WORKSHOP STAFF
Students learn from these experienced professionals
Workshop Manager – Anya Plotkin
Anya Plotkin is an original member of the team that created the summer workshop program for youth in 2001 and then the teen program and the kids’ winter camp in 2012. She was inspired by her own experiences at a similar music and theater summer camp where she was a camper and counselor for many years. Anya loves inspiring kids to embrace the confidence one can find doing theater and is thrilled to teach the teens how to grow as performers.
Anya has stage managed for Music Theater Works (back when it was Light Opera Works – more than a dozen productions!), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theater, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as numerous companies around the country. She is happy to still be working near her alma mater, Northwestern University.
Stage Director/Choreographer – Caryn Ott Hillman
Caryn Ott graduated from Roosevelt University with a music degree in vocal performance. After performing musical theater throughout Chicago on Equity and Non-equity stages for over a decade, she started teaching, directing, and choreographing here at Musical Theater Works (when it was called Light Opera Works). Her high energy and excitement encourages children to explore without feeling judged. She believes it is crucial for children to be exposed to music and movement among peers to build their physical and personal identity. Nothing is more amazing than seeing the future of the arts bloom before our very eyes!
Musical Director – Christopher Richard
Chris Richard has been musical director for the Music Theater Works Summer Musical Theater Workshop since 2007 and has enjoyed every minute of it! His ability to make learning this art form fun and exciting has led him to teaching positions with The Chicago High School For the Arts (ChiArts), Chicago Opera Theater for Teens, a program in partnership with After School Matters, and Merit School of Music and DePaul University Community Music Division. Chris is currently on the artist faculty for Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), Music Theater.
Chris is originally from Indiana and holds degrees from Butler University and the University of Southern California. In Chicago he has performed with DuPage Opera Theatre, Bowen Park Opera, Music Theater Works, and Drury Lane Oakbrook. On a broader scope, he has appeared with Sarasota Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Aspen Music Festival Opera, Brevard Music Center, Mexico National Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and New World Symphony Orchestra. In addition to performing, Chris is a soloist and assistant music director at Irving Park Lutheran Church and director of their Contemporary Ensemble. He has enjoyed working as music director on productions with Roosevelt University CCPA, Oak Park and River Forest High School, Triton College, and has been music director for Bowen Park Opera.
