rylee coppel
Director of education and engagement
Rylee (she/her/hers) is Charleston Stage's Director of Education and Engagement. 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).
sam henderson
director of music education and resident music director
Sam (he/him/his) is Charleston Stage’s Resident Music Director and Director of Music Education. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in Instrumental Music/Trumpet Performance from Baylor University in Waco, TX, as well as a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre/Opera Music Direction from Arizona State University. Sam has over 20 years experience teaching music professionally, and has been working as a theatre music director and conductor since 2005. Professionally, Sam has worked for The Phoenix Theatre Company, Childsplay, The Broadway Palm West Dinner Theatre, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Lyric Opera Theatre and Copperstar Repertory Company prior to coming to Charleston Stage.
SERENITY JONES
education OUTREACH MANAGER
Serenity (she/her/hers) is Charleston Stage’s Education Outreach Coordinator. Because of her parent’s military background she grew up in several cities all around Germany. Serenity later moved to the U.S where she pursued her Bachelor’s at the University of Mississippi and graduated with three minors, English, Psychology, and Theatre. After graduating, she worked with Missoula Children’s Theatre and other companies teaching and directing students both in the U.S. and internationally for over 7 years. Prior to working for Charleston stage, she was an entertainment host for Disney Cruise Line and a vocalist for Shanghai Disney Resort in China. In addition to theatre education, Serenity finds joy in performing and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
WILL RUTKOWSKI
education PROGRAM MANAGER
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.
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.