THE FORTE TEAM
MARIN JOHNSON
Marin has enjoyed being a professional dancer, choreographer and dance educator throughout the US and abroad since 1992. As a dancer, Marin has shared the stage with artists such as Brenda Lee, Wynonna Judd, Lee Greenwood, Pam Tillis, Steve Winwood and more. She has been featured as part of an adage couple as well as a soloist for several main stage theaters, television specials, theme parks, pageants, music videos, corporate conventions, etc. Her television credits include videos and specials for CBS, CMT, TNN, TBN, VH-1 and local networks in the areas of TN, GA, PA and SC.
Behind the scenes, Marin has choreographed several large scale production numbers for companies such as Radio Shack, Office Depot, Information Technologies and Redken, as well as for main stage shows such as Tribute in Concert, Superstars Live in Concert, and Country Tonight Theatre in Pigeon Forge,TN. Additional choreography credits include Music Theatre of Madison's "Floyd Collins", "Held", "Parade", "The Yellow Wallpaper", "Ten Days in a Madhouse", and "Who's Your Baghdaddy?"; Celebrity Cruise Lines (Assistant Choreographer); Jigsaw Entertainment's "Calling All Classics"; WSB Promotions; and several college and high school show choirs and dance teams.
As an educator, Marin has worked with all ages and skill levels from 3-year-old beginners to adult working professionals. She has been a guest artist in TN for several area dance programs as well as nationally for the Energy Source Dance Company. Johnson also served as a faculty instructor for Columbia State Community College's Commercial Arts Program in Franklin, TN. For four years, Marin and her husband Wes successfully owned and operated A Step Ahead School of Performing Arts in Lavergne, TN, just outside of Nashville. The pair also directed, taught and wrote shows for Cannon County Arts Center's summer intensive workshops.
Marin has a BA Degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has studied with former Radio City Rockette Jean Kettell as well as with Nashville School of Ballet, Gary Harrison, TN Dance Theater, Royal Academy of Dance, TN Association of Dance, and Lou Conte Studios. She is a certified member of Dance Masters of Wisconsin and had earned certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique and Acrobatic Arts. Currently, Marin is working toward her Master of Fine Arts in Choreography Degree from Jacksonville University.
Behind the scenes, Marin has choreographed several large scale production numbers for companies such as Radio Shack, Office Depot, Information Technologies and Redken, as well as for main stage shows such as Tribute in Concert, Superstars Live in Concert, and Country Tonight Theatre in Pigeon Forge,TN. Additional choreography credits include Music Theatre of Madison's "Floyd Collins", "Held", "Parade", "The Yellow Wallpaper", "Ten Days in a Madhouse", and "Who's Your Baghdaddy?"; Celebrity Cruise Lines (Assistant Choreographer); Jigsaw Entertainment's "Calling All Classics"; WSB Promotions; and several college and high school show choirs and dance teams.
As an educator, Marin has worked with all ages and skill levels from 3-year-old beginners to adult working professionals. She has been a guest artist in TN for several area dance programs as well as nationally for the Energy Source Dance Company. Johnson also served as a faculty instructor for Columbia State Community College's Commercial Arts Program in Franklin, TN. For four years, Marin and her husband Wes successfully owned and operated A Step Ahead School of Performing Arts in Lavergne, TN, just outside of Nashville. The pair also directed, taught and wrote shows for Cannon County Arts Center's summer intensive workshops.
Marin has a BA Degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has studied with former Radio City Rockette Jean Kettell as well as with Nashville School of Ballet, Gary Harrison, TN Dance Theater, Royal Academy of Dance, TN Association of Dance, and Lou Conte Studios. She is a certified member of Dance Masters of Wisconsin and had earned certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique and Acrobatic Arts. Currently, Marin is working toward her Master of Fine Arts in Choreography Degree from Jacksonville University.
WES JOHNSON
Wes has been a professional Vocalist, Host/MC, Production Manager, Writer and Business Owner in the entertainment business for 20 years. During that time, he has had the good fortune of working with several wonderful artists, producers, directors and organizations.
As a performer, Wes has worked around the world with artists such as Pam Tillis, Lori Morgan, Lee Greenwood, Steve Winwood, Wynona Judd, Louise Mandrell, Vince Gill and Kenny Chesney. For two years, Johnson toured around the country with country music legend Barbara Mandrell as one of two background vocalists and dancers, The Do-Rites. He has been a featured vocalist and host for various main stage shows, television specials, pageants, conventions and corporate events as well. One such production was "One Enchanted Evening", a national tour which paid tribute to the music and life of Richard Rogers. Wes played "Frankie" in the off Broadway hit "Forever Plaid". Other live performance credits include "Ballys" in Las Vegas, the Merv Griffin Production "Hitmakers" and "Cliff Notes", a one man show written and performed by Wes himself. Wes has been spotted on CBS, ABC, NBC, CMT and TNN. He was a two-time contestant and finalist on the hit television show "Star Search". Other television credits include "A Tribute to Minnie Pearl", "Prime Time Country", "The Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade", the "Music City Bowl", "The Last Dance" and the host of "The Miss Pennsylvania Pageant".
