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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
Damien Jones-Wollerton
Damien is a senior at TRHSN, where he is a part of the Theatre Academy and Thespian Troupe #7455. Damien has been a part of 12 productions on the TRHSN stage, including but not limited to: The Wedding Singer (Mookie/Stud. Asst. Director), The Crucible (Thomas Putnam/Stud. Ast Director), Crazy for You (Eugene Fodor/Harry), Twelfth Night (Curio), and All In the Timing (Mark). Damien has also directed a show on the TRN stage; The Wedding. Outside of school, Damien was a spotlight operator for the NJ Thespian All-State production of A Chorus Line. Outside of theatre, Damien serves as the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter. Damien is also a member of the National English Honor Society and the TRI-M Music Honor Society. He plays the baritone horn for his school’s concert and marching band, and piano for jazz band. He plays for the varsity chess team in the winter, and is an active member of both the school’s politics club, PAWS club, and the Mariner Maniacs. Damien also serves as one of TRN’s student ambassadors, the First Mates! Damien is extremely excited for this upcoming year and looks forward to making it awesome!

vice president, nautical stars theatre company
Christopher Nesteriak
Chris is a senior at TRHSN, and is part of the Theatre Academy. At TRHSN, Chris has performed on the TRHSN stage 6 times, in the following shows: Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekov (Andrey Shipuchin), The Wedding Singer (Ricky/Bad Haircut Guy), Our Town (Man In The Auditorium), and being part of ensemble in the shows A Pocketful of Rhymes, School House Rock!, and Mamma Mia!, as well as performing in showcases for the Theatre Academy. Chris has also had experience working backstage at TRN in the shows, Extreme Theatre 26’(Props Manager), The Crucible (Props), Crazy For You! (Costumes), and Twelfth Night (Build & Paint). Outside of Chris also participates in community theatre at BCCT with some of his favorite roles including Mean Girls (Damian Hubbard), Beetlejuice (Adam Maitland) Frozen (Oaken) and The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis) Chris is also a proud member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Chris is a member of Yearbook and loves to put photos together! Chris is very excited to get a chance to work with everyone this year and is ecstatic for an amazing year full of new opportunities!

historian, nautical stars theatre company
Gabriella Chamie
Gabriella Chamie is a Senior at TRHSN. She is part of the Theatre Academy at TRHSN. Gabriella has been part of 9 productions on the TRHSN stage, included but not limited to: Ensemble (The Wedding Singer), Maria Egorovna (Six One-Act Plays: On The High Road), Ensemble (Crazy For You), Ensemble (Mamma Mia). She has also spent time on Hair and Makeup Crew for Twelfth Night and The Crucible! Gabriella is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Gabriella is also a part of Captains Crew! Gabriella is honored and so incredibly grateful to serve as Nautical Stars Historian for the 2026-2027 school year! She is excited to make great memories with everyone and cannot wait for another great year!

secretary, nautical stars theatre company
Kelsey Armbruster
Kelsey is a Junior at TRHSN where she is a part of the Theatre Academy and Thespian Troupe #7455. She has performed in 9 productions on the TRHSN stage, including but not limited to: The Wedding Singer (Holly Sullivan), Six One Act Plays; On The High Road (Merik), The Crucible (Mercy Lewis), Crazy For You (Louise/Follie Girl), and Twelfth Night (Maid). Outside of theatre, Kelsey is a TRHSN Varsity Cheerleader and a proud member of the National English Honors Society Chapter. She is honored to serve as the Nautical Stars Secretary and looks forward to another incredible year with the Company!

treasurer, nautical stars theatre company
Sophia Marin Velazquez
Sophia is a senior at TRHSN. She is a part of the Theatre Academy and is a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Sophia has been involved in 16 nautical stars productions, including, but not limited to: The Wedding Singer (Ensemble), Six One- Act plays (Assistant Director), The Crucible (Martha Corey), Crazy For You! (Ensemble), All in The Timing (Kafka), and Twelfth Night (Tech Crew). Outside of theatre Sophia is a part of National English Honor Society, Red Cross Club, Color Guard Marching Band, Authentic Science Research, Writing Center, Retro Club, Key Club, Politics Club, and Student Council. She is also actively involved with her church during the summer, earning community service hours. Sophia is thrilled for the upcoming school year and looks forward to being a part of the nautical stars e-board!

social media coordinator, nautical stars & thespians
Nicole Kilmer
Nicole is a Junior at TRHSN. She is part of the Theatre Academy. At TRHSN, Nicole has performed on the TRHSN stage 3 times, in the roles of Ensemble (A Pocketful of Rhymes), Extreme Theatre, and The Academy Showcase 2026. Outside of school theatre Nicole has appeared as Gabriella in (High School Musical 2 Jr.), Portia (Cinderella Jr.),Emily Hobbs, (Elf Jr.) Duffy (Annie Jr.) Spongebob the musical (Electric Skate #1), and Tommy in (Matilda Jr.) All at former theatre company Exit 82.

