Exploring Acting: Theater, Drama, and Improv Fundamentals for Young Actors

LYSIA MOGFORD:
Lysia Mogford is an actor, comedian, and teaching artist based in Philadelphia PA. She is a recent graduate from Temple University with an acting degree. Since then, she has been acting locally, teaching in afterschool programs, directing local productions and films, and doing stand up and improv. Some of her most exciting recent projects are Love is Afoot, a world premier of an all new musical, performing at a character show at Philadelphia Improv theater, and now directing a production of King Lear coming up in February 2024. Her biggest passion is comedy! She is proficient in sketch comedy, improv, standup, and comedy writing. She looks to create theater that promotes equality, changes to the traditional theater mold, and most of all makes people laugh.


ASPACIA LINDSTROM
My professional career has been enriched by studying contemporary and modern dance. In college, I was a member of the state theatre forensics team. This diverse experience provided the basis of my teaching style, which combines stage acting, improvisation, and original composition competition. Having developed successful afterschool programs in Polk, Lake, and Osceola counties for more than a decade, I am passionate about preserving the arts in schools. In Clermont, FL, I led the theater department at Astatula Elementary School, as well as, Florida Jr and Florida Thespians, theatre, and musical theatre at East Ridge Middle School. In addition to serving as Co-Chair for District 9 Junior Thespians, I founded Shut The Door Productions, LLC, which provides two-week summer drama camps in Florida. My passion for theatre and dance led me to graduate from the University of Houston with my MA in Theatre and Dance. I am looking forward to joining the Ferrell Studios family.  

CHRISTIE DAVIS:
As an actor, Christie has performed professionally as a wide array of characters in various genres, from musical comedies to dramatic straight plays and new works. Some favorite credits include The Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), The Narrator (Joseph), Beth March (Little Women), Winnifred the Woebegone (Once Upon a Mattress), and Jennie Mae Layman (The Diviners), a role for which Christie received a nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Play’ in the 2023 Regional Broadway Awards. Backstage, Christie has managed everything from sound, microphones, sets, and costumes to help produce the best show possible. In her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, Christie developed and directed an after-school theatre program for middle schoolers that instructed and guided students in theatrical performance and professionalism. She feels that fine arts education programs are essential for all to practice creativity and explore our shared humanity. She is grateful for the opportunity to do such socially valuable work and help curate an environment that encourages students to embrace their individuality as integral to their craft. 


JACKIE KNOLLHUFF:
Jackie Knollhuff (She/Her) is a New Jersey Freelance Director, Choreographer, and Teaching Artist whose passions include new play development, working with children, and theatre for persons with disabilities. She holds a Master's in Theatre Studies from Montclair State University. She has worked with professional and community theaters.