Faculty

CTS ADMINISTRATOR

Mrs Basist has been a CTS instructor, director and administrator for
the past 32 years. She is a 1973 graduate of Civic Theatre School.
She has been seen onstage at Civic in numerous productions-most
recently in the role of Carole Scrooge in Christmas Carole 1944 and
Berthe in Pippin.
She holds a BA in Acting/Education from Cedar Crest College and an
M.Ed. from Kutztown University. Mrs Basist is currently an adjunct
professor at Cedar Crest College where she is a director of their main
stage productions. She is a two-time Allentown Arts Ovation Award
recipient.

DRAMA INSTRUCTOR, Grades 1-4

Madison comes to us with a wealth of experience as a performer, director,
arts educator and theatrical company manager. She has worked locally
with a number of production companies as well as directing in New
Hampshire at Interlakes Theatre. She holds an Associates Degree in
Theatre from NCC, a B.A. Degree in Theatre from DeSales University, a
Masters Degree in Musical Theatre Studies from Temple University and is
currently pursuing a Masters in Music Education from Moravian
University. We are delighted to welcome Madison to CTS

DRAMA INSTRUCTOR, Grades 5-8
Josh is a former CTS student who holds a BA in playwriting from
Bennington College and an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School.
He is an accomplished playwright and has had his work performed and
showcased at the SoLow Festival in Philadelphia and in Independence, KS.
His award winning play Occupy Avenue premiered at The Metropolitan
Playhouse in New York City. Josh joined us this past summer as the Drama
Instructor for Grades 1-2.
Civic is thrilled to welcome Josh to our CTS Fall/Winter team!

MOVEMENT INSTRUCTOR, Grades 1-8

Mackenzie is returning to CTS as our movement instructor. She has a
wealth of experience choreographing productions at PA Playhouse,
Cedar Crest College and most recently she beautifully choreographed
our CTS production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
Mackenzie is an accomplished performer as well as choreographer.
She began her training at That’s Dancin’ School of
Dance and has had intensive training in the Fosses technique.
Mackenzie holds a BA in Theatre from Cedar Crest College.
She is a lifetime member of Alpha Psi Omega Drama Fraternity.

DRAMA INSTRUCTOR, Grades 9-12

Stephanie has come all the way from Texas to join our teaching staff.
She brings to us many years of outstanding expertise in drama
curriculum and education, improvisational theatre, directing,
supervising production companies, founding arts organizations and
leadership training. Her skills and practices have taken her to Las
Vegas, New York City as well as to a number of schools and arts
organizations in Texas.
Stephanie holds a B.F.A. in Fine Arts from Midwestern State University
and a Masters of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University. She has
also studied at the Theatre Conservatory Program in London, England.
She is a proud lifetime member of Alpha Psi Omega Drama Fraternity.
Civic is proud to welcome Stephanie.

VOICE INSTRUCTOR, Grades 1-12

Malana is no stranger to Civic as well as other local preforming arts
organizations. She is an accomplished vocal performer and was most
recently seen in Civic’s production of A Little Night Music. Her training
is in both classical as well as musical theatre styles. She holds a
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Texas Tech University.
She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree through Westminster
Choir College’s Master of Voice Pedagogy Program at Rider
University.
Malana made her Off-Broadway debut in 2022 in the new musical
Here There Be Dragons. Civic is fortunate to have Malana join our
team.