A faculty of dreamers, shakers, and movers you can't help but fall in love with.
our faculty
Meet the YDTP Faculty
YDTP Faculty
Andorlie Hillstrom
Founder/Artistic Producer
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Kerry Ann Doherty
Guest Instructor
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Celeste Brillon
Musical Theatre/Dance
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Samantha Uhl
Music & Movement/Theatre
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Carter Vahrmeyer
Film Academy Instructor
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Eden Kennedy
Asst Instructor Film Academy
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Travis Seetoo
Guest Instructor
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KATIE RYERSON
Acting for the Stage
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Warren Bain
Guest Instructor
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Julia Celetti
Advanced Musical Theatre Asst
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Johanna Carnovale
Admin & Tech Specialist
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Maria Ordonez
Studio Admin Asst
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The Founder and Artistic Producer of Yellow Door Theatre Project, ANDORLIE HILLSTROM is a seasoned musical theatre professional, and a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake. She is eager to continue sharing her skills and passion with youth in the Niagara Region.
Andorlie has taught drama, musical theatre, voice and piano for several years, and has been a musical theatre adjudicator in regional and Provincial music festivals across Canada.
Her current and past successes include the ownership and operation of Class Act Performing Arts Studios in Regina - now celebrating over twenty five years of high calibre dance, drama and musical theatre instruction; being the Founder and past Artistic Director of Do It With Class Young People’s Theatre and having directed over forty musicals during her tenure; professional performances at the Globe Theatre in Regina; Persephone Theatre and Twenty-fifth Theatres in Saskatoon; and Manitoba Theatre Centre; Rainbow Stage and Actor’s Showcase in Winnipeg; being a founding director and Co-Artistic Director of The Golden Apple Theatre in Regina, having performed in its inaugural presentation of Jacques Brel; directed God of Carnage and Mary’s Wedding.
Andorlie has produced and/or directed the following shows for Yellow Door Theatre Project: Peter Pan (2015), The Little Prince (2016), Wind in the Willows (2017), Robin Hood (2018), Drama 101 (2018), Bremen Rock City (2019), several Summer Camp Musicals and Going Under (2019), Hansel & Gretel (2021) and several Summer Camp Musicals.
Andorlie studied in both the Bachelor of Music Performance and Drama Programs at the University of Saskatchewan, and continued scholarship studies in the Voice/Opera Program at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts.
A professional theatre creator for over 25 years, KERRY ANN DOHERTY has performed and directed across Canada and in the UK.
Specializing in Physical Theatre, Shakespeare, Musicals and Collaboration, Kerry Ann has directed or assisted with Carousel Players (The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh), Studio 180 (OSLO), Queens Theatre Hornchurch (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Goldsmiths University (the new musical One More Time) and University of Essex (Tenderloin, Like a Memory Lost, Asking For It).
She is the Founding Artistic Director of Little Lion Theatre in London, UK and the Founder and current Artistic Director of theatreSix where she recently directed the Dora nominated Grounded. She holds a BFA with a major in Drama and minor in Dance from the University of Calgary and a MFA in Directing from East 15 (University of Essex).
CELESTE BRILLON is a graduate of Sheridan College’s ‘Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre performance’ program. She is the co-founder of ‘The And, Stage Company’ a theatre company created for women by women. Her company produced the first ever all female production of Reasons To Be Pretty where she played the role of ‘Kent’.
From a young age, Celeste began taking dance, voice and acting lessons.
Celeste has been in Theatre Sheridan’s production of On The Town (featured dancer), CMTP Pump Up The Volume (Cali), Nine (ensemble) and Cabaret (ensemble). She played the role of (Mrs./Harriet) in Eclipse Theatre production of Sunday in The Park with George. She performed the lead role of ‘Reno Sweeney’ in Anything Goes at Laura Secord Secondary School. Celeste has performed at The Shaw Festival for three seasons in Sunday in the Park with George (Louise), The Women (Little Mary) and My Fair Lady (ensemble), and has performed the role of Klara in The Nutcracker with Ballet Jorgen (Toronto) for three years.
