Courses
In The Studio
Instructor(s)
- Paul Lebel
- Nikki Rice
- Winnie Westergard
- Daniel Goody
- J. Gordon
- Meg McLynn
- Nicole Beerman
- Sophia Franzella
- BC Campbell
- Brad Taylor
- Charles Sheaffer
- Dan Shafer
- Diana Trotter
- Ellen Forney
- Emilia Kister
- Geof Alm
- Ian Bond
- Jessica Jobaris
- Leanna Keith
- Maja Sereda
- Matt Sircely
- Robynne Raye
- Sarah Lavin
- Tory Franklin
- Alia Swersky
- Barry Sebastian
- Brian Miller
- Brynne McGregor
- Chelsea Cook
- David Taft
- David Taylor Gomes
- Jeff Brice
- Jenna Spinei
- Jimmy Shields
- Kyungjin Kim (KJ)
- Lana Sundberg
- Lauren Boilini
- Lily Hotchkiss
- Lucie Baker
- Peter Vogt
- Ruthie Dornfeld
- Sage Casias-Abplanalp
- Samar Abulhassan
- Sarah Bixler
- Sarah Comer
- Soo Hong
- Zoe Crago
Auditioning for the Stage: Adult
![Diana Trotter with short hair and blue shirt smiling.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-06/Seattle-Headshot-Photographer-88edit2%20copy%203.jpeg?itok=LmzJfMzK)
Diana Trotter
Diana Trotter (she/her) is a Seattle-based actor, director, educator and coach. Locally she has performed with Taproot Theatre Co, Annex Theatre, Center Stage, Second Story Rep, Thalia’s Umbrella, UW Theatre, and Fern Shakespeare. She has also been seen on stages in Texas, Illinois, Montana, California, Oregon and Idaho. Favorite roles include Mrs. Bennett in Pride & Prejudice, Roz in 9 to 5, Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, Vivian Bearing in Wit, and Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing (twice!). Recent directing projects include Into the Woods (Icicle Creek Center for the Arts), Camelot, and Christopher Durang’s Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (Contra Costa Theatre) and Steven Dietz’s Last of the Boys (The Modern, Spokane). Diana specializes in audition preparation and has taught auditioning master classes for the University of Washington, Seattle Youth Opera, and Viva Vocalists where she is also the acting coach for their musical theatre training program. Diana holds a PhD from UC Berkeley and is the former head of the acting program at Whitworth University in Spokane.
Portfolio Development for College Applications
![Headshot of Winnie Westergard](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/W_WESTERGARD_2x.jpg?itok=E-eRemqd)
Winnie Westergard
Winifred Westergard is a Seattle based fine art and commercial photographer with degrees from the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts in Creative Writing, Journalism and Art. Her art making foundation is rooted in the early processes of photography, fully embracing the slow processes of 19th century photography. She is a visual creator with a strong base on human emotion and storytelling. She has managed the photography studio at Cornish College of the Arts since 1999 and has taught Photography and Portfolio Development through Summer@Cornish since 2003.
AI for Filmmakers
![Charles Sheaffer](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-11/CShaefer-Film-Headshot.jpg?itok=mcWqG6ns)
Charles Sheaffer
Charles Sheaffer is a researcher and producer interested in the ever-changing relationship between globalization and cinematic storytelling. Sheaffer's creative activities include narrative filmmaking and video essay production. Sheaffer's scholarly writing has appeared in Postmodern Culture, and his current research explores classical tragedy and comedy as a means of mapping emergent developments in screen-based narrative. Sheaffer has taught at the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington and teaches courses in film history and production in the Cornish Film department. He lives in Seattle with his wife.
