Rylee Coppel is a longtime performer with Charleston Stage, and we were delighted that she recently joined us full-time as our new Director of Education and Engagement! Hear more from Rylee about her experience in theatre education, favorite memories with Charleston Stage and her passion for the performing arts.
You have over 15 years of experience in music, theatre and dance education for the youth. What are the most valuable life lessons you’ve learned in your career?
Kids are just the most amazing little things! I love getting to know my students and watching them grow and progress through the years. Also, the arts are life-changing. Being involved in the arts was a game changer for me as a child, and I love to provide the opportunity for students to participate in the arts.
Both participating in and teaching theatre, music and dance have taught me to be flexible, to have fun and not take myself too seriously! I truly have the most amazing job. I am grateful every day to be passionate about what I do.
You’ve performed in so many shows with us! Please share some of your favorite Charleston Stage memories.
I have truly loved all of the shows I’ve been a part of, but Mamma Mia! and Sister Act were my favorites. I was 8 months pregnant during the run of Sister Act, which was well hidden under my habit (thank you costumes!). When my daughter was an infant, she would calm down right away when I played Sister Act music for her. It’s like she remembered it from when she was in my belly!
How do your backgrounds in yoga instruction and trauma-informed education impact the way you teach?
Learning how our brains operate under stressful conditions has helped me empathize with my students. We don’t know what our students are coming to us with, so it’s just so important that we approach them with empathy. It’s also helped me to look at behavior as a student’s way of telling us something. It’s our job as educators to figure out what they need from us. I also use yogic breathing mindfulness in all of my classes.
What can our TheatreSchool students and parents look forward to from you this year?
You will see me teaching and observing lots of classes! I’m excited to get to know all of the families and students. Please always reach out if you have any questions!!
Finally, what is your favorite show of all time?
This is a hard one!! I think Memphis or Baby It’s You!
Rylee (she/her/hers) is Charleston Stage’s Director of Education and Engagement. Rylee is originally from Pennsylvania but arrived in Charleston by way of New Jersey. Rylee has a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from Ramapo College of NJ and a Master’s in Integrated Arts and Education from the University of Montana, and over 15 years of experience teaching voice, music, theatre and dance.
Most recently, Rylee was the co-founder and Artistic Director of Dance.Laugh.Learn., a music program for kids, and the music teacher at Murray LaSaine Montessori School. Rylee is a certified K-12 music teacher, certified in kids yoga and trauma-informed. Rylee lives in West Ashley with her husband Ben and five-year-old daughter Vivian.
In addition to teaching, Rylee has performed regionally and internationally with such companies as; Sesame Street Live, Joey Casella Productions, Roxy Regional Theatre, and RWS and Associates. Charleston Stage credits include; “Kinky Boots” (Pat), “Footloose” (Vi Moore), “Beauty and the Beast” (Mrs. Potts), “The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time” (Judy), “Mamma Mia!” (Donna), “White Christmas” (Tessie/Mrs. Snoringman), “Sister Act” (Sister Mary Patrick), and “Avenue Q” (Ensemble).