Private Lesson Faculty
Any questions regarding your account or private lessons, please reach out to kevin@bamtheatre.com
KEVIN KUSKA, Studio Manager, Voice
Kevin is a Chicagoland based Performer and Teaching Artist with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Millikin University. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Vocal Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Musical Theatre Voice through Rider University. He has been seen on Broadway in Chicago in Children of Eden In Concert, where he was the Chorus Captain and a part of the ensemble. He has also been seen in Beauty and the Beast at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, Cinderella at Drury Lane, Billy Elliot, Beautiful, and The Full Monty at the Paramount Theatre, and Cinderella and Joseph at Marriott Theatre.
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In addition to performing, he has completed the 3 levels of Somatic Voicework the LoVetri Method™ training for voice teachers. He uses the techniques he learned to help his students their own unique voice. His lessons are full of cross training and full body connection to give students the ability to sing any style they wish with ease.
PETER BROMANN, Voice, Acting, and Piano
Peter uses his diverse musical background of classical voice and piano and musical theatre to provide an exception educational experience. When not curating his own Christian youth music elearning YouTube show titles "Mr. Bromann's Cabarat" (@mrbcabaret) he collaborates with many Chicago based artists and organizations to lead musical theatre and audition workshops, and has been called in to accompany auditions for Broadway National Touring companies. Favorite creative positions include those with St. Isaac Jogues teaching K-8 music, Angels Sing Inc., SciTech Hand-On Children's Museum (Aurora), St. Barbara Parish (Brookfield), Fenwich High School (Oak Park), Theater of Western Springs, Clarendon Hills Middle School, St. Mary of Gostyn, Lyons Township, and Natural Talent Productions (Arcadia Theater - St. Charles).
PATRICK HILL, Voice, Acting, and Piano
Patrick Hill is a teacher, music director, and musician based in Chicago. Patrick has been working with BAM for 3 years, having music directed Twelfth Night, Heathers, and Zombie Prom for the BAM Conservatory Ensemble, the Summer Mainstage Productions of Matilda, and Joseph..., three years of original musicals for the Junior BAM Conservatory Ensemble, and several Broadway Kids productions. He has also taught privately at Fenwick High School, and at Chicago High School for the Arts. Outside of teaching, Patrick is an executive assistant and enjoys running, tending to his collection of houseplants, and spending time with his dog, Bailey.
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SHANNON JOHNSON, Voice and Acting
Shannon Johnson has been involved with BAMtheatre since she was eight-
years-old, when she played a Who in their 2006 production of “Seussical.” Since
then, she has gone on to perform in their Summer Mainstage productions as a
student, direct the Broadway Workshop Series, and now teach voice!
She recently graduated from New England Conservatory with an MM in
opera performance, where she made her debut as Pamina in The Magic Flute in
Boston’s historic Jordan Hall. Johnson is also an alum of Northwestern University,
where she received a BM in vocal performance and BA in English literature, and
performed roles such as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Her current repertoire
focuses on opera, with an interest in uncovering lesser-known works by female
composers. Johnson has also studied in Vienna, Austria with Donna Robin of the
Vienna State Opera.
In addition to opera, she also has experience in pop and musical theater. With
BAM she performed roles such as Cosette in Les Misérables and Maria in West Side
Story. She was also a member of the Northwestern Undertones, an a capella group,
and was a semi-finalist in the 2018 International Championships of Collegiate A
Capella. She is passionate about both classical music and musical theater, and
believes that building technique in both can create a strong performer!
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Julie Peterson, Voice and Acting
Julie is a Chicago based performer and teaching artist with a BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory. Julie most recently performed as a swing for the five time Jeff award winning company of Into The Woods at Kokandy Productions. She has also appeared Off- Broadway swinging for Ethel Merman in The Book Of Merman. When she is not performing, she absolutely LOVES working with kids and teaching them about all things theatre & singing. She grew up performing at BAM and is absolutely ecstatic to bring the knowledge she’s learned to the students of BAMtheatre!
Erin Elizabeth Smith, Voice and Acting
Erin Elizabeth Smith is an Emmy Award-winning vocalist and accomplished performer whose artistic versatility spans opera, musical theater, and education. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Smith distinguished herself early in her career as a Young Artist under the mentorship of legendary tenor Placido Domingo.
Her impressive performance career includes lead roles at renowned venues such as the Chicago Lyric Opera, Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, Arizona Opera, St. Louis Opera, Ft. Worth Opera, Teatro Pergolesi, Belle Ile en Mer, and many more. As a crossover artist, Smith has seamlessly transitioned between classical and musical theater, appearing in productions of “The Sound of Music” alongside Billy Zane and “Pirates of Penzance” with Marc Kudisch, as well as touring with “The Sound of Music” with Theatre Under the Stars.
For over two decades, Smith has maintained a thriving teaching practice, working with students ranging from young beginners to professional performers. Her educational impact extends through her thriving private studio and her previous work with the New Music School in Chicago. Erin is a member of Actors Equity along with AGMA.
KEELY UMSTOT, Voice and Acting
Keely Umstot is a dedicated instructor with many years of experience in guiding students of all ages through the intricacies of private lessons in voice, acting, dance, and piano. With the skills gained from a degree in music education and a focus in musical theatre, Keely loves to teach students who are new to the arts, students wanting to take their performing to the next level, as well as students preparing for major roles and auditions in their town or even professionally! Holding teaching certifications in Illinois and Texas in music and theatre, Keely's unique teaching philosophy blends a dynamic approach with a genuine passion for nurturing growth. With every lesson, she empowers students to unleash their inner performer, fostering a supportive environment where artistic dreams are realized and confidence takes center stage!