Meet CCYT's Professional Exceptional Artistic Accomplished Team
EDGAR ACEVEDO
Founder & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Edgar founded CCYT in 2012 after 28 years of teaching, producing, and developing children’s theatre programs, , growing it with a dedicated team. He holds a B.S. in Musical Theatre from SUNY Fredonia and an M.A. in Elementary Education from The College of Saint Rose.
DANIELLE SCIRICO
Teaching Artist/Choreographer
Danielle, a director and choreographer at CCYT since 2012, also teaches elementary music in the Hudson City School District. Her passion for arts education inspires her teaching. She holds a B.A. in Performing Arts Theatre with a minor in Arts Management from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and is pursuing an M.A. in Educational Technology and Learning Design. Danielle aims to provide well-rounded arts education, helping young people grow in both performance and technical roles.
CASSIDY CUTLER
Teaching Artist/Program & Communications Coordinator
Cassidy has been part of CCYT since third grade and was an original member of the Performance Company. She joined the creative team in 2013. Cassidy remains active as a performer through her work with the Muriel Scott Faxon School of Dance. She is currently an elementary teacher in the Chatham CSD and holds a B.A. in Education and Psychology from Saint Michael’s College, as well as an M.S. in Reading from the University at Albany.
DEVIN OVERINGTON
Digital Operations Manager
Devin brings extensive technical theater experience to CCYT, having managed sound and production elements with the Germantown Central School Drama Club and Upstage Productions since age twelve. He also contributed to the design of AV and lighting systems for the new Germantown School auditorium and designs lights for The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Outside of theater, Devin holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Marist College and serves as the IT Manager at Archtop Fiber.
OLIVIA ALLEN
Teaching Artist/Company Manager
Olivia has been part of CCYT since 2011, beginning as a student and later joining the Performance Company. In 2017, she became an intern and went on to join the creative team, where she now helps to develop and implement meaningful theater experiences for students. Olivia is a 3rd grade teacher in the Hudson City School District and holds degrees in Early Childhood, Childhood, Special Education, and Literacy.
ANNIE DREWELLO
Teaching Artist/House Manager
Annie is a K–12 Vocal Music Teacher at Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD who is passionate about developing confident, expressive performers. She has taught private voice lessons, leads theatre workshops, and serves as a NYSSMA Vocal Adjudicator. Annie holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and performs with several community ensembles, including the Hudson River Bells and the Treble Choraliers of Catskill.
KELLIE CARR
Teaching Artist/Associate Producer
Kellie is the elementary music teacher at Chatham CSD and a musical director at CCYT. She is dedicated to nurturing creative expression and musical literacy in young performers. Kellie brings extensive experience in school-based theater initiatives, including reviving drama programs and directing a wide range of productions. Kellie holds a master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam.
Ed Dignum
Teaching Artist
Ed is a board member at The Ghent Playhouse, where he has directed three productions in the past three years. A recently retired teacher and theatre director from Schalmont High School in Schenectady, he led over 50 productions during his tenure. Ed has also been active throughout the Berkshires, directing and performing in numerous community theatre productions.
Kristen VanNote
Teaching Artist
Kristen is excited to join CCYT, bringing both professional expertise and a deep passion for theater. She serves as the Elementary Math Specialist at Chatham CSD and is a classically trained vocalist with extensive stage experience. Kristen has directed and assistant directed multiple productions at Chatham Elementary and Middle School, where she has spent years nurturing young performers. After supporting CCYT as a parent, she is eager to create a supportive, energetic space for the next generation of talent.
NADINE GABRIEL
COSTUME DESIGNER
Nadine brings creativity and a passion for working with children to CCYT, where she is in her eighth year. As the former owner of JUMP! Indoor Children’s Play Center, she designed and created costumes for themed events and birthday parties. Nadine has also designed and produced costumes for local schools, organizations, and Upstage Productions.
WAYNE GEARING
MASTER CARPENTER
Wayne is an experienced educator and technical director with over 25 years in public schools. He taught science for 13 years at Chatham Middle School and 13 years at Taconic Hills High School, where he also served as Technical Director for the Performing Arts Center. Wayne holds a B.S. in Science Education and an M.S. in Education Technology from UAlbany and has contributed scenic construction for Chatham High School musical productions. A lifelong resident of East Chatham, NY, Wayne brings deep community roots to his work.
Noah Hamm
Scenic Artist
Noah, a SUNY Potsdam graduate with a major in Theater and minor in Studio Art, has been with CCYT since 7th grade, performing in shows and interning for the past few summers before joining the team. They believe in promoting theater and art opportunities for our youth to help them develop into well-rounded individuals capable of self-expression. Noah brings a background in directing, acting, and scenic design and is excited to collaborate with his talented coworkers.
CLAIRE PACKET
Social Media & Marketing
Claire joined CCYT in 2025 and supports communications and outreach, helping share and promote CCYT programs. She has a degree in Public Communication from the University of Vermont and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Harvard Extension School. Claire has worked at the Broad Institute since 2016 and brings a strong appreciation for youth theatre to her role.
Ali Fuller
Scenic & Costumer Intern
Ali is a senior at Alfred University. They are majoring in a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a specialty in Sculpture and a minor in Performance, Technology and Design. With this they have built experience in sculpture, building sets, prop work, make-up application, and costume work. Having worked in shows in college as prop artisan, help in set building, and sound board operator. This is their first year with CCYT as an intern in costumes and props. They are looking forward to learning and working with CCYT!
Sadie McCarthy
Social Media Intern
Sadie is a media enthusiast who attends Quinnipiac University, where she majors in Communications & Media Studies and minors in Film Production. She has experience in front of the camera and behind the scenes, as she used to be an extra for movies and television shows and while doing stage crew in high school. She also manages a social media account for her college radio show. Sadie brings a strong passion for creativity and content creation to CCYT.
Sarah Balon
Teaching Artist Intern
Sarah is an Elementary Education major at SUNY Oneonta. While this is her first year with CCYT, she has been doing community theater since she was just 9 years old. In addition to theater, Sarah enjoys writing music, painting, and video editing. She is looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things.
McKenzie Halvax
Teaching Artist Intern
McKenzie, going into her senior year of high school, has been with Columbia County Youth Theater since 2023. She has also been part of CCYT’s Performance Company for three years.The first musical production she was part of with CCYT was SpongeBob the musical. This experience helped her understand her love for the arts whether it’s theater or chorus. Along with theater she also enjoys playing soccer, reading and listening to music. McKenzie is looking forward to connecting with the kids and helping them learn more about theater itself.