BJ BROWN - Pianist/Musical Consultant

BJ has a BA from the University of Kansas where he musical
directed Jesus Christ Super Star. He made his way to Atlanta
and considers it the best thing he has ever done for himself! He
has appeared at the FOX playing Keyboards for Hairspray,
Mama Mia, Aida and Little Shop of Horrors. He has been the
pianist for several theatres through out Atlanta such as Onstage
Atlanta and Stage Door. Most recently he did keyboard
arrangement and programming in addition to playing in the pit
orchestra for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre's production of The
Secret Garden. This season with the Lyric he has served as
Musical Director their productions Red Hot and Cole, Gifts of the
Magi and the Land of Smiles, The Fantasticks, and was
Assistant Musical Director for H.M.S Pinafore. He tours locally
bringing opera to schools with Capital City Opera’s educational
outreach program. He has played keyboards for rock, country
and blues cover bands and is equally at home in pop and
classical literature. We are so fortunate to have him as our
pianist at M.Z.STAGEWORKS giving the students a professional
performance experience.

JESSICA HOLLINGSHEAD - Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer

Jessica Hollingshead is a graduate of Young Harris College and The American
Musical and Dramatic Acadamy in NYC. Jessica made her acting debut at the
age of 5 playing Gretel in "Hansel and Gretel." After that performance she
was hooked! After leaving AMDA Jessica worked with Florida Studio
Theatre's, "Playmakers Tour." Upon leaving Florida she returned to Young
Harris College where she received her AA in Science with a concentration in
dietetics and played Kleonike in "Lysistrata" and Miss Adelaide in YHC's
production of, "Guys and Dolls." (her favourite role to date!) Jessica
graduated in 2007 and moved to Atlanta where she was signed with the
wonderful people at Houghton Talent. She made her Atlanta debut with True
Colors Theatre Company's "The Wiz" directed by Kenny Leon, Patdro Harris
and JMichael. She has also made appearances with The Children's Museum of
Atlanta and Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Program. She recently
filmed "Epidemic Chronicles" and a mocumentary with Forever Standing
Entertainment and is in pre production for an upcoming musical. Jessica
feels very blessed to be working with MZ Stageworks and such wonderful
kids!

LINDA HADDAD - Costume, Hair, & Makeup Design

Linda graduated with a BA in performance from the University of North
Carolina, Greensboro. Born into a performing family, Linda feels right at
home in the theatre. Although her main focus of study was dance she is
most known for her work in the fashion industry. She is thrilled to use her
talents for hair, makeup, and fashion for the good of the children of
MZStageworks.

LIZZIE NICHOLS - Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer

Lizzie was bitten by the theatre bug at a young age in community theatre
productions in her home town of Hammond, Louisiana. She studied Classical
Ballet and Tap dance through high school and decided to major in
performance theatre in college. She received a B.F.A. from the University of
Southern Mississippi in 2002. Since graduation she has performed in
professional theatres across the Southeast including Southern Repertory
Theatre, Atlanta Classical Theatre and Flat Rock Playhouse. Some of her
favorite roles include Laura in The Glass Menagerie, Judy in There Goes the
Bride, and C in Three Tall Women. Lizzie is thrilled to be working with
MZStageworks.

SARA SMITH - Set Design/Graphic Design

Sara graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from the Art Institute after
attended Pima College as a theatre major. Growing up, Sara danced from
the time she could walk, and was very active in musical productions. Her
favorite roles were Gloria in The Wizard Of Oz, Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan,
and Martin from Little Shop Of Horrors. These days, Graphic Design takes
up most of her time but the theatre is still a place she calls home, so she is
very excited to be involved with MZ Stageworks!

Dan Balmer

This is Dan's second semester with MZ Stageworks.  It's been great to be back working with these talented children.  Dan first joined the MZ Stageworks family for the Aladdin show.  He is simply amazed at what these kids can do.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree from University of California, at Davis and has over 20 years of theatrical experience, most of that on stage in the Atlanta area:  Stage Door, Onstage Atlanta, and Neighborhood Playhouse to name a few.  He is looking forward to another great show in Annie!!