Roberta Duchak is an award-winning music director, vocal coach, and Broadway actress with an illustrious career spanning both the Chicago and New York theater scenes. Her recent credits include SIX (North American Music Supervisor) and The Notebook (Vocal Coach) on Broadway, as well as Hell’s Kitchen at The Public Theater, now on Broadway, where she serves as vocal coach to Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon.

Roberta’s extensive musical direction credits feature acclaimed productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (SIX, Emma, The Little Mermaid), Drury Lane Theatre (Les Misérables, South Pacific, Chicago), and Goodman Theatre (Brigadoon). Onstage, she has appeared in Broadway’s Ragtime and national tours of Showboat and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

In film, Roberta served as vocal coach to Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman for Les Misérables. A two-time Jeff Award winner with five nominations, she is also the creator of the transformative Vocal Boot Camp, inspiring singers to explore diverse styles and refine their craft.

Ellen Winters is an award-winning jazz singer, educator, and performer with over 25 years of captivating audiences. Renowned for her versatility and artistry, Ellen leads the Ellen Winters Group and shines as a solo performer alongside some of the industry's finest musicians. Her career also includes acclaimed roles in award-nominated cabaret theater productions.

Ellen serves as Adjunct Faculty at Columbia College Chicago, where she directs vocal jazz ensembles, teaches voice techniques, and instructs music theory for musical theatre students. She also maintains a thriving private voice studio in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

A graduate of the Professional Music program at the School for Music Vocations, Ellen honed her skills under Grammy-nominated arranger Phil Mattson. She toured Europe, performed at renowned music festivals, and recorded several CDs and an instructional video on vocal jazz. A dynamic live performer, Ellen’s robust tour schedule spans local stages and national venues, delighting audiences with her jazz and cabaret shows.

Brandon Pisano is a versatile Chicago-based performing artist, recording artist, producer, director, and teacher. With a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from Elmhurst University, Brandon’s dynamic career spans theater, music, and education.

Recent theater credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot (Mercury Theater Chicago, Ensemble, U/S Patsy & Sir Robin), The Producers (Paramount Theatre, Ensemble), and South Pacific (Drury Lane, Ensemble).

As a recording artist, Brandon creates and produces original music, with singles like “All Night” (2022) and “Houdini” (2021) available on all major streaming platforms. Known for blending theatricality with a unique musical style, Brandon’s work has earned them recognition as an emerging force in both the theater and music scenes.

Follow Brandon on Instagram (@brandonpisano) for updates on performances, new music, and behind-the-scenes content from their creative journey.

Alex Newkirk is a powerhouse entertainer, actor, and musician based in Chicagoland. Originally from Iowa, Alex moved to Chicago over a decade ago to pursue a career in musical theater and has since become a sought-after performer, vocal coach, and music director. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Alex has appeared on stage with esteemed companies such as Steppenwolf, Drury Lane, Porchlight, and City Lit.

As a music director, his impressive credits include work with the Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane, Kokandy Productions, and FWD: Theatre Project. He has also taught music through Broadway in Chicago, Columbia College, and Drury Lane programs.

An accomplished pianist and singer, Alex performs regularly at venues like Truluck’s Restaurant, Vincent, and Elixir Lounge, often alongside his duo partner Molly Callinan. Most recently, he shared the stage with Kristin Chenoweth at the Chicago Theatre and tours with Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters.

Chris Sargent is a pianist, conductor, and arranger celebrated for his mastery across jazz, classical, and theater music. Recognized as one of the finest pianists in his field, Chris brings unparalleled artistry and versatility to every performance.

Currently serving as the Resident Conductor at Drury Lane Theatre, Chris earned a prestigious Jeff Award nomination for Best Music Direction for An American in Paris. His extensive credits include working as the Associate Conductor for the national tour of The Book of Mormon, where his exceptional leadership and musical expertise shone on a national stage.

