MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
DR. MARTHA ANTOLIK
(Voice)
Martha Antolik has twice been a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions
in both the Gulf Coast and Mid-South Regions. She is a former Apprentice Artist with the Santa Fe Opera Company and has sung and acted in summer stock with the Starlight Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Antolik has appeared as soloist with many regional orchestras and opera companies including the Memphis Symphony, Birmingham Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony and Opera, Birmingham Opera, Lake Charles Symphony, New Orleans Symphony, numerous solo appearances with both the Opera Theater at Wildwood and the Arkansas Symphony, and has toured Spain as alto soloist in performances of Messiah. Active in the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Dr. Antolik is the former Arkansas Chapter President of NATS and has served on its Regional Board of Control. She remains active as a recitalist, adjudicator, and clinician. Dr. Antolik has also been cited in the Arkansas Times as Soloist of the Year for her performance with the Arkansas Symphony in the Verdi Requiem. She received her D.M.A from the University of Memphis, an M.M in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University, and a B.A. in Music from Samford University.
Her students have won numerous competitions including the Regional and State Met Auditions, National Society of Arts and Letters competition, MTNA State and Regional Competitions, and competitions on the national level. Her students have also appeared as soloists with the Rome Opera, Teatro Fenice, Maggio Musicale in Florence, Opera Lyon, Sarasota Opera, Knoxville Opera, Baltimore Symphony, Seattle Opera, Opera Louisianne, Opera Theater at Wildwood, Semperoper Dresden, and the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Her students have also appeared in musical theater as soloists with the Arkansas Repertory Theater, the Arkansas Symphony, Lost Colony Summer Musicals, Walt Disney World, Six Flags, the Greater Miami Dade Equity Theater, and with the national tours of Hair and A Christmas Carol.
(Voice)
Martha Antolik has twice been a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions
in both the Gulf Coast and Mid-South Regions. She is a former Apprentice Artist with the Santa Fe Opera Company and has sung and acted in summer stock with the Starlight Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Antolik has appeared as soloist with many regional orchestras and opera companies including the Memphis Symphony, Birmingham Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony and Opera, Birmingham Opera, Lake Charles Symphony, New Orleans Symphony, numerous solo appearances with both the Opera Theater at Wildwood and the Arkansas Symphony, and has toured Spain as alto soloist in performances of Messiah. Active in the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Dr. Antolik is the former Arkansas Chapter President of NATS and has served on its Regional Board of Control. She remains active as a recitalist, adjudicator, and clinician. Dr. Antolik has also been cited in the Arkansas Times as Soloist of the Year for her performance with the Arkansas Symphony in the Verdi Requiem. She received her D.M.A from the University of Memphis, an M.M in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University, and a B.A. in Music from Samford University.
Her students have won numerous competitions including the Regional and State Met Auditions, National Society of Arts and Letters competition, MTNA State and Regional Competitions, and competitions on the national level. Her students have also appeared as soloists with the Rome Opera, Teatro Fenice, Maggio Musicale in Florence, Opera Lyon, Sarasota Opera, Knoxville Opera, Baltimore Symphony, Seattle Opera, Opera Louisianne, Opera Theater at Wildwood, Semperoper Dresden, and the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Her students have also appeared in musical theater as soloists with the Arkansas Repertory Theater, the Arkansas Symphony, Lost Colony Summer Musicals, Walt Disney World, Six Flags, the Greater Miami Dade Equity Theater, and with the national tours of Hair and A Christmas Carol.
KAREN GRAHAM
(Voice)
Karen Graham received her undergraduate and master's degrees in vocal performance from the University of Central Arkansas. She has taught theory, general music, and voice lessons at the high school and college levels. She has also taught numerous voice students of all ages at all levels. Karen has sung in national and international competitions in New York and Chicago. She is a classically trained singer, but also loves musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Nella in Gianni Schicchi, Monitor in Suor Angelica, The Dutchess in The Gondoliers, Madame Pompous in Too Many Sopranos, The Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical, and Mabel in The Pajama Game. Karen is excited to be working with the wonderful students at Red Curtain Theatre!
(Voice)
Karen Graham received her undergraduate and master's degrees in vocal performance from the University of Central Arkansas. She has taught theory, general music, and voice lessons at the high school and college levels. She has also taught numerous voice students of all ages at all levels. Karen has sung in national and international competitions in New York and Chicago. She is a classically trained singer, but also loves musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Nella in Gianni Schicchi, Monitor in Suor Angelica, The Dutchess in The Gondoliers, Madame Pompous in Too Many Sopranos, The Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical, and Mabel in The Pajama Game. Karen is excited to be working with the wonderful students at Red Curtain Theatre!
