FACULTY

Agnes McCarthy

NAA Director, Voice Instructor, Choir Director

Agnes McCarthy leads a busy life as Director of Sault Ste. Marie’s Northern Arts Academy, providing comprehensive multidisciplinary training for singers with diverse musical interests.  She also currently serves as a music specialist with the Algoma District School Board and is an Adjunct Professor of Voice and Voice Coordinator at Algoma University where she teaches private voice as well as Musical Theatre and Elementary Music Methods courses.

Agnes began her undergraduate studies in Voice (B. MUS./B. MUS. ED. degrees) at Memorial University of Newfoundland.  She then relocated to Montréal to pursue graduate studies in Early Music Performance (M. MUS.) at McGill University.  Agnes came to Sault Ste. Marie as part of the Artist in Residence Program at Algoma University and has since served in the capacities of performer, voice instructor, choral conductor and coordinator of the vocal division of the Sault Ste. Marie Music Festival.  Her choirs and private students have distinguished themselves by winning numerous national awards, and many have gone on to professional careers. She is in demand as a choral and voice festival adjudicator and clinician across Canada.

Agnes has spent her professional career in Sault Ste. Marie deeply involved in the musical life of the community as a teacher and performer.  She has collaborated with The Sault Symphony, The Algoma Chamber Players, The Chamber Singers of Algoma, The Algoma Festival Choir and with The Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie as Vocal Director for their productions of Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar. 

Paul Dingle

NAA Director, Piano Instructor, Theory Instructor, Collaborative Pianist/Coach

Paul Dingle brings a lifetime of professional experience to the NAA as a performer, collaborative pianist, conductor, clinician, adjudicator and teacher. Paul originally relocated to the Sault to work at Algoma University. As a Senate Adjunct Professor he teaches music history, theory, popular culture, orchestral and choral conducting, audio arts, piano performance, and is Director of The AlgomaU Choir. Paul is also Organist & Choirmaster at Central United Church, where he runs a choral and handbell program.

He began undergraduate studies in harpsichord and early music in England at Trinity College London. Paul completed a Bachelor of Music degree in musicology at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Master's Performance degree in piano at Brandon University. Upon his return to his native Newfoundland he founded and was Artistic Director and Conductor of the Terra Nova Chamber Players, a professional orchestra specializing in Baroque music. Paul was also a composer and performer in the experimental multimedia group Fusion, an ensemble dedicated to high-technology arts productions involving analog, digital and hybrid synthesis, as well as a contributor to the International Sound Symposium, a biannual festival of new music, art, and dance. Paul’s first recording for CBC FM radio broadcast as a 16 year old pianist was his introduction to the world of audio and recording technology, an experience that has become a lifelong passion. Later studies in recording technology, acoustics and psychoacoustics led to a research interest in the historical interface between music and technology.

Paul has spent his professional career in Sault Ste. Marie collaborating in the musical life of the community as a teacher, conductor and performer. He has partnered with The Algoma Conservatory of Music, The Sault Symphony, The Algoma Chamber Players, The Chamber Singers of Algoma, The Algoma Festival Choir, Algoma Fall Festival, The Northland Chorus and The Steeltown Silver Band.  His long association with musical theatre includes serving as Musical Director for The Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie’s productions of She Loves Me, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins and A Christmas Carol.

Sandra Forsell

Acting Instructor

Sandra Forsell was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and participated in several shows per year acting with Sault Theatre Workshop, Pull Chain Theatre, Musical Comedy Guild and Sault Opera Society.  At 18, she moved to Toronto to finish her last year of High School at Etobicoke School of the Arts. 

After high school Sandra attended the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal.  Upon completion of theatre school, she moved to Toronto where she began work as a professional actor.  Sandra has acted in such film and T.V. Productions as “This is Wonderland”, “Covert One: The Hades Factor”, “Flash Point”, “Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures”, “Who is Clark Rockefeller”, “Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster” and “O Negative”.  She also had the joy of being in the stage production of “Toronto the Good” at the Factory Theatre written by Andrew Moodie and directed by Philip Akin.

