Teaching Faculty

Mark Keller has been working with Children’s Arts Theatre School for over fifteen years. A graduate with honours with a BFA from York University, studying within the Acting program, Mark has worked in a variety of facets within the performing arts. From stage managing fringe shows, to being artistic director of an Australian Regional dance competition, and being featured in a number of commercials, short films, and theatre productions. He took a year off from CATS to work and live in Australia, where he worked for a prominent theatre, wrote articles for a large website, even booking an ad campaign for an Australian bug spray! Mark truly loves helping children work towards their artistic goals.

Thomas is an actor, author, musician and educator based in Toronto, Ontario. Thomas studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow where he obtained his Master of Arts in Musical Theatre Performance. Select performance credits include: Dennis in Rock of Ages, Tony Hendon (Stephenville Theatre Festival), Doug in The Quest Musical (Toronto), Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Scott Free, Jean-Biff, Andrew, Louis (Solar Stage 2015-2019), and various film and television work. As a vocalist, Thomas has performed as a part of the Opening Ceremonies of the XX (2014) Commonwealth Games as well as in various bands throughout the GTA playing hundreds of private events and functions with JUNO Award winning collaborators. Thomas’ love of the performing arts shines through with his health-first approach to teaching and his enthusiastic instruction and encouragement of our next generation of artists.

Iris is a nonbinary theatre educator, artist, and writer born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia where they discovered their passion for the arts, performing from the age of 5 with the EJS School of Fine Arts. They recently graduated from the University of Windsor’s Drama in Education and Community program where they honed their skills in creating diverse, inclusive, rich, and safe spaces for performers of all ages and levels. Iris is passionate about representation and belonging and aims to create theatre that reflects and involves all communities in Toronto and across the country. Most importantly, they are SO excited to be joining CATS this year and look forward to all of the joy that theatre brings.

Naomi Peltz is an actor, singer, and improviser. She studied at the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts and the Second City Training Center. Naomi has been seen in such shows as Guys & Dolls, FoxFinder, Obeah Opera, Straight Up, On the Rocks, and Evidence to the Contrary to name a few. This past year she has had the opportunity to live and work abroad, first in China followed by Italy. In Italy she taught English Theatre to her students and in China she helped build a theatre program. This fall she is happy to be back in Toronto, where she will be workshopping a new play called, The Departure Train, as well as producing Benefits Lapsed. She can’t wait to see what adventures the future holds.

My name is Mariha Laura Celis, and I am 18 years old. I love dancing. I recently graduated from George Brown’s performance preparation programme and want to return for two more years to earn a diploma in performance as well. I recently joined CATS as a substitute for some of the dance classes as they were preparing for the Matilda production; the time I spent teaching was brief but memorable. I liked the atmosphere and enthusiasm of each session, and it made me want to return for more! That is why I am so excited to be joining CATS as a counsellor during the summer camps this summer!!!

My name is Elizabeth Diamond, and I’m 20 years old! I’ve been dancing since I was 4, and just recently Graduated from George Brown College with a certificate in Dance Preparation. My first time working with CATS was just as a substitute, and I had always loved the energy that the groups bring. Last term I was brought in to choreograph and work with the kids on their Ariel Production, I was absolutely blown away by all the dedication that each group brought. I’m looking forward to an amazing summer and am extremely excited to work with everyone again.

My name is Liam O’Connell. I am 17 years old and attending Ursula Franklin Academy. I have always enjoyed CATS and have been going to summer camp since I was a child. I have experience with professional musical theatre and have done extra curricular singing, and acting lessons, unfortunately I still can’t dance. I have volunteered as a CIT at the summer camps and have been assisting with the yearly classes for nearly 2 years now. I am SUPER excited to return to summer camp this year and CANNOT WAIT!!!

My name is Alia Dunn! I am 18 years old and have spent over 10 of them involved with Children’s Arts Theatre School and other arts focused programs. Theatre has always been a passion of mine and I currently attend a school for the arts. My main strengths are drama and music though a bit of dancing won’t scare me. This is my second year as a CATS camp counsellor but have also been a CIT for two. CATS has helped me expand my love for the arts and I will work to make sure your child has the same experience!

My name is Tori Emmons and I’m a 21 year old graduate from George Brown College! With 10+ years of experience in dance and creative arts, as well camp counseling, I currently work as an arts, dance, and yoga instructor! I often lead mindfulness and visual arts workshops at day camps, and I’m passionate about creating a positive, uplifting environment for the kids I teach! I’m so excited to be a part of such an amazing team with great energy and work with an incredible group of kids this summer!

Hi! My name is Amelia Dekker and I am a 16 year old student at Humberside collegiate institute in the french immersion program. This is my second summer working as a councillor at Cats. Before that I volunteered as a CIT for one year and prior to that I had been a camper since the age of 4. This year I also had the pleasure to assist in teaching two terms of classes at our willowdale location. I really enjoy working with kids and am also heavily involved in drama and the arts outside of CATS. I am so happy to be back this year it is going to be the best summer ever!!!

Hello, my name is Claire Kenny. I am 17 years old going into my final year of high school. I am very involved in my schools drama program and I was a member of the Children’s Arts Theatre School summer junior staff. I am very exited to now be an assistant teacher this year!

Emily Harrison Smith has been with CATS for many years. She started out as a student, and became a member of staff eight years ago. Emily hopes to obtain her B.Ed after completing her undergraduate studies in Leadership in Early Childhood Education at George Brown College. She has volunteered her time in various classrooms, and gained valuable experience. Emily is looking forward to being a part of the drama department again. Emily enjoys working with each and every child at CATS!

Sara has been a part of CATS for several years, beginning by participating in many CATS Mainstage productions. This year will be her sixth year as a counsellor at CATS camp, and she is looking forward to taking on the role of Camp Coordinator. Sara has just completed her BaH at Queen’s University in history and film. She hopes to soon continue in film studies and begin hands-on experience. She is looking forward to seeing returning CATS campers and meeting all the new ones as well! Sara can’t wait for another great summer at CATS camp!

Labrina Fotos is currently a performance arts student at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. She’s started in Wexford’s Focus and Wonder shows, and was previously a student and volunteer for CATS. After graduation, she plans on attending Ryerson University for Film Studies. This is her first year working with CATS, and she’s excited to start the year.

Kathleen is an actor, writer, and composer based in Hamilton and she is thrilled to be joining the CATS team! A graduate of the University of Windsor’s Acting program, she has been working in theatre both on stage and off stage for over ten years. Kathleen is a member of Spindle Collective where she co-wrote and composed the music for SAMCA, a folk horror show being presented this fall in Toronto, and last year she directed Riot King’s Dora-nominated production of Suddenly Last Summer. Kathleen loves working with kids of all ages and finds their enthusiasm for performing endlessly inspiring. In her limited spare time, Kathleen enjoys playing piano and playing with her cat Athena.

We would like to welcome Amanda Davis to our CATS Team. Amanda will be a part of our Admin and Registration Team, working remotely from Burlington.

With over 10 years of experience in sales, and customer relationship management and over 5 years in management and team leadership, Amanda strives to inspire a winning culture. In her most recent role in Media Sales, Amanda had the experience of working in multiple markets with multiple Media Partners across the globe. Metroland, Tacoma News Tribune, New York Post, and Macquarie Media ( Australia) to name a few. Amanda’s strengths are building relationships, establishing strong sales pipelines, and creating a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and quality.

Fun Facts about Amanda: She was born and raised in Montreal, She has a love for Musicals, especially Disney Fairy Tales, that she now gets to share with her 2 beautiful children ages 3 and 6.