2024 Directing Teams

Kane White, Dig Deep Director

Amina Gilbert, Lucy Larcom Director

Ben Stasny, Zelda’s Girls Director

Simon Daum, Music Director

Kane White (He/Him) is a Baritone vocalist currently studying to receive his Master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder in May 2023. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL. Kane has performed in and Assistant directed in shows such as La Traviata, La Boheme, A postcard from Morocco, Guys N Dolls, and more during his studies. Having an equal love for Theatre and Opera. Kane believes that anyone can sing any style so long as they have a passion for it. He also works on side projects such as directing opera scenes and fronting a rock band that rearranges classical standards into new forms. He has enjoyed some incredible singing opportunities so far, singing at Carnegie Hall, St.Paul's Cathedral in London, and most notably, The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Kane is so excited to work here at Parlando and sharing the joy of music

Amina Gilbert (she/they) is a Chicago based Director and Lighting Designer. She is lucky enough to call this her third year directing for New Musical Project! Selected directing credits include The Permanence of a Sad Man (Interpolated Theatre Co), Feathers and Teeth (Columbia College Chicago), Whelmed: A Clown Cabaret (self produced), and Fate (Parlando School of Musical Arts). Selected lighting credits include Madam and Steve (Lazy Susan Theatre Co), Tango Palace (Columbia College Chicago), In Quietness (A Red Orchid Theatre, associate under Heather Gilbert), and The It (Columbia College Chicago). She just completed her Lighting Internship at Steppenwolf Theatre Co for the production of Little Bear Ridge Road directed by Joe Mantello under Lighting Designer Heather Gilbert. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Columbia College Chicago. In her life, Amina hopes to create fabulous, exuberant queer theatre and/or turn into a very tall, very wide redwood tree

Ben Stasny is a PhD candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder. Ben’s doctoral dissertation focuses on a series of workshops he has developed designed to share improvisational energy and reduce climate anxiety. He is a graduate student instructor and has taught courses on Improvisation, Creative Climate Communications, Musical Theatre History and more. Ben frequently works as a theatrical director in Boulder. He partnered with NYC’s Climate Change Theatre Action to produce CU Boulder’s 2021 production of Climate Cabaret. Other recent directing credits include: The Lightning Thief, Twelfth Night, Treeson: an eco-musical, and Roll With It (Parlando School of Musical Arts), Company (CU Boulder), Lend Me a Tenor, Freaky Friday, Mamma Mia (Fairview High School), The Fall of Man (ATLAS Black Box), and several new plays since 2021. Ben loves working as an actor, director, instructor, workshop facilitator, art-maker, and the myriad other things that give his life purpose. 

Simon Daum is a music educator/performer recently relocated from Philadelphia to Boulder. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Choral/General Emphasis) from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, where he sang in internationally touring choirs, served as Music Director of the Nu Psi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, graduated magna cum laude, and later attended the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute.

Simon has enjoyed working on numerous high school/college productions, whether music directing, vocal coaching, playing in the pit, or helping with technical aspects. Select highlights include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Freaky Friday, Bring it On, Les Miserables, Big Fish, and Once on this Island. As a performer, some of his favorite roles include Dr. Madden in Next to Normal, Mr. Popper in Mr. Popper’s Penguins, and Constable Locke in The Music Man. He also has years of experience singing classical and sacred music in the Philadelphia area, including performances of Carmina Burana with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

In the studio, Simon encourages healthy vocal exploration and loves helping students develop a better understanding of how their voices function. Valuing each individual’s personal relationship with music, he can accommodate students interested in multiple styles, as well as those interested in playing piano while singing. Outside of the studio, you can find Simon hiking, bouldering, playing basketball, and searching for delicious donuts.