Staff

Cathy Rigby McCoy
(Owner/Instructor)

Earned a Tony nomination when she starred in the 35th Anniversary production of Peter Pan on Broadway. Subsequently, her multiple talents have been lauded on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre as the Cat-In-The-Hat in Seussical the Musical. Other National and Regional tours include Annie Get Your Gun, Meet Me In St. Louis, South Pacific, Paint Your Wagon, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Most recently Cathy Starred in AR Gurneys Silvia, to rave reviews. At the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts

Some of Rigby’s dramatic television movie credits include the “Perfect Body,” “Hard To Read,” “The Great Wallendas,” “Triathlon,” and the Emmy-nominated “Peter Pan” for A&E. A two-time Olympic gymnast, Cathy Rigby is the first American woman to win a medal in the World Gymnastics Competition and holds 12 international medals, eight of them gold. Cathy worked with ABC as a gymnastic commentator for 18 years. ABC-TV’s venerable “Wide World of Sports” named her one of America’s Most Influential Women in Sports. Cathy and her husband, Tom McCoy are Executive Producers of the McCoy Rigby Entertainment Series at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Brianna Hunsberger
(Executive Director of McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts/ Instructor-Jazz)

Brianna is a recent graduate of UCLA with a B.A. in Dance as well as B.S. in Psychology. She has also achieved becoming a certified Pilates instructor from the prestigious Long Beach Dance Conditioning.

Brianna’s love of dance has brought her many years of competition since she was five years old. She has been on Rosary’s High School Dance Team for three years as well as competing on UCLA’s Dance Team in 2004 and again in 2007. In addition, she has trained with Paula Morgan for nearly two years, traveling to Italy with her for a dance intensive program.

Sharie Nitkin
(Musical Theater Director)

Sharie began dancing ballet at age 5, training and performing with the O.C. Metropolitan Ballet Company, Orange County Dance Center, and the South Carolina Dance Conservatory with ABT’s Cynthia Harvey. As a teen, she broadened her dance training with jazz and modern, and also started intense voice study, working with Leslie Tinnaro, Janine Benson, and Diane King Vann. She is a graduate of the Academy for the Performing Arts, holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Francisco State, and is about to complete a Master’s Degree in Education from National University. In her undergraduate education, she started producing her own shows and musicals, and also trained with the phenomenal Tony-nominated Barbara Damashek. Her performance career includes roles such as “Squeaky Fromme” in Assassins, “Lizzy” in Baby, “Sally Bowles” in Cabaret, “Martha” in Secret Garden, and “Diana” in A Chorus Line, among others. In NYC she even dabbled as a cabaret/nightclub singer.

Sharie loves working with kids and youth, as she knows she learns just as much from them as she offers to them and they are the future!

Jenna Wright
(Assistant to the Executive Director of McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts/ Instructor)

Jenna has been dancing since the age of 3. Her dance training consists of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Contemporary. She has competed for 10 years in these various types of dance. She was the Captain of the El Dorado Dance team her senior year and was an Officer for the prior two years. She then went on to Coach the El Dorado Dance Team for one year. Jenna has taught at McCoy Rigby since 2008 and loves every moment of it. Some of Jenna’s accomplishments have been, participating in McCoy Rigby Entertainments production of Evita and dancing in the Steven Schwartz concert, Defying Gravity.  Jenna loves working here at McCoy Rigby and could not imagine her life without it. Dance is a major part of Jenna’s life and she hopes to continue dancing forever!

Jason Bittner
(Choreographer, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern)

Jason started his dance training at the school of the Ohio dance theater under the direction of Denise Gula and Nancy Brensthl. As a pre-professional scholarship student, Jason has performed in many ballets including The Nutcracker, House in the Woods, The Gathering, Peter and the Wolf, and more.

In 2001, Jason received the promising artist award from the University of the Arts. Spending two semesters abroad, he had the unique opportunity to study with the Paris Opera Ballet and also attended many master classes in Madrid. With universal entertainment, Jason has performed with such recording artists as Aaron Carter, Take 5 and Samantha Mumba.
As a choreographer, Jason has had many great opportunities to create original works for dance studios, high schools, colleges, dance companies and events around the country. He has won many awards for his choreography including the National Choreography Achievement Award from Star Systems national finals in 2005, the director’s award from Spotlight Dance nationals in 2009 and an outstanding choreography award from Bravo National Dance Competition in 2011.

Jason is the founding artistic director of A Thousand Layers: the alternative dance company. The company’s main purpose is to help young aspiring dancers gain professional experience.

