Kelly Haas

Founder & Executive Director, Treasurer

Kelly Haas is the Founder and Executive Director of THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through exceptional performing arts education and professional-level youth theater. Raised in Southern California, Kelly studied Sociology at the University of California, San Diego before earning her Master’s degree in Film Production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Her background in both storytelling and human development informs her vision for a dynamic arts organization that cultivates creativity, confidence, discipline, and artistic excellence.

Kelly discovered her passion for arts education while volunteering in her child’s theater company, where she fell in love with the collaborative world of sets, costumes, props, and performance. After moving to Asheville, she recognized a need for a high-caliber performing arts program and founded Asheville Junior Theater—now PACA—to bring first-class arts opportunities to the region.

Under her leadership, PACA has grown into a premier youth performing arts organization, offering outstanding training in dance, acting, voice, and musical theater, alongside theatrical productions that reflect professional standards and expectations. Kelly remains committed to creating a place where young performers work hard, grow artistically, and discover their full potential.

Erin Roberts

Board Member at Large

Erin Roberts serves as a Board Member at Large for THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA). A lifelong supporter of youth development and the arts, Erin brings decades of experience in educational and community theater, as well as an extensive background in choreography and performance. Her early work in competitive dance helped shape her deep appreciation for discipline, creativity, and artistic excellence.

Throughout her career, Erin has remained committed to uplifting young people through meaningful artistic experiences. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, develop their unique voices, and experience the joy and belonging that the performing arts foster.

In addition to her service on PACA’s Board, Erin is the owner of Mighty Oaks Montessori School in Fairview, where she supports children’s independence, growth, and emotional well-being. She is honored to help advance PACA’s mission and expand access to high-quality performing arts opportunities for youth in Western North Carolina.

Carla Delangre

Board Secretary

Carla Delangre brings a unique blend of business leadership and lifelong artistic passion to the PACA Board of Directors. For more than twenty years, she played a key role in her family’s company, the renowned Celtic Sea Salt brand, where she demonstrated exceptional versatility by leading initiatives across Marketing, Sales, and Human Resources. Her experience navigating complex operational and organizational needs gives her a strong foundation for supporting PACA’s growth and long-term vision.

Carla’s love for the performing arts began early. She studied theater throughout high school and college and appeared in numerous productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, and Grease. Her background on stage deepens her understanding of the artistic process and fuels her commitment to enriching youth theater in Western North Carolina.

Today, Carla combines her corporate expertise with her artistic roots to serve as PACA’s Board Secretary, where she helps strengthen organizational structure, support the leadership team, and champion opportunities for young performers to thrive.

Meagan Sietsema 

Administrative Assistant

Meagan Sietsema has a wide range of experience, including literature and performing arts, and an academic background in cultural research, literature, and American Sign Language. Part of that background includes teaching music, ASL, organizational skills, reading skills, and language arts in youth settings. Meagan's degrees were earned at Gallaudet University, where she spoke exclusively using ASL. 

Her specialties are in wrangling: communication with many parents, organization for multiple events, and backstage for cast and crew. She is known for her calm, steady presence and her ability to keep fast-paced environments running smoothly. Meagan brings a strong balance of creativity, communication, and organization to every program she supports. Her dedication to clear communication and thoughtful coordination helps ensure a positive experience for students, families, and staff alike.

Amber Jenkins

Marketing & Communications Advisor

Amber is a creative strategist and marketing professional with a passion for helping organizations find clarity, direction, and their unique voice. As the founder of The Creative Social, she has extensive experience developing thoughtful, intentional campaigns that strengthen branding, deepen community engagement, and support measurable growth. Her professional background includes working with businesses of all sizes—skills she now brings to PACA’s mission and public presence.

Amber is dedicated to elevating the visibility of the performing arts and helping PACA share its story with families throughout Western North Carolina. She approaches every project with creativity, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit, ensuring that PACA’s message reflects the energy and excellence of its students and programs.

Originally from the West Coast, Amber now lives in Asheville with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not crafting communications or supporting PACA initiatives, she can be found hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the landscapes that inspire her work.

Kelly Haas

Producer/Director

Kelly Haas was born and raised in southern California, studied Sociology in college at UCSD and then earned her Masters degree in Film at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. While in California, one of her four children joined a theater company for which Kelly began helping with sets, props and costumes; she fell in love with the synthesis of all things creative. After moving here, she noticed that Asheville needed a more comprehensive performing arts program and filled the need by starting THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA)—with a four-month old baby! She is proud to say that PACA is becoming an unparalleled performing arts space, with informative classes and extraordinary summer camps run by experts in various fields. She has done Broadway-inspired creative work in costumes, props and sets for shows such as Seussical Jr., Aladdin Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., Frozen Jr., andMatilda the Musical (three times!). She has directed and produced five shows at PACA thus far, including another Matilda, Peter Pan Jr., Finding Nemo Jr., The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, Frozen Jr., and Into the Woods Jr.

