About Trinity Studios:
At Trinity Studios, we believe in a well-rounded performing arts education – combining learning for the body, mind and heart. We offer classes in dance, fitness and wellness for ages 3-adult. Trinity Dance Company students receive a balanced dance education in Ballet and Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Acro/Tumbling, Musical Theater and Hip-Hop at the performance and competition level.
Trinity Dance Company Performance and Competition Troupe offers passionate dancers, age 7-18, opportunities to compete in Regional and National dance competitions with our award winning competition troupe and to perform both locally and around the country at venues like Newton Theatre, The Mohawk House, Sussex County Miners Games, Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios Theme Parks, Hershey Park, Six Flags-Great Adventure and more...
The Academy focuses on developing “triple-threat” skills in the areas of dance, acting, theater arts and voice training. Invitation to the Academy Musical Theatre Competition Troupe is by Audition/Invitation Only. The Academy also offers Musical Theater workshops and classes throughout the year and the summer for all students aged 8-18, as well as stage productions, which are open to auditions from the entire community through the Black Cat Theatre Company of New Jersey.
Trinity Dance Company Summer Programs and Camps offer both studio students and visiting students exposure to all genres of dance and theater in a fun, theme environment. Summer camps run throughout July and August for beginner through advanced dancers.
Meet The Team at Trinity Studios:
Lauren Fraser - Director
Musical Theater, Production, Theater Arts, Musical Theater Troupe
Lauren brings her passion for theater and musical theater to Trinity Studios. Having literally been raised in local community and regional, professional theaters throughout her childhood, (The Country Theatre, Pegasus Players, Cornerstone Playhouse, NJPAC to name a few), Lauren sought to bring together a highly qualified team of instructors to offer a well rounded performance education to the talented young people in our community as well as unique performance opportunities. Trinity Studios was born from her love of the stage.
Lauren has performed at NJPAC's Victoria Theater in Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Philia); and Face the Music (Pickles Crouse). Locally, Lauren has performed in various stage productions and musicals since her first stage appearance as one of the King of Siam's children in The King & I with the NE Lyric Opera Company at the age of 7.
Lauren was born and raised in Sussex County, NJ. She graduated from High Point Regional HS and had leading roles in all of the musicals under the direction of Ned Kinney, Warren Helms and Russell Maitland. Her roles included Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! and Connie in NJ's first HS performance of A Chorus Line (1991) where she learned and performed much of the original Broadway choreography (and still remembers it!).
Following HS, Lauren graduated from Rutgers College with a dual BA degree in History and Political Science and then Seton Hall University School of Law with her JD, but she continued to pursue her love of performing. As a teenager, she studied voice with Barbara Davis and for the last 10 years, has trained with Linda Benanti at Linda Benanti Voice Studio, and with Madison Washer. As a kid, Lauren studied dance at the Branchville Dance Center at the Country Theatre, and re-started her dance education at Synergy Dance Company (2012-2017).
In 2022, Lauren founded the Black Cat Theatre Company of New Jersey, which offers intimate theater performances as well as dinner theater events in the local area. Lauren serves as the Playwright in Residence for BCTC having penned four murder mystery comedies: "Death at the Perky Papoose" (2017); "Game of Abbeys" (2023); "Bad Weed" (2024); and "Death Underground Pasta" (coming to Industry Kitchen + Bar, October 2024).
When not in the studio or on stage, Lauren is a nationally recognized Trial Attorney with the law firm of Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins, PC, practicing Personal Injury Law. Lauren lectures throughout the country on trial preparation and presentation and recently co-authored, "Experts: Picking, Preparing, Perfecting," for Thomson Reuters/AAJ Press. She is also a published author of a young adult fiction series. The first book Trinity (2012) was an Amazon Best Seller in its genre. Queen Makers was published in 2016 and Rose of the Field, the final installment of the series, is due to be released... any day now. Lauren also enjoys the outdoors, fitness, trail running with the Salt Shakers Trail Running Club, singing and dancing. She is dance mom to Anna Elizabeth (AKA Anna Banana) and fur mom to dog, Sally Mae, and cats - Brian Boitano Griffin, Olivia Jean and Roger Henry Charles Clemens.
