Melanie Shulman Veazey
Founder
Founded Impact Center for the Fine Arts in 1993 in Lakeville, Connecticut. There, she and her talented staff taught theater, art, and dance to aspiring artists of all ages. Her clients included the children of such celebrities as Meryl Streep, Jill Clayburgh, Michael J. Fox, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgewick and Tracey Ullman. In 2001 in Orlando, Melanie rebranded her business model to include on campus classes for children that were unable to go to a studio. Impact filled a niche that has been a staple in area schools for the last 18 years. Melanie Veazey is a graduate of The Hotchkiss School and Carnegie Mellon University where she received her BFA in Musical Theater and Drama. Originally from New York, Melanie’s professional credits include appearing on stage alongside many well-known actors including Jane Curtain, Jill Clayburgh, Loni Ackerman and Barry Williams. She has been seen in national and regional commercials for Disney, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Haverty's and Sonny's BBQ. Locally, Melanie has appeared on stage at the Winter Park Playhouse in Godspell for which she was also the assistant choreographer. Other favorite roles include Tessie Tura in Gypsy, Mortitia in Addams Family, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at The Athens Theater as well as Masha in "Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike!" at Osceola Arts and with the Ensemble Company. Melanie is so proud of the Impact her company has had on students all over the US. Currently, she is busy with her private practice and is focused on coaching the next generation of performers. You can learn more about her at www.melanieveazey.com
Founder
Founded Impact Center for the Fine Arts in 1993 in Lakeville, Connecticut. There, she and her talented staff taught theater, art, and dance to aspiring artists of all ages. Her clients included the children of such celebrities as Meryl Streep, Jill Clayburgh, Michael J. Fox, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgewick and Tracey Ullman. In 2001 in Orlando, Melanie rebranded her business model to include on campus classes for children that were unable to go to a studio. Impact filled a niche that has been a staple in area schools for the last 18 years. Melanie Veazey is a graduate of The Hotchkiss School and Carnegie Mellon University where she received her BFA in Musical Theater and Drama. Originally from New York, Melanie’s professional credits include appearing on stage alongside many well-known actors including Jane Curtain, Jill Clayburgh, Loni Ackerman and Barry Williams. She has been seen in national and regional commercials for Disney, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Haverty's and Sonny's BBQ. Locally, Melanie has appeared on stage at the Winter Park Playhouse in Godspell for which she was also the assistant choreographer. Other favorite roles include Tessie Tura in Gypsy, Mortitia in Addams Family, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at The Athens Theater as well as Masha in "Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike!" at Osceola Arts and with the Ensemble Company. Melanie is so proud of the Impact her company has had on students all over the US. Currently, she is busy with her private practice and is focused on coaching the next generation of performers. You can learn more about her at www.melanieveazey.com
Paxton Brock
Executive Director
Paxton has spent her life in the arts performing, designing, choreographing and directing. She has over 20 years of industry experience and training. Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, she frequented the renowned artisan center of her hometown, Berea, immersed herself in the local music, and began her dance training at the age of three. Over the years, she trained with many studios and companies, most notably The Kentucky Ballet Theatre (KBT) and what she fondly calls her "home studio" Town and Village School of Dance. She studied music and vocal performance under Dale Ann Bradley, a five time female bluegrass vocalist of the year award winner and one of her most beloved mentors. With this foundation, she became very hands on with her performing arts focus, working alongside and under industry professionals such as Lindy Franklin, Laura Bell Bundy, Andrea Halbert of the Radio City Rockettes, and Rafaela Cento-Munoz and Norbe Risco, former Principal Dancer and Artistic Director of KBT, respectively. While at KBT, she took part in numerous classics and world premiere original ballets at the Lexington Opera House, as well as KBT's tour of the Nutcracker as Clara. After her time in Kentucky, she moved to Tallahassee, FL, where she worked as lead teaching artist for Killearn Performing Arts and Studio D. Her classes ranged from studio standards (ballet/tap/jazz) to the theatrical arts (pantomime/acting/musical theatre) and niche drop in classes. During her twelve year tenure as a freelance teaching artist, she has taught students from age two all the way to retired adults, eventually moving to Orlando in 2016. In tandem with her teaching, she participated in numerous dance shows and theatrical productions, working both as a performer and production staff. Notable onstage credits: Cassie (A Chorus Line,) Alex (Flashdance,) and Nellie (Jeckyll and Hyde.) Notable production staff credits: Asst. Director (A Christmas Carol,) Key Makeup Artist/Wig designer (West Side Story,) and Choreographer (Chicago.) Paxton has directed and choreographed shows throughout the Central Florida area for pre professional programs, regional theatre, and various educational settings, taught multitudes of summer intensives, and wrote the first curriculum for the Central Florida Community Arts Grandparent and Me camp, aiming to bridge a generation gap and foster familial mentorship through shared arts experiences. Formerly the outreach and operations manager of Impact, she loved every moment of growing the company's reach in the community, adding new programs, training staff, and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for young artistic expression in all Impact classes. Paxton believes in the Impact mission wholeheartedly and is ever grateful to continue making a difference the Impact way.