Celeste has also attained her ‘Advanced One’ in Cecchetti Ballet. As well, she has sung as the guest soloist with the Niagara Symphony in their Pop Series.
Celeste is proud to have been working with the Yellow Door Theatre Project for the past two summers teaching, choreographing and working with the kids.
Samantha Uhl is a theatre and music creator, as well as a voice and piano teacher. She graduated from York University and received her BFA in Theatre, specializing in Devised Theatre and Playwriting. Samantha has performance and stage management credits from York productions, and most recently stage managed Drag Me Out with Essential Collective Theatre. Samantha has been working with children for the past 8 years, whether it be at summer camps, daycares, nannying, or teaching music lessons. She has a passion for integrating music into the lives of children. She is currently studying at Loyalist College to get her Early Childhood Education Diploma. She has also written and released multiple songs on Apple Music and Spotify.
Carter Vahrmeyer is a filmmaker and director from St. Catharines Ontario. Carter graduated from the phenomenal Broadcasting (BRTF) program at Niagara College in 2019. He then went on to work for a marketing agency in Toronto. While there, he directed and shot numerous productions such as commercials, web series, corporate videos, and podcasts.
Carter now runs his own production company, Vacant Inn Productions, where he works with clients to create music videos, commercials, corporate videos, and much more.
Since starting his career Carter has had the opportunity to direct videos for companies such as Nokia, Bulk Barn, Kraft Heinz, and many more. He is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of talented filmmakers through the Goettler Family Film Academy.
A graduate of the Niagara College Film program, Eden Kennedy is very pleased to be working for Yellow Door Theatre Company. She comes from a musical theatre background that started when she was 10 years old. Acting, singing and dancing has always been something that fills her with so much joy. She participated in shows at her elementary school, high school, with Garden City Productions, and had the opportunity to be a part of The Shaw Festival Theatres performance of Ragtime. Her experience with theatre is what sparked the interest in the film world, which led her through 3 years of learning about the art of filmmaking. Since graduating college, she has worked on set with different production companies and independently produced two short films. Eden will always encourage herself and others to dream big and create art through their freedom of expression.
SHAW 2023: Brigadoon, The Game of Love and Chance and The Apple Cart; 10th season. (Selected Credits) FOR THE SHAW: A Christmas Carol (2021–22), Everybody, Too True To Be Good, Shawground (2021), Fairground (2021), Nick Carraway in Gatsby’s Jazz, Sonny’s Blues, Harry Beaton in Brigadoon (2019), Charles Granillo in Rope, Erik Litnaur in Grand Hotel, Digory in The Magician’s Nephew, Archdeacon John Strachan in 1837: The Farmers’ Revolt, Me and My Girl, Pygmalion, Sweet Charity, Juno and the Paycock, Cabaret, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Guys and Dolls. ELSEWHERE: Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd, Talk Is Free Theatre/UK tour; Jay in Mustard, Tarragon Theatre; Jack in Into the Woods, Thousand Islands Playhouse; West Side Story, Citadel; Sleeping Beauty, Ross Petty Productions; Rolf in The Sound of Music, Theatre Aquarius; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Pirates of Penzance, Stratford Festival.
Katie Ryerson (she/her) is an actor, singer, voice over artist, and Niagara-on-the-Lake local and is thrilled to be teaching at Yellow Door. She has performed across the country in musicals, Shakespeare, and new Canadian plays and was most recently on-stage as Moaning Myrtle in the original Canadian company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. She is most excited by ensemble based work and loves exploring big, bold physical and vocal choices. She looks forward to seeing you and your child at Yellow Door!
