Our Instructors
PEYTON BANKS
Tiktok dancing (westside residency)
Peyton Banks is a dancer, choreographer, dance educator, and director based out of Omaha, NE who brings a unique and innovative perspective to every project. His passion for dance was discovered during his living room performances for his Mom at the age of 5 and he’s been moving to his own rhythm ever since. Peyton currently serves as Assistant Director and Choreographer for Titan Force Show Choir at Lewis Central Middle School and has the honor of teaching dance at multiple studios in the Omaha area. Some of Peyton’s notable credits include Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer for JERSEY BOYS at Omaha Community Playhouse, Choreographer for THE ADDAMS FAMILY at OCP’s Shirlee and Henry Fonda Theatre Academy, and Choreographer for Benson Resilience Show Choir at Benson High School.
Peyton holds a strong belief that the arts should be accessible to all and is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of dance. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he approaches dance and movement with precision, ensuring that each movement tells a story while pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Peyton is committed to nurturing talent, fostering a deep appreciation for the art form, and encouraging dancers to explore their own creative potential. His work blends technical expertise with a passion for innovation, making him a respected figure in the dance community and an advocate for the power of the arts to inspire and connect.
megan berger
5, 6, 7, 8! Basics of Musical Theatre (Winter Group Classes)
Megan Berger is excited to be able to work with young performers with the McGuigan Arts Academy! Megan has a minor degree in music, a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She taught high school math for 10 years before her current position as an IRB Education Coordinator with UNMC.
Megan started community theater when she was 5 as the balloon girl in the musical Gypsy and has been performing on stage ever since! She has performed on stages all over the Omaha metro area including the Omaha Community Playhouse, Ralston Community Theater, Bellevue Little Theater, and Chanticleer Theater. She has performed leading roles in productions such as Parade (Lucille Frank), Kinky Boots (Lauren), Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), and Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife). Megan also performed with Rave On! Productions in Godspell (Gilmer) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Columbia).
Megan is incredibly passionate about the arts and encouraging people of all ages to get involved. She believes the best way to learn is to DO! Megan says musical theater is the very best hobby in the world, allowing you to explore different places, time periods, and characters through acting, singing, and dancing! Megan feels blessed to have met many of her greatest friends and even her husband through musical theater! Theater is a beautiful thing and she can’t wait to help foster creativity and a love of storytelling with young artists and performers.
Derek Bird
Drums
Derek Bird is a big fan of the drums. He claims they are "the coolest" and "so rad that even YOU can learn how to play them!" And he's not lying - Derek has taught hundreds of beginners and longtime learners since his music performance studies at the University of Nebraska in 2013. Now he shares his love for percussion with others through travel, performance, teaching, and the desire to transform drumming's math & mystery into a feeling everyone can understand.
Abby Custer
Program Director, Private acting, SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT (RALSTON residency), Acting Up! (Bennington) A Little Playwriting, Improv (Winter Group Classes)
Abby Custer is a teacher, director, performer, artist, and playwright. For over six years, Abby has taught a variety of drama courses at both the high school and university level. One of her favorite courses to teach was History of Rock and Roll! She has directed numerous plays, one acts, and musicals with actors of all ages and abilities. In 2023, Abby was honored as a finalist in ThinkTank Theatre’s TYA Playwright’s Festival. She loves to laugh, attend live local music, and wants to encourage anyone to be bold with their creative spark.
Mia Demspey
Private art, Upcyclin’ Art (Winter group classes)
Mia Dempsey is an Environmental Science and Studio Art student at UNO. She has an extensive art background with experience in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, face painting, and various forms of sculpture. She participated in the Kent Bellows mentoring program in Omaha, as well as Hastings College Open Space program. Mia’s favorite colors are pink and green and she love’s to make art inspired by the natural world.
EJANAE HUME
VIOLIN, voice
Ejanae Hume has been playing Violin since the Fourth Grade. She has been a part of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and helped to pioneer the Orchestra at Midland University. Ejanae Loves to dance, sing, and read as well as play the violin. Her favorite colors are yellow, blue, and glitter. Ejanae believes that the arts are for everyone and that you can add music into your life at any age. "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible" - Audrey Hepburn
BILLY MCGUIGAN
Voice over
Billy McGuigan is the owner and creative director of Rave On Productions. He has created and produced several award winning shows that actively tour North America including; Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, and Pop Rock Orchestra. Touring North America since 2003, Billy’s shows have sold out countless performances and have broken box office and attendance records in several theaters across the country. Career highlights include performing with Buddy Holly’s contemporaries Tommy Allsup and Sonny West and headlining Las Vegas with Yesterday and Today, considered to be the world’s most innovative and interactive Beatles show. In 2020 Billy independently released his original album, billymcguiganTOGETHER which has been described as “one of the best albums of which I have had the privilege of listening”.
