ABOUT
Big Star Studios opened in 2011 in Snoqualmie, Washington with a vision for a youth musical theatre and performing arts school that not only provided its students with quality theater and music instruction, but also a place that gave students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they had gained and build confidence through the art of performing.
Big Star Performing Arts remains a place that nurtures students in all aspects of performance and storytelling, not only musical theatre. Our dedicated teachers are passionate about ensuring the experience at Big Star is one of love, warmth, and friendship followed by a premier education in theater and music.
MEET OUR TEAM
We help develop versatile, skilled young artists who will thrive in whatever environment they find themselves in later in life. From acting, to songwriting, instrumental lessons to music video editing… whatever passion our students have, we have a class to help grow and refine it into a professional level skillset! Plus, we are going to have a great time and make some incredible friendships along the way! We pride ourselves on helping our Big Star students become not only better artists, but better people as well! And if there’s something you’re passionate about that you don’t see on our current class list, let us know! We want to grow our studio to fit the needs of this incredible Snoqualmie area community!”
– ERIC ANKRIM, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
COREY SCHWARZ
OWNER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR
The inception of Big Star Performing Arts and Little Stars Preschool has realized Corey’s longstanding dream, a vision that took root during her tenure as an educator in the Bellevue School District many years ago. Armed with a degree in Human and Child Development from Washington State University (GO COUGS!), Corey furthered her academic journey by earning a master’s degree in education at Western Washington University.
Having dedicated years to teaching in public schools, imparting knowledge to students from kindergarten through middle school, Corey later made the heartfelt decision to take on the role of a stay-at-home parent, nurturing and raising her four children. As her youngest child grew, Corey felt the unmistakable pull to return to her passion for working with children.
In 2011, the realization of this passion materialized in the form of Big Star Studios, a venture born from a shared commitment to children’s arts education with her very close friend Kathy Gehrig. Beyond being a labor of love, this studio and preschool stand as a source of immense pride for Corey—second only to the joy of raising her four children.
Eric Ankrim
Creative Director
A quick message from our Creative Director:
I want everyone in the Snoqualmie area and beyond to know that Big Star is a place to learn and grow in all aspects of performance and storytelling, not only musical theatre. We help develop versatile, skilled young artists who will thrive in whatever environment they find themselves in later in life. From acting, to songwriting, instrumental lessons to music video editing… whatever passion our students have, we have a class to help grow and refine it into a professional level skillset! Plus, we are going to have a great time and make some incredible friendships along the way! We pride ourselves on helping our Big Star students become not only better artists, but better people as well! And if there’s something you’re passionate about that you don’t see on our current class list, let us know! We want to grow our studio to fit the needs of this incredible Snoqualmie area community!
David Austin
Singing/Acting Instructor
David Austin’s work as a professional Equity actor/singer has afforded him the opportunity to perform on stages across the world. His work as a composer, lyricist, playwright, orchestrator, and vocal arranger has led to thrilling collaborations with the best of the best of Broadway. Alongside novelist Iris Rainer Dart, and playwright Thom Thomas, David created the musical adaptation of ‘Beaches’, based on the novel by Ms. Dart, and Garry Marshall film starring Bette Midler. Austin is a proud alumnus of the Tony Award-winning BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writer’s Program. In 2013, Mr. Austin was awarded The Stephen Sondheim Artist Citation by Mr. Sondheim at Washington DC’s Embassy of Italy.
Clarie Brewer
Little Stars Preschool, Visual Art + Set Design
Expert In: Art Education, Reggio Emilia practices, carpentry, printmaking, surface design
Most Memorable Gig: As a resolute introvert, I don’t have a long history of “gigs” per se, though I do play cello in the Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra. I’ve been fortunate to work on a number of memorable projects including designing and building an immersive quiet play space at the Mercer Island Community Center inspired by the local wetlands and its resident frogs and friends.
Career Highlights: Group and solo gallery shows, inventing a new surface design technique, having that technique and, separately, a few of my prints published. I also worked at a hands-on arts and science camp centered around the marine life of the Puget Sound.
My Journey to Teaching: I love teaching! I’ve worked with kids since I was a kid myself. I even started my college career on an art education path, but the lure of art studios proved too exciting. Once I had children of my own, I had the privelege to work in the art room at my son’s cooperative preschool. The dedicated teachers there reignited my passion for education and I’ve been developing and leading art lessons at elementary schools ever since. Now, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Big Star Family and to work with my teaching partner, Jillian, to bring adventurous creativity and imaginative exploration to our Little Stars friends and beyond! There truly is nothing more fascinating or rewarding than supporting the self-directed work of young minds.
