About Us

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Courtenay Harrington-Bailey-Founding Director/Lead Teacher

Courtenay is a transplant from New York City where she worked as a professional actress for many years. Courtenay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Vocal Music Performance and Theatre Arts and has performed professionally for audiences across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.  In February of 2012 she co-wrote and performed the play "Death-it Happens" as part of the NYC Frigid Festival which won the audience choice award.  A Mother of two, Courtenay has enjoyed teaching kids of all ages since arriving on Cape Cod in 2005.  Several of her students have gone on to pursue professional careers in music and theater or are currently attending university level programs. In addition to teaching Dramafun, Courtenay is on the faculty of The Bridgeview Montessori School in Sagamore teaching General Music, Movement, and Drama to students ages 2.9-12.  She has been a proud member of Actor's Equity Association since 1993.

Karen Santos-Theatre Teacher

Karen has worked on and off stage in various roles performing, directing, producing, writing and teaching. Currently she is a para-professional teacher at Rising Tide Public Charter School in Plymouth. At the Sandwich Arts Alliance, she taught creative drama, acted in their Staged Readings, and served as the Acting Executive Director. Karen has also taught creative drama at Waldorf School of Cape Cod, Barnstable Intermediate School’s cluster enrichment program, and Cotuit Center for the Arts, and The Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Jr. Theatre.  At the City Performing Arts Center in Boston, she worked with their City Spotlights program, a cultural celebration of Boston neighborhoods, culminating in an intergenerational ensemble performance piece.  She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Education from Emerson College and has a background in international non-profit management. 

Jennifer Almeida-Director

Jenn is incredibly excited to be joining Dramafun as a co-director. She has an extensive background in performance and teaching. Jen has directed musicals, plays, and concerts for children and has taught classroom music as well as private classes in acting, musical theater, preschool, Mommy and Me and private voice. As a singer and actor in the community, she will be making her debut with Falmouth Theater Guild as Marian and Chiara in The Bridges of Madison County in October of 2022. Recent roles include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls at the Academy Performing Arts in Orleans and Emily Hobbs in Elf the Musical at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Past favorite roles include Sister Amnesia in Nunsense, Lily in The Secret Garden, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Papagena in the Magic Flute. Jennifer completed her undergraduate degree at the Hartt School and her graduate degree at the New England Conservatory where she was a member of the opera theater program. Jennifer has sung as a soloist with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra and was a regional semi finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She was a young artist with PORT (Opera Maine) and has performed in several seasons with them. Jennifer loves living on the Cape in Sandwich with her husband, son, and two crazy and lovable rescue dogs. 

Ella Sweeney-Choreographer Mean Girls Jr.

Ella , a South Shore native, is currently based in Los Angeles and attends Hussian College where she is working towards her BFA in Commercial Dance (Class of 2024). Ella’s professional dance credits include Rick Astley’s InsurAAAnce commercial, Ross Lynch’s “Heart Of Mine” music video, Now United’s latest movie “Welcome To The Night Of Your Lives”, and The burlesque show for Les Femmes Productions. In addition, Ella founded and currently runs the successful hip hop crew, Battery Acid, in Los Angeles.

Aside from dancing and performing, Ella has a passion for teaching and choreography. The daughter of a children’s theater director, she is no stranger to working with kids! Between her school’s outstanding curriculum and directing a team of her own, Ella has had the privilege to learn all sorts of teaching methods and creative ways to choreograph that are unique to her. Ella is beyond ready to share her knowledge with students who are ready to learn and dance.

Ethan Bailey-Piano, guitar, uke, bass, songwriting, Music Teacher

Ethan is a recent graduate from New York University's Steinhardt School of Music where he received a BA in Music Technology. In 2016 he was signed as a recording artist to the Monstercat label under the alias of Soupandreas where his music has received millions of plays on various streaming platforms. He performs in NYC where he currently lives and has had the opportunity to perform at San Diego's Petco Stadium. His music can be heard on the video games Fortnite and Rocket League in addition to several commercials. Most recently he wrote, produced, and released a new album under the name Good Morning Club which features Ethan as lead vocalist and guitarist. Ethan's vast knowledge of music, songwriting, production and multiple instruments are an inspiration to his students. He has a calm and laid back demeanor which allows him to connect easily with students of all ages.