Camp Team

JANE BURGESS • camp Coordinator

Jane Burgess is a New York City-based singer/actor/instructor.

She has performed throughout the United States and Italy. She received her B.M. and Artist Diploma in vocal performance at Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA). Jane has appeared on opera, musical theater, and cabaret stages.

In 2009, Jane and her husband, Micah co-founded Art House Astoria, and Jane has since found herself busy teaching and co-directing for this ever-growing organization. The 2019-2020 season marks Art House Astoria’s 10 year anniversary! Jane is also the mother of two smart, energetic, creative, funny, and loving little boys; Charlie and Pete.

Cara picone • Theatre

Cara Picone is a resident of Manhattan and is a voice teacher, actor, and singer. A graduate of NYU’s vocal performance program, she has been teaching and performing professionally for 15 years. Performance credits range from classic musical theatre (such as Sweeney Todd and Camelot) to new works by up-and-coming writers. Cara’s students have gone on to colleges such as NYU, Berklee College of Music, Montclair State University, and Rider University’s Westminster Choir College. She has also worked with students of musical theater in academic settings, directing full productions of musicals such as The King & I, Cinderella, and Seussical Jr. Cara is thrilled to join the staff at ArtHouse Astoria!

Laura Ware • crafts & Camp fun

Laura Ware, originally from Southern California, arrived in Astoria in 2007 with her two suitcases and a laptop after spending two years out on the National Tour of Mamma Mia! where she played the role of Rosie.

Laura is an actress, singer, and director, having recently directed Art House Astoria's The Wizard of Oz Young Performer's Edition! In addition to being the Director of Finance and Human Resources for Art House Astoria, she is also the editor of the theatre website, StageAgent. Since arriving in New York, Laura has appeared on As the World Turns and on the Nickelodeon kids' show The Naked Brothers Band as well as in the World Premiere of Things As They Are in the New York Musical Theater Festival. Some of her favorite stage roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, and Reverend Mother in Nunsense among others. Laura holds a BFA in Acting and an MFA in Musical Theater and she is a member of Actors Equity Association.

Bryce Collins • drumming

Bryce Collins is a professional drummer and drum instructor in New York City. His musical experience covers a wide range of styles and genres, such as Afro Cuban, Brazilian, Fusion, Reggae, Hip Hop, Funk, Jazz Gospel, Soul, R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop. Bryce has performed on several albums and singles for various artists and has played in several musicals.

rachel gawell burns • songwriting

Cellist Rachel Gawell Burns is a bold performer blending classical training with innovative artistry. A Maryland native, she studied under National Symphony principal David Hardy at Peabody Conservatory and performed with Yo-Yo Ma. Passionate about modern music, she co-founded the noise band Anorak and launched Baba Sonya, featured on Spotify’s U.S. Viral Top 50. Rachel has toured with Beecher’s Fault and The Ballroom Thieves and recorded for A24’s Problemista. She works regularly on Broadway and as a teaching artist, she inspires students to explore creativity through improvisation and songwriting, fostering a love of music in future generations.