My Mission: First and foremost, my mission is to foster and engage the natural curiosity that is so vibrant in children. But I have a sneaky, second mission and that is to engage young introverts in the fine and performing arts. I grew up as the shy black sheep of a theater/ performance family. Building sets and costumes, lurking backstage and hiding in orchestra pits gave me an incredible sense of belonging and pride in my outcast self and in my backstage work. Whether a child seeks the spotlight, or has never, and will never, set foot on a stage I truly believe in the rich, engaging, inclusivity of the arts.
Nell Engel
PIANO & VOICE INSTRUCTOR
EXPERT IN: PIANO & VOICE
Hometown: Fall City, WA
Most Memorable Gig: My life with music began about the age of 7. Singing in the elementary chorus, singing in the church choir and taking piano lessons. I was fortunate to have awesome music teachers all the way through my high school years, including band , chorus and accompanying the younger groups on piano. Every year was filled with competitions. All state, All county and northeast conferences. My education culminated in my graduation with honors from SUNY Fredonia. I had a major in voice and minor in piano.
My Journey to Teaching: After graduation, I taught middle school music in the state of NY. When I moved to the state of Washington, my music became part time. I gave piano lessons in my home and played on the weekend for the church in Snoqualmie. After my sons were grown and gone, I decided to try and do music full time again. I was walking along Center Blvd on the Ridge when I noticed Big Star studios. I went in to inquire about the program and they told me they were accepting new teachers! 31/2 years later, my afternoons are full with young piano students.
My Mission: I love to work with children, whether it be singing or playing piano. If they can grow up loving music as I do, my mission is accomplished.
Joe Eck
Drumset and Percussion Instructor
DRUMSET, VARIOUS PERCUSSION, MUSIC THEORY
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Most Memorable Gig: In 2018 I was very fortunate to perform at the Tanzcafe Arlberg Music Festival in Lech Zürs, Austria. What I didn’t know, was that I was going to be performing on the roof of a ski lodge, located at the top of one of the Austrian Alps. It was a very surreal and beautiful experience, and I sincerely hope that I never have to ride a ski lift to a gig ever again.
Career Highlights: Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from Cornish College of the Arts, Frequent touring and recording around the United States and Europe.
My Journey to Teaching: I started teaching very shorty after I started playing drums. It started as kids at school asking for advice, and then quickly turned into parents contacting me to do proper lessons. Performing and teaching drums have been a huge part of my life for many years.
My Mission:To give students a strong foundation and understanding of the drumset, rhythm, and to gain self confidence through learning music.
Jessica Rellamas
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
I have cherished a lifelong passion for the stage, which began when I was just 5 years old during my debut ballet recital. From that moment, I eagerly pursued every opportunity to dance and perform on stage. Throughout my youth, I actively participated in dance and theatre summer camps, performed with my jazz trio, and ventured into multiple dance talent shows.
Julia Hart
Instructor
Julia Hart grew up training in musical theater & performed for over 10 years from childhood through young adulthood. For the past few years her focus has been in the Seattle dance community as the managing director of ZTHEORY, but she is so excited to return to her original passion at Big Star. As an instructor she believes in expression of authentic feeling, telling stories that inspire, & lifting students to new heights through their work.
Danielle Koval
STUDIO MANAGER
Jessica Low
Director, Choreographer, Instructor
Website: jessicaannlow.com
Jessica Low is a Seattle-based Director, Choreographer, Performer and Teaching Artist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Washington and her credits include work with various theatres throughout the Pacific Northwest including The 5th Avenue, Village Theatre, ACT, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Sound Theatre Company, Showtunes, ArtsWest and The Bigfork Summer Playhouse. In 2014 Jessica received the Gregory Award for Outstanding Choreography for The Wild Party produced by Sound Theatre Company. Outside of theatre, Jessica loves spending time with her family, friends and new puppy Jovi ( a micro Goldendoodle). She also loves the outdoors, taking walks, hiking, and exploring new places.
Owen Yen
Guitar/Ukulele/Bass Instructor
Owen has been playing guitar professionally for over 30 years, covering various genre such as jazz, big band, rock, pop and classical. He studied guitar and theory at the Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago for 8+ years, and was the band leader for the jazz group “Q-Blue” which performed at various venues in Chicago. Since moving to Seattle in 2005, he has played guitar bass in rock bands such as “Full Vinyl Jacket” (class rock cover band), “Daisy Wrench” and “Boxcar Tourists” (original indie rock). He also has been both a regular as well as substitute player for local big bands including the MachOne Orchestra, Route 66 Big Band, Cascadia Big Band, Microsoft Big Band, Seattle Jazz Network, etc. Owen is very excited to have this opportunity to not only teach, but to share and inspire the joy and love of music to all of his students.
