Private Lessons

ABOUT

PRIVATE LESSONS

NLBP Education would like to help connect you to additional resources to further your theatrical training.

We frequently bring in guest artists with various specialities and unique offerings. If you missed the chance the first time or would like to further your training with these individuals, you can view their information below.

Find the right fit for you by reading the bios of our teaching artists!

Contact individual teaching artists to inquire about rates and scheduling.

ACTING

Improve your acting abilities with individualized training on monologues, techniques, and other additional skills.
SINGING

Develop and strengthen your singing with specialized vocal training for your voice and develop your repertoire.
DANCING

Learn a new style, strengthen your technique, or learn choreography for reels and audition prep.
COLLEGE PREP

Looking for guidance on your college program and audition journey? We can help!

Improve your acting abilities with individualized training on monologues, techniques, and other additional skills.

ACTING

JOSEPH FREDERICK ALLEN
Acting Coach

Joseph Frederick Allen is a New York City based actor, writer, and educator. In addition to performing at the Barn Playhouse (2017 Acting Company; 2023 Spelling Bee), he has directed the Straw Hat Revue and taught for both the Junior Interns and educational camps. In NYC, he privately coaches for professional and amateur auditions, competitions and performances. His students have won titles in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Musical Theatre competition, appeared on Broadway, in national tours, and film/TV.

Directing & associate: RED INK (Off-Bway: The Rattlestick/the wild project). He directs solo shows and cabarets, including the NYC premier of Farewell To The West by J. Savage (Bad Cinderella) and The Music That Made Me by Jasmine Forsberg (SIX, Here Lies Love). Writing: Off-Bway premier of The Eulogy Approach; Nice Guys (Finish Last); Joseph served as the Book Research Assistant to writer Kate Wetherhead, and he is an Associate of the Dramatist Guild Foundation. Performing: Younger (Paramount+); Ever After; Be More Chill; Austen’s Pride; Something Wicked This Way Comes and more. josephfrederickallenonline.com

Contact Joseph: jfacoaching@gmail.com or josephfrederickallenonline.com

*Joseph offers virtual lessons.

SAGE TOKACH
Acting Coach

Sage Tokach is the Director of Education at the New London Barn Playhouse. She grew up on a farm in small-town Kansas, earned her BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University, and received her MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences from the University of Central Florida. Sage has worked as a teaching artist and director across the country at organizations including Orlando Repertory Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, and the Florida State Parks. At the Barn Playhouse, Sage has recently directed Finding Nemo Jr., Jason and the Argonauts, and Elf Jr. Sage’s teaching specialties include acting, directing, puppetry, improvisation, script analysis, story drama, and outdoor storytelling. In any project, she is interested in creating a learning space that fosters creativity, exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration, where young people are encouraged to share their ideas and ask challenging questions.

Contact Sage: sage@nlbarn.org

*Sage offers virtual and in person lessons.

Brecken Hummer
Acting Coach

Hiya, lovely to meet you! I'm Brecken Hummer, and I'm just a 22-year-old guy with big dreams and a passion for all things creative. I'm originally from the sunny West Palm Beach, Florida! Back in 2020, I decided to shake things up a bit and head to my dream place to live: New York City. Now, I'll be honest, my journey into the world of theater wasn't exactly straightforward. Now, let me take you back a bit. Growing up, I always had this unexplainable pull towards performing. Whether it was putting on impromptu plays with my Buzz Lightyear toy or belting out tunes in my school's chorus department, I just couldn't get enough of it. But it wasn't until high school that the acting bug really sank its teeth into me. It was my third musical, "Into the Woods" that truly opened my eyes to the power of storytelling. From that moment on, I knew I had to be a part of it. What sets me apart? Well, I like to think it's my unique blend of methodical charm and debonair goofiness. I take my craft seriously, pouring my heart and soul into every performance. My mission, overall, is to craft narratives that resonate deeply, bridging gaps between diverse perspectives and inspiring meaningful dialogue within the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling. But at the end of the day, I'm not afraid to let loose and have a little fun. So, whether you're a fellow theater junkie or just someone curious about the creative process, I'm thrilled to have you along for the ride. Together, let's explore the magic of storytelling and see where this crazy journey takes us. Who knows? We might just discover something truly incredible along the way.

Contact Brecken: thebizwithbreck@gmail.com or breckenhummer.com

*Brecken offers virtual lessons.

