CTORA Academy

Joel Grinke
Director – Titanic: The Musical (Ensemble Version)

Joel Grinke is a director and creator of theatre and themed attractions whose work spans from intimate immersive shows to large-scale multimedia spectaculars. His work can be seen every year through Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital and Cougar Creek House of Horrors. Most recently, he directed Christmas with the Marches with Hidden Stages.

Recognition of his work includes a 2026 Remarkable Experience Award and multiple Jessie Richardson and Ovation Awards. Joel is a member of the Themed Entertainment Association and the World Experience Organization, holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts, and trained as a performer at Studio 58.

CTORA is thrilled to announce the Academy Teaching Artists and Creative Team for our Adult Musical Program: Titanic: The Musical (Ensemble Version)!

We can’t wait to bring this beautiful piece to the stage at the Waterfront Theatre in the new year.

Please join us in welcoming our Vocal Director, Lauren Stepler!

Laren Steppler
Vocal Director – Titanic: The Musical (Ensemble Version)

Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music director, Laren Steppler is best represented artistically with his award-winning original musical cabarets (LST Entertainment) and is known for his appearances on Canada’s Got Talent with VOLARE Tenors. Laren regularly performs with the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Edmonton Opera, and Pro Coro Canada. In 2024, Laren was featured as a soloist alongside Axios Men’s Ensemble on the Juno Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Ukrainian War Requiem (Sheehan).

Laren has performed several operatic roles, including Tamino (Die Zauberflöte), Nemorino (L’elisir D’amore), Frederic (Pirates of Penzance), and many others, including his most recent role as Roger in Metro Theatre’s RENT. Laren continues his career as a professional bassist for various jazz and rock groups, pit ensembles, and full tribute bands, including Cream, Rush, The Beatles, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Justin Kury – Mentor Artist
Trumpet | Chicago Teen Edition

Justin Kury is an educator and musician who recently graduated from the UBC Bachelor of Education program (2026) and the Capilano University Jazz Studies program (2025) as a trumpet player. He has performed in a variety of productions throughout Vancouver and is thrilled to join CTORA as a mentor artist for this production.

Drew Dumas – Mentor Artist
Trombone | Chicago Teen Edition

Drew Dumas is a freelance multi-instrumentalist who regularly performs with ensembles including the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Turning Point Ensemble, and The Happiest Big Band on Earth. He has shared the stage with artists such as “Weird Al” Yankovic, Jim Byrnes, Sigur Rós, Lee Holdridge, Jens Lindemann, and Cirque Musica. Drew has performed in more than 30 musical theatre productions, appeared as a guest artist at numerous music festivals, toured in China and Japan, and recorded bass trombone for the soundtrack of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. He is thrilled to be working with CTORA again!

We are excited to introduce our Mentor Artists for the Chicago Teen Edition Youth Pit Orchestra!

Our Youth Pit Orchestra gives young musicians the opportunity to perform in a real musical theatre pit orchestra while learning alongside experienced professionals. We are incredibly grateful to our mentor artists for sharing their expertise, guidance, and passion with the next generation of musicians.

Please join us in welcoming:

Peter Serravalle – Mentor Artist
Guitar | Chicago Teen Edition

Peter Serravalle has toured with Broadway Across America productions including A Bronx Tale, Hairspray!, and the first national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire. He has also performed as a show band guitarist for Princess Cruises for the past ten years. His recent Vancouver theatre credits include the Arts Club’s Waitress and Kimberly Akimbo, as well as CTORA’s West Side Story. Above all, Peter is proud to call Vancouver home with his family.

Chloe Wong- Keyboard 2
Chicago Teen Edition

Chloe Wong has been studying piano since the age of five and enjoys performing both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. She previously played keyboard in her school’s pit orchestra, where she discovered a strong interest in musical theatre.

Chloe has received awards at several music competitions, including the Asia Aegean Music International Competition, the CDMF Performing Arts Festival, and the Kiwanis Music Festival. Most recently, she received first place at the SSP Sea to Sky International Piano Competition and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

In addition to competitions, Chloe has performed in recitals, community events, and senior residences. Outside of piano, she also enjoys playing the clarinet and badminton.

Michelle Soo — Keyboard 1
Chicago: Teen Edition Michelle

Michelle is a classically trained pianist currently working toward her ARCT. She won First Prize in the Piano Concerto Class at the 2025 BCCM Festival and was the overall winner of the Diploma Classical Sonata Class at the 2026 Kiwanis Festival.

In addition to performing as a solo pianist, Michelle plays alto saxophone in concert band and is a member of the Sparrows Sax Quartet. She also accompanies and sings in a treble choir. Michelle enjoys performing music in a variety of styles and looks forward to being part of CTORA!

Registration for Chicago Teen Edition is now open for male roles only. All other roles are closed. For inquiries and registration, email [email protected] before July 31.

Ashley Babcock-Reed 1 Clarinet
Chicago Teen Edition Ashley Babcock

Ashley is thrilled to be playing clarinet in her first CTORA production—and equally delighted to still be considered a youth! She has been playing clarinet for 14 years and has performed in numerous pit orchestras, musical theatre productions, and community orchestras throughout Vancouver. Her recent credits include The Addams Family with Touchstone Theatre’s The Lawyer Show, as well as Anything Goes, Into the Woods, and A Chorus Line with the UBC Musical Theatre Troupe. When she is not playing clarinet, Ashley works as a Data Developer.

Adrian Ho- Reed 3 Alto Saxophone/Tenor Saxophone
Chicago Teen Edition adrian h

Adrian is a Grade 12 student at Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School. His recent theatre credits include Shrek the Musical and Frozen the Musical with ACT in 2024. He has also been selected to perform with the British Columbia Honour Wind Ensemble and MusicFest Canada’s National Junior Honour Band.

A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Adrian plays the flute, piccolo, saxophone, and violin. He is a proud member of his school’s Jazz Band and Fine Arts Department and hopes to continue performing while pursuing his post-secondary studies.