Renee Werkheiser

Director of Art and Sol

I was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, but I have been living in Scottsdale, Arizona since the age of two. I grew up spending most of my time in a dance studio, performing on stage or in our living room, and dreaming of becoming a Broadway star. Ironically, my debut on stage was at the age of four in my pink tutu dancing to the song "Will I Be a Star?" After 15 years of dancing, singing, and theater training, I attended the University of Arizona.

While attending college, my dreams had shifted from being a star, to making them. I realized I wanted to teach young children, and earned my elementary education degree. I moved to California and received my first teaching job at a Performing Arts Elementary School. I taught third and sixth grade for five years, while developing a drama program for the children at the school. I started with 25 children in 1997, and when I left in 2002, there were 250 children in our after-school program!

When I moved back to Scottsdale, I decided to create more opportunities for the children in our valley to be involved with arts....through Art and Sol Performing Arts Program. My dream is to give children the opportunity to shine on stage, foster better self-esteem, and build confidence in the performing arts. Why "Art and Sol"? We have a lot of heart, and definitely a lot of soul...to put into learning all about the performing arts in the Valley of the Sun!

Becky James

Vocal Director, Central Phoenix

Director, West Valley

After earning my bachelor's degree in theatre with a minor in music from Radford University, I moved from my childhood home in Virginia to Los Angeles in order to pursue my dream of performing. I worked in the entertainment industry for three years in various mediums including musical theatre, solo vocal performance, and television but realized something was missing. While working for Mad Science I fell in love with teaching and found my missing piece. After earning my teaching certificate through the Los Angeles Unified School District Intern Program I focused on my love of educating, teaching second for two years in Los Angeles. In 2003, I moved to Phoenix to be closer to the man I have since married and started a family with, and have been teaching ever since.

My love of performing has transformed into a passion for teaching performing arts. Theatre and musicals have always been at the heart of who I am and while teaching second and third grades I always found a way to add to my duties that of drama coach. By switching to music education I was able to combine my love of education and music. As fate would have it, Art and Sol and I found each other and I discovered the perfect place to make the most of my collected skills and follow my dream while fostering the dreams of those with whom I work. Now, I can truly say I have found my theatrical home.

While working with Art and Sol since the spring of 2005 this program has become my Heart and Soul. I am excited about all the adventures I take with the children who participate in our program. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share my love of musicals and performing with this talented group of young performers.

Emily Flathers

Vocal Director, Arcadia

I was born and raised in Minnesota in a very musical family – we had to keep two pianos in the house to allow all four children enough practice time! Piano and violin study continued through my years at Iowa's Luther College and then at Arizona State University where I studied Piano Accompanying, Jazz, and Opera.

Theater has always played a huge role in my life – I tend to recall memories according to which show I was in at the time. My most recent favorite theater experiences have been accompanying improvisational comedy troupes and dinner theater here in the Greater Phoenix Area.

Nowadays I am working as a state-certified music teacher teaching grades K-8 general music plus leading choir, piano, and guitar lessons. I am excited to join Art and Sol for their Fall 2011 season!

Tess Avaras

Assistant Director

I was born in New York but have been living in Scottsdale, Arizona since the age of eight. I have always had a passion for dance as well as working with kids. I began dancing when I was 5 years old with Coupe Theatre Studio in New York. When I moved to the valley I studied ballet under the direction of Nina Marlow. In addition, I pursued jazz and lyrical at Plumb Performing Arts.

I recently graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I am currently a Kindergarten teacher in Scottsdale. I am very excited to combine my love of dance and kids and to be a part of the Art and Sol team.

Andrea Kaloush

Choreography Assistant Director

I have been living in Scottsdale, Arizona since I was eight years old. I have always been artistically inclined through both dance and visual arts. I began dancing flamenco with Alma Performing Arts at age ten. I then decided to expand into some other styles that were offered at the company, such as tap, jazz, and ballet. I continued to study flamenco under the instruction of Alma Schnell and Dini Roman. When I was sixteen years old, I joined the company Calo Flamenco: Ballet de Martin Gaxiola, which is a group of professional flamenco dancers and musicians. I danced with and occasionally substituted for my teacher at Alma Performing Arts up until my senior year of high school. I am now in my second year at Arizona State University where I am pursuing a degree in English Literature and a double minor in Spanish and Art History. I am extremely excited to be working with the talented youth of Art and Sol and I feel privileged to have this opportunity.