As a master teacher, Jason has taught many intensives throughout the United States and loves to pass on his knowledge and passion for dance to the next generation of dancers. With a concentration in lyrical, jazz and modern, his classes bring excitement, a high level of technique and give students an opportunity to explore and discover their artistry.

Scarlett Brais
(Voice)

Scarlett graduated with high honors from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University Long Beach, receiving her BA in Music Performance with an emphasis in Voice in May, 2010.  She has sung in several prestigious choral and solo voice competitions and has toured internationally with the Bob Cole Chamber Choir; one of the top collegiate choirs in the nation.  She is also an accomplished pianist and has competed and achieved great success in several National Piano Guild conferences and scholarship competitions.

Scarlett also holds a strong musical theater background.  Leading roles include:  Lotus Blossom, The Teahouse of the August Moon; Rose Alvarez, Bye Bye Birdie; Lilli Vanessi/Kate, Kiss Me Kate; Eponine, Les Miserables; Winnie Winslow, No No Nanette; Go-To-Hell-Kitty, Chicago. Musical Theater dance/vocal ensemble roles include: Will Roger’s Follies, Hair, and Pirates of Penzance.

At the young age of 16, Scarlett single-handedly established her own piano, voice and music tutoring business and has had great success over the years.  She strives to instill joy, passion and self confidence in her students and believes that music and the arts can enrich and enhance every aspect of human life.

Arin Bryant
(Jazz, Leaps & Turns, Stretch & Control)

Arin graduated from Chapman College with a B.F.A. in dance. She is a graduate from Esperanza High School where she was captain of the dance team. She received her early training in ballet, jazz, and tap from Carolyn Norris Dance Company in Fullerton, CA. She has choreographed for Los Alamitos, Sonora, Esperanza, and Travis Ranch dance teams. Arin’s competitive groups at this studio have won several top awards and her choreography continues to be specially recognized.

Brooke Cooper
(Hip Hop, Jazz)

Brooke Cooper started dancing at the age of 5 at McCoy Rigby- formerly known as ABDA.  She has trained in jazz, ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, and hip-hop.  At McCoy Rigby, she competed for 8 years earning high awards for both her team and individual performances.  Brooke attends Esperanza High School and has been a part of the award winning EHS Varsity Songleading team.  Her Song team has competed at both the local and national level. Brooke will graduate from Esperanza High School in June 2012. Her plans are to pursue a career as a teacher.  In addition she will continue to take dance classes locally and at college as this is her true passion.

Michelle Hamilton
(Ballet)

Michelle was raised in Buena Park where she received her early ballet training from her mother Norma Hamilton. She went on to dance with San Francisco Ballet Company and Joffrey Ballet Company of New York. Her other professional credits include principle dancer and assistant choreographer for Nevada Dance Theatre and lead dancer with Tropicanas “Folies Bergere” in Las Vegas. Michelle’s extensive training and professional experience, as well as her fun-loving personality, make her an especially popular teacher here at McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts.

Kelly Heyer
(Hip Hop)

Kelly has been dancing since the age of 5, classes included tap, ballet, lyrical, jazz and hip hop. She continued to compete in dance competitions for 8 years (including solos), performed as a song leader and cheerleader at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills, as well as a member of dance chore team for 3 years (choreographer and team captain). Currently on Dance Team at Mt Sac College in Pomona, participating in various dance competitions in both hip hop and jazz.. Has been acting since the age of 8, and landed a role as “the kicking ballerina” in the feature film “American Wedding”. Also participated in Musical Theater at El Rancho Middle School, performing lead roles in “Aladdin” and “High School Musical” and later lead performances for Community Theater in “The Sound of Music” and “A Christmas Carol”. Acting credits include commercials, a lead role in a Hallmark Mini Series, as well as a Lifetime Movie, and various guest and co- starring roles in several episodes. Currently has a recurring role on the Sitcom “Raising Hope” .

Shannon Humphries
(Ballet)

Shannon began dancing at the age of four as part of her recovery from a debilitating muscle disease.  She started her classical ballet training at Long Beach Ballet Arts Center and continued her growth at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. She has had the opportunity to perform roles in ballets such as Swan Lake, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker, as well as Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Western Symphony, and Raymonda. As a means to further challenge herself, Shannon has choreographed for her peers at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, local high school dance teams, competitive solos for YAGP, as well as pieces appearing at Regional Dance America.

Shannon enjoyed multiple seasons at the Crystal Cathedral’s Glory Productions in The Glory of Christmas and The Glory of Easter. She performed as principal dancer in both of those productions before accepting the position of Assistant Choreographer for several years.  Currently Shannon loves sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers while teaching at several studios in Orange and LA counties.

