Voice Instructors
Marian Bollman
Voice Faculty (B.A. – Carlow College)
Marian has worked as a vocal coach and musical director for numerous theaters, performers and schools such as CCAC Summer Theater. She has also served as musical director for the Center’s high school and all-school musicals. Marian has taught in public and private school as well as with many private students.
Erin Caldwell Kesser
B.A. Interdisciplinary Fine Arts (Voice, Theatre, Dance and Piano) Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Erin is a proud alumna of The Center for Theatre Arts! She has been professionally performing on stage, in commercials, films and in voiceover for over 20 years. She has performed all over the country from New York City to Las Vegas, and in college, sang throughout Europe. Erin is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Recording Artists and Actor’s Equity Association. Erin is proud to be a part of the faculty at the Center, where great beginnings truly do last a lifetime.
Tina Capecci
(B.S.M.Ed. – Duquesne University)
Christina Capecci holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University with a Post Graduate Masters Degree credits in voice studies. She is a member of AGMA and sang with the Pittsburgh Opera Company for 12 years and the Soprano Soloist of a local church until 2005. Christina was an adjunct teacher of voice at Duquesne University for 10 years and a founding member of the Center for Theater Arts where she established the voice program and continues to teach to the present time.
Carol Lee Ponzio, (B.S.M.Ed. – Seton Hill College)
Carol Lee helped develop the Introduction to Performing Arts Program and Musical Theater for Students with Special Needs programs in 1981, and is a founding faculty member. She has served as musical director for Center productions and performance companies as well as community choirs. Carol Lee is also a private piano teacher and organist and has previously taught for the North Allegheny and Carlynton School Districts.
REFLECTIONS OF 30 YEARS AT THE CENTER
Remembrances of those early years brings to mind the wonderful faces of young children excited and anxious to begin their study of voice as we introduced them to the wonderful world of musical theater. Songs they could relate to with suggestions of interpretation and the freedom to experiment with personal feelings of expression with laughter and excitement as they tested the waters of show business at its earliest level. What wonderful students, what wonderful moments, such an exciting time for the student and teacher. It was the world of make believe.
As time moved on and children became young adults, we found that self confidence, self assurance and a love for the arts had worked its way into their lives. Students went on to college, graduated and entered many walks of life. We boast of former students who work in the theater, teach in our schools, work for corporations and law firms. They are doctors and nurses, and moms and dads.
But most importantly, the Center provided an experience that will never be forgotten. These adults are today’s audience, they fill our theaters and have become a force of support for the arts. What a legacy for a small theater arts school with teachers who just wanted to share their love for the arts with the children in their community.
We are proud to be the Center for Theater Arts. Come visit us and bring your children for an experience of a lifetime.
– CHRISTINA CAPECCI, VOICE TEACHER