Our Passionate Instructors

At Veridian Arts Academy, we are proud to have a team of dedicated and experienced instructors who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of performers. Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom, providing students with the skills and guidance they need to succeed in the performing arts.

Anya Petrova

Acting Instructor

Anya Petrova is a seasoned actress with over 15 years of experience in theater and film. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the University of Washington and has performed in numerous productions across the Pacific Northwest. Anya's teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to find their unique voice and approach to acting. She believes in creating a supportive and challenging learning environment where students can take risks, explore their creativity, and develop their craft. Anya specializes in method acting and scene study. She brings energy and precision to every lesson.

Ben Carter

Dance Instructor

Ben Carter is a professional dancer and choreographer with a background in ballet, contemporary, and jazz. He trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and has performed with several leading dance companies in the United States. Ben is committed to helping students develop strong technique, artistry, and confidence. He emphasizes the importance of musicality, expression, and storytelling in dance. He's developed a unique class for Veridian, designed for students to explore their own creativity through movement.

Clara Schmidt

Musical Theater Instructor

Clara Schmidt is a triple-threat performer with extensive experience in musical theater. She has starred in regional and national tours of Broadway hits. Clara is passionate about sharing her love of musical theater with students of all ages and skill levels. Her teaching approach focuses on integrating singing, acting, and dancing to create compelling and authentic performances. She graduated from Julliard with honors. Her knowledge and passion bring energy to every workshop and class at Veridian Arts Academy.

David Lee

Voice Instructor

David Lee is a highly sought-after vocal coach with over 20 years of experience working with singers of all genres. He holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Southern California and has trained numerous successful recording artists and stage performers. David's teaching philosophy emphasizes vocal health, technique, and artistry. He helps students develop their vocal range, power, and control while protecting their voices from injury. He's known in Seattle for his popular workshops and positive attitude, making him one of the most beloved teachers in the performing arts community.

Elena Rodriguez

Ballet Instructor

Elena Rodriguez is a former principal dancer with the Seattle Opera Ballet. She trained at the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia and has performed leading roles in classical and contemporary ballets around the world. Elena is dedicated to preserving the traditions of classical ballet while also exploring new and innovative approaches to the art form. She is known for her rigorous training methods and her commitment to excellence. Her gentle yet firm guidance helps aspiring dancers reach their peak potential.

Ethan Miller

Improvisation Instructor

Ethan Miller is a renowned improvisation artist and comedian with a passion for helping students unlock their creative potential through spontaneous and collaborative performance. He has performed with leading improv troupes in Chicago and Los Angeles and has taught workshops at comedy festivals around the world. Ethan's teaching style is energetic, playful, and supportive. He encourages students to embrace failure, take risks, and trust their instincts. His workshops are known for their laughter and collaborative spirit. He's a firm believer that everyone can benefit from the skills learned through improv - from enhanced communication to boosted self-confidence.

Fatima Hassan

World Dance Instructor

Fatima Hassan is an internationally recognized dancer and choreographer specializing in diverse world dance traditions. From Bollywood to Afro-fusion to traditional Middle Eastern styles, Fatima's classes offer a unique opportunity to explore global cultures through movement. She's performed and taught across four continents, bringing a rich blend of authenticity and modern interpretation to her instruction. Students appreciate her patient guidance, contagious enthusiasm, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Fatima believes that dance is a universal language that can bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

Gregory Olsen

Stage Combat Instructor

Gregory Olsen is a certified stage combat instructor with extensive experience choreographing fight scenes for theater, film, and television. He brings a unique blend of martial arts expertise and theatrical artistry to his instruction. Gregory teaches students how to safely and effectively execute a wide range of stage combat techniques, from sword fighting to hand-to-hand combat. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, character development, and partner work in creating believable and engaging fight scenes. Safety is always his top priority.