NURTURING THE ACT OF ART
MEET COLLEEN
Hi there! I'm Colleen LeBleu—theatre lover, performer, teacher, costumer, mother, and passionate dream-chaser. That's me in a nutshell!
I'll never forget my grandpa asking me as a kid, "What do you want to be when you grow up? Close your eyes and envision it." Even today, when I close my eyes, I see the same thing: the stage, the lights, the audience, and the music.
Theatre is both my happy place and my sanctuary—a space to escape the busy world and dive into pure creativity. I'm passionate about creating environments where people can dream, grow, share, and connect with others, whether they're center stage or cheering from the audience.
MY WHY BEHIND THE STUDIO…
The Beginning: Where Dreams Take Root My journey with performing began at age 2 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at Lady Leah LaFargue School of Dance. My ballet teacher didn't just teach me positions and pirouettes—she sparked something magical within me: a deep love for the stage, performing, and eventually, teaching.
I'll never forget watching the "big girls" dance and dreaming of playing Rudolf in our Christmas ballet. Years later, that childhood dream came true when I danced the role as a young adult! Another unforgettable highlight was performing as Petruska—moments like these reminded me why the arts hold such transformative power.
What Dance Taught Me About Life As a very active child, dance became my outlet—a place to channel energy and find focus. Through movement, I learned to release stress and anxiety naturally. But dance taught me so much more: discipline in listening, respect for others, and the beauty of teamwork.
Live performances taught me life's most valuable lesson: expect the unexpected! No matter how prepared you are, something can always go sideways during a show. You learn to work together, help each other, and react in seconds. Life isn't always as planned, and performing taught me to be ready for whatever comes my way.
The Musical Theatre Discovery Pointe shoes? Not my thing! But musicals? That was my calling. I grew up watching musicals, dreaming of singing AND dancing on stage. So I auditioned for Cabaret at our local community theatre—completely unprepared but full of hope. To my surprise, I was cast as a Kit Kat Girl!
That's when the theatre bug bit me hard. The people, the shows, the rehearsals, the magic of bringing stories to life—I was hooked.
Oklahoma! - Lyric Stage, Dallas TX
Finding My Professional Voice My journey led me to Houston with Humphrey Performing Arts, then a year-long modern dance company traineeship, and finally to KD Conservatory in Dallas, where I earned my Associate Degree in Musical Theatre. Learning from professionals who had performed on and off Broadway was incredible.
While studying, I discovered my passion for teaching, choreographing and directing children's productions like Seussicaland Cinderella. I performed professionally throughout the DFW metroplex in shows like A Chorus Line, Oklahoma!, CATS, Music Man, and West Side Story, eventually becoming an Actors' Equity Association Candidate.
Behind the scenes, I worked as a costumer with Dallas Costume Shoppe, creating magic for professional theatre, ballet, and opera productions. Whether I was quick-changing actors during shows or managing studio operations, every experience deepened my understanding of what makes theatre truly special.
Why Lumi Exists Through every role—dancer, actor, costumer, teacher, director—I discovered that musical theatre wasn't just my career path; it was my purpose. Each experience taught me that the arts don't just entertain; they transform lives, build confidence, and create communities.
That's why Lumi exists: to give students the same transformative experiences that shaped me, helping them discover their own light and step boldly into their potential, on stage and in life.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to provide children and youth with a nurturing creative space where they can grow, find inspiration, and create meaningful theatre. Drawing from years of professional training and experience both on and off stage, we're dedicated to cultivating the next generation of theatre artists and passionate audiences through acting, singing, and dancing.
Just as mentors and teachers shaped our journey, we aim to impact lives and inspire creativity for generations to come, creating a ripple effect of artistic passion that extends far beyond our studio walls.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
KASIE
Acting, Voice, Musical Theatre and Productions - South Charlotte
Kasie is overjoyed to be a founding staff member of the Lumi family. Originally from Philadelphia, She holds a BFA in Musical Theater from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy and Master of Education in Educational Theater from The City College of New York. She is a proud alum of Leadership Charlotte Class 43.
Kasie has been working in theatre education since 2014, finding her passion for inclusive arts communities first at the red House, Art Center in Syracuse, New York. Kasie has founded theater departments at Democracy Prep Charter, Middle school in New York City, and Charlotte lab school here in Charlotte. Since moving to Charlotte in 2020, Kasie has worked with Davidson Community Players, Theatre at the JCC, One Voice Chorus and Queen City Concerts.
Outside of theatre, Kasie loves cooking gluten free food, upcycling clothing and playing with her dog Hoagie.
