Our Triple-Threat Instructors

RICK LEWIS, former resident Conductor/Music Director for Portland Center Stage, received the Broadway World Award for outstanding musical direction for his work on Fun Home at Portland Center Stage.  He is a seven-time Drammy winner for his work in the Portland area.  He is the creator/writer/arranger of the hit Off-Broadway musicals The Taffetas, its all-male sequel The Cardigans, and Have a Nice Day! - the 70's Musical Flashback.  Other NYC credits include: casting pianist for Sondheim and Lapine's original production of Sunday in the Park with George (pre-Broadway workshop); Cy Coleman's The Life (Assistant Conductor, Vocal Director (pre-Broadway workshop); Assistant Music Director for Off-Broadway's Charlotte Sweet, Music Director/Conductor for Anything Goes (Equity Library Theatre), Music Director/Arranger for London Days/New York Nights.  Rick has written and/or arranged original music for Disney Family Live Entertainment, MGM/UA Home Video, the Democratic National Convention, American Hawaii Cruises, Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade, American West Steamboat Company, and American Classic Voyages.  Rick developed the Cinnamon Bear Cruise, a holiday staple aboard the Portland Spirit.

DEL LEWIS is the former Chair of Theatre Department, Director of Center for the Arts at Northeastern University, as well as the former Associate Professor, Head of Graduate Acting and Director of Theatre at University of Wisconsin - Madison.  He was also former Associate Professor in Theatre at East Caroline University.  Del is the Founding Artistic Director of the Madison Repertory Theatre, University of Wisconsin.  Broadway credits include: Jacob Rothschild in The Rothschilds, multiple roles in the Broadway, National and Las Vegas com of Fiddler on the Roof.  Off-Broadway credits include: Captain Fair-weather in Streets of New York, and Sir Feeble Bredwell in All in Love, Inspector in Accidental Death of an Anarchist.  Del appeared as the Rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof at Portland Center Stage.  Other recent roles:  Yasha in Hardtimes Come Again No More (Sowelu Theatre Ensemble), Pozzi in Waiting for Godot with Gaiety (Boston and Dublin).  Del created a one-man show from Beckett's Texts for Nothing at Northeastern University.

AMANDA DOLPH is originally from Montana and went on to receive a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, a school which has graduated impressive alumni including Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara.  Since graduating, Amanda has kept herself busy performing professionally and teaching the arts.  She has performed with notable companies including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise Line, Bigfork Summer Playhouse and Missoula Children’s Theatre.  Two of her favorite roles played include Katherine in Newsies and Jenny in Company.  Her college education provided her with knowledge of various styles of singing, acting and dancing.  She also studied vocal pedagogy as a part of her course work and is passionate about teaching healthy technique.  Amanda really enjoys teaching and witnessing student growth, increased confidence and artistic expression that comes with participation in the arts. 

LAURA HIZCZYNSKYJ holds a B.F.A. in Ballet from Texas Christian University and an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of Oregon.  She has danced with companies in New York, New Jersy, Texas, Kansas, and Oregon.  National Tours include Sesame Street Live and SwingDance America.  Laura has choreographed over 40 full-length musicals, as well as fundraiser events, operas, and concert dances.  Laura has received OTAS awards for her choreography on Lakewood Theatre's production of Showboat and Mame.  She recently appeared on the Lakewood stage as "Mabel" in Three Men on a Horse, and as "Purity" in Anything Goes.  Laura enjoys teaching many dance styles to people of all ages and abilities.  Teaching credits include Stepping Out Studios (NYC), Texas Christian University, University of Oregon, Columbia College, Cornell University, Santa Barbara City College, The John G. She'd Institute for the Arts, and venues in Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

 DIEGO SOLAN KJELLAND received his Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a focus in Musical Theatre, from The University of Montana. Some of his highlights include playing George Bailey in Stumptowns (It's A Wonderful Life). Bob Guadio in (Jersey Boys) at the Lakewood Center for the arts.  Jack Kelly (Newsies) at the Missoula Children's Theatre. Johnny (American Idiot), Phil Davis (White Christmas) and Melchior Gabor (Spring Awakening) at The University of Montana. Most recently Diego was seen as Clyde Barrow in Bridgetown's production of Bonnie & Clyde.  In addition to his stage work, Diego is a prolific playwright and composer. You can find his original work at Diegokjelland.com. 