Brecken's Flyer

SINGING

Develop and strengthen your singing with specialized vocal training for your voice and develop your repertoire.

CINDY JOHNSON
Vocal Coach

Cindy Johnson has worked part-time within the field of theatre education for over 45 years as a director, performer and teacher with ages spanning from pre-school to adults. She piloted several theatre arts projects with area elementary schools to support drama as a learning medium in the classroom. Over the years, she has coached privately and directed several a cappella groups. Cindy is a retired ordained minister who continues to find great joy in collaborating with a variety of organizations in supporting the remarkable work of this vital community.

Contact Cindy: johnsoncindy1958@gmail.com

*Cindy offers in person lessons.

SUSAN HAEFNER
Vocal Coach

Susan Haefner is a professional actor, director, teacher and Broadway veteran. At the New London Barn Playhouse, she appeared in On Golden Pond and live radio broadcasts of Miracle on 34th Street and Sunset Boulevard. Broadway credits include State Fair, Thoroughly Modern Millie and 42nd Street. Tours include Billy Elliot (national tour and Toronto) and Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis (national tour and London’s West End). Susan has also appeared regionally at Northern Stage, Shaker Bridge Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Playhouse on Park, Barter Theatre, Weston Theater Company and Florida Studio Theatre. She received her MFA from Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.

Contact Susan: littleyellowhousestudio.com

* Susan offers virtual lessons.

Julia Anne Cohen
Vocal Coach

Julia Anne Cohen (she/her) is an AEA actor and educator from New York. Teaching Adjunct Positions include American Academy of Dramatic Arts where she teaches Musical Theatre Singing Classes to over 60 college students, and NYU Steinhardt where she taught the voice styles of legit theater, opera, contemporary theater, and popular music styles to over 50 students.

Besides teaching, Julia is an active performer, and was last seen on The Sound of Music Global Tour with Broadway Asia where she played Berthe, understudied Mother Abbess (performed), and was Vocal Captain.

She has built an active private voice studio both in-person and online. Past positions include the Music Specialist at Bank Street Family Center, The William Woodward Jr. Nursery School, and Kaplan Nursery School in NYC. Training includes Lincoln Center Education’s Teaching Artistry Fundamentals Lab, Music Together™, and The Vielka Method™, a step-by-step singing approach designed for kids and teens. She has utilized these skills in multiple organizations, including Change For Kids and APEX for Youth.

She studied Opera, Acting, and Music in Education as a Presidential Scholar and Chadwick Medalist at New England Conservatory. She received her Graduate Degree at NYU Steinhardt with a Masters degree in Musical Theater and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. Further teaching philosophy can be found at: www.JuliaAnneCohen.com

Contact Julia: juliaannecohen1@gmail.com or https://www.juliaannecohen.com/voicestudio

*Julia offers virtual lessons

DANCING & COLLEGE PREP

Learn a new style, strengthen your technique, or learn choreography for reels and audition prep.

SARAH CASE
Dance Teacher and College Prep Coach

Sarah Case is an arts educator, choreographer and arts manager. She is a graduate of Columbia University (B.A.) and Harvard University (M.Ed. Arts in Education). She has taught with the National Dance Institute, Columbia University and Boston Ballet. She has performed and choreographed for regional theaters around the country (including here at the Barn Playhouse). Sarah was awarded the Institute of Arts Management Fellowship at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Dance USA Leadership Fellowship, and served as Managing Director of Dance Exchange, Washington, DC. She is also the alumni coordinator at the Barn Playhouse, where she celebrates the hundreds of extraordinary “Barnie” alumni and their achievements in the arts and beyond.

Contact Sarah: sarah@nlbarn.org

*Sarah offers in person lessons for dance and in person or virtual sessions for college prep.

MEREDITH REITZ ROSENBAUM
Dance Teacher

Meredith Reitz Rosenbaum is a professional dancer, performer, choreographer, and arts administrator. With a BFA in Dance and a BFA in Theatre Management from Valdosta State University, she is passionate about sharing art with others. She’s been teaching dance for over six years at Valdosta School of Ballet, public schools around South Georgia, and through private instruction. Her recent choreography credits include Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical and InstaObsolescence, which was presented at the American College Dance Association Southeastern Conference in March of 2023. With musical theatre, concert dance, and classical ballet experience, she provides well-rounded training to everyone she teaches. Her favorite style is tap. What’s yours? https://www.mreitzrose.com

Contact Meredith: mreitzrose@gmail.com

*Meredith offers in person lessons.