CLASSES

Taught by Cassidy McCartan

Cassidy McCartan is a voice and dialect coach, Designated Linklater Teacher as well as an actor. Her most recent work as a voice coach in London include For You I'd Wait; a new musical (Turbine Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing, (Camden Fringe), 4 girls the first letter e (Edinburgh Fringe), Thought Monster (The Hope Theatre), and Plaything (Kings Head Theatre). Cassidy received her MFA from Rose Bruford College in 2023 and has been teaching at leading London Drama schools since. Currently she teaches at LAMDA, Oxford School of Drama, Rose Bruford and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Before moving to London, she was acting primarily in the New England area; Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Outside of voicework Cassidy enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and traveling.

The Speaking Voice for Stage Performance:
An Introduction to the Linklater Voice Method

Monday, July 13, 6:00-8:00 pm
Rochester Civic Theatre Studio
Open to ages High School through Adult
$10.00

This workshop will cover the key fundamentals for expressive and clear speech when performing on stage, culminating in a short vocal and physical warm up so you feel ready to perform or audition in spaces both large and small. The Linklater Voice Method is focused on finding the greatest expression with the least amount of effort in the actor's voice and body. This voicework has been used to train professional actors for generations, developed in the US, then taken over the UK and embedded in drama training there, now it is practiced around the entire world with just over 250 designated Linklater teachers. Whether you are working on your auditioning skills, brushing up on acting techniques, looking to deepen your process as an actor, seeking clarity of speech, or simply looking to reconnect with your breath, this workshop will be one to attend.

Fall Classes Coming Soon!

Acting Troupe
Grades 6-8, 9-12

ALL levels of experience welcome! Students will work on scenes, monologues, script analysis, and character development in a variety of styles. Each session builds from the previous but can also be taken separately.

Performance Playground
Ages 8-11

Jump into the exciting world of theatre through games, improvisation, and performance! In this high-energy class, students will learn to think on their feet, sharpen their concentration, build confidence, and unlock their creative imagination—all while having a blast. Whether your child dreams of being on stage or simply wants to come out of their shell, this fast-paced, fun-filled class provides the perfect outlet for self-expression and growth. No experience necessary—just bring your energy, imagination, and willingness to play!

Theatre Mini Camp
Ages 5-7, 8-10

This vibrant and playful class invites young minds to explore the magic of storytelling through fun games, creative activities, and expressive play. Children will learn to use their voices, bodies, and imaginations to bring stories to life, fostering confidence and creativity. Each camp explores a different story, so children can participate in just one, two, or the whole series!

Sing for the Stage: Vocal Foundations for Musical Theatre
Ages 16 - Adult

This workshop is designed for singers who want to develop a healthy, sustainable musical theatre sound—whether you’re aiming for brighter resonance, a touch of stylistic twang, or simply more confidence on stage. Participants will learn how to support their voice, avoid strain during long rehearsal processes, and build reliable, flexible technique rooted in classical training. The course also explores how to tell a story through song, connecting breath, phrasing, intention, and simple movement to bring characters to life authentically. Led by Stefanie Margaret Tranchida—vocal director for Newsies, Anastasia, and Frozen at the Rochester Civic Theatre; Professor of Voice at Luther College; Artistic Director of Hometown Opera Company; and holder of Masters in Music Education from Conservatorio di Musica G. Tartini in Trieste, Italy—with accompaniment by Nancy Chiou, this workshop offers singers practical tools to perform confidently and safely in musical theatre.

Meet Our Teachers

Brianna Ahlbrecht

Acting Troupe, Mini Camp

Brianna Ahlbrecht has been passionately involved with the Rochester Civic Theatre since January 2023. She received her BFA in theatre from Riverland in 2020, but she journey in the arts began when she was just 11, both on stage and behind the scenes. She's participated in many productions, some of her favorites include Beauty and the Beast with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, Mamma Mia at Riverland, and Legally Blonde with Rochester Civic Theatre. Bri had enjoyed encouraging young minds to explore their creativity and try something new.

Haili Holman

Mini Camp, Performance Playground

Haili Holman is thrilled to be a part of the Rochester Civic Theatre family! She has previously appeared in RCT productions as Truvy in Steel Magnolias, as the understudy for Rapunzel’s Prince and Lucinda in Into The Woods, and as Viney in The Miracle Worker. Most recently, Haili directed Snow Queen at RCT. In addition to her work at RCT, Haili serves as the theatre director at Century High School and runs her own small business.

Stefanie Margaret Tranchida

Sing for the Stage: Vocal Foundations for Musical Theatre

Stefanie Margaret Tranchida is a devoted vocal director, educator, and performer. Recent vocal directing credits include Newsies, Anastasia, Frozen, and New Media Opera Scenes. An accomplished opera singer, she has recently appeared as the Brook in The Miller’s Daughter with Opera Athena and as Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi with Hometown Opera Company. Her oratorio work includes Rutter’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. Equally at home in musical theatre, Stefanie’s recent roles include Nicola in Kinky Boots and Eamon/Girl US in Once. She serves as Artistic Director of Hometown Opera Company and Professor of Voice at Luther College. Outside of music, she enjoys traveling, CrossFit, and time with her husband, Matteo, and puppy, Yoko.