Musical Theater, Production, Theater Arts, Musical Theater Troupe
Lauren brings her passion for theater and musical theater to Trinity Studios. Having literally been raised in local community and regional, professional theaters throughout her childhood, (The Country Theatre, Pegasus Players, Cornerstone Playhouse, NJPAC to name a few), Lauren sought to bring together a highly qualified team of instructors to offer a well rounded performance education to the talented young people in our community as well as unique performance opportunities. Trinity Studios was born from her love of the stage.
Lauren has performed at NJPAC's Victoria Theater in Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Philia); and Face the Music (Pickles Crouse). Locally, Lauren has performed in various stage productions and musicals since her first stage appearance as one of the King of Siam's children in The King & I with the NE Lyric Opera Company at the age of 7.
Lauren was born and raised in Sussex County, NJ. She graduated from High Point Regional HS and had leading roles in all of the musicals under the direction of Ned Kinney, Warren Helms and Russell Maitland. Her roles included Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! and Connie in NJ's first HS performance of A Chorus Line (1991) where she learned and performed much of the original Broadway choreography (and still remembers it!).
Following HS, Lauren graduated from Rutgers College with a dual BA degree in History and Political Science and then Seton Hall University School of Law with her JD, but she continued to pursue her love of performing. As a teenager, she studied voice with Barbara Davis and for the last 10 years, has trained with Linda Benanti at Linda Benanti Voice Studio, and with Madison Washer. As a kid, Lauren studied dance at the Branchville Dance Center at the Country Theatre, and re-started her dance education at Synergy Dance Company (2012-2017).
In 2022, Lauren founded the Black Cat Theatre Company of New Jersey, which offers intimate theater performances as well as dinner theater events in the local area. Lauren serves as the Playwright in Residence for BCTC having penned four murder mystery comedies: "Death at the Perky Papoose" (2017); "Game of Abbeys" (2023); "Bad Weed" (2024); and "Death Underground Pasta" (coming to Industry Kitchen + Bar, October 2024).
When not in the studio or on stage, Lauren is a nationally recognized Trial Attorney with the law firm of Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins, PC, practicing Personal Injury Law. Lauren lectures throughout the country on trial preparation and presentation and recently co-authored, "Experts: Picking, Preparing, Perfecting," for Thomson Reuters/AAJ Press. She is also a published author of a young adult fiction series. The first book Trinity (2012) was an Amazon Best Seller in its genre. Queen Makers was published in 2016 and Rose of the Field, the final installment of the series, is due to be released... any day now. Lauren also enjoys the outdoors, fitness, trail running with the Salt Shakers Trail Running Club, singing and dancing. She is dance mom to Anna Elizabeth (AKA Anna Banana) and fur mom to dog, Sally Mae, and cats - Brian Boitano Griffin, Olivia Jean and Roger Henry Charles Clemens.
- Melissa Stewart - Assistant Director - Dance Education
Melissa received her BA in Dance from DeSales University. She has danced throughout her entire life and enjoys every style of dance. As a dance instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience, Melissa believes in teaching proper technique, injury prevention, body awareness, creativity, creating well-rounded dancers and artists, and has conducted extensive research in child development and the benefits of dance.