With a career spanning iconic productions and acclaimed collaborations, Chris's contributions as a pianist, conductor, and arranger continue to set a high bar in the industry. Whether leading from the podium or creating dynamic arrangements, Chris infuses every project with precision, passion, and creativity, captivating audiences nationwide.

For almost 3 decades, Mike Harvey has been an in-demand session singer in 2 major markets: Chicago and New York. Originally from northwest Indiana, Mike's talent has enabled him to travel to 5 continents.  He has lent his voice to Grammy winning projects (Luther Vandross & Steely Dan); tv shows (Saturday Night Live, Empire, 30 Rock, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt); movies (Anastasia, Sparkle, The Love Guru); countless tv & radio commercials, and many independent projects. 

After a 17 year stint in NYC, he has been able to sing for producers remotely, gaining clients worldwide in the last 11 years. 

Besides singing for original projects, he also arranges, vocal coaches, and produces; he was on the artist faculty of Roosevelt University and is currently an adjunct faculty of Columbia College Chicago.  He prides himself on becoming a better cook.

Siobhan Townsend is a multifaceted artist with an impressive range of credits in music, theater, and film. A native of Long Island, Siobhan began her musical journey with piano lessons, later excelling as an oboist and featured soloist with the Long Island Philharmonic. Her early accomplishments also include performing in orchestras and pit ensembles across Long Island.

A KCACTF-nominated actress, Siobhan has captivated audiences on stage and screen, bringing authenticity and depth to every role. Her passion for storytelling extends behind the scenes, where she explores makeup and special effects artistry, inspired by a lifelong love of movies shared with her dad.

Siobhan’s extensive background includes NYSSMA, SCMEA, and College Audition Techniques, making her a sought-after mentor. Currently a proud member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals, she’s also a self-proclaimed movie buff, dark comedy fan, and lover of thin-crust NY pizza.

Program Assistant/Social Media Manager/Performer/Vocal Boot Camp Alum/Recent Graduate from NYU!!!

Chuck Larkin is an award-winning pianist, music director, conductor, composer, and cabaret artist whose career spans Broadway, regional theater, and acclaimed cabaret performances. Chuck spent seven remarkable years as the Associate Conductor and Keyboardist for the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, touring nationally and performing with the Broadway in Chicago cast.

As a music director, Chuck has helmed world premieres of Mr. Dickens' Hat, Shining Lives, and the award-winning River’s End, as well as Chicago productions of Far From Home, Sentimental Journey: A Musical Tale of Love and War, and A Civil War Christmas. He’s a regular presence at Chicago’s top venues, including Davenport’s and Venus Cabaret, and has toured with Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway Cabaret series.

A celebrated composer and lyricist, Chuck’s credits include Hen Lake, Sophie’s Masterpiece, and River’s End. His cabaret show Keep Me in Love earned an After Dark Award, and his original songs have been featured at the Chicago Humanities Festival, Carnegie Hall, and New York’s ASCAP/MAC Songwriter Showcase. Currently, Chuck continues to perform, compose, and music direct nationwide, captivating audiences with his unparalleled talent and artistry.

Kevin Disch is an eclectic and accomplished jazz pianist whose sophisticated, soulful style lights up any room. A sought-after music director and keyboard player, Kevin has been a mainstay in Chicago’s music scene for over a decade, seamlessly blending classical, cabaret, theater, and jazz into his performances.

Kevin’s diverse credits span from the beloved long-running hit Forever Plaid to the internationally acclaimed Tiempo Tango Chicago. His exceptional talent has made him a go-to collaborator at prestigious theaters, including Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and the Goodman Theatre.

In addition to his theatrical achievements, Kevin serves as a music director at both Northwestern University and North Central College, inspiring and mentoring emerging performers. Whether leading a jazz trio, quartet, or creating magic from the keyboard for Chicago’s vibrant theater productions, Kevin’s artistry and versatility continue to dazzle audiences and elevate every performance.

Vocal Boot Camp Alum, Performer, Program Assistant/Social Media Manager