Audition Prep Ages 12-14
![Sophia Franzella in a grey shirt with short brown hair.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-06/FranzellaSophia2023Headshot%202.png?itok=LVq5iDje)
Sophia Franzella
Sophia Franzella is a teaching artist and professional actor working in the Seattle area. After 11 years of classical ballet training, she decided to transition into the world of Theatre at the age of 14. After falling in love with Theatre in high school, Sophia earned her BFA in Theatre Arts from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas in 2013. She is also a 2014 graduate of A Working Group (a Meisner-technique acting program). Sophia has taught acting and dance throughout Seattle over the past 10 years (Lakeside Middle School, Village Theatre KIDSTAGE, Sing Out Seattle, STG, Mode Music, Coyote, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Rep, Taproot Theatre). Sophia also offers private lessons for audition preparation! When she is not teaching, Sophia works as a professional actor in Seattle. She is a co-founder and company member of the theatre lab Filament: A Collab Lab for which she often choreographs and directs. She is also a Pony World Theatre company member. Sophia also enjoys hiking with friends, reading, watching spooky movies, and learning new subjects!
Audition Prep and Performance Ages 15 -18
![Sophia Franzella in a grey shirt with short brown hair.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-06/FranzellaSophia2023Headshot%202.png?itok=LVq5iDje)
Sophia Franzella
Sophia Franzella is a teaching artist and professional actor working in the Seattle area. After 11 years of classical ballet training, she decided to transition into the world of Theatre at the age of 14. After falling in love with Theatre in high school, Sophia earned her BFA in Theatre Arts from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas in 2013. She is also a 2014 graduate of A Working Group (a Meisner-technique acting program). Sophia has taught acting and dance throughout Seattle over the past 10 years (Lakeside Middle School, Village Theatre KIDSTAGE, Sing Out Seattle, STG, Mode Music, Coyote, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Rep, Taproot Theatre). Sophia also offers private lessons for audition preparation! When she is not teaching, Sophia works as a professional actor in Seattle. She is a co-founder and company member of the theatre lab Filament: A Collab Lab for which she often choreographs and directs. She is also a Pony World Theatre company member. Sophia also enjoys hiking with friends, reading, watching spooky movies, and learning new subjects!
Auditioning for Musical Theatre Dance: Adult
![Nicole Beerman Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-12/Nicole%20Beerman%20Jean%20Jacket%20Headshot_1.jpg?itok=qhDKD6K9)
Nicole Beerman
Nicole is an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, teacher, visual artist, wife to Josh and mother to Max and Huxley. Nicole has lived and worked on both coasts, loves to create, garden, and do construction! On screen, Nicole has been seen in Nike, LG, and T-Mobile commercials. On stage in Adrift (Sam French Festival), Big Effing Deal! (Duet with Reggie Watts), Cabaret (Gregory Award Nominee), Mary Poppins, Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, How to Succeed, Once Upon A Time in New Jersey and many Village Originals (Village Theatre), The Constant Wife (Seattle Rep), Cabaret (5th Ave, AMTSJ, Ordway Center), Wonderful Town (5th Ave), Ming the Rude (Empty Space), Elephant and Piggie, Fire Station 7, Sleeping Beauty (SCT), Tapestry (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), and many more. As a choreographer and dancer Nicole had the honor of working with Sonya Tayeh and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival with running the dance call for the original production of Head Over Heals. In New York, Nicole’s work has been seen at the HERE Center, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Clubbed Thumb, Astoria Performing Arts, The Management and Acting Manitou. In Seattle, at KIDSTAGE, Cornish, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, The Triple Door, Café Nordo, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Fantastic Z, and Art Institute of Seattle. Nicole is currently teaching at Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle Film institute, and Westlake Dance Center. She has also taught at UW, Art Institute of Seattle, Hunter College High School, VAM Studios, 5th Avenue, Century Ballroom, McCarter Theatre Company, Jersey City Dance Academy, and The Studios. Nicole holds a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts, is a certified Simonson Technique teacher and a member of Actors’ Equity.