Kari Zimmerman
Voice and Piano Instructor
EXPERT IN: VOCAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY, PIANO AND VOICE, MUSICAL THEATER REPERTOIRE, CLASSICAL & JAZZ MUSIC, ACTING, AUDITION COACHING
Hometown: Maple Valley, WA
Most Memorable Gig: I once was competing in a Cabaret Showcase in NYC. The morning of the gig, I started passing a kidney stone, so a few hours prior to the competition I found myself in the ER with a morphine drip. But the show must go on! So, I zipped myself into my cabaret dress, grabbed a taxi across town while still ill (think very bad nausea!). Got to the venue with no warmup and no hair and makeup. My girlfriends fluffed my hair and whilst still VERY NAUSEOUS I stumbled onstage and sang my piece. Just for fun, there is actually video evidence of this drug-addled performance on youtube… I still won the competition!
Career Highlights: I was a performer on the North American Tour of “Evita” by Andrew Lloyd Weber. Our director was the original Broadway choreographer, Larry Fuller. Hal Prince, who was the original director of that show, sent us a memo for opening night, which I currently have hanging on my wall. The show, the cast, working with Larry and being a part of the legacy of that show, were all amazing!! I also did a NYC reading of a new play with Brian Dennehy and Kyra Sedwick. It was a fabulous experience and even though Brian Dennehy generally plays bad guys, he’s really one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Although it was the start of my journey, I am very proud to have graduated from college with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. The degree was hard-fought, but I loved studying music and I’ve never regretted that choice. I actually had to do two full recitals of classical repertoire!
My Journey to Teaching: I started teaching during my undergrad years and fell quickly into mostly vocal coaching during and after college (I was really good at helping actors appear as if they could sing!) After moving to NYC I had a couple gigs musical directing children’s productions in the mid-90s. After a significant hiatus due mostly to a segue into Corporate America and the fact that I mostly just wanted to talk to people while teaching, I started teaching again in 2006. I started teaching vocal programs to at-risk kids in Manhattan and Jersey City, NJ, and really felt that was my calling. I loved it! While I originally did it to have a paying “gig” I found it to be a calling more than a gig. I also discovered that my ideal age group was middle school to teens. One of my former bosses told me this is because I’m too much like them, hahaha! I love teaching and coaching and have not stopped doing it since starting up again in 2006. In 2011 I relocated back to Seattle to be closer to family and joined Big Star shortly after they opened. I now commute from West Seattle because I a) love Big Star Studios! b) love my students! and c) love you, their parents and families. I find I learn just as much, if not more, from the kids and their families that I am imparting to them. Helping kids succeed and gain confidence is THE best career highlight!
Shawna Avinger
Voice Instructor
Shawna Avinger teaches voice, music directs, and performs around Seattle. She has degrees in Vocal Performance and Music History from UW, Opera Performance and Pedagogy from the Maryland Opera Studio, her doctoral work was in performance and music theory The Julliard School. She served as voice and theory instructor at Music Center of the NW for 8 years and as director of education for The Fisher Ensemble for 4 years. She is currently the education director for The Esoterics.
Shawna founded her non profit, Viva Vocalists, in 2009 as a place for her adult voice students to explore performance and take vocal risks in a safe place.
Favorite operatic roles include the title role in Ariadne auf Naxos, Nedda in I Pagliacci, Countess in Marriage of Figaro, Antonia in Tales of Hoffmann, Atalanta in Xerxes, Michaela in Carmen, and Vitellia in La Clemenza di Tito. Shawna has premiered roles in 15 new operas, performed the operatic works of Harry Partch, and appeared as a recitalist in Seattle, Santa Fe, Washington DC, Maryland, New York and Colorado. Voiceover credits include video games, commercials, and film. Favorite musical theater roles include Hunyak in Chicago, Helen in Fun Home, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Lily in The Secret Garden.
Shawna has music directed Les Mis, Urinetown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Putnam County Spelling Bee, The End of the Affair, Matilda, Into the Woods, Rent, Little Women, Chicago, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray,Gianni Schicci, Suor Angelica, Cinderella, A Little Night Music, many Shakespeare plays, and much more!
Will Stack
Instructor
My name is Will Stack, and I am thrilled to start my journey ay Big Stars! I’m an elementary teacher by day and interacting with, and inspiring youth in a setting outside of school is something I really enjoy. As a kid, I was infatuated with music, and I would sing and hum all day long 😊 I’ll be teaching the Taylor Swift lyrics class, as well as the Wonka musical theater group and I could not be more excited!
