OUR THEATRE INSTRUCTORS

Originally from Florida, Cana has been performing for almost 15 years and worked professionally as an actress, stage manager, director, and educator around the country. She was awarded a technical theatre scholarship to attend school in Panama City, Florida, then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Learning. Since moving to North Carolina, Cana has been involved in numerous productions at Encore. She also teaches various dance and theatre topics at STARS Charter School in Vass.

Charlynn Walker (Acting/Musical Theatre)

Jacob is originally from Ohio and received his Bachelor of Music from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. While residing in New York City, he worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years, performing in Theme Parks, Production Revues, Industrials and Special Events, onboard Royal Caribbean ships for 5 years and Musical Theatre in numerous Theatres Worldwide with such shows as Barry Manilow’s COPACABANA and FOSSE, among others. Transitioning to director/choreographer he has been involved with award winning productions around the country at numerous regional theatres, such as the Mountain Playhouse, Mill Mountain, Broadway Rose, Croswell Opera House, Temple Theatre, Cape Fear Regional, Maine State, and Westchester Broadway just to name a few. Jacob was also the assistant choreographer of GREASE on Broadway with Kathleen Marshall and has had the opportunity to work with Jerry Mitchell, Ann Reinking, Rob Ashford and Frank Wildhorn, to name a few. He has been back working with Royal Caribbean as a Director/Choreographer for DreamWorks, Aqua Theatre, Parades, Production Shows and Mystery Theatre on ships throughout the fleet. Jacob has worked with all ages of performers from 6 to 96 and wants to help all students, no matter of age or skill level develop a passion for singing, dancing, acting, communication and creative thinking that are invaluable qualities in every career from Broadway or board room, concert hall or concept meeting.

Charlynn is excited to return to her hometown after many years teaching and performing in New York City. She received her BFA in Theater Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and also studied piano and voice with esteemed professionals in VA and NYC. She has performed and taught at The Classical Theatre of Harlem and has toured nationally with educational children’s theatre productions.  She has also worked as a teaching artist in public schools in NYC. Charlynn teaches private voice and piano and is the music and theatre teacher at St.John Paul II Catholic School. She also has the privilege of being the middle school Choir Director.She is thrilled to join Encore and continue her passion of helping young artists develop and grow their personal talents in music and theatre!