Auditioning for Musical Theatre Dance: Adult
![Nicole Beerman Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-12/Nicole%20Beerman%20Jean%20Jacket%20Headshot_1.jpg?itok=qhDKD6K9)
Nicole Beerman
Nicole is an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, teacher, visual artist, wife to Josh and mother to Max and Huxley. Nicole has lived and worked on both coasts, loves to create, garden, and do construction! On screen, Nicole has been seen in Nike, LG, and T-Mobile commercials. On stage in Adrift (Sam French Festival), Big Effing Deal! (Duet with Reggie Watts), Cabaret (Gregory Award Nominee), Mary Poppins, Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, How to Succeed, Once Upon A Time in New Jersey and many Village Originals (Village Theatre), The Constant Wife (Seattle Rep), Cabaret (5th Ave, AMTSJ, Ordway Center), Wonderful Town (5th Ave), Ming the Rude (Empty Space), Elephant and Piggie, Fire Station 7, Sleeping Beauty (SCT), Tapestry (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), and many more. As a choreographer and dancer Nicole had the honor of working with Sonya Tayeh and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival with running the dance call for the original production of Head Over Heals. In New York, Nicole’s work has been seen at the HERE Center, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Clubbed Thumb, Astoria Performing Arts, The Management and Acting Manitou. In Seattle, at KIDSTAGE, Cornish, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, The Triple Door, Café Nordo, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Fantastic Z, and Art Institute of Seattle. Nicole is currently teaching at Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle Film institute, and Westlake Dance Center. She has also taught at UW, Art Institute of Seattle, Hunter College High School, VAM Studios, 5th Avenue, Century Ballroom, McCarter Theatre Company, Jersey City Dance Academy, and The Studios. Nicole holds a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts, is a certified Simonson Technique teacher and a member of Actors’ Equity.
Public Art Career Development
![Headshot of Tory Franklin](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/T_FRANKLIN_2x.jpg?itok=mclaaoS9)
Tory Franklin
Tory Franklin is a visual artist working with diverse media unified by pattern, print, and narrative. Since 2010, Franklin has focused on public installations inspired by folktales that are accompanied by screen-printed books, posters, and other ephemera. Her work has been exhibited at MAD Art, Bellevue City Hall, Storefronts Seattle, Storefronts Auburn, Spaceworks Tacoma, the Renton Arts Commission, Arts-A-Glow festival, Portland Winter Light Festival, the VERA Project, and 826 Seattle. She has received a Seattle Office of Arts & Culture City Artists project grant, a 4Culture project grant, and an Artist Trust GAP grant for these projects. In 2015, Franklin created her first permanent window piece with her sister, Eroyn Franklin, for Harborview Medical Center, and is currently working on SoundTransit’s Star Lake light rail station in Kent slated to open in 2024.
Adobe Illustrator for cut technologies
![Headshot of Tory Franklin](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/T_FRANKLIN_2x.jpg?itok=mclaaoS9)
Tory Franklin
Tory Franklin is a visual artist working with diverse media unified by pattern, print, and narrative. Since 2010, Franklin has focused on public installations inspired by folktales that are accompanied by screen-printed books, posters, and other ephemera. Her work has been exhibited at MAD Art, Bellevue City Hall, Storefronts Seattle, Storefronts Auburn, Spaceworks Tacoma, the Renton Arts Commission, Arts-A-Glow festival, Portland Winter Light Festival, the VERA Project, and 826 Seattle. She has received a Seattle Office of Arts & Culture City Artists project grant, a 4Culture project grant, and an Artist Trust GAP grant for these projects. In 2015, Franklin created her first permanent window piece with her sister, Eroyn Franklin, for Harborview Medical Center, and is currently working on SoundTransit’s Star Lake light rail station in Kent slated to open in 2024.
Figma: Zero to Hero Prototyping
![Sage Casias-Abplanalp in a red tank top smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-06/SageHeadshot1Cropped.jpg?itok=ha0wLQtO)
Sage Casias-Abplanalp
Sage is a multi-disciplined designer and educator based in the Greater Seattle Area. Throughout her career Sage has worked in a variety of roles including as an independent contractor and an in-house designer. Her projects span print and web for a wide range of clientele; from locally owned clinics to internationally recognized audio dealers. No matter what the project is, Sage’s work is guided by principles of user-centered design, a commitment to accessibility, and a passion for creating. She considers herself a lifelong student and continually strives to learn new skills and refine her craft.