chief morale officer, nautical stars & thespians
Angelina Sanford
Angelina Sanford is a sophomore at TRHSN and a part of the Theatre Academy. Angelina has performed on the TRHSN stage 6 times, in the roles of Sarah Good (The Crucible), Savva (Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekov), Twinkie Lady (The Wedding Singer), Coral (X-treme Theatre), Girl Group 1 (A Pocketful of Rhymes), and Dora Williams/Antigone (2026 Theatre Academy Showcase). Angelina is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Angelina is a member of the National English Honor Society, Retro Club, and TRHSN´s chapter of NJTSA. Outside of school she also participates in community theatre groups such as Holy Cross Theatre Group, United Theatre Company, Practically Perfect Productions, and CHAOS Theatre Company. She can also be seen performing with AOK as a vocalist.

recruitment chair, nautical stars & thespians
Luis Jarana
Luis is a Senior at TRHSN. He is in the Nautical Theatre Company. At TRHSN Luis has done 3 shows in total, The Crucible (Hopkins), Six One-Acts Plays by Anton Chekov (Evdokim Zhigalov), and Xtreme Theatre (Politics Guy) 2026. Luis is also a member of the Thespian Troupe #7455. Luis is also president and founder of Retro Club! And is part of the National Art Honor Society!

president, thespians
Noa Greenough
Noa Greenough is a Junior at TRHSN. She is a part of the Theatre Academy. At TRHSN, Noa has been seen on the TRHSN stage six times. These productions include, but are not limited to; Crazy for You (Ensemble), The Crucible (Betty Parris), Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekhov: The Bear (Elena Popova), and The Wedding Singer (Clerk). Noa was recognized by her peers as best leading actress for a One Act Play. Noa is a proud member of Thespian Troupe #7455, and extremely excited to serve as President. Outside of Theatre, Noa is Vice President of TRHSN’s Interact club. She has played Volleyball for TRHSN for the past 2 years. Noa is an active member of the community and is often seen giving time back through community service. She is a member of the student council, key club, and many more clubs. Noa is extremely excited to be a part of this amazing e-board, and looks forward to an amazing year!!

vice president, thespians
Lia Warren
Lia Warren is a senior at TRHSN. She is part of the Theatre Academy. At TRHSN, Lia has been involved in 14 shows. These productions include, but are not limited to; The Wedding Singer (Crystal), Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekhov: The Proposal (Natalya Stepanovna), Crazy For You (Follie Dancer), All in the Timing (Woman 2), Mamma Mia (ensemble), and Our Town (ensemble). She has also dedicated her time on Hair and Makeup Crew for The Crucible and Twelfth Night. Lia is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455 and is ecstatic to devote her time as Vice President. Outside of theatre, Lia is President of the National English Honor Society, a member of National Honor Society, and a member of Captains Crew. She also serves as one of Toms River North’s student leaders, First Mates! Lia is also a varsity player on the Field Hockey team and spends her time volunteering at the Ocean County Library in the summer along with assisting the theatre program at Toms River Intermediate North. Overall, she is extremely excited to be a part of the Thespian Executive Board and thrilled for next year!

historian, thespians
Brynn McKee
Brynn McKee is a Senior at TRHSN. She is a member of the Theatre Academy and Dance Academy. She is also a Thespian of troupe #7455. She has been apart of 11 productions in her time at HSN including Crazy For You( Mitzi), The Wedding Singer (Side Burns Lady), Mamma Mia ( Ensemble), Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekhov: On The High Road (Tihon). She also has been the Dance Captain for the past 2 years for Nautical Stars. She was a part of the NJ Thespians All State Show: A Chorus Line ( Lori/Dance Captain) and has been a member of the AYE( Algonquin Youth Ensemble) with Algonquin Arts Theatre which includes White Christmas (Dance Ensemble), The Wizard Of Oz (Ensemble), and Footloose (Dance Ensemble). As of the summer of 2026 she is a Dancer for Six Flags Great Adventure in the shows Let’s Get Loud ( Host/Dancer), A Great Day Parade (Dancer), and Boardwalk Nights: The Final Wave (Dancer). She is so thrilled to be spending her last year as a part of the E-Board and is so excited for the upcoming opportunities!

secretary, thespians
Amber McDaniel
Amber McDaniel is a Senior at TRHSN, student in the Theatre Academy, and a Thespian of troupe #7455. Amber has been a part of many shows with the Nautical Stars. She’s been involved in productions, including, but not limited to : Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekhov (Director), All in the Timing (Asst. Director), and Crazy For You (Sheila). She has also worked on various 25’-26’ productions as the Stage Manager Apprentice and can not wait to be the official Stage Manager for every production of the 26’-27’ season! She was also seen as the Assistant Stage Manager for the previous year’s NJ Thespian All-State Show A Chorus Line. Outside of the company Amber is involved in National Honor Society, the upcoming Science National Honor Society as the President, National English Honor Society, Politics Club as the Vice President, a part of the Marching Mariners Colorguard as one of two Section Leaders, involved in our schools spirit as the Mariner Maniacs Music Chair, Student Council, and Captains Crew.

