Ensemble members learn and perform musical numbers from Broadway and movie musicals taught by professional high-caliber regional and national choreographers.  Performances include a fully produced musical revue, several road shows at local festivals and community events in the Washington Metro area, and a cabaret showcase event for the ensemble members and their families.  Take the Stage is a pre-approved MCPS SSL organization.

 

The emphasis at Take the Stage is on performance and experiential training.  Each performer is challenged to grow and stretch his or her skills in a dynamic rehearsal environment.  We create a performance community where performers feel challenged and engaged, and where they have the opportunity to cultivate and apply their considerable talents.

 

Performers will work on material with their respective ensembles, with the combined company of both ensembles, and with small groups.  This format allows maximum flexibility to challenge and engage each performer.

 

Rehearsals are held at Maryland School of Dance, located at 11711-B Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852.

​

Our performers are musical theater triple threats.  Come join a group full of people who love musical theater performance as much as you do.

​

Directoral Staff

 

SUSAN ALEXANDER THOMPSON

Artistic Director

​

Susan has worked in the Washington, D.C., area as an actor, director, and choreographer since 1987. With the Musical Theater Center, Susan served as director/choreographer for two performing ensembles. Her work has been performed all over the region, including the Kennedy Center, National Theatre, and the White House. As an actor and performer, Susan toured with the Educational Theatre Programs of Kaiser Permanente in Secrets and Professor Bodywise, performed as a resident company member with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Theatre Program, toured the former Soviet Union with a musical theater ensemble, and competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss Maryland. Susan was the primary national anthem singer for the Washington Capitals for two seasons, and also sang the anthem for the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, the Ed Block Courage awards, and the Michael Bolton Celebrity Softball Tournament. Locally, she has performed at the Kennedy Center, National Theatre, Wolf Trap, and the White House. She is grateful for the support of her two boys: husband, Brett, and son, Sawyer.

​

 

TAMMY ROBERTS

Director

 

Tammy has enjoyed directing various performance-based ensembles since 2006 and is excited to work with TTS members and her dear friend and Miss Maryland sister, Susan.  Tammy brings 20+ years of teaching experience in dance, voice and acting to the group, including designing and implementing arts curriculums for well-known arts education facilities and public schools in MD, DC, and VA.  She has also choreographed and directed musicals and revues for all ages.  She is thrilled to watch former students perform professionally around town and on Broadway.  At the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre, Tammy worked side by side with Broadway directors Gary Griffith and Eric Schaeffer, composer Dana Rowe, and renowned actors Carolee Carmello, Marc Kudisch, and Emily Skinner. She also sang the role of Ida in Die Fledermaus with the Washington National Opera and toured North America in Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. Tammy is an audit manager with E. Cohen and Company, CPAs in Rockville where she lives with her loving and supportive husband, Steve, and daughter, Rachel (new member of TTS).

 

 

DONNA REESE

Choreographer

​

Miss Donna’s students have performed on Broadway in such shows as The Little Mermaid, Rent, All Shook Up, Billy Elliott, Addams Family. Miss Donna also has students touring in Porgy and Bess and performing on Celebrity Cruise Lines. Her students have danced in the National Ballet of Canada and Ballet West. Miss Donna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Education from Towson State University and an Associate of Arts degree from Montgomery College. She performed as a singer, dancer and dance captain for many years with Kings Productions, including touring productions of the USO in Europe and the Middle East. As a member of Dance Masters of America for 33 years, Miss Donna served on the Board and as President of Chapter 17. Currently, she serves as the Examination and Membership chairman. From 1985-2006, Miss Donna was the President, Owner, and Artistic Director of Concepts in Motivation. She also taught at James Hubert Blake High School in their Signature (Dance) program for six years. Miss Donna is now at the Academy of the Holy Cross as a dance instructor and choreographer. Two years ago, Miss Donna was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from the Academy of the Holy Cross, and in March 2014 was awarded the "Sister Grace Shonk" award- voted on by the faculty and staff.

​

PAUL ROSSEN

Music Director

​

Paul last music directed Hairspray and The Addams Family for Tantallon Community Players and Annie for Har Shalom Players. Previous shows are Altar Boyz (RMT), Little Shop of Horrors, and The Secret Garden (HSP). Next up are Annie again(!) and Into the Woods for TCP, and Oliver with Kensington Arts Theatre. He is a music director and accompanist on faculty at Levine School of Music and Imagination Stage, as well as for Teen Angel Project. Paul was awarded the TASH Image Award for the Positive Portrayal of People with Disabilities, for his documentary Through the Same Door: Inclusion Includes College.

​

​​

DIANE HAMILTON

Choreographer

 

Diane has been a part of the Washington area theatrical scene since 1969 as a performer, choreographer, and director.  After obtaining a degree in dance from the University of Maryland and dancing professionally, teaching and choreographing have become her passion.  Choreography credits include numerous musicals at area theaters including Burn Brae, West End, Colony 7, Petrucci’s, Harlequin, Wagon Wheel Playhouse, University of Maryland, Catholic University, and Washington Savoyards.  As a teacher and/or choreographer, Diane has worked with Tony Award winner Faith Prince, Goldie Hawn, and many current Broadway performers.  She was on the faculty at Catholic University for 13 years and and is on the staff of Broadway Artists Alliance in NYC.

​

​