Erin Roberts

Director of Choreography / Assistant Director

Erin Roberts has dedicated her life to uplifting children. She has worked in educational and community theater since childhood and remains passionate about the arts. She has worked on many productions, including Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Damn Yankees, Godspell, Once on This Island, Sound of Music and others. She spent many years in the world of competitive dance, winning countless 1st and 2nd place awards at the national level. As a high schooler, she won the Triple Threat award from the esteemed Syracuse Stage Summer High School for the Performing Arts program. The friendships and learning experiences gained throughout all of this have stuck with Erin for life. She is excited to create a space for today’s children to feel this same sense of joy, belonging, and creative expression.

Erin is the owner of Mighty Oaks Montessori School in Fairview, and is excited to expand her time devoted to children; this time sharing one of her greatest loves: musical theater.

Melena Dillingham

Director of Music

Melena began playing piano at the age of eight. She served as an accompanist for her school’s choirs in middle school and began studying voice at age 13. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Piano Performance from Mars Hill University, and did her Master’s Degree work at The Ohio State University in Community and Educational Leadership. She has spent the last 20 years as a lessons instructor and professional musician. She joined THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA) as the Music Director for Finding Nemo JR and The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers Edition. Her true passion is helping the next generation of young artists come into their own and discover the magical world of musical theater.

Geoff Roberts

Stage Crew Coordinator

Geoff Roberts is excited and pleased to serve as Stage Crew Coordinator for Asheville Junior Theater. His professional life is dedicated to education; he has served his communities as a teacher for 1-12th grades for the last 19 years. He has high expectations for his students and loves that the culture at THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville (PACA) holds children to similar standards and encourages them to strive for excellence. He was thrust into the world of musical theater by his wife, Erin, and all of his children who have been part of PACA since its inception… Now he can’t imagine life any other way! He feels proud of every production and loves being part of the ‘behind the scenes’ scene.  

Jarret Ditch

Tap, Musical Theater/Jazz, Stage Combat/STOMP, & Performance Crew

Jarret Ditch is a versatile performer and educator whose career spans musical theater, tap, jazz, and stage combat. Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, he has appeared in productions around the world, from performing stunts for Disney to portraying a knight at Medieval Times. Jarret has also danced with the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Company and performed in the Radio City Rockettes production cast.

His theater credits include national tours of Showboat as well as roles in Cabaret, Once on This Island, SHOUT, and Funny Girl. He has choreographed for cruise lines and regional theaters, known for his blend of precision, musicality, and vibrant storytelling. A highlight of his career was working on Encore Mr. Producer! under renowned producer Cameron Mackintosh.

Jarret holds a Bachelor of Dance and Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University and brings passion, professionalism, and creativity to every class at Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance.

Otto “Aquaboogy” Vazquez

Hip Hop

Otto “Aquaboogy” Vazquez is an internationally recognized Hip Hop and street dance artist with over 20 years of experience. Specializing in Popping and Locking, he has toured worldwide with Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular and performed with artists such as Flo Rida, Pitbull, and Kanye West. Otto has also appeared in major commercial campaigns, including Dr Pepper with Misty Copeland and an international campaign for Turk Cell.

As an educator, Otto has taught in more than 25 countries and served on faculty at Duke University, the American Dance Festival, and Illadelph Legends with Rennie Harris. His teaching blends authentic street foundations with musicality, storytelling, and confidence-building.

Known for his positivity and deep respect for Hip Hop culture, Otto brings an inspiring and empowering approach to every class. He is excited to share his experience and passion with dancers at Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance.

Morgen Gough

Ballet/Lyrical & Leaps, Turns & Technique

Morgen Gough brings more than 20 years of training, performance, and choreography experience to Asheville Junior Theater. She has studied at top institutions including the Alvin Ailey School, Ballet Chicago, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and the American Dance Festival. Her background spans classical ballet, contemporary movement, and musical theater.

Morgen’s teaching combines strong classical technique with modern influences. She believes ballet evolves through thoughtful fusion—integrating traditional training with contemporary styles, theatrical elements, and diverse artistic inspiration. Her choreography emphasizes musicality, clean lines, expressive storytelling, and technical growth.

Known for her supportive and detailed approach, Morgen helps dancers strengthen technique while developing creativity and artistic identity. She is passionate about guiding students to discover confidence and joy in movement and is thrilled to bring her expertise to Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance.

Susan Rosone

Aerial Silks

Susan “Susie” Rosone is an aerialist and instructor whose passion began with her first flight on the trapeze. With a background in yoga and a love for movement, she brings mindfulness, strength, and artistry to her aerial silks teaching. Susie’s training includes silks, lyra, duo static trapeze, and fluid aerial choreography.

She has performed throughout the Southeast, including a special Circus Fans of America event where she had the honor of performing for legendary trapeze artists Tony Steele and LaNorma Fox. Before moving to Asheville, Susie served as Assistant Director and Lead Aerial Instructor at Volusia Circus Academy in Florida, where she choreographed numerous routines and taught students ages eight through adult.

