Meet the Team
Introducing the instructors and staff for the 2024 Summer Musical Theatre Intensive!
Founder, Instructor
Kate Merryman
She/her
Kate serves as an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Otterbein University (Musical Theatre) and at Ohio University (Musical Theatre & CMDI). She holds a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy and a Singing Health Specialization Certificate. Kate has received addition certifications in vocal pedagogy at Boston Conservatory and Shenandoah CCM Institute.
Originally from Washington D.C. area, she has been labeled an “impressive singing-actress” by Broadway World Washington DC. Her favorite roles include Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Cosette (Les Misérables), and Johanna (Sweeney Todd).
Co-Instructor
Justin Swain
He/Him, They/Them
Justin T. Swain serves as an Assistant Professor of Voice (Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Classical) and Lyric Diction, is the Coordinator of Musical Theatre and Commercial Vocal Studies, and is a Faculty Fellow at Ohio University.
A former music school owner, Justin is a 2024 NATS Summer Intern, has served as a Teaching Artist with Opera Columbus, and is a very active performing and teaching artist in both Columbus, OH and Athens, OH. He specializes in science-informed voice pedagogy and its application to multiple genres of singing.
Collaborative Pianist
Cassie Howard
She/Her
Cassie is a collaborative pianist, vocalist, and educator in Central Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education from The Ohio State University, studying piano with Dr. Caroline Hong and voice with Dr. Katherine Rohrer. Her career as a professional pianist spans nearly a decade and includes choir concerts, musicals, rock bands, vocal and instrumental solos, and recitals. Her most notable piano collaboration was playing for a masterclass and performance with Broadway actor, Jelani Aladdin.
Dance Instructor/Dialects & Accent Coach
Makayla Franklin
She/Her
Makayla Franklin is a recent graduate from Ohio University with her BFA in Acting. She has loved connecting with the Columbus theatre community and is so excited to spread her love of performance and dance. She has training in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary dance styles and has choreographed for shows like The Addams Family Jr. and The Lion King Jr. in the past. During her time at OU Makayla also assisted in teaching a dialects course and has enjoyed expanding her knowledge of accents since then.