About Toms River North Theatre
Our Theatre Program
Toms River High School North is home to the school district's Theatre Academy, a conservatory-style theatre intensive program in a public high school, offering the quintessential high school experience paired with a rigorous theatre program. The Nautical Stars Theatre Company is the performance branch High School North's theatre program, debuting two professional-level productions each year. We are also home to NJ Thespians Troupe #7455, a theatre honor society.
Meet Our Student Leaders
At Toms River North, our students have leadership roles that allow them to effect everyday change within our theatre program and give them valuable real-world experience in team leadership and cooperation.
President, Nautical Stars Theatre Company
Kelly nide
Kelly Nide is a senior at TRHSN and is a part of the Theatre Academy. Kelly has been part of six North productions: The Lightning Thief (Bianca/Ensemble), Xtreme Theatre 2022 (Actor/Choreographer), Our Town (Rebecca Gibbs), Mamma Mia! (Ally), Xtreme Theater 2024 (Choreographer), and Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble). She is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Kelly is the Secretary of the National Honor Society, Editor in Chief of the Yearbook, Secretary of Key Club, and is an active member in several other clubs.
vice president, nautical stars theatre company
lucas maciel
Lucas Maciel is a senior at TRHSN. He is a student of the Theatre and Music Academies and also part of troupe #7455. He has performed in several musical and theatre productions; Mamma Mia! (Sam Carmicheal), Our Town (George Gibbs), Percy Jackson the Lightning Thief (Grover), Matilda (Bruce), Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble), and the 2024 Theater Academy Showcase. He was awarded Best Lead Performer at the 2024 NJ Thespian Festival for his role as George Gibbs. Outside of theatre, he actively participates in the North Band playing the alto and baritone saxophones for the marching, jazz, and concert bands. He sings for the TRN Rock Band, Applaud Our Kids Foundation, and his church choir. He is the Field Assistant for the Marching Mariners, was the Student Assistant Director for the 2023-2024 school productions, the Student Assistant Director for the State Thespian show Spring Awakening, was a Director for 2024 Xtreme Theatre, a New Jersey State Thespian Officer. He is also a member of National Honor Society, Key Club, and Student Council.
historian, nautical stars theatre company
logan masterson
Logan is a Sophomore at TRHSN and is a part of the Theatre Academy. Logan has performed on the TRHSN stage 4 times, in the roles of Simon Stimson in Our Town, performing in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, and also performing in the ensemble for Schoolhouse Rock! And doing scenes and a monolouge in the 2024 Theatre Academy showcase. Logan is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Logan is a member of the National English Honor Society, and is President of the Toms River Antlers Lodge, a local charity organization.
secretary, nautical stars theatre company
Thomas Watt
Thomas Watt is a senior at TRHSN. While at TRHSN Thomas has been in Matilda as backstage crew, The Lightning Thief as backstage crew, Mamma Mia as backstage crew, and in Our Town as Assistant Stage Manager. He has also been involved in North's Extreme Theater productions. Thomas is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455.
treasurer, nautical stars theatre company
Danielle brooks
Danielle is a senior at TRHSN. She has been apart of the backstage crew leadership this past year, serving as the student props manager in Mamma Mia and Our Town. She was also involved in Xtreme Theatre 2024 (head writer/backstage crew) and Xtreme Theatre 2023 (director). Additionally, she is the treasurer for the Nautical Stars Theater Company for the '24-'25 school year and served as the treasurer of Thespian Troupe #7455 last year. Outside of theater, Danielle is the social media chair for the class of 2025, as well as a member of our schools NHS and NEHS, among other clubs.
social media coordinator, nautical stars & thespians
Allyson Olivera
Allyson Olivera is a junior at TRHSN. She is apart of the Theater academy. Here at TRHSN, Allyson has been apart of three productions: Our Town (Woman Among the Dead), Mamma Mia (Ensemble), and the children’s show Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble). Allyson is also a member of the Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theater, Allyson is the President of the Hispanic Heritage Club, and is a part of and participates in productions and classes from Moment to Moment Creative Collaborative.
chief morale officer, nautical stars & thespians
sofia pellegrino
Sofia Pellegrino is a junior at TRHSN and is a part of the Theatre Academy. Sofia has been part of four North productions: Our Town (Sam Craig/Ensemble), Mamma Mia! (Sophie), Xtreme Theater 2024 (Actor), and Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble). She is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theater, Sofia is apart of the Applaud Our Kids Foundation, performs at the JBJ Soul Kitchen frequently, and partakes in numerous different performances within the group.
recruitment chair, nautical stars & thespians
damien jones-wollerton
Damien is a sophomore at Toms River High School North, where he is a part of the Theatre Academy. Damien is eager to participate in more productions, and has worked on Our Town (Backstage/Build and Paint Crew), and Mamma Mia (Backstage/Build and Paint Crew). Damien is also a proud member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Damien is also an active member of the TRN Chess Club and plays for the Varsity Chess Team. In addition to this, Damien is a member of the National English Honor Society.
