About

Alisha Potter

Co-Founder, Theater Producer

Alisha Potter is the founder of North Shore Dance & Theater's children's theater group, formerly known as Take Two Children's Theatre. She has a BA in Education, with minors in Dance and Drama. Her state endorsements include Middle School, Dance, Drama, ESL, Library, Language Arts, and Social Science. Alisha has a MS in Fine Arts Curriculum from National Louis University. Alisha has taught for—and been published by—Pearson-Scott Foresman Skylight Lesson Lab. She has produced, directed, acted, costumed, and choreographed numerous shows in the Chicagoland area. In addition to her work with North Shore, she was also a drama specialist for Glenview School District 34 and currently is an ELL teacher in School District 74.
Producer:
-North Shore Dance & Theater's Theater Division (Formerly Known as Take Two Children's Theatre)

Performance Background includes:
- Life's a Stage Players, Glenview
Studied with:
- Gus Giordano
- Ruth Page
- Trained in Laban and Graham Methods

Anne Neumann

Managing Partner, Choreographer 

Anne Neumann is an accomplished dancer and multi-award-winning choreographer with expertise in various styles including ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, and tap. She is a graduate of Niles North High School, a renowned institution with one of the most exceptional performing arts programs in the country. Additionally, she has a degree in Marketing Management. Anne has been the resident choreographer for NSDT's theater division (formerly Take Two Children's Theatre) since 2010. In 2013, she founded Sparkles Dance Company, which is her body positivity competitive dance team, and she works as their choreographer and coach. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students and their families!
Resident Choreographer:
  -North Shore Dance & Theater's Theater Division (Formerly Known as Take Two Children's Theatre)

Becky Durbin

Theatrical Designer, Instructor 

Dr. Becky Durbin has worked with children from grades preschool to middle school as a public school educator for over 25 years. She has experience both as an elementary classroom teacher as well as a technology integration coach supporting students and teachers for grades K-2. Her degrees include a B.S. in Child Development from Michigan State University, a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, a M.A. in Education and Educational Technology from Michigan State University, and an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Leadership from Duquesne University. She has been a technology coach and STEAM educator in the Northshore area for the past several years. She began as a volunteer with NSDT in the spring of 2018 when her children joined the cast of Aladdin. Since then, she has been assisting with costuming, set design, and supporting the actors backstage. She truly enjoys all of the time spent working the cast and crew as they prepare to share their talent with audiences on stage. 

Emily Spears

Vocal Director, Theater Instructor

Emily Spears is excited to begin working with North Shore Dance & Theater. Emily has an extensive background in the performing arts & began her musical endeavors growing up in Southern California. Emily began performing with the Allard Academy, the Pacific Chorale and was a finalist in the Disney Creativity Challenge multiple years. As an adult, she continued her love of theater into high school and college, performing in multiple productions including Grease, Oklahoma, the Diary of Anne Frank and others. Emily is passionate about the positive impact the arts have on children and is thrilled at the opportunity to pass that on to a new generation. 

Emily Markham

Vocal Director, Instructor

Emily Markham has been a member of North Shore Dance & Theater since she was a toddler! She has a wealth of experience in various dance styles, including Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, Hula, Cheerleading, and Gymnastics. Emily has also trained in Acting, Voice, and Modeling. Her passion for theater is evident in her participation in many local productions. Emily has starred in numerous theatrical productions with local theater companies, including Lake Zurich Playhouse, Wilmette Children's Theater, Starlight Theater, Devonshire Theater, Glenview Theater Guild, North Shore Theater of Wilmette, Actors Theater of Glencoe, Footlighters Theater Company, and Maine West High School. Her abilities have also allowed her to perform professionally at American Girl Theater in The American Girls Revue, where she played the role of Laura/Singing Bird. Emily has competed in many local and national competitions with NSDT's Synergy Dance Troupe, and she has showcased her dance skills in various events, including Disney World and Taste of Chicago. Emily is eager to share her diverse background with NSDT and inspire today's youth to follow in her footsteps!

Deena Kahn

Resident Artist, Make-Up Artist

Deena Kahn has been involved with North Shore Dance & Theater since 2000, not only as a student, but also as a volunteer and as an employee. She graduated from Niles West High School, known for its reputation of having one of the most outstanding performing arts programs in the nation, where she participated in the music, theater, and art programs. In May 2016, Deena graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with triple emphases in Film Studies, Journalism, and Art. Since completing her Bachelor’s degree, Deena has also earned a Global M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University and a certificate in International Management from Sapienza University in Rome, Italy. She is currently NSDT's resident Make-Up Artist for all of our stage productions. A portfolio of her creative work is available at dkdesignandmedia.com

John Potter

Lighting Designer & Stage Manager

Growing up in NSDT, John Potter was first exposed to being on stage, but he soon realized his true calling was behind the scenes, where he could help future Broadway star’s shine! Over time, he has become skilled in scenery, props, lighting, and sound design.

While at Glenbrook South, he was part of the stage crew, lighting crew, and sound crew, and in his senior year, he became the head of the lighting crew. Today, he continues to work in all backstage areas, as well as sound and lighting, for NSDT productions. He also lends his expertise in sound, lighting, and recording to Glenview United Methodist Church.

John is currently pursuing a double major in technical theater and business at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. During his breaks, he returns home to work at NSDT and the Glenview United Methodist Church, putting his skills to good use.

Michael Potter

Camp Instructor 

As a member of NSDT since he was a child, Michael has grown up dancing and acting! Throughout his youth, Michael performed with various community theaters and won numerous dance awards. Additionally, he studies Tae Kwon Do and holds a second-degree black belt as well as being an accomplished gymnast. During his time at Glenbrook South High School, he was a member of the varsity gymnastics team and was also involved in other fine arts activities. He graduated from Glenbrook South and is currently studying fine arts and technology at DePaul University in Chicago. Michael is thrilled to be working with NSDT, as he has come full circle!

Dave Signoretti

Head Lighting Designer

From his childhood, Dave Signoretti has been passionate about theater. He has spent his entire life performing and working in Chicagoland community theaters. While he prefers to be behind the scenes, designing sound, lighting, and scenery, he is also a maintenance engineer for the Skokie Park District during the day. Alisha and Dave have been involved in theater since their childhood, and now they continue to pursue their passion into adulthood as members of the production team!

Jean Whitford

Theater Instructor

Ms. Whitford has been a part of North Shore Dance & Theater for over 15 years. From her own children participating in all the wonderful productions, helping with costuming, back stage, rehearsals, and all things behind the scenes. She is currently a 5th grade EL teacher in Glenview and is happy to be back helping out in any way she can!  Welcome everyone! 

Christina Hasty

Musical Director, Theater Director, Camp Instructor 

Christina Trulio Hasty has taught general music, chorus, voice, and guitar both privately and in the classroom for over 30 years. She has taught music in the public schools in both California and Illinois, has directed numerous musicals for both children and adults, and has worked with young adults in musical theater, voice, and composition. She has a B.A. in voice and composition from Berklee College of Music in Boston and a Masters degree in Music Education from UCLA. Christina is pumped to be a part of the NSDT team!