Performing Arts Studio
MEET THE OWNERS
Felicia Stone
Felicia Stone, the driving force behind our business, combines over 15 years of teaching Dance and Theatre with a Master’s Degree in Education. Growing up in NYC and enriched by its vibrant arts scene, Felicia brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to everything she does. She spent 16 years of her childhood as a competitive dancer and continued her passion for Drama and Dance throughout college.
As a Freddy-nominated director and the recipient of numerous awards for her choreography and entertainment, Felicia infuses creativity and flair into every project. Whether choreographing a performance or directing a play, she ensures that every product and service meets the highest standards. As a dedicated teacher and mother of two boys, her commitment to excellence is unparalleled. Felicia’s approach ensures that every student feels valued and heard.
Welcome to a place where passion meets profession, led by ourArtistic Director and Co-Owner, Felicia Stone.
Carmen Saemmer
Carmen Saemmer is the dedicated Business Director for Set in Stone Performing Arts Studio. bringing a wealth of experience from her 20 years as a kindergarten teacher. With a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Carmen is passionate about fostering creativity and confidence in students of all ages. Currently the Director of St. Nicholas Academy, Carmen is a powerful advocate for young children.
At Set in Stone Performing Arts Studio, Carmen's mission is to provide a nurturing environment where students can explore their talents in dance, and theatre. As Business Director, she will be the face of day-to-day operations. Carmen looks forward to welcoming you and ensuring an exceptional experience for all.
MEET THE STAFF & GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS
Mariel Letourneau
Mariel Letourneau is a professionally trained performer and choreographer from New York City. Since graduating from University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a BFA in Musical Theatre, she has acquired a vast amount of professional theatre and teaching experience in America and London.
Most notably, Mariel has had the privilege to perform at Carnegie Hall in NYC, sing with James Taylor at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, tour as a magician's assistant to notable illusionists Eric Wilzig and David Caserta, and co-produce and choreograph the NYC premiere of Howard Goodall’s The Dreaming. But her favorite achievement is training and dancing with the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. As a choreographer and performer, Mariel has had the honor to work in a variety of venues, including theatres, performing arts centers, black boxes, and high schools across the US and in the UK.
Recently, Mariel choreographed the Noel Christmas Experience in Michigan for the second holiday season as the first ever Rockettes-inspired Christmas show!
This production is Mariel’s first original choreography credit. She also starred as Leading Player in Pippin at the Civic Theatre of Allentown. Miss Mariel will be hosting Master Classes throughout the year and is available for private lessons upon request in theatre and dance.
Zach Bez
Originally from Michigan, Zach Bez joins us as a guest choreographer at Set in Stone Performing Arts Studio. With over 15 years of experience as a teacher and choreographer, Zach holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Western Michigan University. His expertise extends to judging regional and national dance competitions, including his current role with Beyond The Stars.
Zach is renowned in the dance community for his exceptional choreography and innovative concepts, consistently earning him numerous awards for his artistic vision and creativity. In addition to choreography, Zach will be hosting Master Classes and offering private lessons in dance while he is in the PA area.
His passion for dance and commitment to excellence make him a valuable addition to our studio, where he will inspire and mentor our dancers with his unique artistic perspective.
Holly Carney
With over 10 years of competitive dance and gymnastics experience, Holly Carney is celebrated for her outstanding performance quality and dynamic dancing style. Her dedication has earned her numerous high awards and recognition as a powerhouse dancer.
Recently accepted into Moravian University's prestigious Nursing Program, Holly joins an elite cohort of only 48 students annually. Adding to her achievements, she has secured a spot on Moravian's esteemed cheerleading team, showcasing her versatility and commitment to both academics and athletics.
Holly will be sharing her expertise by teaching acrobatics classes as well as our older combination dance classes, bringing her passion for dance and gymnastics to our students.
Felicia Reyes
With over 10 years of dedicated competitive dance experience, Felicia Reyes is a seasoned performer known for her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Her passion for dance has taken her across various stages across the East Coast, including memorable performances with the renowned Russian Ballet in their acclaimed production of "The Nutcracker."
Felicia's journey in dance is marked by numerous high awards and accolades, solidifying her reputation as a regional titlist winner. Her dedication to the art form continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making her a standout in the world of dance. She not only imparts technical knowledge but also inspires creativity, and artistry amongst her students. Felicia emphasizes discipline, expression and the joy of dance.
She will be sharing her expertise with our young dancers, specializing in ballet, tap, and lyrical dance, both recreationally and competitively. Her commitment to excellence, impeccable work ethic and her nurturing approach make her a respected figure in and out of the dance community, shaping the next generation of dancers with grace and skill. She strives to teacher her students the importance of reaching their fullest potential both on and off the stage.
Carrie Okken
Ms. Carrie has a unique talent for working with very young dancers, a rare skill that sets her apart. With over 20 years of experience as both a competitive dancer and choreographer, she has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding achievements in the dance community. Her impressive track record includes leading the youngest of dancers to victory at regional and national competitions, where her choreography has been praised for its creativity and excellence.
