Harriton Theater coaches are drawn from Philadelphia’s theater community and provide coaching for performance, technical, and business aspects of theater.
Michael Fortna: Director
Michael is excited to be working with Harriton Theater and the amazingly talented group of students. Michael is a professional stage manager and educator who recently moved to the area from New York City and lives with his husband Jared, son Mason and dog Pippin. He spent over 10 years working with companies in New York City and around the country including: Syracuse Stage, New York Classical Theatre, Atlantic Theatre Company, Fort Worth Opera, White Plains Performing Arts Center, Ogunquit Playhouse, Classic Stage Company, Carnegie Hall and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, just to name a few. Michael has had the pleasure to work with some of the theatre greats including Chita Rivera, Kathleen Turner, Jerry Mitchell, Harvey Fierstein, Joel Grey, Tim Rice, and Joshua Bell. Some favorite productions include: Peter Pan, Heathers, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, From Here To Eternity, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Michael is a graduate of The Juilliard School and is currently pursuing his degree in Education at Eastern University.
Chris Busza: Technical Director
This is Chris’ first year as the Tech Director for Harriton Theater Company, and he is excited to bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the production. While new to theater tech, Chris has been involved behind the scenes in his sons’ local productions, including UD Summer Stage. A teacher in LMSD for 25 years, Chris is an avid DIYer with a knack for problem-solving, and has both the tools and the know-how to support the incredibly talented students working behind the curtain. He is eager to collaborate, learn, and ensure that the technical aspects of the show enhance the overall experience, helping to make this production a success.
Jeff Smith: Music Director
Jeff is very excited to work with HTC’s cast on their musicals! He has music directed and/or performed in the pit orchestra for theatre companies all around the Delaware Valley, including PCS Theater, Media Theater, Footlighters Theatre, Penn Players (University of Pennsylvania), and the Lower Merion and Lower Moreland school districts. Favorite past productions include Into the Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Newsies, Legally Blonde, Once on this Island, RENT, Godspell, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. Jeff is currently working on original music for an upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set at Woodstock. He has served as a Staff Accompanist for the musical theatre program at Rider University and has played close to 300 gigs with his jazz combo (www.jazz180.com). Jeff serves on the Board of Directors and Finance Committee for Theatre Horizon, a professional not-for-profit theatre company in Norristown.