Melissa has an extensive and diverse dance education having studied with various notable instructors including: Vincent Brosseau and Trinette Singleton of the Joffrey Ballet; Marisa Cervesis of the New York City Ballet; Gretchen McLaine, Terry Creach, Lynne Mariani, and others. She has attended workshops and master classes such as Alvin Ailey Company, American College Dance Festival, Michael Snipes Jr., Darla Stanley, Jennifer Muller, Rebecca Herman, Cherie Noble, Jeffrey Dog-Marks, Germaine Salzberg, and with members of the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Melissa has continued her training as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer by attending classes at Broadway Dance Center and the Pulse Teacher Workshop in NYC, where she studied under Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Shake Sparks, Cris Judd, Dave Scott, and Gil Duldulao, and Laurieann Gibson of “So You Think You Can Dance.” She also studied under Broadway Dance Center faculty: Finis Jhung, Beth Goheen, Sally Mae Dunn (for active isolation flexibility), Ovi Miller and Ofer Ben, Ginger Cox, Dawn Hillen, Deborah Wilson, Michele Barber, and pre-dance educator, Toni Noblett.
Melissa is a member of the National Dance Education Organization. She resides in Andover with her husband Allan and their two daughters. We are so happy to have Ms. Melissa on our team at Trinity Studios to share her passion for dance and her drive for performance excellence.
Kristeen McConnon - Senior Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Ballet, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Early Childhood Creative Movement and Dance
We are so excited to have Ms. Kristeen join our Rock Star faculty at Trinity Studios. Kristeen has an extensive background in dance and dance education. She was a longtime dance teacher and instructor at studios in Morris County while her children were also dance students. When not in the studio, Kristeen is a teacher of special needs students in the Jefferson Township School District.
Ballet, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Early Childhood Creative Movement and Dance
We are so excited to have Ms. Kristeen join our Rock Star faculty at Trinity Studios. Kristeen has an extensive background in dance and dance education. She was a longtime dance teacher and instructor at studios in Morris County while her children were also dance students. When not in the studio, Kristeen is a teacher of special needs students in the Jefferson Township School District.
Ashley Tirone - Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz
Ashley joined us after completing an internship with our studio through the Morris County Technical School and County College of Morris Academy of Visual and Performing Arts dual admissions program. Ashley has extensive dance, choreography and performance experience and we are thrilled to have her talents at our studio.
Ashley is a graduate of Centenary University, with a degree in Psychology. When not in the studio, she is a Registered Behavior Technician working with children with intellectual disabilities in early intervention, and currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Behavior Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology.
Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz
Ashley joined us after completing an internship with our studio through the Morris County Technical School and County College of Morris Academy of Visual and Performing Arts dual admissions program. Ashley has extensive dance, choreography and performance experience and we are thrilled to have her talents at our studio.
Ashley is a graduate of Centenary University, with a degree in Psychology. When not in the studio, she is a Registered Behavior Technician working with children with intellectual disabilities in early intervention, and currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Behavior Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology.
Mattison (Mattie) McCurry - Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Acro/Tumbling, Jazz and Dance & Pom Team
Mattison (Miss Mattie) is an exceptionally accomplished dancer who has competed in dance throughout her entire life. She has been recognized by the True Talent National Talent Competition as a "Triple-Threat" finalist.
Mattie is a graduate of the Performing Arts program at Sussex County Technical School where she also ran track and cross country. She is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University, and studying for her Masters Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University.
Acro/Tumbling, Jazz and Dance & Pom Team
Mattison (Miss Mattie) is an exceptionally accomplished dancer who has competed in dance throughout her entire life. She has been recognized by the True Talent National Talent Competition as a "Triple-Threat" finalist.
Mattie is a graduate of the Performing Arts program at Sussex County Technical School where she also ran track and cross country. She is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University, and studying for her Masters Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University.
Tina Firzlaff - Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Early Childhood Dance, Acro, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Tina is a veteran competition dancer and performer with Trinity Studios and served as an Assistant Dance Teacher with us over the last three years. She has been recognized by the True Talent National Dance Competition as a "Triple Threat." She is a dance student at County College of Morris and administrative assistant at Hilltop Country Day School.
