KEVIN CRONINKevin Cronin (née Barlowski) is a multidisciplinary creative artist and change agent committed to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities through education and the arts. Currently, as Director of Education and Outreach at Playhouse on Park, Kevin is enthusiastic about inspiring thinkers, dreamers, and doers with essential, transferable, 21st-century skills. A theatre educator with over 15 years of experience, he has taught with esteemed organizations such as Hartt School of Music, Hartford Performs, Bay Path University, The Miracle League, the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, Unified Theatre, and West Hartford Public Schools. As a director, music director, and actor, he has long focused on crafting and performing in productions that resonate with younger audiences, adhering to the belief that if they can see it, they can be it. His educational background is rich and varied, including an M.S. in Education Administration from Bay Path University, an M.A. in Shakespeare and Education from the University of Birmingham, a certificate in Musical Theatre Performance from Circle in the Square Theatre School, and a B.A. in Theatre Education and Directing from Emerson College. Kevin is a staunch advocate for creating brave and inclusive spaces, decolonizing curriculum, and promoting lifelong learning. He is committed to fostering a vibrant educational landscape where every learner feels empowered to explore their passions and realize their full potential. He looks forward to welcoming you into his “collaboratory” soon!
NICK FRANCESCONick Francesco is a recent graduate from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He has worked with children ranging from Pre-K to middle school, both inside and outside the classroom, across Connecticut. Nick has a strong background in teaching various subjects, including literacy, math, social studies, science, and social-emotional skills. With a major passion for education, he is also a theater enthusiast at heart and is thrilled to share his love of the arts with young artists!
MEG JABAILYMeg Jabaily graduated from the University of Colorado with a BFA in Theatre Performance. She was a founding performer, director, teaching artist, and education/outreach director for Single Carrot Theatre in Baltimore, MD. She loves play so much that she went on to earn her certificate in DIRFloortime play therapy, which is specifically designed for neurodiverse children but is wonderful for all children. Meg loves spaces that facilitate play and wellness, which inspired her to earn her Master's in Design for Human Health at the Boston Architectural College. Her master's thesis was largely devoted to the built environment and its impact on children's development and sensory systems. Meg loves working with people of all ages and especially enjoys the humor and insight children bring to every interaction. She has two children, ages 10 and 13, and loves the magic they bring to the table each day. She believes that play of all kinds across the lifespan builds compassion, collaboration, and wellness. Being a part of Playhouse Theatre Academy is an honor, and she is thrilled to be working with and learning from both the other artists and students.
BRIGHTON VALOR-HORANBrighton is a Winter 2022 graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, concentrating in Directing and Theatre & New Media. They are an award-winning choreographer and have alternately produced, stage-managed, written, performed, and more in and around the NYC and New England areas. Brighton is also a Resident Artist and founding member of Showpeople Theatre Collective, which has brought multiple original musical theatre works to stages around Connecticut and NYC, including 54 Below, The Green Room 42, and the New York Theater Festival. When they aren’t making theatre, Brighton loves creating visual art and exploring various crafts, as well as relaxing with their cat, Prince. You can learn more about them on their website, www.brightonvalorhoran.com, or follow them on Instagram @brightonvalorhoran.
DARLENE ZOLLERDarlene is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Playhouse on Park where she has directed PIPPIN, NUNSENSE, CHICAGO (Best Director of a Musical/Broadway World,) PINKALICIOUS, ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE,SWINGING ON A STAR and THAT HOLIDAY FEELING, SAY THINGS FUNNY, and choreographed; PIPPIN, INTO THE WOODS, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, IN THE HEIGHTS, A CHORUS LINE, HAIR, CABARET, PASSING STRANGE among others. She is the founder, director and choreographer of stop/time dance theater, the resident dance company of Playhouse on Park, now in its twentieth year. She was voted Best Director of a Musical/Broadway World for I’D RATHER BE DANCING. CT Critics Circle nominee for Best Choreographer for HAIR, ROCKIN’ THE FOREST and IN THE HEIGHTS. She IS Mama D of MAMA D’s OUTRAGEOUS ROMP; a grown ups only music, dance and comedy event-exclusive to the Playhouse. Social media followers know her as "the driveway lady" for having taught 450 consecutive days of WE'RE BETTER WHEN WE'RE DANCING dance classes online during the pandemic where she gathered a loyal following. Darlene is a former adjunct professor at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School where she directed and choreographed CHICAGO and did the choreography for ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, SMILE, CURTAINS and NUNSENSE. She also teaches dance classes for adults at The 224 ECOSpace and is a dance/fitness instructor at Big Sky Fitness in Vernon.