Laurie Bailey started taking piano lessons at age 7. Like any young student, she didn’t always want to practice during the time her parents designated each day but did it anyway. One day it was no longer a problem; Laurie began to enjoy playing for herself and others. She played for her first wedding in 8th grade and began to accompany school choirs around the same time. She has a B.S. and Masters in Music Education and recently retired from teaching music in the Colonial School District, having taught elementary music for over 25 years. During that time she also taught private piano, accompanied choirs, and played for over 21 musicals for schools and theaters. Laurie believes that learning to play an instrument develops connections between the left and right brain, improves coordination, teaches discipline, and increases memory capacity. It also teaches perseverance and brings pleasure to the student and those who listen. Some of Laurie’s former students have become music teachers, soloists/actors, and piano performance majors. She loves reading adventure and mystery novels, M&Ms, and baking cookies for friends and family. Laurie is looking forward to teaching private piano lessons and playing the piano for musicals at The Griffin Theater.

Mary has been involved in performing and theatre since the age of 7. It immediately became her passion. She wants nothing more than to share her love of theatre with her community. She believes that live theatre is unlike anything else you will ever experience and that it should be open and accessible for everyone to enjoy. It has always been her dream to start a theatre where the actor’s have a safe and inclusive home as well as have the ability to create a group that could take live theatre out to those that couldn’t make it to the theatre. The Griffin stands for courage  and boldness – and Mary believes everyone should have the courage to just be who they are and share that with the world! Mary’s theatre experience started at age 7 in ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ and has continued through today. She has a BA degree in Musical Theatre Performance, Choreography,  and Education  (as well as a Sports Medicine Degree and an Education degree with a specialization in PE K-12). Some of her favorite roles include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Shrek (Donkey), Pinkalicious (Pinkalicious), 9to5 (Judy Bernley), Little Women (Jo March), Steel Magnolias (Shelby), I Love You, You’re Perfect…(Woman 1). Favorite directing/choreographer credits include: The Secret Garden, Peter Pan, Newsies, Seussical, Once On This Island, and Matilda.

Heather Healy has been dancing since the age of 3, taking classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, Irish, and hip hop, and was a competitive dancer in high school and college. She has performed at many local theaters including The Candlelight Theatre, The Brandywiners, Delaware Children’s Theatre, and Wilmington Drama League. She also enjoys choreographing and especially loves working with children’s theater productions.

Heather teaches group classes and is available for private instruction.

Jason Messinger is an avid theatre enthusiast. He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education (K-12) and a Master’s in C.D.I. and currently teaches at two elementary schools ranging from Pre-K through 6th grade. Although he is constantly busy, he can frequently be seen on the stage or behind the scenes directing or music directing for the Griffin Theatre as he cannot stay away from one of his biggest passions. Jason enjoys teaching, whether it’s in the classroom or on the stage, and finds it fulfilling and rewarding when students and actors achieve greatness. Be on the lookout for the next musical or cabaret Jason is directing or music directing and come have a great time, learn, and put on a fantastic performance! Or if you’re in a show with Jason, feel free to ask him for help or tips as he is always willing to help others!