Education

AMANDA WEIS
YAA Administrator & Instructor (Monday & Friday classes)

Amanda is an experienced performing artist and stage director who divides her time between private vocal instruction and performing and directing throughout the Twin Cities and greater area. Ms. Weis obtained her BA in vocal music at the College of St.Benedict/St. John’s University and her Masters of Music at the University of MN, Duluth. Collegiately, she has studied classical vocal music and opera, while also participating in musical theatre and vocal jazz opportunities and study. Ms. Weis has performed leading and supporting roles with numerous notable performing arts companies in the region. Ms. Weis was also the vocal director for the national tour Nick Jr Live, a new work from Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment.

Amanda Weis is a member of the NATS – National Association of Teachers of Singing and is a solo & ensemble contest judge for the Minnesota State High School League under the name, Amanda McGivern.

JOSHUA ZAPATA-PALMER
Instructor (Tuesday & Saturday classes)

Joshua Palmer is a Twin Cities, MN film and theater artist. He has a BA in Theater Arts from Bethel University and has worked as an actor, director, producer, writer, teacher, clown, host, dancer, musician, and mime in Minnesota, Florida, Arizona, California, Poland, and South Africa. His film work includes the upcoming fantasy web series Hidden Falls, and the award-winning short films Bear, The Paper Jam, Core Value Rangers, We Are Kickball, Rosebird, Kowalskis, and Dust & Ashes. In theater, he has collaborated as an actor or director with the National Theatre for Children, Children’s Theatre Company, MN Opera, Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, Arts Garden, MN Renaissance Festival, Juggler and Mime, MONDO Juggling Fest, Lakeshore Players, and Valleyfair. He regularly performs with the children’s show Lalo’s Lunchbox. Whether he’s telling stories, teaching classes, or creating new works, Josh desires to spread joy and hope in everything he does.