About Us
FAME Performing Arts is a locally-owned studio striving to create an inclusive environment for students to attend music lessons, performing arts classes, instrument lessons, and summer camps to become confident, self-aware, and comfortable in their own skin.
Scroll down to get to know the amazing team of teachers working to make that happen!
JEN BLANTON
Founder, Voice & Piano Teacher
Our studio owner is a down to earth voice and piano teacher ready to take focused students to the next level!
ADRIANNE DUKES
Troupe Director
Adrianne joins the FAME team after changing careers. As a former public school teacher and community theatre actor/director/instructor, she is excited to combine her love of working with children alongside her love of the arts.
CHELSEA LOEW
Piano & Music Theory Teacher
Chelsea is an extremely accomplished young composer with high expectations for her talented students.
HEATHER HAMMOND CAFFAREL
Pop Glee Director
Heather Hammond Caffarel is an award winning teacher in her tenth year as co-director of the Charleston School of the Arts Vocal Program. New to FAME, Heather will be directing the Pop Glee group classes!
LAUREN CRAWFORD
Voice Teacher
Lauren has a diverse vocal background and is passionate about teaching healthy vocal techniques that will last a lifetime and can be applied to any genre. She loves working with singers of all ages and strives to create an encouraging environment where students can really grow and build confidence.
NIKKI FREEMAN
Troupe Director
Ms. Nikki fell in love with Shakespeare at 12 years old while watching Kenneth Branagh’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and, fifteen years later, got the chance to play her heroine, Beatrice! She encourages her students to “play” and teaches them that theatre – even the classics – can be accessible for everyone! Ms. Nikki teaches the Troupe acting classes.
SARAH CALLAHAN BLACK
Troupe Director & Choreographer, Dance Teacher
Sarah Callahan Black is a Charleston-based actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer who loves makeup, animals, and 80s music. Sarah has taught several different classes and age groups at FAME, and is currently directing/choreographing our Kids Troupe.
KEDZIE THOMPSON
Lesson Coordinator
Kedzie is your go-to for questions related to our programs and classes as well as billing. Click below to send Kedzie an email.
JESSE SMITH
Virtual Voice/Acting Teacher
Jesse's love for music began in High School when he was encouraged by his chorus teacher to pursue a career in performing - a choice he will never regret.
ED BLANTON
Guitar, Bass, & Ukulele Teacher
Troupe Tech Director
Ed Blanton is a Charleston-based live sound engineer and professional guitar player. His love for guitar started as a teen and grew in to a life long passion. He is kind and patient with young players. Ed's goal as a teacher is to foster a love of music and guitar in his students that will stay with them for a lifetime, as it has for him.
ANGIE CIRNIGLIARO
Troupe Director, Choreographer, &
Dance Teacher
Angie is a masterful and enthusiastic dance instructor bringing over two decades of experience teaching all ages, and three decades of intense study in all styles. Angie teaches our Troupe dance classes.
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EMMA SCOTT
Director of Operations
Acting & Strings Teacher
Emma is an energetic and knowledgeable instructor with over 35 years of professional performance experience. She is excited to be teaching Troupe acting classes at FAME in addition to costuming all Troupe musicals.
KEESHA GLASS
Voice & Piano Teacher
Keesha is a singer-songwriter with over 20 years experience teaching choirs, ensemble groups, individuals, and worship groups.
MELANIE GRACE MORTON
Voice, Beginning Piano, & Ukulele Teacher
Melanie is outgoing and friendly and loves to talk about all things music, theatre, and dance. She has an extensive background in performance and pedagogy.
REGINA HELCHER YOST
Flute Teacher
Regina Helcher Yost is nationally renowned as both an orchestral and chamber music musician, as well as an acclaimed teacher of the flute and piccolo pedagogy.
SHANELLE WOODS
Virtual Voice Teacher
She's back! Shanelle was on staff at FAME for 5 years before moving to NYC to pursue her career. She is currently offering online lessons.
TARYN WETHERINGTON
Voice Teacher
Taryn has an energetic spirit and loves working with students of all ages to help them pursue their passion!