Broadway Arts Conservatory Team
George Merritt (Director)
Drama Desk nominee, George Merritt, has enjoyed a distinguished career
as one of America's finest theatrical baritones. He created the roles
of "King Saul" in the world premiere of the concert musical, King
David and the lead role of "John Utterson" in the original
Broadway hit musical and movie, Jekyll & Hyde.
Born in Raleigh, George returned to his Southern roots starring as "Jim"
in the Tony Award winning musical Big River.
He also had leading Broadway roles in Porgy and Bess, Ain't
Misbehavin', Once on This Island
and Driving Miss Daisy. He ill soon be seen
in the feature film, Spinning Into Butter
starring Sarah Jessica Parker. In addition, George Merritt is one of
the co-producers and stars of OH! THOSE VOICES!
Their concert tour premiered with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and
has thrilled audiences across the US. George taught public school music
and drama until he enlisted in the Air Force, where he was a featured
soloist in the prestigious Singing Sergeants, performing in over 100
cities worldwide. Currently, he is also a professor at Nyack College
in New York City.
Julie Flinchum-Bradley (Musical Director)
A graduate of NC School of the Arts and UNC-CH, Julie has had a long
and distinguished career as a musical director, musician and teacher.
She spent a fulfilling 20 years as assistant to conductor McCrae Hardy
at North Carolina Theatre. Julie currently serves as the orchestra contractor
for Broadway Series South in North Carolina. She is also very involved
with the North Carolina Opera and numerous regional and community theatres.
Her work as orchestrator and arranger includes such clients as Ipo Productions,
the Jimmy V Celebrity Classic and Going Barefoot, Inc.
Thomas Mauney (Technical Director)
Thomas holds a BFA from UNC Greensboro and an MFA from the University
of Montana, both in design for theatre and has been named in Who's Who
in Entertainment. For four seasons, Thomas served as Production Manager
and Technical Director at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing
Arts. Thomas has also Design by for the NC Symphony, Carolina Ballet,
Miss NC Pageant, Raleigh Little Theatre, Peace College, Applause! and
numerous shows at Memorial Auditorium. His corporate event and museum
work have taken him across North America and Europe.
Erica Bava Summerlin (Choreographer)
An accomplished dancer and choreographer, Erica has been performing
for more than 20 years. As a teen, Erica was a member of the prestigious
NC Youth Tap Ensemble directed by Gene Medler. She reveled in the opportunity
to be taught by Savion Glover, Brenda Buffalino, Diane Walker and many
other renowned tappers. Erica was part of The Chicago Human Rhythm Project
and JUBA - a special tap documentary that airs on PBS every year. Erica
also performed in an "Evening of Tap" at the Town Hall in New York City
as well as numerous state and local events in North Carolina. Erica
has also been credited with numerous awards for her innovative and cutting-edge
choreography.