Instructors |
|
 |
Lisa Johnson, the founder and director of Let's Pretend, holds a Master of Arts degree in theatre and has worked in the Atlanta area for decades as an actress, director and award-winning playwright. As a playwright, Ms. Johnson has had her plays produced both in various theatres in Atlanta and in New York City. Ms. Johnson was the founding artistic director of the Devereux Center Theatre, a program which earned both statewide recognition and national acclaim. Directing credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Little Abner, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, South Pacific, The King and I, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker among others. Ms. Johnson has been involved in educational theatre, playwriting and improvisation workshops around Atlanta and has also done freelance directing at both public and private schools including The Marist School, Milton High School and King's Ridge Academy. |
 |
In her "former life," Liz Bigler was a theater technician, getting a BA in tech theatre from UGA and working as a freelance stage manager and lighting technician for various professional theatres around Atlanta. Believing she had an untapped talent, Liz went off to Japan to teach English...and stayed for three years. After returning, she got her master's at Georgia State, and has been teaching ever since. Recently, she has stage- managed at the Center for Puppetry Arts and Horizon Theatre, as well as the local community theatres in her neighborhood of Norcross/Duluth. Liz is happiest when combining her loves of teaching and theatre. She is married and has two teenagers. |
 |
Taryn Bryant is thrilled to be starting her second semester with Let's Pretend! Since graduating with a BFA in musical theatre from Shorter College, she's been busy as a professional singer, actor, and teaching artist. In almost a decade of professional experience Taryn has traveled extensively, doing sketch comedy, touring in children's theatre productions and performing onstage and in front of a live band, as well as teaching kids of all ages in music, theatre, voice, and audition techniques. She is excited to continue her journey as an entertainer and educator in a city that is close to her heart. |
 |
Darrell Grant, is excited to be a part of Let's Pretend! He is originally from Houston, Texas. and after receiving a BFA in theatre performance has worked as a professional actor for five years. Darrell has recently appeared in Driving Miss Daisy and The Wiz with local theatres. Over the years he has traveled throughout the United States using theatre techniques to educate youth on goal setting, climate science, and fundamentals of acting. Darrell is passionate about educating and directing youth in positive activities. He believes it will be a year of fun, laughter, and true inspiration. |
|
Nancy Riggs has been a professional actor and puppeteer working mostly in Atlanta for over 20 years. She has been teaching drama to all ages for about 15 years, including several years for Let's Pretend. You might have seen her work in Dinosaurs at the Center for Puppetry Arts, or in Piccadilly Puppets shows all over town. She has worked for many other theatres, including the Alliance, the Shakespeare Tavern, the Atlanta Lyric and Theatre Gael. She also sings, dances and tells stories. In her spare time, Nancy is a competitive ice skater. |
 |
Sara Saidy moved to the United States with the dream of becoming an actor. Since then, she has directed and performed in both theatrical and independent film productions in Atlanta. She is currently studying Performance Arts at Georgia State University and has been studying method acting, directing & voice at the Dorsey Studios & Theater for the Performing Arts since 2005. She has appeared in independent films and on local stages. Sara recently produced and directed William Inge’s acclaimed play, Come Back Little Sheba at the Dorsey Theater. She has over 10 years of experience as a corporate trainer and instructor. She is very delighted to join the Let’s Pretend team. |
 |
Patrick S. Young is excited to be returning for his second year with Let's Pretend Drama. He was a Theatre Major at Piedmont College, studied On-Camera acting with TVI Actor's Studio and was a part of the Storytelling Troupe of Kennesaw State University. His teaching experience includes Drama, Kids Improv and On-Camera. He has also directed several Theatre for Youth productions. Patrick loves working with kids and still acts around the Atlanta area. He is looking forward to meeting his students and their parents, and can't wait to start the fun! "Initiate, Improv, Adapt!" |
 |
Mike Yow, a professional actor, improv artist, and ghost tour guide, is looking forward to his second semester with Let's Pretend! Last seen on-stage as Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird at Act1 Theater in Alpharetta, and currently playing around town in Vote For Rhonda (with Atlanta Theatre To Go), Mike will also appear as Fagin in an upcoming production of Oliver! later this year. He is also a performer with iThink Improv Troupe, Kudzu Players, The Teaching Museum, and is in the occasional indie film. |
