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.
Gwen Baier is ecstatic to have become a part of the Phoenix Performing Arts company! Gwen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at Marywood University in May 2015, under the instruction of Ellen Rutkowski and Dr. Rick Hoffenberg. Gwen recently received her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at Shenandoah University. She studied with Dr. Aimè Sposato, Robert Thieme, and Natalie Conte. During her time at Shenandoah, Gwen performed in several productions including Die Zauberflöte, The Telephone and The Merry Widow. She also sang a solo for a Pulitzer Prize Concert featuring John Corgliano’s Fern Hill where the composer himself attended the concert! Gwen also performed in masterclasses with Michael Katz, Bradley Moore and Sofia Selowsky. Gwen maintains vocal instruction under the direction of Natalie Conte while teaching her own students. Several of Gwen’s students go and perform in and outside of school. As she continues to teach, Gwen hopes to give students at Phoenix a chance to expand their musical expression through healthy vocal technique and a positive, fun learning environment.