Behind the scenes, Wes has served as a production staff member for various artists and organizations which include Kenny Rogers, Wayne Newton, The Oakridge Boys, The Alabama Theater, The Chicago Club Cabaret Theater and most recently the Production/Project Manager for Celebrity Cruise Lines. As an educator, Wes has worked with all ages and levels as a voice teacher and vocal coach. He was the artistic director for the Cannon County Arts Center in Tennessee. As the artistic director, Wes not only produced and directed, but acted as the voice teacher and script writer for the performers. Johnson has served as a vocal coach for Cristaldi Music and Zona Productions.
As a vocal coach, he worked hands on in the studio with various professional artists in the Nashville area. For four years, Wes and his wife Marin owned and operated the successful performing arts school "A Step Ahead School of Performing Arts" in the Nashville, TN area. Wes Johnson has a Music Business Degree (BS) with an emphasis on voice from Millikin University, Decatur, IL.
He has studied voice, music theory, dance and ear training with Gene and Sharon Raymond, Marin Johnson, Mark Williams, Matt Davenport Productions, Gary Musick Productions and Phil Stegner of "Maestro Productions".
As a performer, Wes has worked around the world with artists such as Pam Tillis, Lori Morgan, Lee Greenwood, Steve Winwood, Wynona Judd, Louise Mandrell, Vince Gill and Kenny Chesney. For two years, Johnson toured around the country with country music legend Barbara Mandrell as one of two background vocalists and dancers, The Do-Rites. He has been a featured vocalist and host for various main stage shows, television specials, pageants, conventions and corporate events as well. One such production was "One Enchanted Evening", a national tour which paid tribute to the music and life of Richard Rogers. Wes played "Frankie" in the off Broadway hit "Forever Plaid". Other live performance credits include "Ballys" in Las Vegas, the Merv Griffin Production "Hitmakers" and "Cliff Notes", a one man show written and performed by Wes himself. Wes has been spotted on CBS, ABC, NBC, CMT and TNN. He was a two-time contestant and finalist on the hit television show "Star Search". Other television credits include "A Tribute to Minnie Pearl", "Prime Time Country", "The Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade", the "Music City Bowl", "The Last Dance" and the host of "The Miss Pennsylvania Pageant".
Behind the scenes, Wes has served as a production staff member for various artists and organizations which include Kenny Rogers, Wayne Newton, The Oakridge Boys, The Alabama Theater, The Chicago Club Cabaret Theater and most recently the Production/Project Manager for Celebrity Cruise Lines. As an educator, Wes has worked with all ages and levels as a voice teacher and vocal coach. He was the artistic director for the Cannon County Arts Center in Tennessee. As the artistic director, Wes not only produced and directed, but acted as the voice teacher and script writer for the performers. Johnson has served as a vocal coach for Cristaldi Music and Zona Productions.
As a vocal coach, he worked hands on in the studio with various professional artists in the Nashville area. For four years, Wes and his wife Marin owned and operated the successful performing arts school "A Step Ahead School of Performing Arts" in the Nashville, TN area. Wes Johnson has a Music Business Degree (BS) with an emphasis on voice from Millikin University, Decatur, IL.
He has studied voice, music theory, dance and ear training with Gene and Sharon Raymond, Marin Johnson, Mark Williams, Matt Davenport Productions, Gary Musick Productions and Phil Stegner of "Maestro Productions".
STEVEN STACK
Steven has been involved with theatre for over 30 years and has played many roles within that world, most notably those of drama instructor, playwright, actor, and director. He has acted in professional productions in the Columbia, SC area and locally, as well as voice-over work for television commercials.
His theatre career began in the third grade, when he took on the challenging dual role of both Hansel and the Father in Hansel and Gretel.
Steven's 15 years teaching middle school gave him a thorough knowledge of the inner workings of middle-school students' minds, which has influenced his writing style, the topics he incorporates in his plays, and often his intended performers and audience.
He spends part of every summer at the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth, where he guides gifted and talented students in writing and performing their own original theatrical works. He also teaches writing classes online for WCATY and also creates and teaches classes for Theatrefolk, a theatre publishing company.