treasurer, thespians
Liam Ryan
Liam is a Senior at HSN, He is an active member of the Theatre Academy, Thespian Troupe #7455 serving as the troupe’s treasurer . Liam has been in a Multitude of performances for the Nautical Stars Theatre Company since freshman year beginning with Our Town (Dr. Gibbs), Mamma Mia (Sky), SchoolHouse Rock (Ensemble), Xtreme Theater: Sleeping Handsome and Buff Beauty (Sleeping Handsome), Twelfth Night (Sebastian), All In the Timing: The Philadelphia (Al), Crazy for You (Pete/Custus), How to Eat Like a Child (Ensemble), Xtreme Theater: The Waffle House (Master Benedict Bates),TRNMM: Becoming The Tin Man(Nick Chopper), The Crucible (Judge Hawthorne), Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekhov: The Bear (Smirnov), The Wedding Singer (Glenn Gulia), Pocket Full of Rhymes (Ensemble), Xtreme Theatre: Chud Island (Chudley Yidelstien). He is also performing in this year’s marching band show, Tis The Season as Clark Griswald. He loves being an active member of the Politics Club. Liam hopes to pursue Acting professionally after high school.

social media coordinator, nautical stars & thespians
Marissa Henry
Marissa is a Junior at TRHSN. She is part of the Theatre Academy.At TRHSN, Marissa has performed on the TRHSN stage 7 times, in the roles of Ensemble (How To Eat Like A Child), Ensemble (Wedding Singer), Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekov, Extreme Theatre, and Ensemble (A Pocketful of Rhymes). Marissa also has experience working backstage in TRN for Twelfth Night (Costume Crew), Crazy For You (Build and Paint), and The Crucible (Build and Paint/ Front of House). Marissa is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of theatre, Marissa is part of a community theatre called BCCT where she has been in their productions of The Little Mermaid jr., Beetlejuice jr., Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer jr., and Moana jr.. Marissa is a member of the National English Honors society and Team.

chief morale officer, nautical stars & thespians
Walter Remo
Walter Remo is a sophomore at TRHSN and a part of the Theatre Academy. Walter has performed on TRHSN Stage 6 times, in the roles of John Willard (The Crucible), Waiter 1 (The Wedding Singer), Groomsman (Six One Act Plays by Anton Chekov), every show as himself (X-treme Theatre), Group 3 (A pocketful of Rhymes) and Searcy Foote/Teiresias (2026 Theatre Academy Showcase). Walter is also a member of Thespian Troupe #7455. Outside of school, Walter also does community theatre productions and has recently played the roles of Oaken (Frozen) and Joseph (The story of Jesus Christ).
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
CHRISTOPHER BURBANK
Mr. Burbank has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University. He is currently one of the band directors at Toms River North, where he also teaches Music Theory, Piano Lab, and History of Rock and Roll. Mr Burbank was the Pit Conductor for Toms River High School East's Eastside Theater company for the past 15 years; conducting shows including Sweeney Todd, In the Heights, Pippen and most recently, Disney's High School Musical. In his spare time, Mr. Burbank is a Drill Designer and Choreographer for over 20 High School Marching Bands across the country. He is very excited to be a part of the Nautical Stars Theatre Company.

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.

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.

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 six productions with the Company: Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town, Mamma Mia, Twelfth Night, and Crazy for You. 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.

costume designer / props manager / set designer (fall)
Jenny Neuhoff
Mrs. Neuhoff is a teacher at High School North, whose classes include fashion design, interior design, and technical theatre. She has been on the TRN Theatre Staff since 2022, designing the set for Matilda, The Lightning Thief, Our Town, Mamma Mia, Twelfth Night, and Crazy for You. 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.
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Hair & Makeup Designer
Joelle Mascaro
Joelle is a Toms River High School North 2022 graduate. Crazy for You was Joelle's eighth 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 designer (spring)
chris strangfeld
Chris is a theatre professional from Barnegat, NJ. He scenic designed and technical directed over 40 main stage shows at Surflight Theatre between 2020-2025. Favorite design credits for Surflight include Something Rotten, Titanic, The Addams Family, Daddy Long Legs, Steel Magnolias, The Spitfire Grill, and Million Dollar Quartet. Other scenic design credits include Next to Normal and Heathers for Comtra Theatre and Jekyll & Hyde for The Strand Theatre. Chris serves as the Director of Education at Algonquin Arts Theatre, performs in musicals and plays, and designs sound, lights, and sets as often as he is able.