SIERRA
Private Voice - South Charlotte Location
Sierra is excited to return to Lumi & teach voice this year. Sierra graduated from Dean College with a B.A in Musical Theatre & since then, has performed professionally on the east coast & directed numerous shows in the Charlotte area. Recently, Sierra became the Performing Arts Teacher of Middle School at Providence Day School. In her free time, Sierra enjoys traveling, performing and directing.
LAURA
Voice, Musical Theatre and Productions - Fort Mill & South Charlotte
Laura Carskadden found her love for singing and music through musical theater in her childhood. She went on to get her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from High Point University as well as her Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins. Ms.Carskadden has participated in numerous performances: some of the musicals include “Meg” from Little Women and “Woman 2” from Songs for a New World and some of the operas include “Prince Orlofsky” from Die Fledermaus, “Juno” from Orpheus in the Underworld, and “The Abbess” from Suor Angelica. She has also been playing piano for over 20 years. Since graduating from Peabody in 2022, Laura has been teaching private voice and piano lessons. She acts as the Director of Music Enrichment at Spirited Sprout teaching young children music and movement and general music. Ms. Carskadden is extremely passionate about instilling the love of music in her students.
ILY
Private Voice, Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre - South Charlotte Location
Ily Jeanniton is a Charlotte native, holding a BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of Memphis with a Minor in Dance. Ily is a passionate tap dancer and tap dance historian and loves the art of transcribing old tap dance into steps we can all do today! Ily has been teaching and has been touring and performing professionally for over ten years and owes much of her success to her dedication to never fitting in a mold. Ily is a passionate cat lady with three cats at home, Blaze, Suki and Jax. Ily is the oldest of four daughters and loves being a big sister and mentor to younger performers. When Ily isn’t in the theater, Ily loves to run and spend time with friends over a good meal.
KEEGAN
Voice - South Charlotte
Keegan Brittain graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education (Voice) from Wingate University and taught PreK-5th grade music for two years. In 2018, Ms. Keegan founded the United Voices of NC Youth Choir supporting singers ages 8-14 and later directed the Charlotte Children's Choirs serving ages 8-18 until COVID ended her time with both choirs. Ms. Keegan has been teaching private voice lessons and yoga workshops for choirs since 2019 along with K-1 music and 5th-12th grade choirs. In Ms. Keegan initiated the local organizing of the Singing Resistance Charlotte group and is active in the East Charlotte community. As a performer she has recently sung solos at St. Patrick’s Cathedral here in Charlotte and with North Coastal Theatre’s production of Godspell.
MACI
Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre - South Charlotte & Fort Mill
Originally from central Indiana, Maci Hatton is an actor, director, and choreographer who has lived and worked in Indianapolis, Nashville, Chicago, Orlando, and now Charlotte! Maci first stepped on to the stage at 3 years old in a production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” and has been hooked ever since. This experience led her to be passionate about educational theatre, community building, and developing young people to use creativity as a tool to being brave, confident, empathetic, and kind.
Between her acting contracts and directing/choreographing gigs, Maci is working towards her MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of Idaho. She is passionate about building confidence and teaching actors how to love auditioning! Maci is grateful to be a part of the growing Lumi Family and can’t wait to work with so many young creatives in the Charlotte area!
TARYN
Acting and Musical Theatre - Fort Mill
Taryn is thrilled to be teaching at Lumi’s Fort Mill location! After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English & Communications with teaching certifications for 7th-12th grades in both disciplines, Taryn went on to teach theatre at multiple high schools. While expanding and rebuilding class curriculum offerings, Taryn also co-ran sizable theatre departments within the schools, working to put up a full season of shows each year and training hundreds of students in performance, direction, and technical theatre.
Taryn has been directing, performing, and stage managing for over two decades in New York, California, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. Some of Taryn’s favorite shows to be a part of include “Singin’ In the Rain”, “Annie”, “Hairspray”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Hamlet”, “Les Miserables”, a national tour of Disney’s “The Lion King”, and the 2017 Tony Awards!
When not teaching, you can find Taryn directing or acting in theatre companies around the Charlotte area, baking every dessert and decorating every type of cake under the sun, building skills in the aerial arts, and parenting!
TREE
Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre - Fort Mill
Tree Gentry is a Teaching Artist, Director and Choreographer from North Georgia. They hold a BA in theatre from Brenau University and have 12 years of professional experience. They are passionate about theatre that both educates and entertains, and promoting confidence in their teaching. In their free time, you can find them reading, scrapbooking or enjoying a silly little latte. Tree is very excited to be joining the Lumi team and can’t wait to see what the year holds.
