Congratulations to our June Students of the Month, Jace Groskopf and Nell Jacobsen!

Based on their instructors’ submissions, Jace was nominated by his instructor Shawn Meehan for being a team player and his dedication to Rock Band. Nell was nominated by her instructor Jaime Castellanos for her continued growth in performance skills!
Here is what Shawn, Jace’s instructor had to say about Jace:
“Jace has been dedicated to his improvement on the drums. He has continued his musical growth through learning more challenging drum parts for Rock Band. He has become the solid timekeeper that his band mates rely on in rehearsal and performance.
Jace is a team player who sees the whole picture of what it means to be part of an ensemble. His dedication to serve the music and those with whom he works is an invaluable asset.”
Here is what Jaime, Nell’s private instructor had to say about Nell:
“Nell has been doing some amazing things this year! She competed in the New England NATS competition, and she was a finalist in her division. She also recently starred as Chip in Weston Friendly Society’s production of Beauty and the Beast, and she gave a stand-out performance! Nell was also a featured performer at the NEMPAC 20th Anniversary Gala, where she brought down the house. Nell has continued to grow her musicianship and performance skills, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her!”
Allie Carufel is the Educational Programs Director for NEMPAC and an instructor for the Music Theatre Program. Allie joined NEMPAC in the Summer of 2015 to run the Summer Music Theatre Program. She teaches the Kids Music Theatre class, directs and produces the Music Theatre Troupe productions and manages the Summer programs.
Allie is a 2012 graduate of the University of Rhode Island where she earned her Bachelor's degree in English and Theatre. In 2016, Allie received her Master's Degree from Emerson College in Theatre Education and Theatre in Community. Her studies ranged from Shakespeare education, theatre for social change, theatre education outreach, curriculum and program design.
Allie completed her practicum at the Boston Arts Academy in the Theatre Arts Department and has been a teaching artist at Watertown Children's Theatre, the Huntington Theatre Company and Boston Shakespeare Project. She has taught theatre at the Advent School, Barrington Arts Alive!, Barrington Enrichment Summer Theatre, the Wilbury Theatre Group and All Children's Theatre. As an actor and director, Allie has worked at various theatres throughout RI and Boston such as the Hub Theatre Company of Boston, Open Theatre Project, the Wilbury Theatre Group, Barker Playhouse, Epic Theatre Company, Mixed Magic Theatre, and the Contemporary Theater Company.