Carla Hutchison
(Jazz, Creative Dance, Pre-Dance)

Carla graduated in 1994 from Los Angeles County High School of the Arts and studied at Fullerton College as a Business Major. Her professional dance credits include Star Search, People’s Choice Awards, “TAP” with Gregory Hines and Tribute to Michael Jackson. Carla auditioned and was accepted at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City. Carla has been a lead instructor at USA Jazz Camps for several years, and has studied with renowned master teacher Paula Morgan. She is certified in Pilates instruction and has been coach of the Valencia High School Dance Team.

Julie Kidd
(Tap)

Julie Kidd has been teaching dance for over 25 years and has received many accolades over her career.  Julie is the creator and choreographer of “Tap-N-Burn” tap dance fitness DVD and curriculum (fitness editor’s pick- “Shape Magazine”), featured on ABC’s “The View”,  “Better Homes & Gardens”, “Personal Fitness”, “American Fitness”, “Inside this Edition”, “On The Town” and “Fox 11 News”. Julie has choreographed for contestants on ABC’s “The Dance Machine” and “Comedy Productions” at Orange County Pavilion Arts Center.  Along with Julie’s dedication and passion to the dance arts, Julie is a contributing comedy writer for various on-line magazines, and her comedy has been featured in “Good Housekeeping”, “Orange Coast Magazine”, “Coast Magazine”, “OC Family”, “OC Metro”, numerous comedy books including: “Comedy Thesaurus”, “She’s So Funny”, “Mom This Jokes For You”, and “Loves Funny That Way”.  She has appeared on Emmy Award Winning “Mother’s” cable tv show, “ABC’s The View” as “Funniest Mom”, “Life Moments”, “Next Big Star”, and “OC Lifestyles”. Julie is the author of “Momologue” and speaks at women’s events across the Pacific Southwest.

Marshea Kidd
(Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Leaps & Turns, Stretch & Control)

Marshea Kidd began training in all disciplines of dance at the age of 3. As a young dancer he was featured in “Kid Songs” videos and performed in “Pepito’s Story” under the direction of Debbie Allen. His passion, talent and charisma have earned him over 20 dance titles nationally and internationally. Marshea most recently toured with “Bad Boys of Dance” in “Rock the Ballet” under the direction of Rasta Thomas in Europe; also in New York’s annual DRA benefit on Fire Island, (choreographed by Broadway Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell). Marshea has completed two separate Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines tours as a principal dancer. Marshea’s ingenuity and analytical dance skills make him a master at his craft as he continues to challenge himself and his dance students abroad.

Michelle Klaers
(Ballet)

Michelle began her ballet training at Inland Dance Academy at age three with Diane Amendt, Evette DeMarco, Michel Gervais and Peny Huffor. As she continued her training there she also studied and performed with Inland Pacific Ballet under the direction of Victoria Koe Maple. She went on to train with The San Francisco Ballet School, American Ballet Theater School as well as various other schools around Southern California in tap, jazz, and musical theater. After graduating, she attended UC Irvine where she majored in Dance and trained with David Allan, Larry Rosenberg, Donald McKayle, and Bonnie Homsey. There she also studied extensively in William Forsythe’s technique with Douglas Becker of Frankfurt Ballet. She performed such works as Bournonville’s “Flower Festival Pas De Deux”, Balanchine’s “Serenade”, Forsythe’s “Artifact II” and “Steptext” as principal dancer, David Allan’s Fiesta and “Cinderella”, Tiffany Billing’s “Beautiful”, and Amy Gersh’s “Barroom Blues” and originated Douglas Becker’s “Appear to Be”. In 2001, she studied at the Conservatoire Nacional De Paris in an exchange with UCI. In 2004 she joined the original cast Disney’s “Snow White An Enchanting Musical” directed by Eric Shaeffer and choreographed by Karma Camp, where she performed multiple roles and helped originate the role of the “Bluebird”. Then went on to perform for Tokyo Disney Sea in their Broadway review show “Encore”.

Natalie Knox
(Play Writing)

Natalie knew at an early age drama would guide her into a suitable career and a happy life! She earned her BA at UCSB with a major in Dramatic Arts with a play writing emphasis, and a minor in English with a creative writing emphasis. In the beginning of her undergraduate study, she took a summer hiatus to audition for the intensive summer session at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, in Pasadena. Exploring all elements of the dramatic world made it easy for Natalie to see her talents and passion would be better suited for the writing industry. After earning her degree at UCSB, she sought out internship programs in the television and film industry. She worked as a script analyst in Hollywood, writing critiques to evaluate the plot-line of aspiring screenplays. She soon came upon an opening at Entertainment Tonight, filmed at Paramount Studios. Taking on another internship, she was closer to the writing department than ever! She worked daily with the script writers, as she retrieved video from the depths of their archives. While at ET, she worked on her own novel, poetry compilation and several short plays, as she missed the genuine art of language that had brought her into the field.

