CSAS Drama at NE

Rounding out our highly qualified and excited staff for Comet Drama and Production Camps is Ellie McKinney!

Hi! My name is Ellie McKinney, and I’m so excited to be a part of Comet Drama Camp this summer!

I recently had the opportunity to choreograph The Music Man through Studio J, and this will be my fifth year teaching dance. I’m also currently studying dance at Oklahoma City University. Getting to share my love of dance and theatre with young performers is something I truly treasure.

I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer, it’s going to be a blast!

Next we have our Stagecraft/ Technical Theatre teacher for Comet Drama Camp, Mandie Taylor!

Mandie Taylor is the Art and Theater Teacher at Chickasha Middle School and a lifelong lover of all things creative. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2013 with a double major in Musical Theatre and Dramatic Literature.
When she's not teaching, Mandie can often be found on stage, in the director's chair, or coaching students. Some of her favorite performance roles include John the Baptist/Judas in Godspell, Barbara in August: Osage County, Charlotte in Moon Over Buffalo, and Nancy in Oliver!. Her directing credits include Boardwalk Melody Murders (2024) and Little Shop of Horrors (2025). Mandie has spent the past three summers with ArtScope in Chickasha, helping young artists grow their creativity and confidence. She is also a vocal coach and archery coach, proving that her talents stretch from center stage all the way to the bullseye! 🎭🎨🏹
Her favorite part of teaching is helping students discover new skills, take creative risks, and have fun while doing it. Every camper has a story to tell, and she can't wait to help bring those stories to life this summer! ✨🎬🎶

Next is our Camp Administrator, and CSAS faculty member, Lauren Peck-Weisenfels!

Lauren Peck-Weisenfels is a career educator with over fifteen years of experience teaching at the middle and high school level in the states of Kansas and Oklahoma. An Eastern Oklahoma native, she has been involved in theatre since age eight when her grandmother took her to an audition. That same grandmother inspired her to become an educator, a lover of reading and travel, and to always work for the betterment of her community.

Peck spent the better part of a decade being very involved with the Oklahoma Thespians chapter. She has served has secretary, CFO, and Chapter Director. In the fall of 2024, Peck assumed the role of District Drama/Theatre Chair for OKCPS. In the past, she has also served on a number of other organization boards in the non-profit sector.

At Classen, she teaches all of the acting courses and costuming.

Outside of work, she is married to Nick. Together they enjoy traveling, making music, and spending time with family.

Break legs to the cast and crew of Mean Girls!

There are only 3 spots remaining in our production camp of How to Train Your Dragon Jr.!
Secure yours today, register here!
https://forms.gle/HHLfEyS7iizykQah9

Next member of our stellar faculty for Comet Drama Camps 2026!

Sierra Dickerson is a versatile aerialist, dancer, actor, and teaching artist with training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, modern, funk, and tap. Passionate about creating engaging, movement-based experiences for children through theatre and arts education. Experienced in combining dance, acting, and storytelling to build confidence, creativity, and self-expression in young performers. Energetic, adaptable, and skilled in fostering fun, supportive, and inclusive classroom and rehearsal environments.

Continuing to introduce our amazing staff!

Taylor Lowell is pumped to be joining everyone for Drama Camp and says "hi" to you! He is the theatre teacher for Chickasha High School and is passionate about storytelling. Taylor caught the entertainment bug in his early years at church camp. His most recent successes were directing A Wrinkle in Time and Cinderella: Youth Edition for the budding theatre program in Chickasha. He was most recently in Poteet's Mary Poppins in the ensemble and currently playing Captain/Thelonious in Metro Youth Theatre's Shrek. If he’s not in rehearsal or wrestling a toy out of his dog’s mouth, he’s probably taking a nap.

Register for camp today!

Link below:
https://forms.gle/DW3wiaEEBX7VVFXB6

Can't come to camp?
Still interested in supporting accessible arts education for students from all across OKCPS and surrounding districts?

Here are some ways you can help!
- Help us provide much needed props, costumes, and snacks by clicking the link here!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JEW8JAYI9WLJ?ref_=wl_share
- Help us provide scholarships to families within our community!
Send $20, $40, or $60 to “CASTINOKC” on Venmo or “Classen Actors and Support Team Inc” on Paypal with the subject line “Camp Scholarship Donation!”

Introducing the Staff of Comet Drama Camp!
Ms. Day is a former CSAS HS @ NE student teacher, who recently graduated with her degree in Theatre Education from OCU.

Register Here!
https://forms.gle/kJhznpLnpS4ACXtc7