Ms. Carrie has a remarkable ability to bring out the best in our youngest dancers, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and confidently take the stage for many of their first performances. She creates an environment that nurtures their talents and builds their confidence, ensuring that each dancer feels supported and motivated to reach their full potential.
In addition to her years of dedicated instruction, Ms. Carrie also serves as the Activities Director at the East Penn Area School District, where she continues to inspire and mentor young performers. Her passion for dance and commitment to her students make her an invaluable asset to our program.
Janelle Finocchio
Janelle Finocchio is a graduate of The University of The Arts with a BFA in jazz dance performance. She began her career dancing as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and commercially in Atlantic City.
Janelle has performed and choreographed for Norwegian Cruise Lines as a dancer, aerialist, and guest entertainer in a magic duo. Her diverse dance background sparked her love for safe and inclusive education.
Janelle has been choreographing and teaching technique classes for over 10 years. Janelle is also a 200 hr and trauma informed yoga instructor which influences the training implemented in her classes. Helping students to achieve their personal goals with correct anatomical alignment is her passion.
Julia Bosco
Miss Julia brings a wealth of experience and passion to Set in Stone Performing Arts. With a background in national and regional dance competitions, she has honed her skills and stage presence. Her performances at Musikfest and leading roles in Freddy Nominated musicals showcase her versatility and dedication.
In addition to her dance achievements, Julia has over five years of experience teaching young dancers, inspiring the next generation with creativity and enthusiasm. She has received numerous accolades for her performances and teaching, reflecting her commitment to excellence.
Recently trained as an esthetician, Julia adds another layer of expertise to her diverse skill set. At Set in Stone, she looks forward to bringing her experience and creativity to Creative Movement classes for our youngest dancers, fostering their love for dance and personal growth.
Willow Barberis
Meet Miss Willow Barberis, a seasoned performer whose journey began at age 3 with dance, quickly advancing to competitive levels by age 4. Her passion for theatre ignited at 9, leading to roles in productions like "Alice in Wonderland," "Beauty and the Beast," "Frozen" (as Anna), "Matilda" (as Matilda), "Mamma Mia," "Legally Blonde,"
"Into the Woods," and "Hamlet," among others.
At 11, Willow began vocal lessons, expanding her artistic repertoire. She's also dedicated to teaching, serving as an assistant instructor for camps and dance classes for years, while also contributing her dance skills to the 2021 Nutcracker production.
Recognized with numerous awards, Willow is known for her powerful emotional performances.
Willow is joining Set in Stone Performing Arts Studio to assist with acting, musical theatre, and theatre troupe classes and productions. She looks forward to new opportunities in the performing arts, cherishing the collaborative spirit of the stage and creating memorable experiences while teaching the next generation.
Kendall Saemmer
Meet Kendall Saemmer, a dedicated assistant teacher at Set in Stone Performing Arts Studio, where her passion for dance and teaching shines. Kendall's dance journey began at age 3, leading her into competitive dancing by age 11.
In addition to her role at Set in Stone, Kendall also teaches at St. Nicholas Academy during school breaks, sharing her education and dance passion with young students. For the past three years, she has organized and led dance camps, nurturing the next generation of dancers with enthusiasm and expertise.
At Set in Stone Performing Arts Studio, Kendall focuses on nurturing our youngest dancers, ages 2-6, encouraging them to explore and develop their talents in a supportive environment.
Continuing to grow in her roles as a dancer and educator, Kendall is committed to inspiring others through the power of dance.
Lucy Moore
My name is Lucy Moore! I’m a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) and Certified Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA) with specialized certifications in Dance Fitness, Hip-Hop Step, and much more! I have a background in gymnastics and cross country, as well as a professional performance background in the arts with a Musical Theatre BFA degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Originally from the Carolinas, my husband and I moved to the Lehigh Valley in the fall of 2023 and I am so excited to be able to be share fitness, performance, and FUN at the Set In Stone Performing Arts Studio! Cheers to a good sweat, and an even better time!
Malāna Wilson
Malāna Wilson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Music Minor (Harp) from Texas Tech University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a first-generation student in the spring of 2021. She is currently working towards her Masters Degree through Westminster Choir College’s Master of Voice Pedagogy program (musical theatre track) at Rider University. Most recently, she has performed at the Pennsylvania Playhouse in Cabaret (Lulu u.s. / Ensemble) and at The Civic Theatre of Allentown in A Little Night Music (Anne Egerman). Malāna made her Off-Broadway debut in 2022 as a part of the new musical Here There Be Dragons (Female Swing). Having studied both classical and musical theatre styles, she greatly supports cross-training and believes that every singer should explore their voice in its entirety and never confine themselves to one singular genre or style. She also strongly believes in vocal health, and values technique and vocal safety above all else. Malāna has over two years of experience as a music educator and is currently music directing Shrek Jr. at the JCC in addition to teaching at The Civic Theatre School of Allentown!