Steven has written and directed several full-length plays, countless one-acts and one billion scenes for various theatres, performing arts schools and professional organizations. He has published over 20 plays (many first performed at Forte) with various outstanding publishing companies. His plays have been performed in 37 states and 6 countries.
Steven’s goal in working with and writing for this age group is to help them grow into themselves by giving them stories that resonate beyond the stage.
When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Chloe and Zoe, and a cat named Pants at their cabin in the woods.
His theatre career began in the third grade, when he took on the challenging dual role of both Hansel and the Father in Hansel and Gretel.
Steven's 15 years teaching middle school gave him a thorough knowledge of the inner workings of middle-school students' minds, which has influenced his writing style, the topics he incorporates in his plays, and often his intended performers and audience.
He spends part of every summer at the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth, where he guides gifted and talented students in writing and performing their own original theatrical works. He also teaches writing classes online for WCATY and also creates and teaches classes for Theatrefolk, a theatre publishing company.
Steven has written and directed several full-length plays, countless one-acts and one billion scenes for various theatres, performing arts schools and professional organizations. He has published over 20 plays (many first performed at Forte) with various outstanding publishing companies. His plays have been performed in 37 states and 6 countries.
Steven’s goal in working with and writing for this age group is to help them grow into themselves by giving them stories that resonate beyond the stage.
When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Chloe and Zoe, and a cat named Pants at their cabin in the woods.
BRITTANY LUHMAN
Brittany graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in dance, accounting, and business administration. Her primary dance education at UWSP was under Jeannie Hill, Michael Estanich, Joan Karlen, and Pamela Luedtke. In the spring of 2012, Brittany spent five months in Liverpool, England studying dance and marketing. Brittany is originally from Tomah, Wisconsin where she began her dance training at the age of six at Marilyn’s School of Dance under Suzanne Swanson Wagner. She transitioned from a student to an assistant teacher in middle school and eventually had the opportunity to teach her own classes before graduating from high school. During her time at Marilyn’s, she studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe and hip hop. Brittany has also attended many dance workshops such as Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Masters of Wisconsin, PULSE, and Just for Kix which has allowed her to work with choreographers in a variety of styles. Brittany’s goals as a teacher are not only to provide students with the breadth of knowledge required to be a dancer but also to help them develop their artistry.
ABBI TOPPER
Abbi Topper has been dancing since she was three years old. If it were up to her, she’d be dancing every second of every day. Abbi is currently the captain of X-Tension Dance Company and could not be happier. As a teacher, her main goal is to instill a passion for dance and the art of performing in each of her students. She believes that with hard work, everyone has the ability to be a strong, confident individual with a high skill set. Abbi hopes to travel and go to school in Olympia, Washington after high school. She plans to study something in the arts. Abbi’s passion for dance is what keeps her a motivated student, teacher, and role model.
TIA VASEN
Tia made her performing debut in the first grade and has not stopped in the 17 years since. She had a short-lived background in dance before going on to specialize in performing as an actor, vocalist, and instrumentalist. She began dancing hip hop at Forte Studios at age 11 and continued throughout high school eventually adding on classes in ballet, jazz, voice, and acting. She received additional vocal training from Alisanne Apple and Colleen Conroy as well as additional acting instruction from Steven Stack and the UW theatre faculty.
Tia received a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Theatre and Drama-Acting Emphasis, and a certificate in Classical Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout this time, she performed as a trumpet in the UW Marching Band under Mike Leckrone and Corey Pompey. Additionally, she could also be found on the University Theatre stage in various productions like Julius Caesar, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, and The Good Body.
Tia is looking forward to being back at forte studios and working with students in both acting and voice. She hopes to inspire a love of the arts and to help students find a passion for performing."
Tia received a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Theatre and Drama-Acting Emphasis, and a certificate in Classical Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout this time, she performed as a trumpet in the UW Marching Band under Mike Leckrone and Corey Pompey. Additionally, she could also be found on the University Theatre stage in various productions like Julius Caesar, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, and The Good Body.
Tia is looking forward to being back at forte studios and working with students in both acting and voice. She hopes to inspire a love of the arts and to help students find a passion for performing."
DAREK FABER
Darek Faber (a.k.a Mr. D) is excited to be part of the vocal team here at Forte Studios. Mr. D has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Vocal and Instrumental Education, K-12, from UW-Platteville. Darek has extensive vocal training in multiple vocal forms including: opera, music theater, jazz, indigenous, and a cappella mixed group styles. His vocal education includes: 4 years of classical voice training with Rebekah Demaree, 2 years of music theater training with Barbara Burdick, 2 years of acting & performance training with Thomas Collins, 2 years of vocal jazz training with Taras Nahirniak, and indigenous tribal signing with Joseph Caplo. Some of Darek’s achievements during his time at UW include: El Gallo in the Fantastics, Riff in West Side Story, and a side gig as lead singer for an 80's cover band.