I’ve been married for 12 years to my wonderful and supportive wife (Sara), and I have two busy-bodied children; Sam (6) and Nora (3). My family enjoys spending time outdoors in the PNW, live music, and visits to my family cabin in eastern Montana each summer.
KATHY GEHRIG
OWNER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
EXPERT IN: PERFORMANCE, ACTING and MUSICAL THEATER, CREATIVE DIRECTION Hometown: Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Most Memorable Gig: It’s been an amazing journey – from doing summer stock on Cape Cod (7 full shows in 9 weeks) to the very first show in the Francis J. Gaudette Theater at Village Theatre in Issaquah (Contrary Mary in “Babes in Toyland”) to incredible dream roles like Little Red in “Into the Woods”, Petra in “A Little Night Music” and Rizzo in “Grease” to recording a full length CD with my first band “Fall City” to playing gigs with my current band “Tequila Mockingbird” to being the voice of the Wandering Witch in “Left 4 Dead 2” to launching Amazon Game Studios and this fantastic business with Corey Schwarz, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. But my Most Memorable Gig to date is, without question, being Mom to my two greatest achievements, my daughters, Marcella and Erin.
Career Highlights: I think you heard enough of that above. My Journey to Teaching: I left my job with Valve Software to take a break and play Georgie in “The Full Monty” at Village Theatre. At the same time, my daughters’ dance studio was closing down. Corey and I realized this left a huge hole for arts in the Valley. So, we jumped off a cliff. I accepted a job making Halo 4 for with 343 Industries at the same time Corey and I signed the lease on our first space. Teaching became my escape from technology and my outlet to realize I had the opportunity to actually change the way kids in particular moved through their daily lives. It’s addicting.
My Mission: My passion for Big Star lies in my passion for PERFORMANCE. It is a skill that translates way outside the arts. It belongs in the workplace, in school, in any athletic endeavor, in social situations and even at home (sometimes much to the chagrin of all family members. . . . ). Being able to “put on a show”, empowers performers to step outside the boundaries of themselves and bring their audience along for the ride. Whether that means literally being on stage, in class, on the soccer field, at a party or negotiating dinner time, it’s all about PERFORMANCE.
David Austin
SINGING/ACTING INSTRUCTOR
Shawna Avinger
Instructor & Voice
Clarie Brewer
Little Stars Preschool
Visual Art + Set Design
Joe Eck
DRUMSET & PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR
Nell Engel
PIANO & VOICE INSTRUCTOR
Ays GARCIA
INSTRUCTOR
KATHY GEHRIG
Owner & Artistic Director
Julia HART
INSTRUCTOR
Danielle KOVAL
STUDIO MANAGER
Jessica LOW
CPT Director Director, Choreographer,
Instructor
JESSICA RELLAMAS
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Will Stack
INSTRUCTOR
Owen YEN
GUITAR/UKELELE/BASS INSTRUCTOR
Kari ZIMMERMAN
VOICE & PIANO INSTRUCTOR
Testimonials
Our daughter has been part of the Big Star family for many years now, and we are so grateful. Aside from the growth we see in her singing/dancing/acting, we have had the privilege to see her grow her personal confidence, team-working skills, and her passion for community. Joining CPT was easily one of the best decisions we’ve made in a long time. Those who surround her each day at Big Star (both teachers and students) are the best our area has to offer!
RANDI SPIEGEL
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know what an amazing experience we have had a Big Star. Our son Zach has absolutely blossomed being a part of your Musical Theater Class. Before taking classes at Big Star, Zach was very shy and lacked self confidence. We find it absolutely amazing what Kathy has been able to get Zach to do on stage. Sing, dance and monologues, he is in his element on stage. Sports were never Zach’s ‘thing’, but with Big Star, he finally feels like he is a part of something special. He would be there every day if he could!
SHELLEY WEBER
My family cannot say enough amazing things about Big Star Studios. The instructors, classes, families make for the best community. My children love participating in the productions and programs and the life skills they have learned have been invaluable. Thank you to Corey and the whole team for all you do!
SAMANTHA SETTLES
With praise and gratitude for Big Star Studios, we put our highest recommendation on Little Stars Preschool. Coming from a family of educators, with three kids who have been benefited from the programs at Big Star, our hearts are always filled with joy seeing our kids smiling ear-to-ear at drop off and pick up. We love how Big Star puts an emphasis on creative learning, learning by doing and discovery, and really plays off students’ individual interests and desires which makes learning fun, interesting, and desirable.