Introduction to Patterns & Printmaking
![Headshot of Brad Taylor](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/B_TAYLOR_2x.jpg?itok=vFL4ITxa)
Brad Taylor
Bradley Taylor is a Seattle based artist, and printmaker. He is currently working at Cornish College of the Arts as the Printmaking Studio Technician. Proficient in all forms of printmaking Bradley specializes in woodblock prints. His work has been shown in numerous galleries in the Seattle area. He has also work collaboratively with many notable Seattle Artists.
Explorations in Papermaking
![Headshot of Brad Taylor](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/B_TAYLOR_2x.jpg?itok=vFL4ITxa)
Brad Taylor
Bradley Taylor is a Seattle based artist, and printmaker. He is currently working at Cornish College of the Arts as the Printmaking Studio Technician. Proficient in all forms of printmaking Bradley specializes in woodblock prints. His work has been shown in numerous galleries in the Seattle area. He has also work collaboratively with many notable Seattle Artists.
Creative Metalworking
![Sarah Lavin](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-07/Screenshot%202023-07-24%20at%2012.26.50%20PM.png?itok=2hMyitsi)
Sarah Lavin
I am energized by the spirited exchange of expression and ideas. I am a metal worker, sculptor and installation artist. I have always worked with my hands; gardening, farming, fabricating. I took my first metal working class at Pratt Fine Art Center nearly 25 years ago and went on to get a certificate in Welding/Fabrication at South Seattle Community College specializing in non-ferrous metals and blacksmithing.
I have been a metalworker in various industrial and artistic capacities ever since: I ran public art programs in SE Seattle high school and middle schools, as well as worked alongside established artists and builders. I have recently returned to Pratt teaching forging and welding for adults, families and and teens. I also teach at Burkehead Art Center and Coyote Central. I maintain a shop/art practice on our family farm amongst the goats in Woodinville, Wa.
Beginning Welding
![Sarah Lavin](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-07/Screenshot%202023-07-24%20at%2012.26.50%20PM.png?itok=2hMyitsi)
Sarah Lavin
I am energized by the spirited exchange of expression and ideas. I am a metal worker, sculptor and installation artist. I have always worked with my hands; gardening, farming, fabricating. I took my first metal working class at Pratt Fine Art Center nearly 25 years ago and went on to get a certificate in Welding/Fabrication at South Seattle Community College specializing in non-ferrous metals and blacksmithing.
I have been a metalworker in various industrial and artistic capacities ever since: I ran public art programs in SE Seattle high school and middle schools, as well as worked alongside established artists and builders. I have recently returned to Pratt teaching forging and welding for adults, families and and teens. I also teach at Burkehead Art Center and Coyote Central. I maintain a shop/art practice on our family farm amongst the goats in Woodinville, Wa.
Musicianship Foundations
![Headshot of Leanna Keith](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/L_KEITH_2x.jpg?itok=0wie6j7a)
Leanna Keith
A freelance flutist, artist, improviser, and composer in the Seattle area, Leanna Keith delights in creating sound experiences that make audiences laugh, cry, and say: “I didn’t know the flute could do that!” She also teaches as the flute professor at Cornish College of the Arts. Her performance artworks have focused on cultural connection and the breaking of audience/performer boundaries. In 2021 she released her first solo album, TAROT Album, which she composed, performed, recorded, and mixed. The album release show premiered online, featuring collaborations between choreographers, digital media artists, stop motion artists, puppetry, and more.
Leanna is currently a co-director of the chamber music ensemble Kin of the Moon, with violist/improviser Heather Bentley and composer/vocalist Kaley Lane Eaton. Kin of the Moon is an improvisation-centric, technology-friendly chamber music series incubated in Seattle's rich musical scene. The series explores sonic rituals, promotes cross-pollination of genres, emphasizes the communicative power of specific performance locales, and celebrates the creativity that multiplies itself through the collaboration of performers and composers.
