What Students Are Saying
Elissa Marele continues to be an inspiring force in my life. The skills and undying love of theater she imparted has sustained me to this day. At our small catholic high school, she founded a theater program that rivaled every arts school in the state, winning numerous awards and accolades. Those days were among the best of my life, and Elissa holds a very special place in my heart.
Without Elissa Marele's direction & expert insight, I never would have pursued dance as my major at Florida State University and gone on to work as a professional dancer. I'm so thankful to her for the safe space she created for me and others to learn, fail, grow, succeed and forge our own paths in the world.
It was Elissa Marele's theatre program that gave me countless opportunities to get an early-decision acceptance to my first choice school, NYU. And here I am today, an award-winning musical theatre writer working & living in NYC. Elissa's theatre program taught me that any endeavor is best pursued collaboratively & positively with an open-mind, an open heart, and a lot of hard work. And I'm now doing what I love as a career because of it.
Taylor Miller
Pope John Paul II High School
TV Actor & Filmmaker
tayloranthonymiller.com
Brooke Rucker
Woodland High School
Dancer/Writer/Curator
brookerucker
Michael Finke
Pope John Paul II High School
Award Winning Musical Theatre Writer
michaelfinkemusic.com
Elissa Marele is a talented, compassionate & dedicated director & teacher whose ability to inspire & connect with those around her is truly magical. I credit her for my decade long career working professionally in NYC and for inspiring me to teach. I only wish I could touch as many lives as she has. She is truly one of a kind.
Elissa Marele instilled a passion and appreciation for theatre in me that inspired me endlessly and launched my career in the arts. The leadership skills and creative liberty I was given in her program provided me with a blueprint for the many fruitful collaborations I’ve enjoyed throughout my career in New York, virtually, and on the road.
Never have I felt so challenged, loved, & supported by a director. My love for theatre grew in the years I was under her leadership. Not only did I learn what it means to be a leader, but I learned how to juggle all aspects of life & how to grow as a person while leading with kindness.