Sandra moved back to Sault Ste. Marie in 2012 and has worked as an Actor, Director, and Dramaturg with local community theatre and with Theatre in Motion. In 2019 she and husband Marc Beaudette founded Algoma Repertory Theatre with 24 other theatre enthusiasts.  Its mission is to provide entertaining, engaging, amateur theatre in an environment that fosters growth, creativity, and a sense of community.

Sandra believes in creating a safe space where with open minds, positive attitudes, and a sense of community students will explore their own uniqueness through play and technique to find their authentic and true voice.

She is thrilled to be working with the Northern Arts Academy for the 2022/2023 season.

Marc Beaudette

Acting Instructor

Born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, Marc began his theatrical studies at the age of 10 with The Royal Conservatory of Music in Speech Arts. At 19, he moved to New York City to study at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in the Acting Studio program. After completing the program, Marc continued his studies in Toronto at The Royal Conservatory, earning his Teaching Certificate.

 For 20 years, Marc pursued a professional acting career and appeared in many stage productions, film and television roles.

 In 2011, he returned to his roots in Sault Ste Marie, appearing in numerous productions with various Sault theatre groups. In 2019 he founded Algoma Repertory Theatre along with 25 other local theatre enthusiasts

Marc believes in the process, not the product. It is in the hours of preparation that the actor can unlock the secrets of character, story and script.

Marc is thrilled to be working with the Northern Arts Academy for the 2022/2023 season, and is eager to pass on the techniques he has learned over the years through the different theatrical philosophies he has had the opportunity to study.

Ryan Mauro

Acting Instructor,  Voice Instructor

Ryan Anthony Mauro has been performing on stage and in film for over ten years, and is eager to spread the joy of performance to others. 

Ryan has performed in a number of Sault Musical Comedy Guild productions, including Shrek The Musical (Donkey), and Mary Poppins (Michael Banks). He also starred as Galileo in the jukebox musical We Will Rock You, from SMC Spotlight. He will soon take the stage as Lucas in upcoming The Addams Family Musical production.

In 2016 Ryan was introduced to the world of film, television, and voiceover acting and has been working with an agent since then, securing various bookings in film, television, and commercial productions. He auditions regularly for projects Canada-wide. Most recently, Ryan appeared in a Walmart advertisement and had a speaking role in Hotel For The Holidays, set to premiere on Amazon Prime.     

An alumnus of The Northern Arts Academy, Ryan has studied classical and musical theatre vocals with Agnes McCarthy since 2014, and is a former member of The NAA Advanced Choir. He has also studied acting through Talent Inc. Canada, The Actors Foundry Online, and currently studies privately with William Grossman of Natura Voce Studio.

Ryan is a graduate of St. Mary’s College, and is currently studying as a double major in Voice and English at Algoma University, and continues to audition and perform as much as possible.

Lizz McIntosh

Dance and Movement Instructor

Lizz McIntosh is thrilled to be back in the Soo to share her expertise in movement with The Northern Arts Academy to spread her love and passion for the performing arts. 

Lizz grew up studying dance at both Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts and Studio Dance Arts. This love of dance sparked an interest in Musical Theatre—she was a part of many memorable productions such as, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Musical Comedy Guild), The Producers (Musical Comedy Guild), White Christmas (Sault Symphony Orchestra), as well as co-choreographing Annie (Musical Comedy Guild). 

Lizz attended the University of Windsor to study a double major in Psychology and Disability Studies. After graduating, she also obtained a post-graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies. During her time in Windsor, Lizz was involved in a few different theatre companies including Windsor Light Music Theatre, Cardinal Music Productions and Windsor Dance eXperience. Not only was Lizz performing on stage but also choreographing, working with the costume departments and working as production director. 