Tina is also a company actor with Black Cat Theatre Co. of NJ, having appeared in "Game of Abbeys," "Bad Weed," and "Death at 15 Below." We are delighted to have Tina's dance expertise and creativity with costume design at Trinity. Tina will be expanding her dance education and attending the residency program at CLI Dance Program in MA.
Early Childhood Dance, Acro, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Tina is a veteran competition dancer and performer with Trinity Studios and served as an Assistant Dance Teacher with us over the last three years. She has been recognized by the True Talent National Dance Competition as a "Triple Threat." She is a dance student at County College of Morris and administrative assistant at Hilltop Country Day School.
Tina is also a company actor with Black Cat Theatre Co. of NJ, having appeared in "Game of Abbeys," "Bad Weed," and "Death at 15 Below." We are delighted to have Tina's dance expertise and creativity with costume design at Trinity. Tina will be expanding her dance education and attending the residency program at CLI Dance Program in MA.
Bria DeGroat - Dance Instructor
Tap, HipHop
We are so excited to have Miss Bria join our talented faculty. Bria was a member of our Competition Dance Troupe since it was formed in 2020. Prior to that, she danced with Dance Dimensions by Michelle, focusing her performances in Tap and HipHop. She is also an accomplished contemporary style dancer as well. For the past 2 years, Bria served as an Assistant Dance Instructor for our Tap and HipHop classes.
Bria was a Culinary graduate of Sussex County Technical School and is currently pursuing a Business Degree at CCM. In addition to performing, Bria's ultimate passion is baking and her goal is to own her own Bake Shop (which we ALL look forward to...)
Tap, HipHop
We are so excited to have Miss Bria join our talented faculty. Bria was a member of our Competition Dance Troupe since it was formed in 2020. Prior to that, she danced with Dance Dimensions by Michelle, focusing her performances in Tap and HipHop. She is also an accomplished contemporary style dancer as well. For the past 2 years, Bria served as an Assistant Dance Instructor for our Tap and HipHop classes.
Bria was a Culinary graduate of Sussex County Technical School and is currently pursuing a Business Degree at CCM. In addition to performing, Bria's ultimate passion is baking and her goal is to own her own Bake Shop (which we ALL look forward to...)
Emily Arney - Choreographer
Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Production
Emily graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Education (P.E.) and a Minor in Dance. She also received her Associates Degree in Fine Arts for Dance from the County College of Morris .
Emily comes from a "dance family." Not only has she been dancing since elementary school, she has also performed in multiple musical theater productions. Emily has served as the Assistant Choreographer at Mount Saint Dominic Academy, the Junior Choreographer at Trinity Academy (no relation to our studio...although pretty cool coincidence), and also the Dance Team Moderator at Mount Saint Dominic Academy. Emily has choreographed productions of The Boyfriend, Peter Pan, 42nd Street, and Bye Bye Birdie and has choreographed Trinity Academy’s productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Godspell and Shrek the Musical. In addition, Emily has performed at the 42nd Street Y in NYC with the Garden State Dance Company in their Hip Hop/Modern performance of Alchemy.
Emily began teaching dance with Dance Dimensions by Michelle in 2018 and is excited to continue her dance and theater instruction career with us at Trinity Studios.
Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Production
Emily graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Education (P.E.) and a Minor in Dance. She also received her Associates Degree in Fine Arts for Dance from the County College of Morris .
Emily comes from a "dance family." Not only has she been dancing since elementary school, she has also performed in multiple musical theater productions. Emily has served as the Assistant Choreographer at Mount Saint Dominic Academy, the Junior Choreographer at Trinity Academy (no relation to our studio...although pretty cool coincidence), and also the Dance Team Moderator at Mount Saint Dominic Academy. Emily has choreographed productions of The Boyfriend, Peter Pan, 42nd Street, and Bye Bye Birdie and has choreographed Trinity Academy’s productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Godspell and Shrek the Musical. In addition, Emily has performed at the 42nd Street Y in NYC with the Garden State Dance Company in their Hip Hop/Modern performance of Alchemy.