Longing to be creative on a daily basis, she decided to earn her single-subject teaching credential in English, hoping to teach her love of writing both in the areas of English and Drama. After a short stint of substitute teaching, her dream position of Drama teacher/program director opened up at a local school. Within a year, the culture of the “low-performing” school blossomed with Shakespearean performances, after-school play writing workshops that were turned into full-fledged scene festivals, and the birth of two intensive Summer-School programs that celebrated the art of combining drama, writing, science and technology into one, thematic product. In her six years of teaching Drama and English at the public school, she spawned several creative programs that are still flourishing. Upon the birth of her daughter, she took a leave of absence that allowed her to enjoy being a “full-time” mom while teaching creative writing to teens, two nights a week at a private academy. Natalie is thrilled to join the MRCA team and share her passion for words in a more creative environment. One of her main, life-long goals is teaching kids that writing can be magical!

Christopher Liu
(Contemporary, Jazz, Stretch & Control)

Having spent more than a decade in the entertainment industry working as a professional dancer, Chris has been fortunate enough to have had many profound influences shape him as an artist and performer. While simultaneously studying dance at the Orange County High School of the Arts, Chris was also a member of Generation Next, the second Tremaine teen dance company, under the tutelage of acclaimed film and stage choreographers Marguerite Derricks and Michael Rooney. While pursuing a BA in concert dance at the University of California, Irvine with the esteemed Donald McKayle, garnering the technique of such modern pioneers as Limon and Graham, Chris was also able to attend Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, learning the repertoire of such European choreographers as Jiri Kylian, Ohad Naharin, and Preljocaj. He has also been able to maintain a commercial career, appearing on such shows as Days of Our Lives, Cold Case, Dirty Sexy Money, and the 80th Academy Awards, as well as numerous commercials for Sony, McDonald’s, and most recently, SoftBank with Cameron Diaz.

Katie Maresca
(Tap, Hip Hop)

Katie is a Chapman University graduate, receiving her B.A. and Teacher’s Credential in Liberal Studies for Elementary Education with a minor in Philosophy and a concentration in Dance Studies.

Her past experience includes choreographing Showtime at SJDL School for 4 years. She formerly taught hip hop and tap at a local studio for 3 years. With 15 years of dance experience in the areas of Tap, Jazz, Irish, and Hip Hop, Katie is very glad to be a part of McCoy Rigby’s Conservatory of the Arts. As a graduate of Rosary High School, Katie was involved with Red & Gold musical performances as a captain for 3 years. She continues to strengthen her knowledge in dance with classes at Chapman University.

Jasmine Mason
(Contemporary, Jazz, Stretch & Control, Leaps & Turns)

Training since the age of 3, Jasmine Mason is the recipient of many dance titles during her career.  She was trained under the direction of Shannon Mather and is trained in all disciplines of dance.  As a frequent assistant to Shannon Mather her recent credits include working on “Flash Mob” with Nappy Tabs, performing a piece for “So You Think You Can Dance”, and a coveted performance in New York City Dance Alliance.  She has been featured in dance pieces choreographed by celebrity superstars in the dance industry that include Twitch, Blake McGrath and Travis Wall and has performed with Patti LaBelle.  Recently Jasmine taught and assisted in choreographing for Sabrina (aka Cheetah Girls) for her upcoming reality show pilot.

In addition to dance arts, Jasmine is a featured print model in Discount Dance, she’s appeared in Dance Spirit Magazine and Jasmine was hired as the campaign print model for Double Platinum Performance Wear and also West Coast Dance Explosion under the direction of John Crutchman; as well as a featured competitor in his reality dance show currently in production stages.  Jasmine’s stunning stage presence, fluid technique and unequivocal style make her an absolute stand out on any stage.

She has been directing and teaching musical theatre, dance, voice, and acting for over ten years in both California and New York City, both privately and with programs such as Dance West, Academy for the Performing Arts, Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County/A.C.E. Program, Children’s Civic Light Opera, Trilogy Playhouse, and the Leadership Program. She has worked as a costumer and makeup artist, and is also a playwright and songwriter. She completed her first full length musical, Celia, with her longtime writing partner Bryan Campbell. Every December, she and her performing family produce a Holiday themed benefit performance for the Alzheimers Association.