Liam Seymour

Guitar instructor, Ukulele instructor

Liam Seymour has been playing guitar and singing for over 15 years and has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Music and Guitar performance from Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, where he studied with Frank Deresti. He keeps busy in the local music scene as a member of several bands. Liam finds a special joy in playing guitar and is looking forward to sharing his talents with our Northern Arts Academy students. He is a firm believer that anybody can become a great player and is excited to mentor aspiring guitarists to reach their goals.

Hannah Lindsay

Drum Circle Leader

Hannah Lindsay is excited to join Northern Arts Academy this year to lead the all-new Drum Circle Group and Rhythm Studies classes.

Hannah recently graduated with honours from Algonquin College, earning an Ontario College Certificate in Music Industry Arts. In 2020, she graduated cum laude and received the Award of Excellence in Music from Algoma University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Music degree. There, she studied performing arts majoring in drums and percussion with a focus in classical and jazz and minored in singer-songwriter studies.

Currently sharing her love and passion for music in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Hannah is an active singer-songwriter and drummer in multiple performing bands. She couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with those that wish to learn more about the art of drums and percussion in the form of a drum circle. Her wish is to bring people together from all over the community to learn the art of drum circles in a fun, rhythmic, and carefree way.

Keiko Larocque

Online Voice and Elementary Piano Instructor

Keiko Larocque was born and raised in the small northern community of Chapleau, Ontario where her love of music sprouted at a young age. For over nine years she has provided music for Chapleau’s Sacred Heart Parish Church, offering her talents for masses, funerals, baptisms, and weddings alongside music director and lifelong friend Nancy Sylvestre. For the past two summers, Keiko has held her own voice studio to a standard of excellence in which she and her hometown are extremely proud of. With a rich variety of students, both young and not-so-young, teaching privately and directing choirs has given her an opportunity to pass along the knowledge and experience she has gained through her music.

Keiko began her undergraduate studies at Algoma University, and with the guidance of voice instructor Agnes McCarthy, she completed her Bachelor of Arts and Music degree in April of 2019. In addition to her classical training, Keiko was involved in Algoma University’s Choir, Musical Theatre Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble as her passion for music extends to a variety of genres. Having also participated in the Northern Arts Academy Honour Choir during her time in Sault Ste. Marie, she has competed in festivals with the choir and as a solo performer, achieving high scores in each category. During her final year of studies, Keiko earned the opportunity to teach at the Northern Arts Academy. This experience made for an essential stepping stone in the development of her own teaching style, and she is honoured to be asked to return again!

Keiko currently studies at Wilfrid Laurier University under the instruction of Jennie Such. This fall she will enter her third year on the road towards a Bachelor of Performance in Voice. Her time at Laurier has introduced her to new tools to use in the practice room, and she is excited to pass them on to her students. Keiko aims to help her students feel comfortable in their voices, and confident in their performance.

Darielle Chomyn

Online Voice and Elementary Piano Instructor

Darielle Chomyn, or you may know her as "Dee", is beyond excited to join the voice faculty at the Northern Arts Academy.   

Dee graduated from Algoma University with a BA in Music ('19) and is continuing her education for a B. Mus in Performance at Sir Wilfred Laurier University.
Her time spent at Algoma is where she studied voice with Agnes McCarthy, and Paul Dingle (coach) for three years. During her studies, Agnes gave Dee the amazing opportunity to substitute for the NAA Musical Theatre classes.  Since then, she has continued to teach numerous times in the studio, as well as online with Skye Smith.

With over 10 years experience in music theatre, she brings knowledge as an actress, choreographer and vocal coach. Her favorite (yet challenging) part about music theatre is character work, and the overall process of personal growth and development.

Now based in Kitchener, ON Dee has joined St. Andrew's Presbyterian church as a choral scholar, and teaches Pre-School music in the KW/Cambridge area. 

Dee's goal is to teach in a positive, fun and nurturing way, so that anyone can sing and express themselves freely with absolute confidence.