Emily began teaching dance with Dance Dimensions by Michelle in 2018 and is excited to continue her dance and theater instruction career with us at Trinity Studios.
The Academy at Trinity Studios - Theatre Arts Faculty
Kirby Maragulia - Assistant Director - Theater Arts
Theater Arts, Stage Production
Kirby has an extensive background in both Theater Performance and Theater Management. She grew up with a love of the stage and dance and received her college degree in Theater Performance and Business Administration. After College, Kirby moved to New York City to pursue a career in the Arts. She worked for Manhattan Theatre Club in audience development and front of house management. She served as the house stage manager for Theatre for the New City and was the Rehearsal Assistant for the New York City Opera. Over the past 7 years, Kirby served as a Wine Ambassador for The Traveling Vineyard.
At Trinity Studios, Kirby has returned to her love of the stage to help us build our performing arts programs and community theater. She serves as the Managing Artistic Director for Black Cat Theatre Company of NJ. Kirby also assists with marketing and social media for the studio. She is currently enrolled in an NYU Theatre Certification program. Kirby lives in Oak Ridge with husband Andrew and children, Emma and AJ, as well as her beloved dogs, Rocky and Bailey.
Theater Arts, Stage Production
Kirby has an extensive background in both Theater Performance and Theater Management. She grew up with a love of the stage and dance and received her college degree in Theater Performance and Business Administration. After College, Kirby moved to New York City to pursue a career in the Arts. She worked for Manhattan Theatre Club in audience development and front of house management. She served as the house stage manager for Theatre for the New City and was the Rehearsal Assistant for the New York City Opera. Over the past 7 years, Kirby served as a Wine Ambassador for The Traveling Vineyard.
At Trinity Studios, Kirby has returned to her love of the stage to help us build our performing arts programs and community theater. She serves as the Managing Artistic Director for Black Cat Theatre Company of NJ. Kirby also assists with marketing and social media for the studio. She is currently enrolled in an NYU Theatre Certification program. Kirby lives in Oak Ridge with husband Andrew and children, Emma and AJ, as well as her beloved dogs, Rocky and Bailey.
Antonio (Tony) Ardolino - Theater Arts Instructor
Musical Theater, Musical Theater Troupe, Acting, Stage/TV/Film, Vocal Performance
We are so excited to have Tony Ardolino as a part of our Trinity Family. Tony is a professional actor and singer who won the title of Mr. Gay World USA in 2023.
Tony has an extensive resume of professional credits in film, television and theater. Some of his most memorable roles were as Ryder in the "Paw Patrol" Live National Tour, as Diego in the live national tour of "Dora the Explorer." Tony has had the opportunity to perform all over the world but is happy to call New Jersey and Sussex County his home base. He has recently performed with the Black Cat Theatre Company of NJ in their various stage productions including "Game of Abbeys" and "Death at Tanti Baci." In 2022, he performed a summer run of "Grease" at the Broadway Palm Theater in Fort Myers, Florida, where he played Sonny.
When not touring or on stage, Tony has his own party planning business, Movie Magic Parties and works in the Marketing and Events department at Picatinny Arsenal. Tony works closely with our Academy Theater Arts students to provide them with both expert instruction and guidance in pursuing careers on stage and screen.
Tony received his training with The Groundlings in Los Angeles, Jamie Nichols - Dance LA, The Burikov Russian Vocal Academy in NYC, as well as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Musical Theater, Musical Theater Troupe, Acting, Stage/TV/Film, Vocal Performance
We are so excited to have Tony Ardolino as a part of our Trinity Family. Tony is a professional actor and singer who won the title of Mr. Gay World USA in 2023.