president, thespians
madison mcphee
Madison McPhee is a Senior at Toms River High School North and is proud to represent Troupe #7455 as the president and as an STO co-chair. She is part of the vocal and theater academy and the vocalist for the marching band at High School North. She is also a part of National Honor Society at North. Madison has been performing in musicals and plays since the 5th grade with school and outside theater companies. Some of Madison’s most recent productions have been Mamma Mia (Donna Sheridan), Our Town (Emily Webb), Xtreme theater 2024, The Lightning Thief (Clarisse), SchoolHouse Rock (ensemble), and the 2024 Theater Academy Showcase.
vice president, thespians
saniya williams
Saniya is a senior at TRHSN. She is a part of the Theatre Academy. At TRHSN, Saniya has performed in 6 productions: Matilda (Amanda Thripp), The Lightning Thief (Echidna/Ensemble), Our Town (Lady In the Box/Ensemble), Mamma Mia (Ensemble), School House Rock ( Dina/Ensemble), as well as multiple Xtreme Theatre performances. Saniya is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Saniya plays field hockey, lacrosse, and is the vice president of National Honor Society. She also participates in our school’s yearbook club, medical club, and more.
historian, thespians
zachary menth
Zach Menth is a Junior at TRN and a student in the Theatre Academy. He has been a part of six North productions: Mamma Mia! (Harry Bright), Our Town (Professor Willard), The Lightning Thief (Ares), School House Rock (Bill) and Xtreme Theatre 2022 & 2024. He was also the Playbill Designer for the 2023-24 Nautical Stars productions. Additionally, he has performed in the Exit 82 productions of Be More Chill (Scary Stock Boy) and at TRIN's production of Newsies (Jack Kelly).
secretary, thespians
alexa de los santos
Alexa is a Senior at Toms River High School North being honored to represent Thespian Troupe #7455 as their Secretary along with entering her second year as a part of the New Jersey State Thespian Officers. She has participated in multiple productions at North, including Matilda (ensemble), The Lightning Thief (building & painting, and costume crew), Our Town (ensemble), Mamma Mia (ensemble), including multiple Xtreme Theater performances. Outside of theater, Alexa is the President of the National English Honor Society, is a junior coach for a local cheerleading team, is on her school's varsity cheerleading team, and is the secretary and reporter for her school's FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter.
treasurer, thespians
darlene penn
Darlene is a Junior at TRHSN. She is a part of the Theatre Academy. Darlene has been a part of seven North productions: Xtreme Theatre 2022, Percy Jackson (The Oracle), Our Town (Lady in the Balcony), Mamma Mia (Rosie), Xtreme Theatre 2024, Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble), and the Theatre Academy Showcase of 2024. She has also performed on the Exit 82 stage in Be More Chill 2023 as Scary Stock Girl. Darlene is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Darlene is on the Executive Board for National English Honor Society as Secretary and in the school’s Rock Band.
chief morale officer, nautical stars & thespians
Emma york
Emma York is a senior at TRHSN. She is a part of both the Visual Arts and Theater Academy. At TRHSN, Emma has performed on the TRHSN stage 7 times: Xtreme Theater 2022, The Lightning Thief (Ensemble), Our Town (Ensemble), Mamma Mia! (Lisa), Xtreme Theater 2024, Schoolhouse Rock (Ensemble) and the Theater Academy Showcase 2024. Emma is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Emma is the Vice President of the National English Honor Society and the Varsity Team Captain of the Gymnastics team at High School North.
recruitment chair, nautical stars & thespians
christopher gioxaris
Christopher Gioxaris is a junior at Toms River High School North. He is a Theater Academy member. Chris has been a part of five TRHSN productions, including “Mamma Mia!” (Pepper), “Our Town” (Joe Crowell), The Theatre Academy Showcase of 2024, “School House Rock” (Ensemble), and “Xtreme Theatre 2022” (Actor). Chris is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Additionally, Chris performed in a TRIN production of “Newsies” as (Wiesel).
Meet Our Staff
Meet the dedicated team of professionals who make our productions possible. Our teachers and staff are passionate about theatre and committed to providing the best possible experience for our students.
Theatre academy teacher, nautical stars theatre company director & choreographer
Dr. Michael Penna
Dr. Penna has a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University, MA in Theater from Montclair State University, MPhil in Education from Walden University and a PhD in Education from Walden University. Dr. Penna teaches Theatre in the Arts Academy here at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna has over 25 years of experience in the Theatrical Arts. Dr. Penna has worked professionally on Broadway, National Tours and Regional Theaters throughout the Country. Dr. Penna is proud member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. Dr. Penna is a Council Board Member on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a State Board Member for The New Jersey International Thespian Society and a Board Member for the National English Honor Society. Dr. Penna was the recipient of the 2022 NJ State Teen Arts: Educator of the Year Award, the 2022 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award: for Outstanding Educator, the 2022 Monmouth Arts: Arts Education Award, the 2022 International Thespian Society: Inspirational Theatre Educator Award, the 2019 Montclair State University Foxy Award for Excellence in Theater Education and the 2018 Basie Award for Best Lighting Design of a Drama.