Executive Director
Paxton has spent her life in the arts performing, designing, choreographing and directing. She has over 20 years of industry experience and training. Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, she frequented the renowned artisan center of her hometown, Berea, immersed herself in the local music, and began her dance training at the age of three. Over the years, she trained with many studios and companies, most notably The Kentucky Ballet Theatre (KBT) and what she fondly calls her "home studio" Town and Village School of Dance. She studied music and vocal performance under Dale Ann Bradley, a five time female bluegrass vocalist of the year award winner and one of her most beloved mentors. With this foundation, she became very hands on with her performing arts focus, working alongside and under industry professionals such as Lindy Franklin, Laura Bell Bundy, Andrea Halbert of the Radio City Rockettes, and Rafaela Cento-Munoz and Norbe Risco, former Principal Dancer and Artistic Director of KBT, respectively. While at KBT, she took part in numerous classics and world premiere original ballets at the Lexington Opera House, as well as KBT's tour of the Nutcracker as Clara. After her time in Kentucky, she moved to Tallahassee, FL, where she worked as lead teaching artist for Killearn Performing Arts and Studio D. Her classes ranged from studio standards (ballet/tap/jazz) to the theatrical arts (pantomime/acting/musical theatre) and niche drop in classes. During her twelve year tenure as a freelance teaching artist, she has taught students from age two all the way to retired adults, eventually moving to Orlando in 2016. In tandem with her teaching, she participated in numerous dance shows and theatrical productions, working both as a performer and production staff. Notable onstage credits: Cassie (A Chorus Line,) Alex (Flashdance,) and Nellie (Jeckyll and Hyde.) Notable production staff credits: Asst. Director (A Christmas Carol,) Key Makeup Artist/Wig designer (West Side Story,) and Choreographer (Chicago.) Paxton has directed and choreographed shows throughout the Central Florida area for pre professional programs, regional theatre, and various educational settings, taught multitudes of summer intensives, and wrote the first curriculum for the Central Florida Community Arts Grandparent and Me camp, aiming to bridge a generation gap and foster familial mentorship through shared arts experiences. Formerly the outreach and operations manager of Impact, she loved every moment of growing the company's reach in the community, adding new programs, training staff, and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for young artistic expression in all Impact classes. Paxton believes in the Impact mission wholeheartedly and is ever grateful to continue making a difference the Impact way.
Tiffany Gray
Program Director, Dance and Drama
Tiffany Gray has a diverse dance background resulting in over 14 years of studying, performing, and teaching various styles of dance. Tiffany received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Dance from Oral Roberts University. She has also been a company member and performer with Afrique Aya Drum and Dance Company and Mountain View College Dance Company. Tiffany was first exposed to Modern dance by studying under Rachel Johnson, founder of The Bell House and Exchange Choreography Festival. She was also privileged to be under the tutelage of Amy McIntosh, founder of Living Waters Dance Company. Amy encouraged her to pursue a career in dance and is the reason Tiffany is still dancing today! She has also studied dance under John Merrifield who has become one of Tiffany's most cherished mentors. He is also the Director of Dance at Dallas College and Choreographer of Mary Kay’s Cosmetic National Convention & Sally Beauty Supply National Convention since 1989. Tiffany also has a passion for Musical Theatre which led her to choreograph and direct musical numbers and shows, summer intensives, and teach basic vocal instruction. Her favorite choreographic credits include original choreography for Theatre Arlington's production of Broadway in the 2000's, Adventures in Theatre, Songs of Summer, and Dear Edwina Jr. Tiffany’s favorite director credit was her first, her directorial debut of Horton Hears a Who!, which also featured her choreography. Tiffany enjoys using the Arts for emotional release, personal expression, artistry, and because it's fun! She loves her students and is invested in seeing them learn and grow. Tiffany endeavors to use the Performing Arts to help her students discover their voice and convey it to others artistically. In her previous role with Impact as the Lead Teaching Artist, Tiffany passionately guided her students through the creative process. She is excited to continue making an Impact on her students as the Program Director!
