”Mr. Joel” (as his dance students call him) has a multi-faceted background which includes performing in musicals, plays, video, film, modeling and radio. He fondly remembers his first performance on stage…. as a singing and dancing marshmallow. It’s been uphill all the way! Proving the adage “you’re never too old to dance”, Joel started studying at 17 years old. He has never been the same! Since his humble beginnings, Joel has performed, choreographed and directed for many regional theatre companies. His favorite shows include “George M” (playing George), “Crazy for You” (playing Bobby), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (direction), and Fiddler on the Roof (choreography). He has been the primary director for VBP since the group was founded and is very excited to share this fantastic production with everyone.

Christine’s background in the performing arts began before she was born. Christine was fortunate enough to have an uncle who was a vaudeville performer. This knowledge sparked a love of dance and theatre in her and she has been dancing and singing on stage since she was 3 years old. After years of performing in and choreographing musicals all over the state, Christine operated CCS Dance Academy (with Joel, her husband) for 22 years. Her theatre work includes children, community, regional and summer stock productions. After 3 kids (and close to 100 shows) it was time to have one more baby… but this baby was a production company, “Vanilla Box Productions”. Christine now spends her time in the day teaching at Holy Name CCHS. She continues to work as a choreographer with multiple theatre companies in addition to the time she spends working with Vanilla Box Productions.

Cameron is no stranger to the stage. Since the age of 5, he has been performing with Vanilla Box Productions and has played many characters ranging from Sandy in Annie to the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Bobby in Crazy For You: Young Performer’s Edition, and Dewey Finn in one of the first productions of School of Rock, Youth Edition. He most recently played the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical“. Besides doing theater, Cameron is a trained dancer and has won three national titles. Cameron also performs annually in the “Not So Nutcracker” in Lowell. He additionally directed a one act play which won “Best Props” and “Best Overall Production”. Cameron has been dancing since he was 7 years old and is a 3-time National Champion. In addition to helping with many production details and choreography, Cameron will be the primary dance teacher this summer.

Kallin Johnson holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Music (Piano Performance) and French from Utah State University. He received his Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. Kallin actively serves on the boards of many Worcester cultural organizations, including Worcester Center for the Performing Arts (Hanover Theatre), ARTSWorcester, First Night Worcester, MusicWorcester and the Worcester Cultural Commission. He was co-founder and Executive Director of the Pakachoag Community Music School from 1982-1986 and has been Director of Music at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester since 1989. In addition to directing Musical Theater productions at Notre Dame, Kallin has also directed for New England Theatre Co., Worcester County Light Opera, Stage Loft Theatre (Sturbridge) and the Westboro players. In addition to his many classical and jazz performances as a pianist, Kallin has composed three musicals.

Heather is originally from Houlton, Maine, where she first found her love of theatre through participation in the Drama Club and annual musical, as well as being a member of Houlton High School’s State Championship Show Choir. Heather went on to study at Boston College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Theatre. She currently teaches English at Holy Name High School, where she has also been the Theatre Director since 2007. Heather loves all aspects of theatre, from the creative side of directing and performing, to technical aspects such as lighting and set design. Most recently, you may have seen her perform as a member of the ensemble in WCLOC’s production of “Chess: the Musical”. Heather is thrilled to be serving as the stage manager for the Vanilla Box production of “Music Man”.