Workshop: Dance as Pleasure
![Headshot of Jessica Jobaris](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/J_JOBARIS_2x.jpg?itok=Rro9KNmu)
Jessica Jobaris
Jessica Jobaris is a Seattle-based choreographer whose dance-theatre works warp perception, guiding audiences to reconsider what is sacred and what is profane. In 2010, she launched Jessica Jobaris & General Magic, a dance-theatre company dedicated to nurturing artistic risk and community connection through dance. Jessica has taught nationally and internationally, receiving funding for her works from city, state, and corporate organizations. Jessical also holds a MA in Counseling Psychology (LMHCA) from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, and runs a private practice in Seattle.
Leadership Speaking (And Listening) Through Acting
![Headshot of Meg McLynn](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/M_MCLYNN_2x.jpg?itok=gf9eOmgM)
Meg McLynn
Meg McLynn is an actor, vocalist, and teaching artist who has been seen on stages and screens throughout North America. Meg loves to share her passion for performance with students of all ages, and it is her belief that the work we do in “the studio” is applicable to all aspects of our everyday lives.
Having studied for 7 years under renowned voice teacher, Kristin Linklater, Meg now works with students to help them take ownership of their wonderfully unique voices. She teaches Voice and Speech at Cornish College of the Arts, and she serves as a vocal coach with Jack Straw Studios. She has assisted with voice training at Columbia Business School and World Leaders Forum in New York City. Meg also teaches Voice and Acting classes at Freehold Theatre Lab and Mighty Tripod Studios in Seattle.
Meg is a member of the Seattle-based vocal trio, Blue Plate Special, and has been an Anthem Singer for the Seattle Seahawks. As a concert soloist, she performed the songbooks of Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, and Carly Simon with Purple Phoenix Productions. Local acting credits include roles with Seattle Shakespeare Company, Book-It Rep, Seattle Symphony, ArtsWest, Seattle Opera, Seattle Public Theatre, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Theatre22, Harlequin Productions, and 14/48: TWQTF, as well as the feature films “Different Drummers”, “7 Minutes”, and “Colton”. You can see her in the series, “The Girl in the Woods” streaming on NBC/Peacock.
Theatrical Swordplay
![Headshot of Geof Alm](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/G_ALM_2x.jpg?itok=xIe26gUm)
Geof Alm
Geoffrey Alm has been teaching Stage Fighting at Cornish since 2008. A Certified Teacher with The Society of American Fight Directors since 1987, he is also a Certified Fight Director and Fight Master. Professionally he has been choreographing fights since 1988, locally and Nationally. He’s a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Actors Equity, and SAG-AFTRA.
Consent & Intimacy for Stage & Screen
![Headshot of Ian Bond](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/I_BOND_2x.jpg?itok=WkKkEjWY)
Ian Bond
Ian specializes in telling stories. On the stage, he brings years of determined training at Davidson College and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to his characters. As a fight and intimacy director, he thoughtfully communicates with other artists to ensure safe, collaborative, and exciting movement in a story. As a Game Master, he combines a strong sense of play with deep roots in fantasy lore to nurture group story telling. As an educator, Ian empathically centers the students experience in the course of learning. But of course, these skills all combine in this human: Ian. And it is this unique human who brings his whole self to every project.
Cornish+ Choir (Monday)
![Emilia Kister standing in front of a microphone in black striped dress.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-10/biophoto%20%281%29.jpg?itok=guvIOh81)
Emilia Kister
Emilia Kister began singing in a children’s choir and learning piano at the age of four, in Moscow, Russia where she studied at the Gnessin Specialized Musical School for Gifted Children. At the age of ten, her family immigrated to the United States and Emilia continued studying piano at the Kaufman Music Center in NYC. During High School, she sang in the school Choir, an a cappella group and fell in love with chamber music. For college, Emilia attended the Eastman School of Music to pursue a degree in piano performance, while there, she sang in the Eastman Chorale and continued to make music with others through accompanying and chamber music. During her third year of studies, Emilia switched from piano performance to music education, and hasn’t looked back since!