Julie Altomari
Executive Producer/Co-Owner
Julie Altomari’s journey into theater began with her two children, Dom and Ty, who actively participated in regional and community productions from a young age. Her passion for the arts deepened when Ty was cast as Michael Hobbs in the Broadway National Tour of Elf the Musical. For three holiday seasons, Julie traveled the country with the production, and in the second and third years, she officially joined the Company as a Child Wrangler. While on tour, she built strong connections with the cast and crew, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the world of theater. Inspired by these experiences, Julie became a board member for several theater organizations, including Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, CT, where she served for many years.
In 2012, Julie partnered with Theresa Podhurst to co-found Star 2B Performing Arts, combining Theresa’s theater expertise with Julie’s touring experience to create a professional training center for young performers focused on kindness and respect. In May 2023, Julie became the President of Star 2B Performing Arts, Inc., now a not-for-profit organization. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Ithaca College, a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from Shenandoah University. Fun fact: Before her journey into theater, Julie was a competitive dancer throughout high school.
Theresa Podhurst
Executive Producer/Co-Owner
Theresa Podhurst developed a love for theater early on, spending most of her childhood performing in various productions. Theresa attended Johnson and Wales University, where she earned a master’s in business administration. While there, Theresa founded the Theatre Arts Club and expanded it into a well-respected organization supported by both the clubs' organization and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Theresa performed in over 25 productions and directed full musicals in college and community theater. In 2012, she realized her dream by co-founding Star 2B Performing Arts with her best friend, Julie Altomari. Together, they built a company grounded in their shared values, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for performers and instructors of all ages.
Liz Tancredi Gillam
Artistic Director
Liz Tancredi Gillam is a New York based actor and educator, who LOVES Star 2B and believes joy is at the center of creativity and learning! After earning her BFA in Drama from Syracuse University, Liz began working in regional theater as well as the downtown, experimental New York theater scene. Select credits include These Seven Sicknesses and Restoration Comedy (New York Premieres, The Flea Theater); Measure for Measure (Roxy Regional); Snow White (Berkshire Theater Group); Into the Woods (Thin Air Theatre Co.); Icarus, an Americana Musical (The Oberon/ A.R.T.); One Man, Two Guvnors (Cape Rep Theatre), and many more. On camera credits include Gravesend, Season 2 (Amazon Prime); The Food that Built America (Hulu); City of Mercy (webseries); Crow God (short film); Shakespeare’s As You Like It (feature film); Ripley (Netflix). Liz earned her MFA in Acting from Brooklyn College where she was a Teaching Fellow from 2018-2020, and is currently Artistic Director for Star 2B Performing Arts. Follow Liz on instagram (@liztancredi) and visit liztancredi.com for more info.
Pilar Morgan
Director of Vocal Education
With over twenty years of experience as a voice teacher and owner of Vocal Intensive Studios, Pilar believes in enhancing and developing students’ natural voices and abilities with functional and evidence based training in contemporary pedagogy. She specializes in a holistic approach to voice by including awareness and attention to the mindset and emotions of students! Her core values align with Star2b, as she believes in kindness, passion for the performing arts and community! Pilar received her Professional Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and is a Graduate of The Manhattan School of Music.
Russell McCook
Resident Music Director
Russell McCook (he/him) is a music director, educator, and performer with a passion for telling compelling stories through song. He has music directed a wide range of productions, including performers of all ages and experience levels, bringing energy, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of vocal technique to every rehearsal room.
A graduate of Oklahoma City University and NYU Steinhardt, Russell has worked across the country as both a music director and performer. Favorite credits include Once, Big Fish, A Little Night Music, Les Misérables, and Bernstein’s Mass.
In addition to his work in the theatre, Russell teaches voice, piano, and strings. His students have performed on Broadway, in national tours, and in regional and educational theatres across the country. Now based in New York’s Hudson Valley, he is proud to help artists of all ages grow their skills and their confidence through music.
Maya Lopez
Director of Media
Maya Lopez is a Director/Choreographer and theater-maker based in Brooklyn and absolutely loves Star 2B! She has recently directed Les Miserables and Mary Poppins Jr, and choreographed Chicago at Star 2B. She received her degree in Educational Theater, she has been working in youth theater ever since, using theater and dance to encourage community, inclusive learning, and a love of performing.
Additional recent directing/choreography credits include: Little Shop of Horrors, Seussical Jr., Mean Girls, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, Pippin, and Matilda Jr.