GAVIN HOFFMAN  recently played  Harry in THE UNDERSTUDY and Dieter in THE MONSTER-BUILDER, both at Artists Rep Theatre. Other local credits include: Joe in GREAT EXPECTATIONS, Ligniere in CYRANO, Iago in OTHELLO, Karl/Steve in CLYBOURNE PARK (Portland Center Stage), Ellard in THE FOREIGNER (Lakewood Theatre), Ken Talley in FIFTH OF JULY (Profile Theatre), Frank in BODY AWARENESS (CoHo) and Hank in Sue Mach’s A NOBLE FAILURE (Third Rail Rep.) He has also appeared at Vertigo, Shaking the Tree, Portland Shakespeare Project, Portland Playhouse and directed ‘NIGHT, MOTHER at CoHo. Gavin has guest-starred twice in THE BIG EASY (USA), guest-starred in LEVERAGE (TNT) and co-starred in GRIMM (NBC). Originally from Portland, Gavin has worked in theatre all over the country, including Book-It in Seattle, PCPA in Santa Maria, CA, Tulane Summer Shakespeare Festival in New Orleans, The Shakespeare Theatre in DC, and in various New York City theatres. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA. Gavin is a graduate of The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and has a BFA in acting from Ithaca College. He has won four Drammy Awards: two for Supporting Actor, one for Lead Actor and one for Solo Performance.

With over two decades of experience spent both under the stage lights and behind the camera, ANDREW CURTIS STARK brings a rare blend of artistic heart and seasoned production

"know-how" to any production. His career is defined by a deep respect for the craft of acting and a high-level command of the logistics required to make a production soar.

Andrew’s approach to theater leadership is uniquely informed by his life as a classically trained

actor. With a performance resume that includes roles at Portland Center Stage, Mad Cow

Theater, and Group Rep Theater, he speaks the language of the performer fluently. He isn't

just a director who gives notes; he’s a mentor who understands the vulnerability and technique required to build a character. This makes him an exceptional educator for actors, offering students the technical tools of the trade alongside the confidence to take risks.

As a director, Andrew has helmed projects ranging from award-winning festival films to

high-stakes commercial campaigns for global brands. This background has made him a master

of the "big picture." he knows how to manage budgets, lead diverse teams, and keep a project

on track without ever losing sight of the story. For a theater organization, this means a leader

who is as comfortable in a production meeting as he is in the rehearsal room.

Whether he is guiding a cast through a difficult scene or overseeing the creative vision of a

season, Andrew’s leadership is built on collaboration, approachability, and a genuine passion for the arts. He is a professional who knows the business but primarily an artist who loves the work.

PAUL LOUIS LESSARD is a captivating performer and passionate educator based in the Pacific Northwest. They're best known for playing King George III in the North American tour of HAMILTON as well as King Herod in the 50th Anniversary Touring production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Paul is a certified voice teacher teaching privately and online via Zoom. Paul is also is a college prep. and vocal performance teacher at The Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre in Portland, OR. 

KEVIN PAUL CLARK  is delighted to return to Portland after being based in New York City while performing around the country and the world! National/ international tours: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Legally Blonde. Local choreographic credits include productions with Lakewood Theatre, Pixie Dust Productions, and the Jefferson Dancers. Local performing credits include productions at Portland Center Stage, Lakewood Theatre, Pixie Dust Productions, Triangle Productions, and Clackamas Rep.  Kevin is grateful to return home to such a welcoming community of talented artists and is thrilled to join the dedicated staff at the Bridgetown Conservatory.