Village Arts Theatre located in Valley Village

A place For Everyone

Meet Our Team

John Moser Head Shot

John Moser

Executive Director & Founder, Producer/Director

John Moser

John’s artistic journey began in his mother’s "pop-up" art centers in White Plains, where a childhood spent experimenting with found materials blossomed into a lifelong passion for theatre. After studying at Circle in the Square, he met his wife and creative partner, Pamela Shafer; together, they led The Phoenix Ensemble, earning a UN Society of Writers award for their international exchanges and touring their original musical, Lulu. John eventually transitioned into executive roles at Hallmark, Showtime, and Participant Media. His career in film and television includes producing the Emmy-winning This American Life and a slate of acclaimed documentaries and family films—such as Bang Bang You’re Dead and The Maldonado Miracle—which earned Peabody, Humanitas, and Daytime Emmy awards.
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Pam Shafer Moser

Artistic Director & Founder, Director/Choreographer

Pam Shafer Moser

With over 20 years of experience, Pam is an accomplished actor, educator, and mother dedicated to helping every child shine. After directing 20+ productions in New York, she moved to Los Angeles, where she developed an award-winning theater program for LAUSD and spent a decade building the immersive drama curriculum at The Wesley School. An accomplished playwright and performer with international credits, Pam co-founded Village Arts in 2015 to create a permanent community hub for performance and visual arts.

Our staff is the heart of our creative home where everyone from age 5 to 105 belongs. We focus on more than just technique; we have built an inclusive space where families can truly connect and create together. By blending visual and performing arts with a collaborative spirit, our teaching artists turn every moment into a meaningful experience—fostering a community built on belonging, understanding, personal growth, and the simple joy of creating something together.

Laura Biasini

Administrative Director, Homework Club Sub

Laura Biasini

An Angelino from Elysian Heights, Laura moved to Valley Village in 2001, bringing a deep commitment to community and art. With a liberal arts degree and experience on school boards, she recently served as Secretary and At Large Board Member. Her family’s Village Arts journey began with her daughter’s improv class, while Laura has been involved since the organization's inception. As a Graphic Artist, Photographer, and dedicated leader, she provides vital administrative support and expertise to help Village Arts thrive as a dynamic community center.

Parisa Stepanek

Managing Director, Director/Choreographer.

Parisa Stepanek

Parisa holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from New York University. She's had the privilege of performing in the National Tours of Cats, Copacabana, Chicago, and Big, as well as on Broadway in the 2001 revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies and two seasons at Madison Square Garden in A Christmas Carol, choreographed by Susan Stroman. Parisa spent over a decade on the Colfax Elementary and Walter Reed Middle School booster club boards and school leadership councils, participating in hiring, budget, fundraising, and event planning. Working with the Village Arts community is a dream come true!

Meet our

Teaching Artists

Al Batiste​

Visual Arts

Al Batiste

Al Batiste is a multi-discipline artist and businessman with a passion for creating impactful art and experiences. With a diverse background that spans from music, graphic design to brand development, Al leverages his diverse skill set to inspire and drive community collaboration. His mission is to give back to future generations, using art as a vehicle to spark creativity and innovation in others. Through his work, Al aims to cultivate a legacy of creativity, collaboration, and positive change.
Adam Felber

Adam Felber

Sketch Comedy & Improv

Adam Felber

Adam Felber is a writer, actor, and NPR personality best known as a panelist on Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! A veteran TV writer for shows like Real Time with Bill Maher, his credits span film, comics (Skrull Kill Krew), and literature (Schrödinger’s Ball). Additionally, Adam is an experienced communication coach who leads workshops in improv and vocal performance for diverse organizations nationwide.

Lindsay Gamache

Minis Director/Choreographer

Lindsay Gamache

Lindsay Gamache is a professional actress here in LA. Originally from Pittsburgh, she then went on to get her BFA in musical theatre from Penn State University. Upon graduating, she performed in the Japan & North American Tour of 42nd Street the Musical. She then headed to LA to continue her career in theatre, tv/film, and voice over. Most recently she performed in the play, Simpatico at the WhiteFire Theater. You can hear her voice on the Kerrygold Butter campaign and see her on the Jersey Mike’s commercial. She continues to coach students for their acting and singing auditions and support the arts in education.