Program Director, Dance and Drama
Tiffany Gray has a diverse dance background resulting in over 14 years of studying, performing, and teaching various styles of dance. Tiffany received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Dance from Oral Roberts University. She has also been a company member and performer with Afrique Aya Drum and Dance Company and Mountain View College Dance Company. Tiffany was first exposed to Modern dance by studying under Rachel Johnson, founder of The Bell House and Exchange Choreography Festival. She was also privileged to be under the tutelage of Amy McIntosh, founder of Living Waters Dance Company. Amy encouraged her to pursue a career in dance and is the reason Tiffany is still dancing today! She has also studied dance under John Merrifield who has become one of Tiffany's most cherished mentors. He is also the Director of Dance at Dallas College and Choreographer of Mary Kay’s Cosmetic National Convention & Sally Beauty Supply National Convention since 1989. Tiffany also has a passion for Musical Theatre which led her to choreograph and direct musical numbers and shows, summer intensives, and teach basic vocal instruction. Her favorite choreographic credits include original choreography for Theatre Arlington's production of Broadway in the 2000's, Adventures in Theatre, Songs of Summer, and Dear Edwina Jr. Tiffany’s favorite director credit was her first, her directorial debut of Horton Hears a Who!, which also featured her choreography. Tiffany enjoys using the Arts for emotional release, personal expression, artistry, and because it's fun! She loves her students and is invested in seeing them learn and grow. Tiffany endeavors to use the Performing Arts to help her students discover their voice and convey it to others artistically. In her previous role with Impact as the Lead Teaching Artist, Tiffany passionately guided her students through the creative process. She is excited to continue making an Impact on her students as the Program Director!
Emily Mason
Assistant Teaching Artist, Dance
Emily Mason is a skilled dancer born and raised in South Florida. She has trained in all genres of dance and dance technique throughout her life and has a passion and enjoyment for the rhythm of tap dancing. She is attending the University of Central Florida where she is studying Kinesiology, the study of the mechanics of body movement, along with Dance and the Arts. Emily has attended multiple dance conventions to enhance her performance skills and has competed in multiple dance competitions for group and solo numbers. In addition, she was recognized as Performer of the Year in 2020 by her dance team and dance instructors. Emily is excited to help promote artistic growth and provide a positive influence to encourage and inspire dancers to confidently express themselves.
Assistant Teaching Artist, Dance
Emily Mason is a skilled dancer born and raised in South Florida. She has trained in all genres of dance and dance technique throughout her life and has a passion and enjoyment for the rhythm of tap dancing. She is attending the University of Central Florida where she is studying Kinesiology, the study of the mechanics of body movement, along with Dance and the Arts. Emily has attended multiple dance conventions to enhance her performance skills and has competed in multiple dance competitions for group and solo numbers. In addition, she was recognized as Performer of the Year in 2020 by her dance team and dance instructors. Emily is excited to help promote artistic growth and provide a positive influence to encourage and inspire dancers to confidently express themselves.
Natalie Estrella
Substitute Teaching Artist, Dance
Natalie Estrella has always had a love for performing and a passion for helping others. Teaching with Impact since 2019, Natalie has found her experience in the classroom to be fulfilling and inspiring. She believes teaching is a way of giving back to the community and prioritizes being a role model and creating a safe space for her students. Natalie has been dancing since the age of three and has training in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. She has participated in various dance shows and theatrical performances alike, and favorite credits include the Nutcracker at the Bob Carr Theatre and Chicago at Theatre West End. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors degree in Nursing at Seminole State College, but hopes to continue her journey and lifelong passion of performing and teaching. In Natalie's own words "I hope my career in performance and teaching never ends! I will continue to do so as long as my legs can stand it."
Substitute Teaching Artist, Dance
Natalie Estrella has always had a love for performing and a passion for helping others. Teaching with Impact since 2019, Natalie has found her experience in the classroom to be fulfilling and inspiring. She believes teaching is a way of giving back to the community and prioritizes being a role model and creating a safe space for her students. Natalie has been dancing since the age of three and has training in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. She has participated in various dance shows and theatrical performances alike, and favorite credits include the Nutcracker at the Bob Carr Theatre and Chicago at Theatre West End. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors degree in Nursing at Seminole State College, but hopes to continue her journey and lifelong passion of performing and teaching. In Natalie's own words "I hope my career in performance and teaching never ends! I will continue to do so as long as my legs can stand it."