Meet our team! 

SHARISSE LEBRUN - Director of Education & Outreach

Sharisse LeBrun (she/her) is from Eqpahak/Fredericton, New Brunswick where she has worked in arts education for ten years. She has been Theatre New Brunswick's Theatre School & Young Company Director since 2018. She is thrilled to be joining the team at Neptune Theatre and can’t wait to get to know the students and artists that make it what it is. Education: MA in Theatre (UofT) and BA in English (STU). Recent Directing: Beneath Springhill, Sidewalk Chalk, S.T.O.P, Altar (YOCO) and The Spongebob Musical, Romeo & Juliet, Rose (Theatre School). Recent Performance: Bluebirds (TNB) and The Company Store (Theatre Baddeck).

MADDIE MAITZEN – Theatre School Manager

Maddie Maitzen (she/her) has been involved with Neptune Theatre School for 5 years, starting as a student and YPCo member before becoming an instructor. She later joined the Theatre School Administration team as a Content Creator, Administrative Assistant, Songs for Seniors Program Coordinator, and Stage Manager. Maddie couldn’t have been more thrilled to take on the role of Theatre School Manager in January 2024! Maddie graduated from the Fountain School of Performing Arts with a Bachelor’s in Music - concentration in vocal performance. She is currently taking courses with Dalhousie University Continuing Education to earn a certificate in Human Resource Management. She loves performing opera, musical theatre, pop music and has a special interest in songwriting and post-production editing. 

LUCAS ARAB – Education Content Creator

Lucas Arab (he/him) considers himself to be a "Professional Make-Believer" with the goal of creating immersive and visually intriguing storytelling spaces for all. He is a scenic designer who is passionate about theatre education for students of all ages. Lucas has designed the sets of many YPCo and professional productions at Neptune Theatre such as The New Canadian Curling Club, Crypthand, Heathers the Musical, Dear Rita, The SpongeBob Musical, Little Women, as worked as an assistant designer on Disney's Frozen and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. When Lucas isn’t designing for the stage, he is overseeing program development at Neptune Theatre School and he is also the Regional Producer of the Canadian Improv Games in Nova Scotia. 

SARA COURTNEY - Curriculum Coordinator

Sara Courtney (she/they) is a multidisciplinary performer from Ponamogoatitjg (Dartmouth), where she works in childcare and arts education. Sara is a former student of Neptune’s Theatre School and now works as an instructor for almost 8 years (and loves it!). Sara has been working in children's theatre for over 8 years, directing, choreographing and stage managing youth productions around the HRM. When not teaching or performing, Sara enjoys cooking, dancing and crafts!

SOPHIE WILCOTT - Theatre School Adminstrator

Sophie Wilcott (they/she) was raised in a small, seaside city, by theatre educators who taught her the value of theatre for community development. As an actor and arts educator, that lesson remains at the heart of her practice. In spring of 2023, Sophie received a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Acting and a Certificate in Dance and Movement Composition from Dalhousie University's Fountain School of Performing Arts. Sophie has collaborated with Neptune Theatre, Neptune Theatre School, Theatre Nova Scotia, Prismatic Arts Festival, Atlantic Repertory Company, Theatre New Brunswick, Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, Unnatural Disaster Theatre Company, Connections Dance Works, and now Thousands Islands Playhouse. Sophie specializes in Theatre for Young Audiences and is committed to remaining curious about the ways both communities engage with art and the ways art engages communities.

AMANDA BURNETT - Camp Director

Amanda is a school teacher in Nova Scotia and dedicates a lot of her time outside the classroom to Neptune Theatre and Neptune Theatre School's wide array of programming, such as championing the YPCo volunteer team, and leading summer camps as the Camp Director. Amanda is a Front of House Manager at Neptune and is always there to greet patrons and students alike with the biggest smile. 

SARA COURTNEY - Assistant Camp Director

Sara Courtney (she/they) is a multidisciplinary performer from Ponamogoatitjg (Dartmouth), where she works in childcare and arts education. Sara is a former student of Neptune’s Theatre School and now works as an instructor for almost 8 years (and loves it!). Sara has been working in children's theatre for over 8 years, directing, choreographing and stage managing youth productions around the HRM. When not teaching or performing, Sara enjoys cooking, dancing and crafts!