Sophia Grosse

Costumer

Sophia Grose

Sophia April Grose is a BFA design graduate from the University of Southern California, having an array of experience from theatrical costume design, film preproduction experience for costumes, and costume construction. Her recent costume design credits include Valley of Light at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, How It’s Gon’ Be directed by Ahmed Best (Echo Theatre Company), and Village Arts’ two most recent productions, Trolls Jr. and Frozen. Sophia also spends her time as a member and the resident costume designer at Culver City Public Theatre. Learn more about Sophia and her work at sgrose9.wixsite.com/portfolio
Village Arts Theatre

Shelley Klace

Visual Arts

Shelley Klace

This year marks Shelley’s 10th year of teaching art at Colfax Charter Elementary School. She has also been teaching art at St. Francis De Sales for over 9 years. She has a Master’s degree in art education from The Ohio State University and outside the classroom she creates her own artwork and has also worked in the entertainment industry as a set painter. This is her 2nd year with Village Arts and she is excited to continue to give kids the place to learn more about the elements and principles of art while having lots of FUN. Whether it’s building, painting, working with clay, or drawing, art experiences help children gain critical thinking skills, confidence, and expanded creativity.

Melissa Klein

Musical Director

Melissa Klein

Melissa Klein is a professional vocalist, music director, and voice teacher who loves helping young performers find their voice and shine on stage. She holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Musical Theatre from Chico State. Melissa loves music directing with Village Arts Theatre. Her favorite part is making music fun, building confidence, and watching students grow into strong, expressive performers Melissa has performed everywhere from New York stages to international venues, and right here in Los Angeles with groups like Artes Vocales, the Metropolitan Master Chorale and Marina del Rey Symphony. She’s also sung everything from classical music to jazz and pop—and even lent her voice to the Gettysburg Museum!

Jenae Lauryn

Choreographer

Jenae Lauryn

LA native Jenae Lauryn is a versatile artist with over 20 years of expertise across ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and African dance. A former trainee of The Joffrey Ballet School, she has performed in music videos and live shows while choreographing for professional artists and youth programs. Currently advancing her craft at Millennium Dance Complex, Jenae is a dedicated mentor who blends technical precision with a focus on confidence and resilience. She is committed to fostering empowering environments where dancers can grow both artistically and personally.

Paula Lisbe

Visual Arts

Paula Lisbe

Paula Lisbe is thrilled to share her talents with Village Arts. A DePaul University BFA graduate, Paula’s extensive credits include the Steppenwolf Theatre Co. and Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Her stage career spans on and off-Broadway, highlighted by her role as Gilda Radner in Bunny Bunny at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. On television, she is best known for her five-season run as Joanie Hansen on NBC’s Providence. After watching her son, Grady, perform in 16 Village Arts productions, Paula joined the team herself. She now directs the mini-casts and teaches art, focusing on boosting students' confidence and unlocking their unique creativity.
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Tonoccus McClain

Musical Director

Tonoccus McClain

Tonoccus is a Los Angeles-based actor, musician, music director, writer, and teaching artist whose career spans musical theater, opera, studio recording, and international touring. He performed in over 2,400 performances of Disney’s The Lion King North American tour (Banzai u/s), appeared in LA Opera’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar, and has sung on more than 50 television and film soundtracks including The Lion Guard, Avatar, Lightyear, and the 2019 reimagined The Lion King. Internationally, he has performed in productions from West Side Story in Helsinki to The Little Mermaid LIVE in Taiwan. Passionate about arts education, Tonoccus helps young performers build confidence through storytelling and serves as Music Director with Village Arts

Ella Moser

Musical Director

Ella Moser

Ella Moser is an arts educator and performer with a background in theater and vocal performance. Her journey with Village Arts began in 2010, when she first joined the program as a student. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the arts, Ella found her love for storytelling, music, and community within the very walls she now helps lead. Since 2022, she has directed for Village Arts, working extensively with children of all ages and guiding them through rehearsal, performance, and artistic growth. Ella is passionate about helping students build confidence, discover their creative voice, and find joy in musical theater.
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Jodie Patterson

Choreographer

Jodie Patterson

Jodie Patterson has taught dance in Los Angeles for over nine years, fusing athleticism, Hip Hop, and Latin and African cultures into a unique style. A Chicago native, she studied ballet, jazz, and hip-hop before attending Columbia College’s Marshall Lindsay School of Dance and apprenticing with the Joseph Holmes Dance Company. As a professional, she toured with artists like Sammy, Jagged Edge, Ginuwine, and Alfonso Hunter. Her credits include music videos like "Dirrty," commercials for Wendy’s, Gatorade, and Miller Brewing, and fitness videos for Crunch and Pop Sugar.