WARREN BAIN (he/him) is a Theatre Artist and Arts Educator hailing from Toronto and now resides in Niagara-on-the-Lake where he is the Education Coordinator at The Shaw Festival. He has two decades of experience touring across Canada and has extensive training in Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and Theatre of the Oppressed. He holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Toronto Metropolitan University; member of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association & ACTRA; past participant of the Toronto Fringe TENT Program; graduate with excellence of Humber College’s Arts Administration & Cultural Management Program; Administrative Coordinator and an Artist Workshop Facilitator for Sparkin’ Art!, an online creative workshop and intergenerational inclusive arts mentorship program for people living in rural Ontario; and is Artistic Associate with Sheatre, a rural based arts organization whose mission it is to use theatre and the arts to empower individuals and contribute to a healthy, compassionate society. (warrenbain.com)
Julia has been a vocal and piano instructor at the Ontario Conservatory of Music in St. Catharines since 2019. She also performs for special events as a pianist with The Fox Duo. She has served as music director for Yellow Door Theatre Project’s summer productions of Shrek Jr. and Mary Poppins, and as assistant music director for the fall production of Newsies. She encourages every performer to draw parallels between their own feelings and those of their character when performing, and to always believe in their capacity as performers. Most importantly, she hopes to ensure that all performers have fun exploring the magic of theatre!
JOHANNA CARNOVALE joined the team in March 2024 as the new Administrative & Technical Service Specialist. She is a graduate of OISE at the University of Toronto and spent 10 years running arts-based preschool classes and summer camps before the pandemic hit in 2020. Since then she spent the last few years working in the field of Web Design.
Johanna has always had a love of making things functional and beautiful, and since 2014 has been continuously renovating her mid-century East Toronto house, much to the chagrin of her endlessly patient partner, Mike, who is luckily very, very handy. As mom to two of the world's silliest kids Jo loves to talk all things parenting, design, renovation, cooking, and self care!
Hello, my name is Maria Ordonez, and I will be the new administrative assistant at Yellow Door Theater Project. A little about me: I love dancing, listening to music and learning about art for wellness. As a student art therapist, I have a deep understanding of the power of art, creativity and self-expression. Additionally, my background in the childcare field has equipped me with valuable insights to foster a nurturing and safe environment for your children. I am thrilled to be joining the Yellow Door Therapy Project family and look forward to contributing to our mission of promoting creative expression through art education and training.
Andorlie Hillstrom
founder/artistic producer
The Founder and Artistic Producer of Yellow Door Theatre Project, ANDORLIE HILLSTROM is a seasoned musical theatre professional, and a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake. She is eager to continue sharing her skills and passion with youth in the Niagara Region.
Andorlie has taught drama, musical theatre, voice and piano for several years, and has been a musical theatre adjudicator in regional and Provincial music festivals across Canada.
Her current and past successes include the ownership and operation of Class Act Performing Arts Studios in Regina - now celebrating over twenty five years of high calibre dance, drama and musical theatre instruction; being the Founder and past Artistic Director of Do It With Class Young People’s Theatre and having directed over forty musicals during her tenure; professional performances at the Globe Theatre in Regina; Persephone Theatre and Twenty-fifth Theatres in Saskatoon; and Manitoba Theatre Centre; Rainbow Stage and Actor’s Showcase in Winnipeg; being a founding director and Co-Artistic Director of The Golden Apple Theatre in Regina, having performed in its inaugural presentation of Jacques Brel; directed God of Carnage and Mary’s Wedding.
Andorlie has produced and/or directed the following shows for Yellow Door Theatre Project: Peter Pan (2015), The Little Prince (2016), Wind in the Willows (2017), Robin Hood (2018), Drama 101 (2018), Bremen Rock City (2019), several Summer Camp Musicals and Going Under (2019), Hansel & Gretel (2021) and several Summer Camp Musicals.
Andorlie studied in both the Bachelor of Music Performance and Drama Programs at the University of Saskatchewan, and continued scholarship studies in the Voice/Opera Program at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts.
Kerry Ann Doherty
Guest Instructor
A professional theatre creator for over 25 years, KERRY ANN DOHERTY has performed and directed across Canada and in the UK.
Specializing in Physical Theatre, Shakespeare, Musicals and Collaboration, Kerry Ann has directed or assisted with Carousel Players (The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh), Studio 180 (OSLO), Queens Theatre Hornchurch (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Goldsmiths University (the new musical One More Time) and University of Essex (Tenderloin, Like a Memory Lost, Asking For It).