SOPHIE WILCOTT - Teen Program Director

Sophie Wilcott (they/she) was raised in a small, seaside city, by theatre educators who taught her the value of theatre for community development. As an actor and arts educator, that lesson remains at the heart of her practice. In spring of 2023, Sophie received a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Acting and a Certificate in Dance and Movement Composition from Dalhousie University's Fountain School of Performing Arts. Sophie has collaborated with Neptune Theatre, Neptune Theatre School, Theatre Nova Scotia, Prismatic Arts Festival, Atlantic Repertory Company, Theatre New Brunswick, Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, Unnatural Disaster Theatre Company, Connections Dance Works, and now Thousands Islands Playhouse. Sophie specializes in Theatre for Young Audiences and is committed to remaining curious about the ways both communities engage with art and the ways art engages communities.

LUCAS ARAB - Interim Teen Program Director (July 1st - 21st)

Lucas Arab (he/him) considers himself to be a "Professional Make-Believer" with the goal of creating immersive and visually intriguing storytelling spaces for all. He is a scenic designer who is passionate about theatre education for students of all ages. Lucas has designed the sets of many YPCo and professional productions at Neptune Theatre such as The New Canadian Curling Club, Crypthand, Heathers the Musical, Dear Rita, The SpongeBob Musical, Little Women, as worked as an assistant designer on Disney's Frozen and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. When Lucas isn’t designing for the stage, he is overseeing program development at Neptune Theatre School and he is also the Regional Producer of the Canadian Improv Games in Nova Scotia. 

ALENA GRANDY

Alena is a singer, dancer, and actor currently performing with the Garnet and Gold Musical Theatre Society at Mount Allison University, where she is earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Most recently, she has been teaching Neptune Theatre School weekend classes and is excited to return for her third summer of teaching.

ALEX MACDONALD

Alex (any pronouns) is so excited to be back teaching with Theatre School this summer! Alex has been part of the theatre school for many years and has taken part in YPCo’s production of Almost Maine and The Prom! Alex can’t wait to be a part of this year’s team and teach new and returning students!

AMELIA PENNEY-CROCKER

Amelia (she/her) has been a student at Neptune Theatre school for 13 years and an instructor for almost four. She is currently studying at the University of King's College/Dalhousie studying contemporary studies and film studies. Theatre education is something she is very passionate about as it was her avenue to discovering creative expression as a child.

AVIVA MILLETT

Aviva (she/her) is excited for her second summer with Neptune Camps. She has a passion for music and acting, having done many plays and musicals. Aviva is ready to help bring out the campers inner artists!

BRÉANN REYNER

Bréann (she/her) is excited to be returning for her fifth year as an instructor at the Neptune Theatre School summer camps. Before becoming an instructor she was in many classes at the Theatre school and took part in a few of YPCo’s productions. Bréann especially enjoys working with younger students and helping them grow into confident, creative performers! When she is not teaching you can find Bréann crocheting, reading or spending time with her cats!

BEN WALKER

Ben (he/him) is a proud Nova Scotian actor. He began his career in musical theatre which inspired him to develop his skills as a dancer and singer, and has received awards in both. Ben continues to train in musical theatre as well as film. His goal is working towards a career in screen arts. Ben has performed with Neptune’s YPCO in productions such as Spongebob The Musical, and The Prom. Ben has recently completed a co-op with Neptune Threat school, and is happy to be back.

CONOR POTTIE

Conor (he/him) is a highschool student. He’s been acting and singing since he was 4 years old. He has been involved with Neptune Theatre almost as long. He’s performed in the YPCo shows of Heathers, The Prom and Almost Maine, to name a few. Conor has a passion for teaching children everything there is to love about the theatre world!