JACOB HOLLAND
(Forensics, Debate)
Jacob Holland is forensics and debate coaching this competition season. He is currently a Pre-law Honors student at the University of Central Arkansas pursing bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Theatre. He is a member of the UCA Forensics Debate team and has eight years experience in the program. Jacob has received scholarships through forensics and hundreds of awards, including 18 state championships, 21 out-of-state titles, 5 district records, and 2 national records. He graduated high school as the number 1 ranked competitor in the state and and ranked 18th in the nation. This year, Jacob was the college recipient of Pentathlon Champion at LSU-Shreveport. Jacob looks forward to providing other kids interested in speech and debate with the same opportunities he was given. Jacob offers coaching in speech delivery/construction, acting/interp events, and various forms of debate.
(Forensics, Debate)
Jacob Holland is forensics and debate coaching this competition season. He is currently a Pre-law Honors student at the University of Central Arkansas pursing bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Theatre. He is a member of the UCA Forensics Debate team and has eight years experience in the program. Jacob has received scholarships through forensics and hundreds of awards, including 18 state championships, 21 out-of-state titles, 5 district records, and 2 national records. He graduated high school as the number 1 ranked competitor in the state and and ranked 18th in the nation. This year, Jacob was the college recipient of Pentathlon Champion at LSU-Shreveport. Jacob looks forward to providing other kids interested in speech and debate with the same opportunities he was given. Jacob offers coaching in speech delivery/construction, acting/interp events, and various forms of debate.
JENNY RUUD
(Acting, Piano, Voice)
Jenny Ruud is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the New School University in NYC. NY credits include Carousel (Julie Jordan), Gypsy (June) and The Secret Garden (Martha). Midwest Theater credits include Annie (Grace), Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo), and Brigadoon (Meg Brockie). She has had the privilege of performing with her former classmate and fellow AMDA alum Christopher Jackson, Emmy-award winning songwriter and Tony Award nominee (for Hamilton, The Lion King and In the Heights on Broadway). One of her favorite performing experiences has been the opportunity to perform at the 50-year anniversary of the completion of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, at Mount Rushmore, SD (with the family of sculptor Gutzon Borglum present). Commercial Credits include Volkswagen (“Drive Happy” campaign). In 2008, she made her directorial debut (with husband, Gerry Bruno) with Harvey at Conway Dinner Theater, where she also performed the roles of Mrs. Chauvenet and Mrs. Chumley, and in 2010 she directed CDT's In Love with Broadway. Other Central Arkansas roles include Oliver! (Nancy), A Christmas Carol (the Ghost of Christmas Past and Mrs. Cratchit), You Can't Take it With You (Penny Sycamore), The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn Fairfax), Oklahoma! (Laurey) and 9 to 5 (Roz). She has been a featured performer in Red Curtain Theatre's productions of Villains of Broadway and The Music Man (Mrs.Squires) and directed RCT 2017 musical revue Love and Broadway. She is thrilled to be working with Red Curtain Theatre!
(Acting, Piano, Voice)
Jenny Ruud is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the New School University in NYC. NY credits include Carousel (Julie Jordan), Gypsy (June) and The Secret Garden (Martha). Midwest Theater credits include Annie (Grace), Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo), and Brigadoon (Meg Brockie). She has had the privilege of performing with her former classmate and fellow AMDA alum Christopher Jackson, Emmy-award winning songwriter and Tony Award nominee (for Hamilton, The Lion King and In the Heights on Broadway). One of her favorite performing experiences has been the opportunity to perform at the 50-year anniversary of the completion of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, at Mount Rushmore, SD (with the family of sculptor Gutzon Borglum present). Commercial Credits include Volkswagen (“Drive Happy” campaign). In 2008, she made her directorial debut (with husband, Gerry Bruno) with Harvey at Conway Dinner Theater, where she also performed the roles of Mrs. Chauvenet and Mrs. Chumley, and in 2010 she directed CDT's In Love with Broadway. Other Central Arkansas roles include Oliver! (Nancy), A Christmas Carol (the Ghost of Christmas Past and Mrs. Cratchit), You Can't Take it With You (Penny Sycamore), The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn Fairfax), Oklahoma! (Laurey) and 9 to 5 (Roz). She has been a featured performer in Red Curtain Theatre's productions of Villains of Broadway and The Music Man (Mrs.Squires) and directed RCT 2017 musical revue Love and Broadway. She is thrilled to be working with Red Curtain Theatre!
TRAVIS SELLERS
(Piano, Voice)
Travis Sellers is the Worship Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway. He holds a Bachelor of Church Music degree with an emphasis in voice from Dallas Baptist University and a Master's Degree in Arts and Communication from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Travis has more than twenty years of theatre training and performance. Aside from writing, directing, and producing his own works, he has performed in operas such as Falstaff and Amahl and the Night Visitors and numerous musicals such as Oklahoma and Forever Plaid. He previously served as the Artistic Director at Blackbird Academy, where he produced many productions, including musicals and ballets. Travis offers voice lessons and beginning piano lessons.