She is the Founding Artistic Director of Little Lion Theatre in London, UK and the Founder and current Artistic Director of theatreSix where she recently directed the Dora nominated Grounded. She holds a BFA with a major in Drama and minor in Dance from the University of Calgary and a MFA in Directing from East 15 (University of Essex).
Celeste Brillon
Musical Theatre/Dance
CELESTE BRILLON is a graduate of Sheridan College’s ‘Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre performance’ program. She is the co-founder of ‘The And, Stage Company’ a theatre company created for women by women. Her company produced the first ever all female production of Reasons To Be Pretty where she played the role of ‘Kent’.
From a young age, Celeste began taking dance, voice and acting lessons.
Celeste has been in Theatre Sheridan’s production of On The Town (featured dancer), CMTP Pump Up The Volume (Cali), Nine (ensemble) and Cabaret (ensemble). She played the role of (Mrs./Harriet) in Eclipse Theatre production of Sunday in The Park with George. She performed the lead role of ‘Reno Sweeney’ in Anything Goes at Laura Secord Secondary School. Celeste has performed at The Shaw Festival for three seasons in Sunday in the Park with George (Louise), The Women (Little Mary) and My Fair Lady (ensemble), and has performed the role of Klara in The Nutcracker with Ballet Jorgen (Toronto) for three years.
Celeste has also attained her ‘Advanced One’ in Cecchetti Ballet. As well, she has sung as the guest soloist with the Niagara Symphony in their Pop Series.
Celeste is proud to have been working with the Yellow Door Theatre Project for the past two summers teaching, choreographing and working with the kids.
Samantha Uhl
Preschool Music & Movement & Devised Theatre Instructor
Samantha Uhl is a theatre and music creator, as well as a voice and piano teacher. She graduated from York University and received her BFA in Theatre, specializing in Devised Theatre and Playwriting. Samantha has performance and stage management credits from York productions, and most recently stage managed Drag Me Out with Essential Collective Theatre. Samantha has been working with children for the past 8 years, whether it be at summer camps, daycares, nannying, or teaching music lessons. She has a passion for integrating music into the lives of children. She is currently studying at Loyalist College to get her Early Childhood Education Diploma. She has also written and released multiple songs on Apple Music and Spotify.
Carter Vahrmeyer
Film Academy Instructor
Carter Vahrmeyer is a filmmaker and director from St. Catharines Ontario. Carter graduated from the phenomenal Broadcasting (BRTF) program at Niagara College in 2019. He then went on to work for a marketing agency in Toronto. While there, he directed and shot numerous productions such as commercials, web series, corporate videos, and podcasts.
Carter now runs his own production company, Vacant Inn Productions, where he works with clients to create music videos, commercials, corporate videos, and much more.
Since starting his career Carter has had the opportunity to direct videos for companies such as Nokia, Bulk Barn, Kraft Heinz, and many more. He is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of talented filmmakers through the Goettler Family Film Academy.
Eden Kennedy
Assistant Instructor Film Academy
A graduate of the Niagara College Film program, Eden Kennedy is very pleased to be working for Yellow Door Theatre Company. She comes from a musical theatre background that started when she was 10 years old. Acting, singing and dancing has always been something that fills her with so much joy. She participated in shows at her elementary school, high school, with Garden City Productions, and had the opportunity to be a part of The Shaw Festival Theatres performance of Ragtime. Her experience with theatre is what sparked the interest in the film world, which led her through 3 years of learning about the art of filmmaking. Since graduating college, she has worked on set with different production companies and independently produced two short films. Eden will always encourage herself and others to dream big and create art through their freedom of expression.