DYLAN JACKSON

Dylan (he/him) is a Maritime-based performer from Ponamogoatitjg (Dartmouth) who sports a long history with the theatre school. Originally a student & YPCo member, he now enjoys passing down the same fun performance skills & games he was once taught by working as an instructor! He has trained at Dalhousie's Fountain School For Performing Arts (2017-2020) and later a summer abroad at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (2023). When he's not acting in local productions he can be seen teaching/performing Improv for Spontaneity Improv Company, chilling at the movies, and playing with his twin cats: Kiki & Mimi.

EMMA GOLDEN

Emma (she/her) is ecstatic to be joining Neptune Theatre School again this summer! Having worked as a full time instructor over the past few years, she is always happy to be working alongside the Neptune community once again. Emma has recently graduated from Sheridan College’s Honors Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance, and currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. She will be premiering her original musical ‘Potato Potato’ at Theatre Passe Muraille this July and is inspired by creating, writing, and producing new Canadian works. Emma looks forward to collaborating with the new generation of young performers, and creating an atmosphere that allows students to focus on expanding their craft.

GABRIELLE THERRIEN

Gabrielle (she/he/they) is an actress, theatre educator, and playwright with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. They take an empathy-forward approach to teaching, creating an environment that is both creatively empowering and judgement free. She works professionally all over Kjipuktuk/Halifax and in Ktaqmkuk/St. John’s as both a teacher and an actor. When they’re not working you’d be likely to find them reading, flying their kite, or hanging out with their nieces and nephew!

HERMIONE DAVIS

Hermione Davis (she/her) is a performing artist focused in theatre and music. Hermione is a songwriter, and in 2023 she released her self-produced folk music project Here Lies Herm to streaming platforms. She has been a part of multiple theatre shows with Grafton Street Dinner Theatre and the Halifax Fringe Festival. She is a 2022 graduate of the Fountain School of Performing Arts’ theatre (acting) program with the University of King’s College. When she isn’t performing, Hermione continues songwriting, teaching, and making cute crafts. She would like to thank her community and family for their support in her artistic endeavors.

JAMES ERSIL

James (they/them) is a performer, educator, and professional make-believer. They graduated from Dalhousie and King's with a Combined Honours in History of Science and Acting, a degree so weird it crashed the system the first time they went to the registrar's office. Coming off the trails of their first year towards their Bachelors of Education at Mount Saint Vincent, they are passionate about creating engaging and safe learning environments for students from all backgrounds. They've worked in theatre education for the better part of a decade, and this will be their third summer with Neptune! Teaching a wide range of camps, they are so excited for a fantastic and magical summer ahead!

JORDAN ANGEVINE

Jordan (they/them) has gratefully been a part of Neptune's YPCo shows for the past 3 seasons. Outside of Neptune, they can be found listening to music, biking and walking on local trails and drawing. After working at camps for the first time during march break, they're ecstatic to be back for the summer!

KATIE FAWCETT

Katie is a recent grad of Acadia University. She was a part of Neptune Theatre’s YPCo when in high school, and was a professional dancer with the Amethyst Scottish Dancers of Nova Scotia for five years.

ROWAN AVERY

Rowan (any pronouns) is an actor, musician, writer, designer, crafter, producer, and educator hailing from K'tamqkuk. They hold degrees in Voice and Drama from Mount Allison, and are now based in K'jipuktuk. A proud member of the Mi'kmaw nation, they are interested in comedy, musical theatre, physical theatre, improv, mask, and puppetry. Recently, they've performed in Sweeney Todd and Tree Boy/We Are Awake, helped adapt and stage managed The Juliet Project, and sang in The Opera Show. They are now working as a drama teacher with around the HRM, and do admin for Halifax Theatre for Young People.

RYLAN HISLOP

has been passionate about theatre and music since grade four, participating in musicals, choir, and band throughout his school years. He auditioned for Neptune Theatre’s YPCo Musical Theatre Boot Camp, in 2023. Since then, he has appeared in productions of The Prom and Heathers: The Musical. Rylan is also a graduate of Neptune’s Prep Program.

SARAH MACINISS

Sarah (she/her) is excited to be returning to the Neptune Summer Camp team this year. She has participated in community and school theatre as well as Neptune camps and workshops. She most recently performed in DalOpera’s production of Cendrillon. Sarah will be returning to Dalhousie University for her second year, majoring in voice. Sarah looks forward to once again sharing her love of drama and musical theatre through teaching this summer.