Armando S. Quiroz
(Aerial)

Armando’s life has always been full of surprises, but being introduced to the art of Aerial Dance was one of the most random and exciting accidents of his life. For about four years he learned and trained under the guidance of the amazing and talented Jessica Linsay Piekos. With his training in Aerial Silk, Lyra, Spanish Web, and Stilt walking, Armando currently teaches at three locations in Orange County. He has performed at all types of events ranging from parties to street fairs to clubs to recitals. He enjoys teaching and will do all he can for his students.

Shea Runge
(Jazz)

Shea’s intensive dance training began in High School, which led to a prestigious dance title in Japan. Since then she has performed in many college productions and was a member of “Rhapsody in Motion” Dance Company. Shea has been teaching dance for over 20 years in studios and High Schools around Orange County. She has her Bachelor’s in Human Development, a teaching credential in Physical Education and recently earned her Master’s in Education. Her choreography has been seen at Valencia HS, Fountain Valley HS, Los Alamitos HS.  Prior to moving to Yorba Linda High School,  she was Director of the National Champion Dance Team at El Dorado. In 2005 she was noted “Coach of the Year” by the California Association of Dance Team Directors, 2009 voted “Rookie Director” and 2010 “Director of the Year.” Currently Shea teaches 3 levels of dance and also started a non-competitive Advanced Dance Company at Yorba Linda HS where she is currently employed as Activities Director. She judges for regional and National Dance Competitions. Shea is very active in her community and will always find a way to share her passion for dance with her students.

Shannon Steen
(Tap)

Shannon was a Los Angeles Laker Girl for 5 years and has been the choreographer for their auditions the last 3 years. She stays involved with the organization by doing routines for them throughout the year as well. She is also the choreographer for the children’s television show, “Yo Gabba Gabba” which airs on Nickelodeon. She recently choreographed both “Yo Gabba Gabba” stage shows – “ There’s a Party In My City” and “It’s Time To Dance” and toured with both shows as Assistant Director.  She has worked with many high schools and choreographed several routines that have won national dance team titles. She has many television and film credits as well as many years of experience teaching all types of dance to all ages. She is really excited to be returning to MRCA and is looking forward to a great year.

Nancy Stover
(Tumbling)

Nancy Stover has been teaching tumbling at McCoy Rigby since Sept 2009.  She  spent much of her childhood and adult years involved in the sport of gymnastics where she was a 6 time All American and considers winning a bronze medal at World University Games as one of her favorite memories. However, the journey through the years has kept her passion for gymnastics as she loves kids and loves sharing her enthusiasm for the sport with anyone willing to give it a try.

Nancy is currently the Program Director at Wildfire Gymnastics in Tustin and previously held the same position at SCATS Gymnastics. Prior to that, she ran the Titan Junior gymnastics program at Cal State Fullerton for 18 years.  It was there that her four children developed a love for the sport as well. Nancy can also be found in the elementary classrooms in Fullerton School District where she serves as a substitute teacher.

Leann Fallow
(Office Manager of McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts)

Leann was introduced to the world of dance when she enrolled her daughters into dance classes at a new studio opening in Yorba Linda known as ABDA. As a stay at home mom after sixteen years she was ready to get back out into the real world so she took an office position at the studio and hasn’t looked back since. She has seen many changes to the studio over the years with students growing up and becoming teachers, new ownership, new location. Her love of people, children and the Arts makes her job fun and very rewarding.

Elissa Szieff
(Chief Operating Officer of McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts)

Elissa has over 30 years of entertainment accounting and business management experience. She began her accounting career in 1982 working exclusively within the music industry. When Elissa met Tom McCoy and Cathy Rigby McCoy in 1987 she had already expanded her business to include television and film and her Business Management firm had several tours on the road.

In 1989, McCoy Rigby Entertainment produced the National Tour of Peter Pan, starring Cathy Rigby. Elissa was the production accountant of the 2-½ year tour that landed on Broadway, twice, and received a Tony nomination for “Best Revival”.  From 1994 to 2005, Elissa’s primary focus was raising her three children, but continued to expand her knowledge and experience by intermittently providing consulting and auditing services to a wide variety of volunteer organizations and fund-raising campaigns.

Since 2006, Elissa has enjoyed accounting and consulting for law firms, construction firms, individuals, small business owners, small corporations, small and large accounting firms and not-for-profit corporations, uncovering, recording, and reporting investor fraud, loan fraud, and tax evasion.