Darek taught High School Choir, Band, and Jazz for a brief term at Southwestern School District before moving to the Madison area with his life partner, Kari. Good fortune opened an opportunity for Darek to get into the technology side of the music biz. Since then, Darek has been involved in the audio / visual installation and integration industry. Darek spends his daytime working hours designing large scale sound systems & video systems for theaters, auditoriums, and commercial spaces.
Darek and Kari have lived in Mount Horeb since 2007. They have 4 kiddos, 3 of which have studied at forte since 2017. You may also recognize him as Mr. D the didgeridoo instructor for Mt Horeb IC 3rd grade class Australian Aborigine studies; a program he has developed with the IC and has run since 2010. He is also an active volunteer with the Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) team. Darek remains active vocally singing in groups such as Firehouse Minstrels, Midwest Vocal Artists, and the occasional open mic at Brix.
Darek taught High School Choir, Band, and Jazz for a brief term at Southwestern School District before moving to the Madison area with his life partner, Kari. Good fortune opened an opportunity for Darek to get into the technology side of the music biz. Since then, Darek has been involved in the audio / visual installation and integration industry. Darek spends his daytime working hours designing large scale sound systems & video systems for theaters, auditoriums, and commercial spaces.
Darek and Kari have lived in Mount Horeb since 2007. They have 4 kiddos, 3 of which have studied at forte since 2017. You may also recognize him as Mr. D the didgeridoo instructor for Mt Horeb IC 3rd grade class Australian Aborigine studies; a program he has developed with the IC and has run since 2010. He is also an active volunteer with the Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) team. Darek remains active vocally singing in groups such as Firehouse Minstrels, Midwest Vocal Artists, and the occasional open mic at Brix.
OLIVIA PARKS
Olivia Parks has been dancing at Forte Studios for 12 years. Over the years she has enjoyed all different styles of dance. Her favorites include, pointe, ballet, jazz, and modern. Olivia was a member of X-Tension Dance Company for 4 years. She enjoyed dancing at Bucks games, Badger games, and competing. She was an assistant teacher for two years before becoming a student teacher. As a dance teacher she hopes to create a fun filled environment that kids enjoy attending while learning a lot. She hopes to instill confidence in young children the same way dance did for her growing up. After high school, Olivia plans to attend college to obtain her bachelor’s of nursing degree. Olivia is so excited for her senior year and continuing her dance education with Forte Studios for their nineteenth season.
ISABEL MUNOZ
Isabel Muñoz has been dancing at Forte Studios since the age of three. She has taken every dance class except boy's club. This will be her second year singing at Forte. She has received stand out athlete award from Amp it Up dance competition in 2018. She was in X-tension dance company from 5th grade through 10th grade. In 2023, X-tension dance company traveled to Nashville Tennessee to get exposed to professional performers and opportunities. This experience really inspired Isabel and helped establish what she wanted to do with her future.
In her free time, Isabel enjoys crocheting for her small business, crafting, shopping, watching movies, playing games, and seeing friends and family. Isabel is very excited to begin teaching this year and is proud to call Forte home.
In her free time, Isabel enjoys crocheting for her small business, crafting, shopping, watching movies, playing games, and seeing friends and family. Isabel is very excited to begin teaching this year and is proud to call Forte home.
BARRET KREUL
Barret Kreul has been dancing at forte for 5 years, and is going onto his 6th season! He has taken all kinds of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, pointe, and modern. He is also going into his third season in the X-Tension Dance Company where he has gained multiple opportunities to expand his performance abilities outside of Mount Horeb! Barret is very excited to start teaching this year as he loves to help others and wants to share his passion for dance with his students
When he’s not dancing, Barret enjoys playing with his dog, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and occasionally likes to bake! He tries to be the best he can in his academics and holds himself accountable to his grades. Overall, Barret tries to be the best version of himself that he can be and is honored to be teaching at Forte!
When he’s not dancing, Barret enjoys playing with his dog, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and occasionally likes to bake! He tries to be the best he can in his academics and holds himself accountable to his grades. Overall, Barret tries to be the best version of himself that he can be and is honored to be teaching at Forte!
MADDIE HADAC
Maddie Hadac has been dancing at forte for 13 years. She has tried almost everything forte has to offer including a few years in group voice! She has found her favorites to be Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop. She is beyond exited to share her passion for dance with the younger students and bring them up in an environment that they will love and have so much fun in. She remembers her younger years and looking up to her young student teachers and is exited to be a role model for them.