About Us
Founded in 2006 as the Junior Talisman Players, Triple Threat Theatre is a youth musical theatre program for ages 5 through 17, focuses not only on developing artists skilled in singing, acting and dancing (the ubiquitous triple threat), but also in developing life lessons of confidence, public speaking, memorization and socialization.
Our Faculty
Dee Kanevsky
Founder, Artistic Director, Choreographer
Ms. Dee holds a degree in Costume Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Upon graduation she fell in love with Ballroom and Latin dancing, turned professional, then competed, won titles worldwide and was credentialed as a NDCA Adjudicator. In 1987 Dee opened The Dance Corner studio in West Hempstead, LI, was invited to represent the United States at Britain’s Blackpool Dance Festival in Exhibition (placing 3rd in the world), and joined The American Ballroom Theater Company. During her 9 years as a principal dancer with the ABrT, directed by Dulaine & Marceau, Dee performed in shows ranging from the Hong Kong Arts Festival to the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC (CBS), and has had the honor of working with Broadway choreographers Patricia Birch, Graciela Daniele, Geoffrey Richard Holder, Joey McKneely, and for Ann Reinking. She has instructed celebrities such as Richard Gere, John Edwards from "Crossing Over”, DWTS professionals (Smirnoff, Chmerkovskiys) and organized The Kings Ball Championship, and creating Peanut Partner Dancing for toddlers. Dee transitioned into choreography for children’s musical theatre 21 years ago. She is a Teaching Artist for Sundog Theatre and ArtsConnection, and has recently taken on a Broadway Jr. (MTI/iTheatrics) mentoring position as a Production Advisor and signed with Citizen Talent Management LLC.​
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Mariah Elle Kane
Director, Musical Director
Ms. Mariah has been on stage since the age of four; her experience has won her several National Youth Arts Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical. This years she reunited with Triple Threat Theater alumni to perform in Then and Now, an Alumni Cabaret. In 2020, she returned home to New York after studying in the BFA Musical Theater program at Temple University. In 2019, Mariah studied Musical Theatre in London, praising her experience with vocal coach Kim Criswell. That summer, she returned to Hemlock Theatre Company as Kathy, in “Company” and stepped into the role of Musical Director at TTT. Earlier in 2018, she was seen in “Chicago” (Roxie U/S), at the Temple University PAC. Always a favorite role of Mariah’s is Miss Adelaide (“Guys and Dolls”), last played at the Tomlinson Theater, PA. Mariah was so excited to play Nina, in The Heights”, at Smithtown CPA, N.Y. until the pandemic hit. She then segue into song writing, collaborating with Twin Towers on their original song and music video, “Trailblazin’!”, all while keeping her sights set on the return of Broadway. Ms. M continues to sing and songwrite and enjoys working with the young performers at TTT. She is hyped to be resident Director for a third year!
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Diane Zerega
Guest Director
Director at Triple Threat Theatre, 2022, 2021, 2017
Former Wagner Theater Teacher/Director
Director - Spooktacular, Staten Island Zoo
Actor: Theater and film
Owner - Costume Collections
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Asher Paterno
Assistant Musical Director, Stage Manager
Wagner College: Dual Major - BA Theatre and Speech and
Design, Technology and Management.
Actor at Mount Tabor Arts Collaborative.
National Youth Arts Award - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical.
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Skylar Lipkin
Intern
Triple Threat Theatre Alumna (2012-2021)
​Actress (Film) - SAG-AFTRA
Team Marco
Infinity
Marry Me
Worst Day of My Life Love
27 Candles
Our Way to Fall
Who Framed Tommy Callahan
Bella Mahoney
Intern
Triple Threat Theatre Alumna (2016-2021)
National Youth Arts Award Nomination - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical
Jeff Hannan
Resident Photographer
TTT Photographer: 2011 - present​
Our Guest Artists
Isabella McCalla
Broadway Credits:
Water For Elephants - Marlina (Originated role)
Shucked - Maizy
PROM - Alyssa Greene (Originated role)
Aladdin - Jasmine
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Alex Aquilino
Broadway Credits:
MJ, the Musical - Dancer
LIMPICA - Ensemble
WICKED - Swing
An American In Paris - Ensemble
Anastasia - Ensemble
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Maria Torres
Director/Choreographer
Broadway: On Your Feet, Swing
Theatre: Three Guys Named Jose, Zoot Suit
Film: Enchanted
Co-Founder: Emerging Artists Foundation
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Edward Simon
TV: So You Think You Can Dance Choreographer
DanceSport: United States American Smooth Champion
NDCA Adjudicator
Founder of New York Dance Festival
Former Co-Owner of Dance New York Dance Studio
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Katie McHugh
Artistic Director of Yonder Window Theatre Company
Company Co-Founder of the Teen Shakespeare Conservatory
Co-Founder of Les Exportables Theatre Company
Founding Director of the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare
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Elke Van Dyke
New York based teacher, director, actor, aerialist and producer.
Yonder Window Theatre Company Director of Training
Co-Founder/Core Faculty, NY Teen Shakespeare Intensive of YWTC
Co-Founding Director of the Teen Shakespeare Conservatory NYC Co-Founding Artistic Director of Gotham Shakespeare Co.
Currently a producer/actor for the East London Fringe in the UK.
Christine Kramer
Author: My Recital Day
Choreographer, formerly Susan E Wagner HS Performing Arts Dept.
Owner of Great Expectations, A Dance Center.
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