Athena Productions

		Toni Ruscio l Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, Acting Instructor Toni is a theatre director, teacher and actor living in the Boston area. In addition to earning a Master's degree in Theatre & Community/Theatre Education from Emerson College, she also holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Boston University and has studied theatre with instructors from the Moscow Art Theatre. Toni founded Athena Productions in 2003 as a way to offer children and adults opportunities which cultivate their artistic growth. Of all her career accomplishments, establishing Athena Theatre Works: A Leadership Program for Young Women has been her pride and joy. Since 2002, Toni has directed, produced and choreographed many shows and acknowledges her students as being her inspiration. Her favorite acting roles include Mrs. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Gay Wellington in You Can't Take It With You!, Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town, Monique in La Cage aux Follies, and Esther in To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday. Visit Toni's website for more: www.toniruscio.com

		Jim Gross l Set & Graphic Design, Technical Director Jim is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, now working as a graphic designer and illustrator. He's designed and built sets for many community theaters and schools around the South Shore and has served as Athena Productions' Technical Director since its inception. Visit Jim's website for more: www.jrgart.com

		Mary Beth Brady l Music & Leadership Instructor Mary Beth has studied music and vocal performance at Boston Conservatory and was a private student of Eleanor Edwards for many years. She has served on the board of the Fine Arts Chorale and has experience as a performer and a teacher, ranging from Pop and Musical Theater to Oratorio. Currently Mary Beth serves as the music director for Sacred Heart Parish and School in Weymouth, MA. She believes in a holistic approach to singing, knowing that the voice is the only instrument created by God, which elevates singing beyond physiology and vocal technique to the spiritual expression of each person's unique voice. Mary Beth also holds a BA in Biology and Health Education from Northeastern University, a MEd from Bridgewater State University and a MA from St. John's College.

		Cheri Kondrat l Music Instructor and Costume Design Cheri Kondrat is the Music and Fine Arts Director at Saint Francis Xavier School, Weymouth.

		Miki Joseph l Dance and Acting Instructor Actor, Aunt, Ballroom Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Cook, Crossword Puzzle Ace, Dancer, Director, Friend, Grandmother, Great Aunt, Great-Great Aunt, Mother, Producer, Scrabble Player, Set Designer, Sister, Theater Aficionado, Writer. Miki has spent more than thirty years in the world of theater. Of all the 'Artful' endeavors she has undertaken, she says that working with children is her favorite. "Of all the rewards which working in theater can bring to one's life, just watching those precious youngsters bloom and express themselves is what brings the most peace and pride."