Susie emphasizes safe technique, creative exploration, and personal growth. She is excited to help inspire a new generation of aerialists at Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance.

Sarah Ragon

Tricks & Stunts

Sarah Ragon is a multidisciplinary circus artist and acrobat specializing in Chinese pole, partner acrobatics, and dynamic stunt movement. She began her circus training in 2012 after years of gymnastics and later attended the elite Professional Training Program at the New England Center for Circus Arts.

Sarah’s diverse background includes aerial arts, tumbling, hand balancing, and acrobatic choreography. Having overcome her own physical challenges, she teaches with an emphasis on body awareness, safe progressions, and confidence-building. Her classes are known for blending strength, technique, and creativity in an encouraging atmosphere.

Since moving to Asheville in 2020, Sarah has performed and taught throughout the region, inspiring students to explore what their bodies are capable of. She is excited to bring her skill, humor, and passion to Asheville Junior Theater.

Rachel Sanford

Contemporary

Rachel Sanford is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and educator whose training began at the Ozsoy School of Ballet under Ballet Master Ceyhun Ozsoy. She continued her studies at prestigious programs including the American Ballet Theatre Collegiate Program, Joffrey Ballet, and Houston METdance, and received her BFA in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Her professional performance credits include works by Sidra Bell, Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris, and Joe Celej, along with multiple seasons with the Wilmington Ballet Company in productions such as Giselle, The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, and The Little Mermaid.

Rachel has choreographed for UT Austin, McCallum Fine Arts Academy, Wilmington Ballet Company, and more. Since moving to Asheville in 2023, she has contributed to Asheville Ballet’s Fall into Dance and teaches contemporary, ballet, and conditioning. She brings clarity, creativity, and artistry to every class.

Tree Sa

Aerial Silks

Tree Sa is an aerialist, movement artist, and yoga therapist with over a decade of circus teaching and performing experience. With roots in gymnastics, dance, contortion, and acrobatics—and a degree in Biology and Biochemistry—she approaches aerial arts with both creativity and anatomical understanding.

Tree has taught silks, lyra, trapeze, hammock, aerial yoga, and partner acrobatics since 2014. Her classes focus on technique, strength building, and exploration, always encouraging students to express themselves through movement. She especially loves working with young aerialists, whose curiosity and imagination bring circus arts to life.

Based in Asheville, Tree performs throughout the Americas and co-directs Soma Tree Cirque, a performance company she runs with her daughter. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and artistry and is thrilled to join Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance.

Anna Wasserman

Musical Theater/Jazz & Tap

Anna Wasserman is a dancer, choreographer, and educator whose training spans Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Modern, Musical Theater, and Voice. She began performing at a young age and has studied with industry artists including Peter Sabasino, Scott Alan, Lara Tinari, and Tyler McKenzie.

Anna’s stage credits with the Muse Theater Company include Spring Awakening, Chicago, Rent, Into the Woods, and The Wizard of Oz. She has earned national choreography awards and works with competitive teams across the country, known for blending clean technique with strong storytelling.

A UNC Asheville graduate, Anna taught in South Florida’s pre-professional dance community for five years before returning to North Carolina. She specializes in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Contemporary and is excited to inspire the next generation at Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance.

Melena Dillingham

Voice, Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele

Melena began playing piano at the age of 8. She served as an accompanist for her school’s choirs in middle school and began studying voice at age 13. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Piano Performance from Mars Hill University, and her Master Degree from The Ohio State University in Community and Educational Leadership. She has spent the last 20 years as a lessons instructor and professional musician. Some of her favorite musical theater highlights include playing The Witch in Into The Woods, Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance, and Michaela in Carmen. However, after having the pleasure of being hired as the Musical Director for a high school production of Pippin, she discovered her true passion is helping the next generation of young artists come into their own and discover the magical world of musical theater.

Doug Wert

Acting

Doug Wert is a veteran actor and educator whose professional career spans decades across film, television, and theater. A graduate of Miami University, Doug has appeared on Broadway/National Tours, Off Broadway and more than a dozen regional theaters across the country. His series regular television appearances include Star Trek: The Next Generation, Four Corners, One Life to Live, As The World Turns, Y&R, Stargate SG-1, three of the Law and Order shows and numerous guest-starring roles. To date, he has acted in 18 feature films. Known for his grounded approach, expressive range, and meticulous craft, Doug brings a wealth of industry knowledge and real-world insight to the classroom.

As the lead instructor for PACA’s Acting Program, Doug focuses on helping students build strong foundational technique while exploring authenticity, emotional truth, and character depth. His teaching philosophy emphasizes curiosity, discipline, and honest storytelling—guided by methods that have shaped generations of professional actors.

Doug is passionate about mentoring young performers and giving them the tools to grow as artists, collaborators, and confident human beings. His presence elevates PACA’s acting curriculum, making it one of the most robust youth acting programs in Western North Carolina.