Faculty

Sean Paris – Artistic Director

Sean Paris is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and has been working in the Theater and Education fields since 1988. He has worked as an actor, director, acting coach and casting director throughout the United States, Canada, on National Tours, and in New York.
Originally developing the Musical Theater program at H. W. Blake High School for the Arts in 1997, Mr. Paris returned to NY in 2001 to continue his professional career. He was thrilled to work with some of Broadway’s best actors and directors, and to witness the success of former students as they moved on to their own careers in media, movies, television, music, national tours, and Broadway. Happy to return home in 2012, Mr. Paris took the helm as the Artistic Director of the Department of Theater at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts and led the program to be one of the top theater programs in the region.

Classes: Acting 2-4, Musical Theater 3-4, Directing

Jessica Scruggs – Head of Costuming

A New York transplant with over thirteen years teaching experience, Jessica has been on faculty at Broadway Dance Center, New York Film Academy, Gateway Acting School, NYC Public Schools, Patel Conservatory, Steps, American Stage and her own private coaching practice. Many of her students have gone on to attain professional representation, and have lasting careers on Broadway and on screen as well as in the theme park and entertainment industries. As a director, Jessica’s directing credits include: Director/Choreographer- Nickelodeon on Norwegian Cruise Lines, multiple shows at the Gateway Playhouse of New York, Seussical at American Stage, A Little Princess at Patel Conservatory, numerous festivals, readings and experimental performances around New York and of course, The Wedding Singer and Sweet Charity at Blake. Jessica is a proud SAG-AFTRA actress with roles on One Life to Live, 30 Rock, Rubicon, Sesame Street and 3 Lbs. Her on-stage credits include: Of Mice and Men at Stageworks, Hair, Guys and Dolls and various original Off-Broadway shows in New York City. Her education and training include: B.A. Theatre Arts SUNY New Paltz, Professional Performing Arts School, CAP21 and The Actor’s Institute. Jessica is proudest however, of her young son and supportive husband.

Classes: Costuming 1-4; Theatre, Cinema, & Film; Theater History & Literature; Broadway Dance

Blake Conley – Technical Director

Blake Conley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Concordia College, Moorhead where he studied with René Clausen and was the recipient of the Paul J. Christiansen Choral Award. He received a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of South Florida where he studied under Robert Summer and Richard Zielinski and served as the assistant conductor to the USF Chamber Singers.

Mr. Conley is currently the Technical Director for Blake Theater, but often fills in as Music Director for many of our productions. His theatrical music direction credits include RENT, Bat Boy, Jane Eyre, Curtains, Company, Sweet Charity, Urinetown, and Violet among others.

Classes: Technical Theater 1-4