Imperial Theatre Arts Association, Inc.
The Jersey Shore's Premiere Professional-Grade Theatre...
STAFF
Founder, Executive & Artistic Director
Mr. Grande has been involved with the performing arts since his youth; he admits that singing and acting are his greatest God-given passions. He has studied vocal performance and dramatic arts throughout his life, most particularly at the State College Theatre at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, under the direction of Dr. Beverly Vaughn and Professor Pamela Hendrik. He earned his second Bachelor of Arts Degree at the same institution and has since done extensive work at the graduate degree level. Mr. Grande is also a NJ State Licensed Teacher. Michael's performance credentials are vast; he is an accomplished vocalist and actor, he medaled as a Solo Vocalist in the Arizona State Competition, has performed as a soloist in countless concerts and productions throughout his life, including singing, “The Star Spangled Banner,” at Brick New Jersey’s Summerfest Concert Series, “Mozart’s Requiem” at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and was a featured soloist at “Broadway Classics in Concert” in Manchester, New Jersey. As far as musical theatre is concerned, Michael has starred in notable roles such as, “Emile DeBeque” in South Pacific, “The Learned Judge” in Trial by Jury, “John Adams” in 1776, “Cervantes/Don Quixote,” in Man of La Mancha, “Curly” in Oklahoma!, "Gaston" in Disney's Beauty & the Beast, the "Emcee" in Cabaret, and most recently "Jekyll & Hyde" in Jekyll & Hyde The Musical. Born into an Italian-American family, Michael speaks three languages and loves to learn. He always pushes his cast to break new boundaries, to learn new things, to grow in ways they had only dreamt of, and to bring Broadway to the Jersey Shore! He thanks his family and friends for always supporting his endeavors in the arts. Above all, Michael thanks God for all he is and all he has.
Alumnus: The Richard Stockton College of NJ
Carleen A. Dopf came to Imperial Theatre Arts Association, Inc. as the House Manager for the productions of “Oklahoma” and “Disney’s Beauty & the Beast.” She immediately felt the performance spark ignited within her and decided to join the cast of ITAA. Carleen is an immensely talented dancer who has been studying in that field of performing arts for over 50 years. She has successfully parlayed this performance experience into acting as well. Carleen started with smaller roles and has blossomed as a talented actress. She has performed in as “Frenchie” in Cabaret and “Ms. Poole” in Jekyll & Hyde The Musical. In her current position as Office Manager, she brings over 23 years experience having had extensive training in both banking and credit union operations, serving in a veteran capacity in the customer service branch of both industries. In 1992, she assisted her son as a business consultant, supervising the startup and operation of a successful home decorating company; she provided financial management, marketing expertise, and strategic planning throughout the first year of operations. ITAA, Inc. is thrilled to have Carleen as actress, dancer, and part of the staff; her wonderful talent, finesse, poise, and professionalism, are all superb qualities that make her a wonderful asset to ITAA. Ruth Schmidt came to Imperial Theatre Arts as an ensemble member of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” She also appeared in “Jekyll & Hyde The Musical” as “Lady Glossop” and later as “Emma Carew,” her favorite role to date. She has been a resident of Whiting, New Jersey since 1985, working as Administrative Assistant to the President at America’s Keswick. She is a 1980 graduate of Lancaster Bible College, where she studied voice under Warren W. Whitney, and later under Diane Robinson at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She spent two years post-college traveling the US, Canada, and Europe with “His Ambassadors.” She has enjoyed working with ITAA over the past year, and loves working with Carleen on costumes. Alumnus: Lancaster Bible College
Kathy Burgett
Music Director
Kathy Burgett has enjoyed being Music Director of Imperial Theatre Arts productions of "Man of La Mancha," "Broadway Classics in Concert," "Oklahoma," "Beauty and the Beast," "Cabaret," and "Jekyll and Hyde." Kathy has performed as piano accompanist for choruses and variety shows in the area for many years. She's enjoyed playing piano, flute, and singing in various dramatic musical productions of "Godspell," "Me and My Girl," "Damn Yankees," "Pippin," "Once Upon a Mattress," "The Merry Widow," "Little Mary Sunshine," "Lil'Abner," and "H.M.S. Pinafore." Kathy has taught instrumental and vocal music in Berkeley Twp. since 1981, and received the Governor's Teacher Recognition Award-Teacher of the Year. She was the recipient of the "Arts for every Kid" mini-grant which included teaching the use of computer notation software to compose, edit, and print music. She earned her B.S. in Music Education from William Paterson University and post graduate studies from Vandercook College and University of the Arts. Kathy especially loves being a church musician, singing contemporary Christian music in "Sounds of Truth" at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, and playing hand bells. She has also played flute as an active member of Crestwood Symphonette, Ocean Pops Band, and Ocean County College Band.
Alumnus: William Patterson University
Carleen Dopf
Office Manager
Bailey Ward
Stage Manager
Bailey Ward has been involved in the performing arts since her youth. Immediately upon entering the world of Lighting Design she fell in love with theatre and all that it involved. Throughout her school career, Bailey executed the lighting design and process for for several musicals and plays including, but not limited to, Once Upon a Mattress, Little Shop of Horrors, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Crazy for You, and Jekyll & Hyde The Musical. Bailey is now studying at Ocean County College through Kean University and is working to complete her Bachelors Degree in Business Management & Administration. She would like to thank ITAA for this wonderful opportunity to get back involved with the theatre, and for allowing her to do something she loves. Most of all Bailey wants to thank her Mother and younger brother Lester, for their continued support in all her endeavors with her education and in the performing arts.
Alumnus: Ocean County College
Les Ward
Stage Crew & Special Effects
Les is continuing to further his experience in the performing arts. He is a member of the Student Government Association, an honors student, Chairman for Manchester's "Relay For Life," and officiates with several other school and state charities. His love for the theater started at the age of twelve when he began apprenticing with his sister Bailey Ward in lighting design. His love for the arts has continued to grow and grow. Les has created masterful lighting and set designs and special effects. Les also has vast experience with sound engineering, and at times, works to ensure the best sound possible for the performances. Using all of this experience, Les finally started Stage Managing - a job that he is known to do with great efficiency. Les has participated in Dear Edwina, 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Milly, and Jekyll & Hyde The Musical (just to name a few...) Les Ward looks forward to all that ITAA has to offer him, and would like to thank not only his mother and sister but the entire cast and crew of ITAA for their continued support.
Ruth Schmidt
Costuming
Ralph J. Grande
Scholarship Chairman
(Bio coming soon...)
Joan L. Grande
Scholarship Co-Chair
(Bio coming soon...)
Sue MacFarlane
Scholarship Treasurer
(Bio coming soon...)
Caitlin Knapp
Assistant to Directors (Sabattical)
(Bio coming soon...)
Ruben Malta
Costmetologist
(Bio coming soon...)
Kristi Vanbramer
Cosmetologist
(Bio coming soon...)