Lilllian Sengpiehl

Voice & Choir

Lilllian Sengpiehl

Internationally acclaimed for her “beautiful vibrant sound and color of voice”, Lillian Sengpiehl is a consummate performer, singer, actress, and educator. Lillian received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Voice from the University of Kansas and pursued graduate work at The Manhattan School of Music. These important stepping-stones helped shape her versatility and artistry. Lillian was the recipient of the Brigit Nilsson Grant, a finalist at the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and the winner of the Classical Singer Competition at Carnegie Hall.
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Jason Sensation

Dance & Movement

Jason Sensation

SAG-AFTRA entertainer with 20+ years of global experience delivering uplifting energy across film, TV, and live events. A Bboy, stunt performer, actor, and humanitarian, my credits include the Oscars, Soul Train Awards, and the Super Bowl, with appearances alongside icons like Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, and Ne-Yo. From Disney and Nickelodeon to brands like Adidas and Mountain Dew, I’ve built a career rooted in movement—even earning a Guinness World Record. As the founder of BreakFit Academy, I now empower the youth through social dance, mental wellness, and self-expression, teaching them how to move safely and confidently. Let’s “Take A BREAK & FIT It In!”

Jeanne Simpson

Minis Director/Choreographer

Jeanne Simpson

Jeanne Simpson is an actor, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and fitness blogger for Health Boosters at Withings.com. Jeanne began her training in the ballet world and became a member of the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet Company at age 13, and the Tuzer Ballet Company in Texas at 15. She expanded her training to jazz, tap, and contemporary at the Buster Cooper School of Dance and traveled to New York City to study with theater dance legends like Lee Theodore, Buzz Miller and Gemze de Lappe at American Dance Machine Institute.

Amy Smith

Visual Arts

Amy Smith

Amy Smith is a contemporary artist who explores storytelling through large-scale murals, physical paintings, and digital art. While her work often addresses social and environmental injustices, it is primarily driven by optimism and a belief in feminism, unity, and love. Recognized by the LA Art Show and The Ontario History & Art Museum, Amy has also contributed to major public initiatives, such as LA County Arts’ Centennial of the 19th Amendment. Beyond the studio, she leads workshops for children on up-cycling and sustainable creativity. Ultimately, Smith’s work seeks to inspire positive change and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.

Virginia Sommer

Director/Choreographer

Virginia Sommer

Virginia Sommer is delighted to be working with Village Arts. Virginia holds an MFA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University/The Cleveland Play House, and a BA in Theatre from Marquette University. She’s worked as an actor, director, and teaching artist in NYC, Los Angeles, and her home state of Minnesota. Virginia has a love of Shakespeare, a passion for silly games, and highly happy feet. She is thrilled to share her love of theatre with the incredible kids at Village Arts.

Sabrina Williams

Minis Director/Choreographer, Homework Club

Sabrina Williams

Sabrina Marielle is a passionate singer, dancer, and actress who brings authenticity, precision, and versatility to every stage. A recent UCLA BA Musical Theater graduate, she has worked for NBC Universal and FOX and currently performs at Universal Studios Hollywood. Sabrina’s accolades include 1st Place in the Howard Swan Vocal Solo Competition, the Jerry Herman Award for “Best Supporting Actress” as Race in Newsies, and “Outstanding Choreography” at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. She absolutely loves teaching at Village Arts and aims to nurture young performers, help them refine their craft, and introduce them to the world of performing arts!
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Gina Wingate

Homework Club Manager

Gina Wingate

Gina Wingate started her career as a costumer on TV and film. Her credits include Friends, Father of the Bride Part ll, and That Thing You Do! She put her career on hold to stay home with her son, Jet, and daughter, Cooper, while they were young. She became involved in their school, Colfax Charter, and volunteered for everything. She started Kidchella when her daughter was in 5th grade and has become one of Colfax’s biggest fundraisers. Gina has worked with special needs kids as a shadow and now has her Early Childhood Development certificate. Gina has costumed many Village Arts’ plays, including Mary Poppins, Shrek, and Fiddler on the Roof.