Mikayla Dushane is an inventive and experimental performing arts instructor.  Mikayla has joined St. John’s Stage as our Artistic Director, 

Music/Dance/Acting Instructor, and Lead Choreographer. She has been studying, training, and appearing in the world of the performing arts for 21 years.

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Mikayla Dushane graduated Magna Cum Laude from Jacksonville University, where she received her Bachelor in Fine Arts; in Music Theatre.  She is currently pursuing her second Bachelor's degree in Music Education.  During her undergraduate years, she has had the opportunity to learn under professionals in the performing arts field, such as Dr. Jay Ivey, Dr. Tyler Alessi, Dr. Julian Bryson, Kimberly Beasley, Scott Jones, Yidi Lin, Glenn Morgan, Elyse Matthews, Dina Barone, Debra Jordan, and Erik DeCicco.   In Spring of 2020 she also had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Tyler Alessi and Brian Palmer, as assistant choreographer for Jacksonville University’s “Light In The Piazza”.   Mikayla's other credits include Cassie in "A Chorus Line," The Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods," Pinocchio in "Shrek the Musical," and Sarraghina in "Nine."

 

Mikayla started her ballet training at the age of  2.   Then moved to The Academy of Performing Arts at the age of 5, where she started her training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre.   Mikayla then continued her performance training, where she joined a competitive performance team.   She continued training and competing for the next 8 years, competing in jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theatre, and vocal.   As a student, Mikayla won many high-placement awards for her dancing and singing.   Including Regional Junior Champion of 2014 at the Star Systems Dance Competition, Regional Teen Champion in Vocal of 2016 at the Star-bound Talent Competition, 2017’s 1st place Vocal soloist at Access Broadway Talent Competition, 2018’s Top Soloist in a Production number, as well as Judge choice for Most Creative, at Access Broadway Talent Competition.

 

Mikayla attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, majoring in Musical Theatre.  At Douglas Anderson Mikayla had the opportunity to study under experienced Performing Arts instructors such as: Simone Aden, Kevin Covert, Valerie Anthony, Myra Fernandez-Torres, Debra Webb, Bonnie Harrison, Rhonda Stampalia, Jenifer Turbyfill, Britney Boyd, and Dr. Lee Beger.  In her sophomore year, her Thespian Troupe won straight superiors in the 2015 District Thespian Festival.

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In addition to her training, Mikayla has also studied with world-renowned choreographers and performers such as Stacey Tookey, Gene Gabriel, Josh Lamboy, Kevin Covert, and Michael Slinger.   Mikayla also had the unique opportunity to work with Broadway Composer Jeff Blumenkrantz on debuting a brand new piece "Free Fall".

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From 2016 to 2018, Mikayla had the opportunity to work as the choreographer for a Junior Company competition team.  During this time, Mikayla’s choreography won awards, placing in the top overall scores.   Mikayla joined the Thespian Company in 2018 as lead Tap and Hip Hop choreographer.   In 2019 she had 4 of her pieces win first place in their category, as well as receiving the title ‘Access Broadway’s Best Musical Theatre School of 2019’. 

 

Since opening St. Johns Stage, Mikayla's choreography and personal coaching have received multiple high scores for her group and production routines and solo routines at Access Broadway and with the International Theatre Society.   Mikayla continues teaching and choreographing for St. Johns Stage in both dance and theatre.