWS Global entertainment across the Holland America Line fleet. With a Bachelor's in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University, my expertise in managing creative teams transforms complex productions into seamless experiences. My role involves meticulous coordination with award-winning directors, choreographers and designers, ensuring every show's success through clear communication and structured project management. At RWS Global, he has provided organized project management and led show creation for multiple ship launches and ongoing operations for over 50 experiences across MSC, Azamara, and Holland America Line.

    @daniel_keaton_stanley

  • Nicole received her Physical Therapist Assistant associate’s degree from LaGuardia Community College. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Alonzo King LINES Ballet at Dominican University and is a Certified Pilates Trainer.

    Nicole began her dance training at an early age, focusing on ballet and jazz. During her training, she turned to Pilates as a form of physical therapy after experiencing an injury. Through this experience, she discovered the profound benefits of Pilates not only in supporting her dance technique but also in enhancing her overall well-being. Her lifelong passion for movement and human body ultimately led her to pursue a career in physical therapy.

    Nicole has clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working with a diverse range of patients and diagnoses, including orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. Nicole is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and believes in tailoring treatment plans to meet individual’s unique needs. Her goal is for every patient to feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their recovery.

    In her free time, Nicole enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling, indulging in occasional New York City tourist activities, and living vicariously through her passion for the arts—whether it’s local dance companies, Broadway, museums, or live music.

  • Kristin is a proud OCU Alum from the Dance Performance Class of 2022! She is originally from Massachusetts and is based in New York City.  Since graduating from OCU, Kristin has had the opportunity to work regionally in musical theatre in several different states where she has had opportunities to dance captain, swing and cover principals.  Favorite regional credits include 42nd Street, Saturday Night Fever, Escape To Margaritaville, State Fair, On The Town and South Pacific.  Here in the city, she is an Orangetheory Fitness coach and loves to make her days about movement!  Thanks to the OCUNYC community for all they do!  Follow along @kriistiintagg & Go Stars!!!

  • Broadway: The Book of Mormon. National Tour: A Soldiers Play. Off Broadway: Masquerade. Regional: Dolly: A True Original Musical (Pre Broadway); Romeo & Juliet (ART); The Light in the Piazza (Huntington Theatre); Cabaret, A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center); Jersey Boys (Theatre Aspen).TV/Film: Terrifier 3, Logan Lucky, Bull, Law & Order SVU, NCIS LA, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Queen of the South, The Long Road Home, Revolution. Alex is the Director of Graham Shiels Studios NYC the fastest growing on camera acting studio in New York City. He also teaches voice and piano for Ivory in Brooklyn, NY. Proud OCU Star!! 

  • Eryn LeCroy is best known by audiences for her portrayal of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She was the last actress hand-picked by Broadway legend, Hal Prince, to portray the role. She also starred on Broadway to critical acclaim in Diane Paulus and Jeffrey L. Page’s reimagined revival of 1776. She is currently reprising the role of Christine in Diane Paulus’ and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Masquerade, as a member of the original Off-Broadway cast. Other career highlights include the world premiere of Sousatzka in Toronto, her Off-Broadway debuts in two back-to-back Sondheim productions-Assassins with Encores! at the New York City Center and the immersive production of Sweeney Todd with the Barrow Street Theatre, and the national tour of Jekyll and Hyde. As a concert artist, Eryn has performed across the country and Canada with some of the leading symphony orchestras as well as internationally in Israel. Eryn holds a Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Oklahoma City University and is a proud YoungArts alumna. www.erynlecroy.com @erynlecroy

  • Gabriella Enriquez is a Mexican-American artist raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Credits include Broadway: Spamalot (u/s Lady of the Lake, Original Revival Cast), New York, New York (OBC, Chita Award Winner). Off-Broadway: Masquerade (OOBC). Regional: Evita (Eva Peron) Bucks County Playhouse, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Anita) Theatre Under the Stars Film: Kiss of the Spiderwoman. TV: “Law & Order” (NBC), “Law & Order: SVU”. Bachelor of Music OKCU. Love and gratitude to her team at DGRW, family, and friends. Bendecida y agradecida! @gabriellaoenriquez

  • Broadway: Days of Wine and Roses. Off-Broadway: Masquerade; Merrily We Roll Along.  Tour: My Fair Lady; The King and I; Sister Act. TV: “The Hunting Party”. Line Producer: “One Night Only: An Evening with Sutton Foster & Kelli O’Hara”.  Rep: DGRW.  Partner in Crime: Eric Chambliss. Nicole is a Japanese-American, T1D artist raised in Hong Kong and NOVA. 

  • Corina earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University. During her time at SBU Corina became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and completed continuing education for Corrective Exercise Specialist. She focused her training in injury prevention and targeting muscle imbalances in dancers. Corina received her undergraduate degree in Health Behavior Science from the University of Delaware with a concentration in Health and disability studies.

    During Corina’s clinical experiences she has gained exposure to working with a large variety of patients. In the subacute rehab setting Corina worked with geriatrics post surgical, falls, and hospital stays transitioning them to prior function. She has also worked in general outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, and performing arts rehabilitation at Spear’s Times Square clinic. Throughout each experience Corina has enjoyed interacting with patients of all ages and backgrounds. She has built a strong foundation in helping patients feel understood, strong, and independent. 

    Since beginning her professional career, Corina has earned her Mat Pilates Certification through Steele Pilates as well as becoming a certified pelvic health provider through Herman & Wallace. Her experience with training and treating these various populations has inspired her to create individualized and challenging programs for all patients to help them get back to what they enjoy most. In addition to dancing Corina enjoys traveling, exploring, and spending time with friends and family.