Musical Director
George Powers
Mr. Powers has a Bachelor of Arts (Music) degree from Glassboro State College. Mr. Powers teaches Music Theory, AP Music Theory, Piano, Music Computing and Band here at North, and is the current 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Prior to coming to North he spent 22 years as Musical Director at Red Bank Catholic High School. Professionally, Mr. Powers was Musical Director of the Monmouth County Parks System Summer Theatre for 16 years. He also Musical Directed a number of shows for Phoenix Productions at the Count Basie Theatre. As a musician, Mr. Powers has also performed in many pit orchestras throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties as a keyboardist and a woodwind specialist. Away from school and theatre, Mr. Powers can be found at local establishments as the saxophonist and horn arranger for the local band “We’ll Be Fine.” Mr. Powers would like to thank Dr. Penna and the rest of the production staff, as well as the students involved in music and theatre arts for allowing him to be him.
Business Manager
Gail McNeill
Ms. McNeill, or more fondly known as Ms. Gail, has been a staple with Nautical Stars since 2015. Even before her appointed position, you could always find Ms. Gail helping out with fundraisers and events. Her own daughter is a Nautical Star alumni (2014-2017) and the connection Ms. Gail has with the student performers is genuine. She's the theatre company's biggest advocate and is a behind the scenes force for their success.
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Hair & Makeup Designer
Joelle Mascaro
Joelle is a Toms River High School North 2022 graduate. Mamma Mia was Joelle's sixth production with Nautical Stars, being involved with every musical production while in high school and now serving on the theatre staff. Joelle is honored to be working again with Ms Eleneski and also honored to work with the rest of the staff.
set builder
adam servodio
Adam Servodio was born and raised in Toms River and started in banking almost 20 years ago. He has worked as a Branch Manager for Wells Fargo for the past 8 years and has sat as the New Jersey Employee Volunteer Team President for Wells Fargo for over two years now, helping to promote philanthropy to team members throughout the entire state. When Adam is not working for Wells Fargo, he is dedicating his time to organizations in the community he is passionate about such as the Zzak G. Applaud our Kids Foundation as a board member, the Community Medical Center Council of Emerging Leaders board, The Salvation Army as the board Chairman and the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce as the First Vice Chair. Adam also dedicates his time to help the talented team of Exit 82, by building sets and even appearing in a few shows. When he is not working or volunteering, you can find him running marathons and reading. Adam enjoys spending his time with his wife, Kelly, and his dogs Foxy & Luna.
Production Manager
Kelly Eleneski
Ms. Eleneski is an English as a Second Language teacher at Toms River High School North. She earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Political Science from Washington College and her Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She has been production manager with the Nautical Stars Theatre Company since 2022 and has worked on four productions with the Company: Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town and Mamma Mia. Ms. Eleneski was a practicing attorney for eight years before transitioning into teaching so that she could work with students and effect change in her community.
Set Designer, Props Manager
Jenny Neuhoff
Mrs. Neuhoff is a teacher at High School North, whose classes include fashion design, interior design, set design, and costume design. She has been on the TRN Theatre Staff since 2022, designing the set for Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town, and Mamma Mia. She also designed costumes for Our Town. Mrs. Neuhoff has been involved in all aspects of theatre from a young age. She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Theatre from Marist College. Mrs. Neuhoff has professional experience designing and constructing costumes and working as a makeup artist. From 2010-2018 she served as the production designer for the musicals at TRIE.
Costumer Designer
Frankie Confalone
Frankie has costumed six productions at High School North: Mamma Mia, The Lightning Thief, Matilda, A Killer Party, Shrek, and Pippin. Frankie's costumes have been seen throughout New Jersey working with Exit 82 Theatre Company, the Bordentown Performing Arts Center, Pierrot Productions, and Monmouth Regional High School (2019 Basie Awards Nominee "Outstanding Costume Design for a Drama" for Boeing Boeing). On the stage, Frankie was recently scene as Will in Phoenix Productions' American Idiot. Additionally Frankie serves as Operations Manager for Exit 82 Theatre Company overseeing their "Creative and Performing Arts Academy" and holds a B.A. in Theatre from Rider University.
Tech Designer
Zack Bliss
Zack works at Lake Riviera Middle School in Brick, and he has been a lighting designer for over a decade. He is also the Technical Director and Resident Lighting Designer of Toms River's very own Exit 82 Theatre Company. Zack was recently a nominee for Best Lighting Design of A Play or Musical in the 2022 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards for his work on RENT.