CALEY
Voice - Fort Mill
I am US Army veteran, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Music emphasis in songwriting and vocal performance. Currently in the process of achieving my Masters of Teaching in Music Education. Have tons of musical theatre experience and have even had a chance to sing on Broadway through Broadway Artist Alliance as well as try out for The Voice, America’s Got Talent and American Idol. Through attending my Orange County High School of the Arts and these experiences as well as my expensive Bachelors degree and Masters I know a lot about proper auditioning and teaching fundamentals in music.
My main area of expertise is in vocal. I have been singing since I was in 4th grade. Now even singing on my worship team at church!
MADISON
Acting, Musical Theatre and admin - Fort Mill
Madison Aquilone graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in English. She enjoys writing plays, directing, and stage managing. She grew up performing and is so excited to now be able to teach students once like her. Her goal as an educator is to create a safe space where students can feel comfortable making creative choices and delving into character exploration. Outside of the theater, you could find her reading, writing, or spending time with friends and family.
LURA
Musical Theatre & Voice - Fort Mill
Lura Zimmerman is a senior Vocal Performance at Winthrop University. She has performed professionally at Carowinds for several years. While her main training is centered around classical music, she continues to use her technique to branch into musical theater, jazz, and pop styles. She is so excited to spread her love of all arts to the youth and continue to encourage them to pursue their passions and hone their abilities into lifelong skills that will help them in all facets of life, regardless of career paths pursued.
MYLA-JA’NAI
Dance Conservatory - Fort Mill
Myla-Ja'nai Price began dancing at just three years old and quickly developed a passion for performing, creating, and sharing her love of dance with others. From childhood through young adulthood, she trained in dance, vocals, and acting. She later earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a specialization in Jazz and a minor in Psychology from Lindenwood University, where she trained extensively in jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, ballet, and performance.
Throughout her career, Myla has had the opportunity to perform in collegiate concert works, choreograph original pieces, teach dancers of all ages and levels, and perform professionally as a dancer/singer with Carnival Cruise Line. These experiences have strengthened not only her artistry but also her passion for helping students discover confidence through dance.
As an instructor, Myla believes that every student deserves to feel challenged, supported, and celebrated. She strives to create an encouraging classroom where dancers build strong technique, grow as performers, and aren't afraid to step outside their comfort zones. Whether students dream of performing professionally or simply want to enjoy dancing with friends, her goal is for every child to leave class feeling more confident than when they arrived.
When she isn't teaching, Myla enjoys choreographing, continuing her own dance training, experimenting with other forms of performing arts, and finding new ways to grow as both an artist and educator. She is excited to join the Lumi School of Musical Theatre family and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of performers through creativity, hard work, and a genuine love for the arts
KIESHA
Dance Conservatory - Fort Mill
Kiesha Jennings is a dancer, choreographer, and educator with a passion for inspiring young performers through movement and creativity. Beginning her dance journey as a self-taught artist, Kiesha transitioned into professional training while attending Fayetteville State University, where she expanded her experience through a variety of dance styles and performance opportunities. She trained under the direction of Avis Hatcher-Puzzo with Raleigh-based dance company COFFEE and immersed herself in Fayetteville’s street dance community, experiences that helped shape her unique movement style and approach to choreography. Now based in Charlotte, Kiesha began her local teaching career as an intern with Dance District and has since taught in after-school programs, studios, and community classes. She has choreographed for local productions, studios, and theatre companies and also travels within the competitive dance industry as a member of event production teams. Kiesha is passionate about creating an encouraging classroom where students can strengthen their technique, explore their individuality, and grow in confidence as performers.
JESS
Musical Theatre - South Charlotte
Jess Lanz is a Musical Theatre Educator (Licensed K–12), Director, Music Director, Choreographer, and Acting Coach. She holds an M.A. in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre from Emerson College (’20) and a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Niagara University (’16). Jess began her career as a teaching artist and director in New Jersey and New York City, working with organizations including Hoboken Children’s Theatre and Brooklyn Acting Lab. During college, she founded Page to Stage, a free children’s theatre program serving youth in Niagara Falls. Jess’s passion for theatre education began at Victoria Buda’s Academy of Theatrical Arts, where she attended on scholarship from age nine and was later mentored to teach. There, she experienced firsthand the transformative power of theatre for young people, an experience that continues to shape her teaching and belief in helping children build confidence, find their voice, and grow both onstage and in life. Since moving to Charlotte, Jess has worked as a Resident Teaching Artist at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and as a theatre teacher with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She is excited to now continue that work with Lumi! Favorite directing credits include A Christmas Carol, Matilda, The Hoboken Chicken Emergency, and Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.