Faculty

 

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Stephen Cramer
Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
Office: 1004A
Phone: Phone: 307-382-1898

M.F.A. Acting, Kent State University, Ohio

B.A. Theatre Arts, Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania 

Stephen made his Broadway debut in 2000 in the New York production of LES MISERABLES, performing the role of Jean Valjean. Before coming to Broadway, Stephen spent 3 years in the U.S. and Canadian national tours of LES MISERABLES. During a six month stay in Toronto, he had the opportunity to work with Colm Wilkinson. In 2007, Stephen sang the role of Tony in the 50th Anniversary salute to WEST SIDE STORY produced by Signature Theatre, performed at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. 

Stephen revisited the role of Jean Valjean in both Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and Riverside Center’s productions of LES MISERABLES both in Virginia. Other regional theatre credits include, King Arthur in SPAMALOT, PRIVATE LIVES directed by Pat Carroll, DOWN AT THE OLD BULL AND BUSH at Arena Stage’s Old Vat, and playing Rev. Shaw Moore in FOOTLOOSE at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre.  Other roles include Ralph in H.M.S. PINAFORE, Tony in WEST SIDE STORY, and Billy Bigelow in CAROUSEL.   

Stephen is a 6 time Helen Hayes Award nominee. In 1994, he was honored with the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Frederic in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE with Interact Theatre at The Lansburg Theatre in Washington D.C. Stephen is no stranger to oratorio and opera as well as musical theatre. Classical roles include Alfredo in LA TRAVIATA, Pinkerton in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, the tenor soloist in Bruckner’s Te Deum with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, and the tenor soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony for The Lawton Philharmonic in Oklahoma.  

Stephen is a former member of The United States Army Chorus in Washington DC. where he was a soloist for the re-dedication of the Pentagon after 9/11 and portraying Santa at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in December 2008. 

Stephen is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.

Michele McConnell
Michele McConnell
Adjunct Instructor of Musical Theatre

B.M.E. (Music Education), Butler University

Michele made her Broadway debut in February 2010 in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. In July 2011 she took over the role of opera diva Carlotta Giudicelli. Currently, Michele is the Longest Running 'Carlotta' in Broadway History. 

Broadway credits: The Phantom of the Opera. Also: Camelot (tour with Robert Goulet), NYGASP at City Center (Mabel, "Pirates"; Josephine, "Pinafore"), Beauty and the Beast (Montreal/Las Vegas), DiCapo Opera, Mobile Opera, Missouri Symphony, Skyline Theatre Company, San Diego Repertory, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Totem Pole Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Allenberry Playhouse, Peter Grey Terhune Presents. Original Broadway cast recording: Anna Karenina, and numerous recordings for Hal Leonard Publishing via Aireborn Recordings.

Michele has traveled to over 115 countries performing on luxury cruise ships with her husband, baritone Duane McDevitt, and serves on the musical theatre faculty at NJCU. 2010 Bistro Award winner. Proud AEA member and Mary Kay Consultant.