Meet our creative team
Tracey Ellert
Writer, Actor, Director
Co-Founder of Rim Youth Theatre
Tracey Ellert has been an original children's storyteller for 20 years writing, performing and directing original live children's shows. Her live show is described as a one woman comedy show for preschoolers and families. Her background in Improv (The Groundlings, IO), Theater and an A.A. in early childhood education lends to creating thoughtful, witty, fresh content for young viewers.
Tracey Ellert creates media on her original children’s Youtube channel called Sillyhoo, Big Little Laughs. She writes, shoots, directs and performs all of her own material. She has a variety of experience in children's television, including writing for Disney's Bunny Town, Jack’s Big Music Show and Emmy nominated Nature Cat (PBS).
Tracey is a professional actress in LA and she just completed a commercial for Dunkin Donuts look for her acting like a helicopter pilot!
Kelly Vento
Director, Vento Dance Co.
Co-Founder of Rim Youth Theatre
Mrs. Vento is no stranger to the stage. In her formative years she trained as a pre-professional dancer with the CA Dance Theatre in Agoura, CA, and following a move to the mountain communities with the Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Co. She used her dance abilities competitively in the pageant world winning the titles of Miss Teen Fillmore, Miss San Bernardino, Miss Inland Empire and competed for the state title of Miss California through the Miss America Organization. She has successfully co-founded the STAGE Foundation, Arrowhead MotionArts and more recently the Vento Dance Company. She has written, emceed, choreographed and produced pageants and theatre productions for many years, and now prides herself in teaching and directing her own dance company.
Miss Emalynn Vento
Choreographer / Instructor
Miss Emalynn was the first to follow in her mother 's footsteps as a very accomplished and talented musician, performer, and choreographer. As a pianist of over 15 years, she possesses an exceptional gift of musicality which she applies towards teaching young students dance and theatre. In addition, Miss Emalynn has trained her entire life as a dancer receiving numerous prestigious awards from the competitive dance world. Furthermore, Emalynn was accepted and trained with prestigious dance companies like The Joffrey Ballet School. Currently, she is a full time college student working towards becoming a sports medicine physician. Her knowledge and experiences are a valuable asset and complement her dance instruction with injury prevention and treatment. We are thrilled to have her on board!
Melissa Stevens
Vocal Coach
Melissa has been teaching voice, piano, and choir classes for the past six years, after receiving her Bachelors Degree of Music in Vocal Performance. She has always surrounded by music long before her professional career, growing up with the foundations of piano, flute, classical choral singing, musical theatre, and solo singing. Melissa's passion for music was truly inspired during high school when she had the privilege of touring through Italy to sing in venues such as Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and participating and competing in top level singing ensembles. Throughout her experiences she learned the value that music provided: a constant source of joy, expression, and close knit community that forever impacted her. This awakening now gives her a passion to share the joys of music with others. Each student provides an opportunity to discover unique qualities, gifts, and hidden talents. It is her desire to bring out the best in herstudents and adapt to their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Melissa strives to find the best teaching method and technique that will complement the individuality of each student.
