STAFF

Michael W. Grande
Founder, Executive & Artistic Director
Michael 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, at Coronado High School, under the direction of Leighanne Simmers and at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, under the direction of Dr. Beverly Vaughn and Professor Pamela Hendrik.  His 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, "Jekyll & Hyde" in Jekyll & Hyde The Musical, "Emile DeBeque" in South Pacific, "Daddy Warbucks" in Annie.  

Michael is a NJ State Licensed teacher, holds two Bachelor of Arts Degrees, and is completing a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Arts.  Born into an Italian-American family, Michael is proficient in Italian and Spanish.  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. 
Member:  Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society of Educators)
Alumnus:  The Richard Stockton College of NJ
Alumnus:  Nova Southeastern University

Kathy Burgett
Music Director
Kathy Burgett has enjoyed being Music Instructor of Imperial Theatre Arts productions of Man of La Mancha, Broadway Classics in Concert, Oklahoma, Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Jekyll and Hyde, and Annie.  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 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 has contined her education through 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 Paterson University

Matthew Vlossak
Assistant Music Director
Matthew is a trained Drummer/Percussionist with over 14 years of experience.  His passion for music has also led him to dabble in piano as well.  Matthew has been a stellar performer in school, concert, and jazz bands. He notes how honored he is to have participated in the All Shore Jazz Band.  Matthew has also been a key player in several rock bands and has played on some of the Jersey Shore’s hottest and infamous stages:  The Stone Pony, Starland Ballroom, and Asbury Lanes.  Matthew and his band have also played in several venues throughout New York City and Philadelphia.  After completing his Associates of Arts Degree, Matthew began working with the mature sounds of an acoustic/piano/indie duo and is pursuing his continued education and training to become a Music Teacher.  He is excited to share his passion for music with ITAA.
Alumnus:  Ocean County College


Graeme Mark Wilson
Technical Director
Graeme Mark Wilson is an Audio Engineer who was trained and works at the renowned, America's Keswick.  He started his audio career at the age of thirteen under the guidance of Glen Zigrang.  Graeme went-on to study “Audio for Electronic Media” at the Ocean County Technical and Vocational School, where he graduated at the top of his class.  Graeme is now the full-time Manager of the Audio/Visual Department at America's Keswick.  He is very passionate about working in the field of professional audio/visual technology.  Graeme has been the Audio Engineer for ITAA’s Productions of Oklahoma, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, RENT, and Annie.  He is very pleased to rejoin the cast and crew of ITAA as they embark on their best and biggest production yet, Annie.  Graeme is thrilled to work with cutting-edge technology to engineer the best sound possible for the show. 
Alumnus:  Ocean County Vocational Technical School