SARAH SMITH

Sarah Smith (she/her) is thrilled to return for her 7th summer as an instructor with Neptune Theatre School. Sarah is an actor, musician, and theatre artist based in K'jipuktuk/Halifax. She has a BFA in Theatre from Memorial University, and a Certificate in Musical Theatre from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Sarah has worked with a variety of theatre companies throughout Atlantic Canada. Performance credits include Deeper (Unnatural Disaster Theatre Co.) Taylor Made and Holly Dolly Christmas (Grafton Street Dinner Theatre), The Firebird: The Musical (Terra Novella), Assassins (Whale Song Theatre), and 9-5: The Musical (Whale Song Theatre). Sarah is also a playwright, composer, and director known for her works VomBoss and Vampire Therapist: The Musical. When not performing, Sarah teaches theatre and music around the city.

SIOBHÁN BEST-ROBERTS

Siobhán is so excited to be teaching summer camps again this year! She taught a bunch last year, and loved it so much that she stayed on for the weekend classes during the school year, and is back again doing summer camps. She is starting her journey to become an Early Childhood Educator in the coming school year, and is so passionate about creating a fun and rewarding space for children to have fun as well as learn! She wants to make sure that each and every child has a space to be silly, creative, confident and to learn about theatre at the same time. Siobhán has worked in children’s theatre for over 6 years now both here at Neptune and at a company in Ottawa, and enjoys it every time. She likes to fill her classes with crafts, games, lessons and movement so that there is something for everyone! She can’t wait to start the 2025 summer season, and meet all the wonderful folks who come to join her at camp!

SOLÈNE GADBOIS

Hello! My name is Solène Gadbois. I first joined Neptune’s Theatre community as a child at a summer camp. I have been a part of four Ypco shows. Neptune is such a positive and supportive place and a great space to learn. I just finished my first year in a musical theatre program at St Lawrence College and I am so excited to share my love for theatre with all of you! See you at camp!

SOPHIE NADEAU

Sophie (she/her) is an improviser, content creator and all around human who loves to share her passion for theatre and exploration. She has been a player, volunteer, coach and instructor with the Canadian Improv Games the last 12 years and has performed improv with Saint John’s Improvisation Corporation and HRM’s Make Em’ Ups. Sophie has taught with Neptune Theatre School for the last 7 years. She has also coached improv teams and led improv workshops and classes with the HRCE. Sophie has 15 years of dance training in tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre. Sophie is a graduate of the Screen Arts film program at NSCC and loves making digital content. She has performed theatre with Kennebecasis Valley High School, KV Players and Saint John Theatre Company and has written and produced three original Fringe Festival shows and 5 original improv Fringe shows. Sophie is very excited to be encouraging young performers to be everything they want to be! Her favourite type of dog is a jack russell terrier and her favourite Summer Blizzard®️Flavour is Cotton Candy.

SORCHA LAYDEN

Sorcha (she/her) is a third year commerce student at Saint Mary's University. She spent her whole life as a touring/competitive dancer with  Bella Dance Academy (Yellowknife, NWT), KidSing (Fredericton, NB) and Oromocto Dance Academy (Oromocto NB). As well as being in every single school play she performed with Theatre New Brunswick's theatre school for 7 years. She has been playing rugby for 5 years now and loves all things creative. Majoring in global business management and hopes to travel the world (and see lots of plays in the process).

TENNESSEE TOOMBS

Tenessee is a Nova Scotian musical theatre student. In his free time He enjoys playing guitar and reading. He is currently attending citadel high, and has been an active participant in the goings on at Neptune for many years.

ZYA LANGDON

Zya (she/her) is a theatre performer from Kjipuktuk (Halifax). She is a YPCO student at Neptune’s Theatre School and also works as an instructor. Zya has trained at various programs across the HRM, including YPCO, Shakespeare by the Sea’s Youth Company, and more, as a dancer, singer, and actor. In her spare time, she loves to draw, sing and hang out with her dog!