Accessible Performing Arts for the Youth of NEO
Phoenix Performing Arts was founded to provide accessible performing arts opportunities for Northeast Ohio youth. We aim to create an encouraging, inclusive arts community focused on the FUNdamentals of performing arts.
Phoenix Performing Arts is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of the Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any Future tax code.
Amber Coughlin is a Pittsburgh, PA native dancer and choreographer currently residing in Akron, Ohio. Her training includes intensives at Millenium Dance Complex Pittsburgh, Kelly Strayhorn Theatre’s Alloy Studios (formally Pittsburgh Dance Alloy Pittsburgh), and Point Park University. All supplementing her work at her home studio – Miss Holly’s Dance Studio.
Amber started performing in her school musicals from 6th grade on where she developed the passion she has for theatre today. Along with performing, Amber also began choreographing for musicals while still in High School. She was awarded the 1st Place Award for Choreography in the 2013 Gene Kelly Awards held in Pittsburgh, PA – for her work on ‘All Shook Up’ performed by Penn Hills HS. After graduating, she attended The University of Akron to train as a Dance Major and focus on her ballet (under Pauline Reilly-Howe) and modern technique (under Tom Smith – who trained under Martha Graham). Since that time, she has continued to dance and choreograph in the Akron/Cleveland area with companies such as Division Dance Company, Cleveland Dance Project, JAM Dance Academy, and of course – Phoenix Performing Arts.
Kara Ross is a 2014 graduate from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where she
studied classical music and majored in Vocal Performance. Right after graduation, Kara moved to the Akron/Cleveland area and joined the Opera scene, performing twice at Playhouse Square and getting plugged into the Trillium Schools of Music as a private vocal instructor.
Since then, she has performed with local bands, professional choirs and taught general music at private schools. Kara has always had a special love for Broadway and her favorite shows are Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, and Godspell.
President & Co-Treasurer
Board Member