Our philosophy is to create a world where everyone can access the magic of theater through, music acting, and dance.

We have witnessed firsthand how the performing arts can build character, confidence, and friendships.  This magic of Musical Theater is an incredible tool to teach awareness, confidence, self-discipline, and teamwork.  We strive to empower confident, focused, and happy performers.

MCDA and the Rising Star Staff teach healthy living, leadership, respect, and kindness to our students.

Kelly Parks

Rising Star Director

Kelly is the Owner/Director of MCDA and the Rising Stars Program. She has been training dancers and performers for over 35 years. Miss Kelly has a B.A in Dance Management from Baldwin Wallace University and a Masters in Art Administration from Akron University. Kelly and is a member of the National Dance Association, the International Dance Entrepreneurs Association, and the National Dance Education Organization.

Kelly has worked in community and regional theater for 20 years. She as choreographed, A Mid-Summer Nights Dream, Brigadoon, Big River, Children of Eden, Alice in Wonderland, Guys and Dolls, Magic Toy Shoppe and many more.

​She serves the community through involvement with Leadership Medina County and by serving on the board of directors for Main Street Medina and the Medina Arts Council. ​Miss Kelly is also the Dance Moderator for Padua Franciscan High School and an Adjunct Professor at Baldwin Wallace University.

Kelly and her husband Scott of 32 years have 3 adult daughters, and they are all active in dance and theatre arts. ​

“I truly believe it is a privilege to share performing arts education with each of my students. I love watching them grow, achieve their goals, and succeed in school, community, and the Performing ARTS!”

Connie Laettner

Rising Star Assistant Director

She has been teaching dance for over 20 years and this is her first year with MCDA. Connie teaches Broadway, Tap, early childhood dance, as well as other styles. She has been singing and dancing for over 30 years, beginning with her training at the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts and continuing at Baldwin-Wallace University where she earned her B.A. in Dance in 2003. She is a teaching artist for dance outreach programs that serve underprivileged children in Cleveland and is both a choreographer and actor in local community theatres. She lives in Brunswick, LOVES her cats and dogs, and enjoys gardening with her kids!