When not on tour Billy lends his talent to acting in industrial films and commercials, doing voice-over work and working with artists on show and brand development.
MATTHEW MCGUIGAN
Guitar, Bass, voice, Songwriting
Matthew McGuigan is a graduate of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, where he studied musical theatre. He has been the Music Director of Rave On Productions for the last 10 years. Over the years, he’s had the privilege to tour all over the world with such shows as Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience and Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience. Some of his music directing credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The Rocky Horror Show. When not touring and directing shows, Matthew fronts the local rock band Moses Prey. With 30 years of music experience, Matthew is here to help with voice, piano, bass and guitar.
Belle rangel
young creators club (winter group classes)
Belle Rangel is a recent Gretna High School Graduate. While in high school, she participated in four years of Show Choir, Speech Team, Spring Musical, and One Act. She was the secretary of the Drama Club and a member of Thespian Troupe 125. Belle is a 2 time Nebraska All State Choir qualifier. Belle played the role of Fiona in Shrek the musical her senior year. Outside of school Belle has found joy in performing in community theaters in the Omaha Metro area. A couple of her favorite roles include, Margot Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at the Rose Theater and Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Omaha Community Playhouse.
Belle is so stoked to have the opportunity to work with the students at the McGuigan Arts Academy! She hopes to make real connections and help the kids grow into whoever they want to be!
Alexis semevolos-velazquez
TIKTOK DANCING (MILLARD RESIDENCY), Voice
Alexis Semevolos-Velazquez is thrilled to be teaching with McGuigan Arts Academy. With an extensive background in musical theater, Alexis has captivated audiences around the world. She has performed leading roles in productions such as West Side Story (Maria), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), and Evita(Mistress/Ensemble), showcasing a versatile talent across various genres and styles.
Her work has spanned notable regional theaters, including the Engeman Theater and Actors’ Playhouse, where she portrayed Gloria Estefan in On Your Feet in multiple productions. Alexis has also participated in workshops and readings for new works, such as The Radium Girls (New 42) and The Vote (The Old Globe), reflecting a commitment to the development of new narratives in theater.
As an educator, Alexis combines her professional experience with a passion for teaching, guiding aspiring actors in technique, character development, and performance. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and truth in acting, encouraging students to find their unique voices.
Alexis is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes, and each student can grow as an artist.
Christian shields
PIANO, VOICE
Christian Shields is a vocal performance major at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Christian actively participates in ensembles at the university, at his church, and is the tenor section leader at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
He has been mentored in piano by Ms. Stacie Haneline, an instructor at the UNO School of Music. Teaching piano allows him the opportunity to teach others to explore music and appreciate it the way he does.
Outside of music he loves to travel, read, and spend time with friends and family.
COLLIN SMITH
GUITAR, bass
Collin Smith is an accomplished guitar teacher looking forward to sharing his knowledge with students at the McGuigan Arts Academy. With a wealth of experience, Collin previously taught at the renowned School of Rock, honing his skills and inspiring aspiring musicians. He is an alumnus of both Metropolitan Community College and the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he studied his craft. Currently residing in Omaha, Nebraska, Collin brings his expertise and passion for music to his students, fostering their growth and helping them reach their musical potential.
ANDREW SPRAGUE
Woodwinds
Andrew Sprague is a saxophonist from Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning a bachelor's degree in music education! Andrew has been playing saxophone for 12 years, and plays the flute, piccolo, and clarinet as well. Additionally, he works as an instrument repair technician at Schmitt Music, where he primarily does saxophone repair. While Andrew mainly performs with the Fission Quartet, he also plays around town with other groups from time to time. As a hobby, Andrew likes to explore music production and mixing!
elaine stoner
Piano, voice
Vocalist and instrumentalist Elaine Stoner has been performing most of her life. A graduate of Papillion La Vista High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Elaine has long been a crowd favorite on concert, festival, and club stages and has been a featured vocalist on numerous recording projects. An experienced and captivating song stylist with versatility in pop, jazz, neo-soul, and the American Songbook has made her a much sought-after vocalist in diverse professional settings.
Elaine has 25 years of experience teaching beginning and intermediate piano and voice students and is currently the piano accompanist for the concert and show choirs at Papillion Middle School.
Without question, Elaine says her husband, children, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters are her greatest blessings.