A Christmas Story, The Musical

Curtis Gulledge Sr. is a well sought after International Virtual Vocal Coach, Music Director, Worship Leader, Recording Artist, and Founder of C. Sharply Management in Orlando, Florida. He has trained over 500 students from all over the world which include ages from 5 to 76. Curtis graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in music and from the American Intercontinental University, he received his MA in Educational Leadership.

Curtis has not only worked extensively as a vocal coach but also as a k-12 music educator, music director for middle and high school music theater programs and community theaters, music workshop clinician and coordinator for churches and religious organizations, traveling Artist in Residence for several colleges and universities and as songwriter and arranger.

On numerous occasions, he has received awards for his amazing contributions to educating young people with his 100% positivity approach to making better people. He continues to use the Csharply method of instruction to build confidence, enlighten abilities, and encourage the continual pursuit of greatness.

Tati Bello is the School of the Arts Manager at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where she has been an integral part of the team for seven years. A passionate Orlando native, Tati has dedicated her career to advancing Dr. Phillips Center’s educational programming through innovative educational programs. In her current role, she oversees a diverse range of initiatives, including classes, summer camps, and the pre-professional performance ensembles, The Quarter Notes and Four Counts.

Tati’s background in musical theatre performance and training enhances her work in the arts education sector. She has served as Assistant Director and Assistant Choreographer for notable Youth Theater Productions such as Ragtime, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Les Misérables, West Side Story, and Matilda. Her creative insight and commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to the success of these productions.

Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of the arts, Tati is dedicated to creating inclusive and enriching theatrical opportunities for young performers in Orlando. Outside of her professional role, she remains actively involved in the local theater scene, performing with organizations like Valencia College, Running Man Theatre Company, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, further demonstrating her commitment to both education and performance.

Brooke Saad's journey in the performing arts began right here in her hometown of Orlando, FL, where she first discovered her passion for dance at just two years old. After many years of dance training, Brooke expanded her interests to include singing and acting, which led her to the world of musical theatre. Her dedication to choreography took shape during her studies at Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a focus in Choreography. Her early career highlights include choreographing one of FSU’s School of Theatre 18'-19' mainstage productions Pinkalicious and being invited back the following year to choreograph one of their 19'-20' mainstage productions, Last Stop on Market Street.

Since graduating from FSU, Brooke has fully embraced Orlando's vibrant arts scene, establishing herself as a dedicated performer, teacher, and choreographer. She initially took on the role of season choreographer and competitive troupe choreographer for Magic Curtain Productions, where she guided her students to win the “Excellence in Dance” award at the Junior Theater Festival. Brooke has choreographed for local theaters such as, Orlando Family Stage, Garden Theatre, and CFCArts, where she recently created the tap choreography for their production of Mary Poppins.

In addition to her stage work, Brooke has devoted herself to teaching, helping students hone their dance skills and prepare for professional careers. Her commitment to nurturing young talent is especially evident in her work with the Four Counts and Quarter Notes performance groups at Dr. Phillips Center over the past two years. Through her choreography, she continues to inspire and challenge the next generation of performers, shaping their growth and success in the performing arts.

Kimberly Murray Patel is an Orlando based costumer, playwright, and proud theater mom. She is thrilled be returning to The Dr. Phillips Center where she previously costumed Matilda and A Chorus Line. Recent local credits include Jersey Boys, The Play that Goes Wrong, Steel Magnolias, The Prom, Clue, and too many more to count . She recently received the award for Top Design at the Keep Orlando Beautiful 2024 Trash 2 Trends fashion show. As a playwright, Kimberly’s original play “The Saints of West Orange County” premiered at this year’s Orlando Fringe Festival to rave reviews. Most importantly, Kim would like to acknowledge how lucky she is to be an active participant in the helping the next generation fall in love with the beautiful gift that is live theater.