Staff
Amanda Rice
*APPLAUSE ALUMNI*
Amanda has been dancing since the age of 4, starting her practice at Barclay Shelton Dance Centre in 1999 and then Applause Studio in 2004. Growing up at Applause, she studied Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Tap. She was also a dedicated member of the Performance Team and Applause Players for the majority of her time as a student. After graduating high school in 2013, Amanda was delighted to be given the opportunity to work for Applause as an instructor. She started as the Assistant Director of Applause Players (2013-2016), then transitioned to Director of Applause Players (2016-2019), and taught dance classes intermittently from 2013-2020.
In 2013, Amanda started attending Shoreline Community College and graduated in 2015 with an AA in Digital Film Production, with a focus in video editing. After working at Applause for a few years, she discovered her love of working with children and decided to return to Shoreline in 2017 to study Early Childhood Education, receiving her AA in 2020. Amanda was a Pre-K teacher for 3 years, starting at Main Street Kids Preschool in 2018 and then Kiddie Academy of Mill Creek in 2020. In 2021, she was nominated by KAMC’s director as Teacher of the Year.
In 2021, Amanda was thrilled to be given the opportunity to be Applause Studio’s Director when they moved to their new space in Everett. On top of being a director, she teaches classes at Applause for all ages. This is Amanda’s dream job and she will be eternally grateful to Applause for having such an amazing impact on her life!
Kaylee Caldier
Kaylee began dancing when she was 3 years old at a studio called Dance Emporium in Spokane, Washington. She danced competitively for many years leading her to be trained in many styles like ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Dancing has always been a big part of her life, even after graduation she continued dancing at colleges and other studios giving her 17 years of dancing experience. Kaylee is currently a senior at University of Washington with her major in Art and excited to start her first year at Applause Studio!
Teddy Victor
*APPLAUSE ALUMNI*
Teddy Victor is excited to teach private voice at Applause where they started voice training many years ago! Teddy received their Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in 2023, where they studied classical, belt and pop techniques under Estelí Gomez. Teddy has received multiple awards for their singing from the National Association of Teachers of Singing, has performed extensively in opera and musical theatre productions in the Seattle area, and is a self-produced singer/songwriter. Teddy believes in teaching voice with an emphasis on mind-body awareness, a supportive learning environment, and honoring the voice as a dynamic instrument unique to every individual.
Ciara Miller
*APPLAUSE ALUMNI*
Ciara Miller leads in acting technique and voice coaching for Applause Players productions. She has been with Applause Studio for ten years now, starting with Homeschool Theater and eventually working her way up to joining the Applause Players team. Not only has she participated in theater, she has also been a student in voice and dance classes. She completed an Associates degree for theater and acting, and has performed in numerous shows outside of Applause Studio as well. She believes that it’s important to inspire a passion for creativity and imagination.
Oceana Marie Dunsire
*APPLAUSE ALUMNI*
Oceana Marie Dunsire teaches ballet, tap, and theatre classes, and is the director of The Applause Players. She has been involved with Applause Studio for 16 years, being a part of numerous musical theatre and dance performances, and studying tap, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, and the voice. For five years she went on to study theatre and dance at Western Washington University, acting in faculty directed shows, working in their summer repertory, devising with the New York company Blessed Unrest, and directing multiple shows of her own. She graduated with honors with a Bachelors in theatre in 2019. Beginning her third year as director of The Applause Players, it is her goal to create accessible theatre for all ages, while encouraging a love of the performing arts in her students and providing them with opportunities to express themselves both in the studio and on the stage.
Payten Redwood
Payten Redwood is a Seattle-based vocalist & pianist. A diverse performer, Payten sings and plays in many different styles. Payten has roots in gospel and classical music, and has since moved on to singing jazz, R&B and soul music. Payten studied at Cornish College of the Arts with a focus in vocal performance and songwriting/composition. She has appeared in a wide range of venues around Seattle including The Royal Room, The ShowBox, and Barboza.
Michael J. McGraw
A native of Corpus Christi, TX, Michael graduated from Texas A&M University-CC with a degree in both Communications and Children’s Theatre and has over 20 years’ stage experience. A former member of the Camarillo Skyway Playhouse Board of Directors in California, he built a reputation for himself through his work with young performers in the area. Most notably he created the Stage Door Players, an all-youth acting troupe dedicated to the artistic growth of local youth. Through ensemble team building, the group sought to create a thriving community of young, energetic performers. He hopes to create a similar safe space at Applause Studio in which all young actors can reach their potential while having fun.
Kelly Smith
Candace Larson
*APPLAUSE INSTRUCTOR FOR 10+ YEARS*
Candace is a tap, jazz, and musical theater instructor. She has taught dance across ages and levels for 20 years throughout Utah and Washington. She especially loves choreographing musicals. Candace is the daughter of a dance teacher and began classes as soon as she could walk. She has an appreciation for all dance styles, but is a tapper at heart. Candace finds joy in dance, and relishes the opportunity to share that joy with her students every year.
