rylee coppel
Director of education and engagement and artistic associate
Rylee (she/her/hers) is Charleston Stage's Director of Education and Engagement and Artistic Associate. Rylee is originally from Pennsylvania but arrived in Charleston through 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).
MICHAEL LOPEZ
RESIDENT MUSIC DIRECTOR
Michael is excited to be joining Charleston Stage as their new Resident Music Director, and looks forward to creating exciting and memorable productions with this incredible team! A native of Charleston, SC, Michael brings a wealth of musical experience and a strong connection to both the local arts community and the Charleston Stage family.
Michael has been with Charleston Stage since the spring of 2018 and has served as Assistant Music Director for several productions. His work both on stage, in the orchestra pit, and behind the scenes has made him a familiar presence within the company. Now stepping into a full-time leadership role, he brings with him years of experience in theatre, music education, and international performance.
For the past 13 years, Michael has also served as Associate Music Director at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville, where he contributed to a thriving and diverse music program. Beyond the Lowcountry, he has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South America as a conductor and collaborative pianist for international music festivals and conferences. Instagram: _williammichaelopez_
WILL RUTKOWSKI
assistant director of education
Will (he/him/his) is so excited to be joining the team! He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY before moving to SC in high school. Will attended the College of Charleston and graduated with a B.A. in Theatre with concentrations in Performance and Theatre for Youth. After graduating, Will toured the midwest with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre for five years where he and his tour partner would mount a full fledged production for different groups of students every week! Since moving back to Charleston last year, you may have seen him performing downtown with both Charleston Stage and the Footlight Players in various productions. In his free time you can usually find him at home with his kitten, Bagel, playing video games, or watching movies with friends - some of his favorites include Pitch Perfect, Coco, and Funny Girl. Will is excited to embark on this new chapter! He is very thankful for all of the support, and encouragement from his family, friends and loved ones.
CORINNE FAY WASCOM
education aDMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Corinne (she/her/hers) hails from Gainesville, GA (just north of Atlanta) and spent her college years between South Carolina, New York, and Seattle, WA. She received a BFA and MFA from The University of South Carolina, with a concentration in theatrical design for costumes. She was the Charleston Stage Costume Shop Manager and a designer for several shows in Seasons 39-41. Corinne brings an ecclectic background of theatrical training and musical experience to the Education Department.
Additional Faculty
Classes are taught by Charleston Stage's Resident Acting Company. These young theatre professionals move to Charleston for 12 months after completing college theatre programs all over the country. In addition to teaching, they can be seen on stage throughout the season.