CONSERVATORY INSTRUCTORS
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COSSETTE ASENJO - VOICE I/ACTING I COMBO
Cossette has been performing at Playhouse Merced for 11 years, starting with the children’s conservatory, and could not be prouder to return as a teacher! She has always loved music- she has been clarinet section leader for concert band and has taught beginning piano lessons for 4 years. She has also danced ballet for 13 years and taken vocal lessons for 7. You may have seen her as Jo in Little Women or Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Playhouse, and is currently pursuing a career in Musical Theatre at Cal State Fullerton. Cossette loves working with children and can’t wait to sing with you again this year!
BETH CHRISTENSEN - BALLET, DANCE WORKSHOP, JAZZ, TAP, AND CARDIO DANCE
Beth proudly holds her BA in Dance, and has been teaching for over 20 years! After serving as the Education Director at Playhouse Merced from 2001-2005, Beth moved to New York City, where she continued to teach ballet, tap and jazz, while also choreographing and costuming Off-Broadway. She also proudly choreographed the Spring Musical for 4 seasons at Friends Seminary--the oldest co-educational private school in Manhattan. Last season Beth Choreographed numbers for Heathers, Matilda and all of Frozen, Jr. Can’t wait to dance with you again!
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NICHOLAS JOHNSON - VOICE II, III, IV
Nicholas is currently a sophomore at Fresno State University studying Music Education, conducting, and piano performance. He is attending on a full ride via the prestigious Bulldog Beat Music Scholarship! His life has revolved around music ever since he was seven. Since then he has studied many genres of music from classical to contemporary jazz and R&B. As a freelance musician, he has been blessed to have accompanied many groups and choirs throughout the central valley, while also playing in a variety of orchestral ensembles in and outside of school. Nicholas has recently been involved with the fabulous Playhouse Conservatory as an accompanist and Musical Director for their classes and shows. Nick is beyond excited to be working with the kids of the conservatory again and cannot wait to see all of the amazing things they will accomplish!
BRIAN KUBO - ACTING II, III, IV
Brian has been a staple of the Merced Theater community for over 30 years as an actor, director and teacher, and we are excited to have him back with us. He earned his BA in English from CSU Stanislaus and holds two teaching credentials. He is a proud special education teacher for Merced County Office of Education. He is trilled to be back with the Conservatory and can't wait to hear what all of our wonderful Actors have been up to! He is married and has two beautiful daughters Lily and Abigail.
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CHRISTINA RHODES - HIP HOP
Playhouse Merced is BEYOND thrilled to have Christina back with us! A beloved local dance teacher and choreographer, Christina has been dancing for 38 years and teaching for over 20! She has performed in several musicals, competitive dances, Nutcrackers and Swan Lakes. She is also a personal trainer, nutrition specialist and therapeutic art life coach.
ISAIAH FLORES - VOICE I/ACTING I COMBO
Isaiah is currently a second year student studying Theatre at Merced College. He has been performing on the Playhouse stage since the age of 9, and has loved performing ever since! Our audiences may remember him as Flounder in Little Mermaid, or Laurie in Little Women. Last year Isaiah was an Assistant Conservatory Instructor, and is excited to be making the leap into being the newest Conservatory Instructor of the Playhouse Teaching Staff! He hopes you are all well, and he looks forward to (hopefully!) seeing you all in-person soon. Thank you to Playhouse Merced for this opportunity!
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