Theatre Faculty
Karen Oster - Chair of Performing Arts
Introduction to Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, Improvisation
osterk@middlesex.mass.edu
Karen Oster has a BFA from The Boston Conservatory in Musical Theatre and Directing and an M.Ed from Cambridge College and has facilitated, directed and coordinated the performances and involvement of young cast members in numerous productions including the Broadway/ National tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Paul Simon’s The Capeman on Broadway with Marc Anthony. Karen is a professional musician and actress as well, having performed throughout the country in various productions including: Nunsense (with Alice Ghostley and Lainie Kazan), Swingtime Canteen (with Teri Ralston) and Pump Boys and Dinettes. She has performed at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, the Weston Playhouse, Weston,VT, The Charles Playhouse, Seaside Repertory Theatre, Royal Poinciana Playhouse and The Parker Playhouse. She has studied with well-known cabaret artists: Margaret Whiting, Julie Wilson, Andrea Marcovicci, and Craig Carnelia.
Karen’s adaptation of The King and I (G2K) is currently licensed for performance throughout the country. She has also directed and produced the revival of The Baker’s Wife with composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and is currently working with The Stage Network (a new national streaming channel) on directing their docuseries “Let’s Play” – a series devoted to highlighting youth programs throughout the country.
She is currently a PH.D candidate in the Individually Designed Program at Lesley University.
Andrew Andrews - Backstage
(photo from the MRT Elton John themed gala)
Prior to his time at MRT, Andrew spent 10 years as the Master Electrician at Boston College, instructing students in theatrical backstage safety industry best-practices. Andrew spent the summer as the Associate Production Manager for Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's annual production of Free Shakespeare on the Boston Common. Design credits include “Murder on the Nile” at BostonCollege, “King Lear” at Northern Essex Community College, and “The Laramie Project” at Fitchburg State University. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Theatrical Design from Fitchburg State University. He resides in Andover, MA with his partner.
Korinne Ritchey - Introduction to Acting, Theatre Appreciation
ritcheyk@middlesex.mass.edu
As an actor, director, choreographer, and educator, Korinne has been rooted in the
Boston theatre and dance scenes for nearly 30 years. Theatrically, she especially
enjoys directing and collaborating in the development of new works. As a dancer of
many years, she finds combining movement and acting to devise theatre particularly
satisfying. Her most recent directing credits include a staged reading of The Clean House (Umbrella) and fully staged productions of Blinders (Flat Earth Theatre) and Terminus (HCE Players). Amongst her many acting credits, she had the privilege of performing
in several award-winning plays such as Spinning Into Butter (Elliot Norton Award) with the Theatre Cooperative and The Farnsworth Invention (IRNE award) with Flat Earth Theatre. Other companies Korinne has had the pleasure
of working with include: Bridge Repertory Theatre, Devanaughn Theatre, the Women’s
Theatre Project, and the Women on Top Festival produced by Centastage and Underground
Railway. In 2012, Korinne completed a Master’s degree in theatre education at Emerson
College where she focused on directing. Mondays through Wednesdays, you can also find
Korinne in MCC’s Bedford office of Disability Support Services, where she has been
supporting students since the 2000-01 academic year.
Kathy Cobb - Jazz Dance, Intro to Tap, Intro to Ballet, Intro to Acting
Kathy Cobb has been the owner and director of Stage Door Dance Theatre since 1999. She graduated with a BFA from the Boston Conservatory of Music and has studied with masters like Maggie Black, David Howard, Finis Jhung, Gregory Hines, and many more. Although her early years were spent performing in off Broadway, Regional, and Stock theatres, she discovered a passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge with others. In addition to owning and operating, Stage Door Dance Theatre, Kathy is a dance faculty member for Middlesex Community College where she teaches Jazz, Ballet and Tap. She also has choreographed numerous musicals including, Chicago, How to Succeed in Business, Seussical, Bat Boy and Shrek Jr., Peter Pan Jr. and most recently Frozen Jr. Most importantly, Kathy is thrilled to have the opportunity to motivate and inspire dancers young and old alike.