TIM AND HEATHER IRELAND
We love the learning environment and art and music staff at Big Star Studios. I feel that my daughter (almost 13 Yo in 2024) is gaining not only theatrical , musical and performance skills, but she is also creating life lasting friendships and soft skills to help her grow as a human being, and continuing finding her strengths in life.
JANAINA WOLLMANN
I can’t say enough good things about this school/studio. My daughter has learned so much about herself as a performer, a student and a person. The amount of confidence she has gained and the friendships she has made have been the greatest gifts we could have ever asked for. Thank you Big Star!
LAURIE MOYER
Big Star is an all about family, friendship and having fun! My daughter has so many close friends at this studio and I’m certain they will be life long friends.
GINA PAULSELL
I am still grinning from ear to ear from the performance today. It was the perfect culmination of hard work and love that Chris put into the entire week for all of our children. I cannot thank your team enough for giving Tessa this experience. As you know, this age is critical for how a person will develop confidence and individuality later in life. What I saw today was a group of children who trusted their teacher, respected one another, and found immeasurable joy in sharing who they are as individuals. So, THANK YOU! This mom is so grateful.
ELIZABETH LIST
Big Star is one of the best things that has ever happened to my daughter, and honestly our family. From the first time we walked into the studio six years ago, it has been a very inclusive and welcoming environment with an overall feeling of community. Teachers are top-notch, working professionals in the industry who truly care about the students. My daughter wants to spend time there and often asks to go early to be with her friends. It’s a fun and exciting place to be. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. It’s truly a COMMUNITY.
ANGELA SAXON
Just a quick note to thank you and Kathy and all of the people at Big Star Studios. Ally is getting more out of this than we ever thought possible. She looks forward to performing in front of large groups. Her work in the Annie performance was amazing for a then 6-year-old. We love everything she’s done since as well and look forward to her and Ryan (who is loving his start at Big Star) performing in Willy Wonka in March.
ROBERT HOLMGREN
START YOUR JOURNEY WITH BIG STAR PERFORMING ARTS AND EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF!
Frequently Asked Questions
DONT DELETE, KEEPS ALL CLOSED ON START
WHEN DO CLASSES START?
WHAT DATES ARE IMPORTANT TO GET ON MY CALENDAR?
HOW DO I GET MY CHILD ENROLLED?
Register your student online at: www.bigstarstudios.com
HOW DO I PAY TUITION?
You will be prompted to put in a credit card when you register. Your card will be billed monthly on the 1st for tuition. If you need to make other arrangements please contact the office@bigstarstudios.com.
CAN WE DO ONE SESSION, OR IS IT A SCHOOL YEAR-LONG COMMITMENT?
When you enroll, we assume you are staying enrolled for the full school year. You are welcome to just do a session, you simply need to let us know you want to drop by the 15th of the month prior to the new session.
HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS?
A weekly newsletter will be sent on Monday each week about our class curriculum and events that may be upcoming. Often you may hear from the studio more than that. Teachers are always available to talk to before and after classes as well as by email. We are always available in the office via email or phone with any questions or concerns as well. office@bigstarstudios.com or corey@bigstarstudios.com
DO I GET TO WATCH MY CHILD IN CLASS EACH WEEK?
No, we do not have parents in the classes with our kids. It is very distracting for the kids and when one parent comes in the other kids wonder where their parent is. We have a big performance opportunity at the end of each session (approx. every 12 weeks!) so that you can see all the exciting things the kids have been working on! Often teachers will invite parents in to come see what they have been working on at the end of the class. If this happens, we will let you know!
WILL MY CHILD GET TO PARTICIPATE IN A RECITAL OR OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES?
YES! We love showing our families all the incredible things the kids are learning in our youth musical theatre and performing arts classes. We perform at the end of every session in December, March, and June for our school year community classes and CPT. We perform in January, June and August for our full-scale musical productions. If you are taking private lessons, we will also have performance opportunities in December and June!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS BAD WEATHER? HOW WILL I KNOW IF CLASS IS CANCELED?
We will email all our classes to let you know if classes have been cancelled. We follow the SVSD school district in the AM hours but often roads are better by later in the day. We will update our families via email and post on our Facebook and Instagram pages with inclement weather updates.
IS THE STUDIO CLOSED FOR ALL THE SAME HOLIDAYS AS OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT?
Big Star follows the same winter, mid-winter and spring break schedule as SVSD. We are closed M-F Thanksgiving week. We will send reminders of all breaks and closures.
DO YOU HAVE additional questions?
little stars preschool
Our arts-based curriculum for 3-6 year-old children integrates visual arts, music, dance, and drama to nurture creativity, imagination, and learning. Enroll your little star today!
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