"Never forget to show up inside the music." - Jane Pesci-Townsend

"Anything you do, let it come from you. Then it will be true. Give us more to see..." - Steven Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George

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let me introduce myself...

I live New Jersey with my husband, Christian, and our children, Neve and Noah!  I originally hail from the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I am an artist and arts advocate in both Philly and NJ.

As an artist, I am continually inspired by art and social change, the educational value of the arts and the healing power of the arts. Therefore, I have dedicated much of my career to theatre arts education, theatre for youth/children’s music and promoting women+ in the arts, as well as parent artists.

current/Recent projects:

Big Idea Committee: Interactive music theatre for young audiences
Created and performed by Christine Petrini & Melissa Brun
Featuring Karl, the Cello!
BIG thinkers small and tall gather together for this theatrical experience featuring children’s music by Christine Petrini and Melissa Brun. Together, the Big Idea Committee goes on a musical journey of fun and games, adventure and innovation, acts of kindness, and, of course, song and dance! Committee Members, let’s call this meeting to order. All in favor, say “I”!

• *COVID-19 UPDATE: Big Idea Committee is creating #bigideas during quarantine while we all stay at home. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook at on Instagram @bigideacommittee for interactive and educational musical fun!

• To book a concert for your young audience (schools, daycares, theaters, parks & recreation, libraries, churches and performing arts centers), please contact bigideacommittee@gmail.com

Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival - In 2015, I co-founded the festival with Polly Edelstein. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for women+ in theatre.  In 2019, we celebrated our 5th anniversary and became a registered non-profit organization.

• 2020 Festival - August & September 2020: THE UNTOLD VOICES IN VOTING, a celebration of 100 years of the 19th Amendment. We’ve partnered with Jouska Play Works to amplify untold voices, particularly women+ of color who were left out of the narrative of the suffrage movement.

Lyceum Studio - *COVID-19 Updates: All classes, camps and our Musical Theatre Competition Troupe are on Zoom! Check out our YouTube channel for #QuarantART videos, the Jazz series and more. Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts.

• UP NEXT: Fall Theatre — Dramatic Play the Digital Way! Registration is now open.

• The 2020/2021 Musical Theatre Competition Troupe is cast and rehearsals are underway! The troupe competes at the Bucks County Playhouse Student Theatre Festival, The South Jersey Theatre Festival and the Teen Arts Festival. This winter, virtual performances will include: Don Zolidis’ THE AUDITION and a Dream Roles Cabaret.

*check back for updates!

education:

In September of 2014, I graduated from Villanova University with a Master of Arts in Theatre and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.  I earned my BA at Temple University in Communications and Theatre.  Additionally, I spent two years studying Musical Theatre at The Catholic University of America. 

teaching artist:

As a teaching artist, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and passion for the performing arts with my theatre students at West Chester Studio for the Performing Arts.  Theatre students experience the joy of storytelling while gaining communication skills, learning the art of collaboration and unleashing their own unique creativity. 

In the fall of 2017, Lyceum Studio was officially launched at Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts.  I am the Program Director and work as a teaching artist, director and administrator for the program. 

arts administration:

Since it’s inception, I have been the Managing Director for Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival. I am also currently serving as President of the board of directors. For seven years, I worked in the membership department at ArtPride New Jersey advancing a state of creativity through advocacy and by providing marketing and networking opportunities for the arts sector in NJ.  ArtPride's programs include Discover Jersey Arts, providing arts patrons with arts news, discounts and special offers!

Arts Consulting - I work as a Grant Writing consultant for small to mid-size non-profit organizations and serve on the board of Beacon Theatre Productions

music:

In October of 2010, I launched Wasabi Talent, LLC as a full-service music and entertainment company.  I sing for weddings, funerals, special events and local restaurants/music venues. Most recently, I have performed cabarets with Riverview Live at Riverview Restaurant in Burlington, NJ.

Solo Performer:

I Can Dress Myself, a one-woman musical created by Christine Petrini in collaboration with musician and performing artist, Eric Longo.