Travis Seetoo
Advanced Musical Theatre Guest Instructor
SHAW 2023: Brigadoon, The Game of Love and Chance and The Apple Cart; 10th season. (Selected Credits) FOR THE SHAW: A Christmas Carol (2021–22), Everybody, Too True To Be Good, Shawground (2021), Fairground (2021), Nick Carraway in Gatsby’s Jazz, Sonny’s Blues, Harry Beaton in Brigadoon (2019), Charles Granillo in Rope, Erik Litnaur in Grand Hotel, Digory in The Magician’s Nephew, Archdeacon John Strachan in 1837: The Farmers’ Revolt, Me and My Girl, Pygmalion, Sweet Charity, Juno and the Paycock, Cabaret, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Guys and Dolls. ELSEWHERE: Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd, Talk Is Free Theatre/UK tour; Jay in Mustard, Tarragon Theatre; Jack in Into the Woods, Thousand Islands Playhouse; West Side Story, Citadel; Sleeping Beauty, Ross Petty Productions; Rolf in The Sound of Music, Theatre Aquarius; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Pirates of Penzance, Stratford Festival.
Katie Ryerson
Acting for the Stage
Katie Ryerson (she/her) is an actor, singer, voice over artist, and Niagara-on-the-Lake local and is thrilled to be teaching at Yellow Door. She has performed across the country in musicals, Shakespeare, and new Canadian plays and was most recently on-stage as Moaning Myrtle in the original Canadian company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. She is most excited by ensemble based work and loves exploring big, bold physical and vocal choices. She looks forward to seeing you and your child at Yellow Door!
Warren Bain
Acting for the Stage Guest Instructor
WARREN BAIN (he/him) is a Theatre Artist and Arts Educator hailing from Toronto and now resides in Niagara-on-the-Lake where he is the Education Coordinator at The Shaw Festival. He has two decades of experience touring across Canada and has extensive training in Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and Theatre of the Oppressed. He holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Toronto Metropolitan University; member of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association & ACTRA; past participant of the Toronto Fringe TENT Program; graduate with excellence of Humber College’s Arts Administration & Cultural Management Program; Administrative Coordinator and an Artist Workshop Facilitator for Sparkin’ Art!, an online creative workshop and intergenerational inclusive arts mentorship program for people living in rural Ontario; and is Artistic Associate with Sheatre, a rural based arts organization whose mission it is to use theatre and the arts to empower individuals and contribute to a healthy, compassionate society. (warrenbain.com)
Julia Celetti
Advanced Musical Theatre Assistant Instructor
Julia has been a vocal and piano instructor at the Ontario Conservatory of Music in St.
Catharines since 2019. She also performs for special events as a pianist with The Fox Duo. She has served as music director for Yellow Door Theatre Project’s summer productions of Shrek Jr. and Mary Poppins, and as assistant music director for the fall production of Newsies. She encourages every performer to draw parallels between their own feelings and those of their character when performing, and to always believe in their capacity as performers. Most importantly, she hopes to ensure that all performers have fun exploring the magic of theatre!
Johanna Carnovale
Administrative & Technical Service Specialist
JOHANNA CARNOVALE joined the team in March 2024 as the new Administrative & Technical Service Specialist. She is a graduate of OISE at the University of Toronto and spent 10 years running arts-based preschool classes and summer camps before the pandemic hit in 2020. Since then she spent the last few years working in the field of Web Design.
Johanna has always had a love of making things functional and beautiful, and since 2014 has been continuously renovating her mid-century East Toronto house, much to the chagrin of her endlessly patient partner, Mike, who is luckily very, very handy. As mom to two of the world's silliest kids Jo loves to talk all things parenting, design, renovation, cooking, and self care!
Maria Ordonez
Studio Administrative Assistant
Hello, my name is Maria Ordonez, and I will be the new administrative assistant at Yellow Door Theater Project. A little about me: I love dancing, listening to music and learning about art for wellness. As a student art therapist, I have a deep understanding of the power of art, creativity and self-expression. Additionally, my background in the childcare field has equipped me with valuable insights to foster a nurturing and safe environment for your children. I am thrilled to be joining the Yellow Door Therapy Project family and look forward to contributing to our mission of promoting creative expression through art education and training.