Tony has an extensive resume of professional credits in film, television and theater. Some of his most memorable roles were as Ryder in the "Paw Patrol" Live National Tour, as Diego in the live national tour of "Dora the Explorer." Tony has had the opportunity to perform all over the world but is happy to call New Jersey and Sussex County his home base. He has recently performed with the Black Cat Theatre Company of NJ in their various stage productions including "Game of Abbeys" and "Death at Tanti Baci." In 2022, he performed a summer run of "Grease" at the Broadway Palm Theater in Fort Myers, Florida, where he played Sonny.
When not touring or on stage, Tony has his own party planning business, Movie Magic Parties and works in the Marketing and Events department at Picatinny Arsenal. Tony works closely with our Academy Theater Arts students to provide them with both expert instruction and guidance in pursuing careers on stage and screen.
Tony received his training with The Groundlings in Los Angeles, Jamie Nichols - Dance LA, The Burikov Russian Vocal Academy in NYC, as well as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Madison Washer - Vocal Performance and Theatre Arts Instructor
Musical Theater, Jazz, Tap, Vocal Performance
Madison has danced with various competitive dance teams throughout the Tri-State Area since the age of three. In addition to dance, Madison has a passion for theater and has been performing with various theater companies throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania for the past 20 years.
Upon graduation from High School, Madison continued her education by studying at Westminster Choir College (Rider University) as a Voice Performance Major with a Minor in Dance. While at Rider, she attended Princeton Ballet and trained with various teachers throughout their studio. She then transferred and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater and Dance from Montclair State University.
In addition to performing, Madison was also a contestant in the Miss America preliminary rounds for Miss New Jersey and Miss Pennsylvania. Most recently Madison performed with the Black Cat Theatre Company in "We Love Broadway Cabaret. She performed as Mary Poppins in the YArts Production of Mary Poppins the Musical. Other recent productions and roles include, Ms. Fleming in NY Regional Premier of Heathers, Percy Talbott in Spitfire Grill, Wendy in the NJ premier of Wendy’s Shadow and the Witch in Into the Woods. When Madison is not performing she runs her own Event Business, Events from Head to Toe and runs all of the Youth Activities and events at the Montclair Golf Club. She also serves as the Drama Director for the Reverend Brown school in Sparta. Madison also offers private voice lessons both in person and virtually.
Madison has been teaching dance since she was 16 years old and formerly taught at Dance Dimensions by Michelle. She lives in Sparta with her husband, Billy and their children, Kellen Ryder and Remington Clair as well as pups, Macy and Maggie.
Musical Theater, Jazz, Tap, Vocal Performance
Madison has danced with various competitive dance teams throughout the Tri-State Area since the age of three. In addition to dance, Madison has a passion for theater and has been performing with various theater companies throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania for the past 20 years.
Upon graduation from High School, Madison continued her education by studying at Westminster Choir College (Rider University) as a Voice Performance Major with a Minor in Dance. While at Rider, she attended Princeton Ballet and trained with various teachers throughout their studio. She then transferred and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater and Dance from Montclair State University.
In addition to performing, Madison was also a contestant in the Miss America preliminary rounds for Miss New Jersey and Miss Pennsylvania. Most recently Madison performed with the Black Cat Theatre Company in "We Love Broadway Cabaret. She performed as Mary Poppins in the YArts Production of Mary Poppins the Musical. Other recent productions and roles include, Ms. Fleming in NY Regional Premier of Heathers, Percy Talbott in Spitfire Grill, Wendy in the NJ premier of Wendy’s Shadow and the Witch in Into the Woods. When Madison is not performing she runs her own Event Business, Events from Head to Toe and runs all of the Youth Activities and events at the Montclair Golf Club. She also serves as the Drama Director for the Reverend Brown school in Sparta. Madison also offers private voice lessons both in person and virtually.
Madison has been teaching dance since she was 16 years old and formerly taught at Dance Dimensions by Michelle. She lives in Sparta with her husband, Billy and their children, Kellen Ryder and Remington Clair as well as pups, Macy and Maggie.