Karen brings extensive professional training and performance experience to our Junior Company. She is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (Class of 1985), where she earned a degree in Dance and trained under National Heritage Fellow and master tap dancer LaVaughn Robinson.  Karen began her professional career as a featured dancer with Greg Thompson Productions aboard Royal Caribbean's Nordic Prince before moving to New York City. There, she completed a theatrical apprenticeship with the Light Opera of Manhattan (LOOM), where she  worked under Music Director Todd Ellison, gaining valuable experience. During her time at LOOM, she worked alongside future industry figures including Christopher Meloni and Macaulay Culkin.  While in New York, she also studied voice with Ron Cappon of the Manhattan School of Music, and  interpretation and character development with renowned acting coach Larry Moss.  Karen now brings more than four decades of training and professional experience to youth theater. She enjoys helping young performers grow in confidence, musicianship, and stage presence. She is excited to bring her love of musical theater to this year's Junior Company production of Madagascar Jr.