Clark’s performances, compositions, production, and scenic designs have appeared in several local theatre and university venues throughout the United States, including the Globe The- atre, London. As an actor, Clark has performed on the world stage at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. His compositions and sound design have graced theatre productions from Oregon to Atlanta to New York to London. Committed to teaching, Clark is the director of drama for Mount Vernon School, celebrating his tenth year at this great community. Clark loves the never-stop-learning adventure of being married to Leigh Campbell-Taylor and parenting Malcolm and Ethan. Thanks for seeing live theatre live!

Spencer Stephens is the Middle School Theatre Director & Instructor here at Mount Vernon and is thrilled to work with the upper school students again on the final show of the year. He’s an Atlanta-area actor/singer/puppeteer/composer and has performed for many theatres in the metro Atlanta area, including the Center for Puppetry Arts where he’s a resident puppeteer.

Mr. Vann has taught for 40 years where his music programs have won accolades as among the best high school jazz educators in the nation, including receiving a Grammy Award and placing in the top 12 Jazz Bands nationally twice. Vann enjoys performing Jazz in Atlanta and is the Director of the Music Industry Program here at Mount Vernon. Vann is a Troy University Graduate and has his advanced degrees from Troy, Southwestern Seminary, and Boston University. He lives with his wife, Courtney, his dog Scout, his cats Tuna and Krabb, and enjoys travel and cooking.

Amanda Exley Lower is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and community builder. Her dance performance highlights include appearances with the Jose Limon Dance Company and Clay Taliaferro. Her choreography has been performed in Chicago (Links Hall, Northwestern University, Hairpin Arts), Atlanta (The Modern Atlanta Dance Festival, the Conant Center for the Performing Arts, the Beam, 7Stages), New York City (The New York International Fringe Festival, Free Range Arts of NYC), Cleveland (Cleveland Public Theater), Salt Lake City (Salt Palace), and in Durham, NC (Reynolds Theater, The Ark). She received a B.A. from Duke University and an M.F.A. from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, with additional studies at the University of Ghana in Accra. Lower loves bringing the performing arts to the 2nd-5th graders at Mount Vernon and serving as a choreographer and movement coach for the Middle and Upper School programs.

A long time ago, in a faraway kingdom called Clemson, there lived a gal who loved sewing. She spent her days (and nights) working in the costume shop, until she left to become a preschool teacher, which she loves. Many moons passed, and Ms. Bruno began to miss the theatre. She especially missed working with students in the theatre. Then, one day, a wonderful friend and director named Mr. Taylor invited her to costume a show called The Arrival. Ms. Bruno was thrilled to be invited back to costume Shingin, Schwingin Shakespeare and can’t wait for you to blast off to Forbidden Planet with the MV Allstars who are...well...out of this world.

Connor is a professional technician. This is his second year as technical director at mount Vernon. He spends his free time writing poetry and studies etymology to improve the world of performing arts. He enjoys watching his talented technical students perform their crafts to execute an excellent show! He hopes to see many future technicians get their start at Mount Vernon.

Matt Neylon is so excited to close out this year’s deep dive into the world of Shakespeare with Return To The Forbidden Planet. With so many talented theatre and music students and faculty combining forces, this show has been a delight to see come together. Also, a performance in the gym, the home of Mr Taylor’s first show at Mount Vernon seems a fitting way to celebrate his 10th year as our guiding visionary in the theatre program. Looking forward to next year as we dream and plan for a season with less restrictions and more opportunities.