Madison Taylor
Olivia Iritz
Olivia Iritz has been actively involved in music and the performing arts for most of her life, participating in choir, musical theatre, and band throughout her school years. During high school, she was especially dedicated to band, theatre, and colorguard, and those experiences continue to shape her love for the arts. Olivia is currently hoping to pursue a degree in music education and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians. She is excited to share her enthusiasm and knowledge with students and help them discover the joy of making music!
Lauren Asmussen
Lauren has been teaching dance since 2021, and although hip hop is her favorite dance style, she is also trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and musical theater. Lauren danced, performed, and choreographed as part of the United Movement SLO hip hop team during her time as a student at Cal Poly. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, where she received education on the history of hip hop and commercial dance, and where she was a featured dancer in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Lauren is very excited to share her love for dance at Applause!
Maria-Viktoria Kovalsky
Maria-Viktoria Kovalsky was born in Seattle, Washington, to an Ukrainian immigrant family. Her journey in music began at an early age from her musically rich family life. She developed a profound love for singing, leading her to pursue a degree in vocal performance. Kovalsky completed her Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance at Pacific Lutheran University where she had many opportunities to sing leading roles in operas and study under some of the best in the industry. She has crossed paths with the likes of Angela Meade, Luretta Bybee, and more. Currently, Maria-Viktoria is continuing her academic journey by pursuing a Master’s of Sacred Music at the University of Notre Dame, where she combines her vocal training with a dedication to sacred and liturgical music through the world of choral conducting. This unique blend of artistic expression and spiritual devotion reflects her passion for elevating both the human voice and the sacred spaces in which music plays a vital role. Outside of her studies and performance career, she is dedicated to exploring the intersection of music, culture, and spirituality, with a particular interest in how sacred music can bridge communities and offer a sense of peace and transcendence.
Christa McDonald
Christa McDonald is an artist who has been dancing since she was 3. She grew up in Vallejo, CA and trained at The Dance Shop. She was trained in traditional styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and pointe. When she turned 18, Christa went to Bible school in Switzerland. After she came back at age 22, there was a need for a hip hop instructor at her home studio, so she decided to take classes in Oakland while teaching. After teaching for three years, she went to another biblical school for 2 years in CA. She then decided to move to Washington for a change in scenery. She ended up getting her initial certificate in Early Childhood Education and working with kids, specifically helping them learn developmental skills. During that time, she was also part of a local dance group located in Lynwood called RTHMZ. She hopes to make the year special for the kids she teaches at Applause and feels so welcomed to the studio. Also, feel free to ask her about her cat 🐈
Mi-Rae Kapelak
*APPLAUSE ALUMNI*
Mi-Rae is a full-time music teacher and multi-instrumentalist who graduated from Central Washington University in 2021 with a BA in Broad Area Music Education. They specialize in jazz and classical piano, as well as K-6 general music education. Currently, they teach in the Edmonds School District and assists with the Cascade Sound marching band and color guard.
Alison Herron
Alison Herron has been teaching dance professionally since 1999, though prior to that it had never been an intended career. With a background in musical theater, hip hop, and jazz she soon landed a role as the exhibition team coach for Express Yourself Studios. When that studio closed their doors a few years later, Edie Smith purchased their assets… and the “X-Team” became Applause Studio’s performance team… the foundation of a tradition of training students to be “triple threats” in the performing arts.
Debra Galteland turned the partnership into a trio of visionaries, and the rest is history. Alison recognizes that her opportunity to be part of the creation of Applause Studio in 2004 was a blessing that changed the trajectory of her life for the better, and she is eternally grateful.
When she is not making the commute from her new home Thurston County to lead Encore Dance Ensemble, she works full time as an employment consultant for adults with disabilities, oversees the music at her church, and makes every effort to enjoy family, friends, and the outdoors. Additionally, she is building a website, a catalogue of free original music, and a coaching business focused on helping people heal from neuroplastic conditions.
Madison Spano
*APPLAUSE ALUMNI*
Madison Spano started her dance journey when she was 5 years old, here at Applause Studio! She has been trained in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical. Madison was on Applause Studio’s Performance Team for 3 years and their competitive Hip-Hop Team for 4 years. Additionally, Madison spent 2 years on Jackson High School’s Dance Team where she received her Varsity Letter both years. Madison has always loved the family she has here at Applause, and was so excited to come back as an instructor!
Madison hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers, and continue to spread her love of dance.
Brenna Wright
Brenna Wright has been dancing since she was five years old. She started at a small studio called Dance Arts, then went on to dance for school dance teams in Middle School and High School. In High School dance, she lettered on Varsity for all four years, as well as being captain of the team for three years. Brenna is trained in, jazz, hiphop, pom, lyrical and show/theater dancing. She has done volunteer coaching, volunteer dance internships and choreographing professionally all for 2 years now, and is so excited to continue her dance journey at Applause Studio. Brenna loves teaching all styles of dance and loves seeing new and experienced dancers exude their love of dance!