(Piano, Voice)
Travis Sellers is the Worship Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway. He holds a Bachelor of Church Music degree with an emphasis in voice from Dallas Baptist University and a Master's Degree in Arts and Communication from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Travis has more than twenty years of theatre training and performance. Aside from writing, directing, and producing his own works, he has performed in operas such as Falstaff and Amahl and the Night Visitors and numerous musicals such as Oklahoma and Forever Plaid. He previously served as the Artistic Director at Blackbird Academy, where he produced many productions, including musicals and ballets. Travis offers voice lessons and beginning piano lessons.
CHRISTOPHER TURNER
(Voice, Piano)
Christopher Turner received his bachelor degree in Vocal Music Education from Arkansas Tech University in 2015, and is currently pursuing his master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Central Arkansas. While at Tech, he had the opportunity to be a part of all the choir ensembles as well as the Musical Theater Cabaret and Opera Workshop. Some notable roles and works performed were: Bring Him Home (Les Misérables), Under The Sea (The Little Mermaid), Sit Down You're Rockin’ the Boat (Guys and Dolls), Quasimodo (When Pigs Fly), Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Enoch (Carousel), and Tenor Soloist (Serenade to Music by R.V. Williams). He was also awarded 1st runner up in the 2012 Arkansas Tech Concerto Competition.
Since completion of his undergraduate degree, Christopher has been teaching voice lessons while pursuing his master's degree. Recent performances include Nemorino (L’Elisir d’Amore), Kaspar (Amahl and the Night Visitors), and Don Jose (Le Tragedie de Carmen). He also had the opportunity to sing for Opera in The Ozarks as President Chester A Arthur (The Ballad of Baby Doe) and Arturo (Lucia di Lammermoor). Most recently, Christopher was in the ensemble in Red Curtain Theatre's production of The Rocky Horror Show, and was the lead in Stravinsky’s Mavra with Opera in the Rock. Christopher has experience with most styles of singing including: Gospel, Pop, Musical Theatre, Classical, and Opera.
(Voice, Piano)
Christopher Turner received his bachelor degree in Vocal Music Education from Arkansas Tech University in 2015, and is currently pursuing his master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Central Arkansas. While at Tech, he had the opportunity to be a part of all the choir ensembles as well as the Musical Theater Cabaret and Opera Workshop. Some notable roles and works performed were: Bring Him Home (Les Misérables), Under The Sea (The Little Mermaid), Sit Down You're Rockin’ the Boat (Guys and Dolls), Quasimodo (When Pigs Fly), Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Enoch (Carousel), and Tenor Soloist (Serenade to Music by R.V. Williams). He was also awarded 1st runner up in the 2012 Arkansas Tech Concerto Competition.
Since completion of his undergraduate degree, Christopher has been teaching voice lessons while pursuing his master's degree. Recent performances include Nemorino (L’Elisir d’Amore), Kaspar (Amahl and the Night Visitors), and Don Jose (Le Tragedie de Carmen). He also had the opportunity to sing for Opera in The Ozarks as President Chester A Arthur (The Ballad of Baby Doe) and Arturo (Lucia di Lammermoor). Most recently, Christopher was in the ensemble in Red Curtain Theatre's production of The Rocky Horror Show, and was the lead in Stravinsky’s Mavra with Opera in the Rock. Christopher has experience with most styles of singing including: Gospel, Pop, Musical Theatre, Classical, and Opera.
CORY WILLIAMS
(Acting)
Cory Williams holds a degree in Theatre and Communications from Arkansas Tech University. Some of his favorite roles include Sir Andrew Agua Cheek in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, multiple improvisation roles as himself in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), multiple roles in Hairspray at Murry's Dinner Playhouse and Red Curtain Theatre's production of The Music Man, where he shipoopied as Marcellus Washburn. He was most recently seen in RCT's production of Miracle on 34th Street as Marvin Shellhammer. Cory leads youth acting classes at RCT and is available for private coaching as well.
(Acting)
Cory Williams holds a degree in Theatre and Communications from Arkansas Tech University. Some of his favorite roles include Sir Andrew Agua Cheek in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, multiple improvisation roles as himself in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), multiple roles in Hairspray at Murry's Dinner Playhouse and Red Curtain Theatre's production of The Music Man, where he shipoopied as Marcellus Washburn. He was most recently seen in RCT's production of Miracle on 34th Street as Marvin Shellhammer. Cory leads youth acting classes at RCT and is available for private coaching as well.