MEET OUR FACULTY
Agnes McCarthy
NAA Director, Voice Instructor, Choir Director
Paul Dingle
NAA Director, Piano Instructor, Collaborative Pianist/Coach
David Dellaire
Voice Instructor &
Choir Director
Agnes McCarthy leads a busy life as Director of Sault Ste. Marie’s Northern Arts Academy, providing comprehensive multidisciplinary training for singers with diverse musical interests. She also currently serves as a music specialist with the Algoma District School Board and is an Adjunct Professor of Voice and Voice Coordinator at Algoma University where she teaches private voice as well as Musical Theatre and Elementary Music Methods courses. Agnes began her undergraduate studies in Voice (B. MUS./B. MUS. ED. degrees) at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She then relocated to Montréal to pursue graduate studies in Early Music Performance (M. MUS.) at McGill University. Agnes came to Sault Ste. Marie as part of the Artist in Residence Program at Algoma University and has since served in the capacities of performer, voice instructor, choral conductor and coordinator of the vocal division of the Sault Ste. Marie Music Festival. Her choirs and private students have distinguished themselves by winning numerous national awards, and many have gone on to professional careers. She is in demand as a choral and voice festival adjudicator and clinician across Canada. Agnes has spent her professional career in Sault Ste. Marie deeply involved in the musical life of the community as a teacher and performer. She has collaborated with The Sault Symphony, The Algoma Chamber Players, The Chamber Singers of Algoma, The Algoma Festival Choir and with The Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie as Vocal Director for their productions of Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Paul Dingle brings a lifetime of professional experience to the NAA as a performer, collaborative pianist, conductor, clinician, adjudicator and teacher. Paul originally relocated to the Sault to work at Algoma University. As a Senate Adjunct Professor he teaches music history, theory, popular culture, orchestral and choral conducting, audio arts, piano performance, and is Director of The AlgomaU Choir. Paul is also Organist & Choirmaster at Central United Church, where he runs a choral and handbell program. He began undergraduate studies in harpsichord and early music in England at Trinity College London. Paul completed a Bachelor of Music degree in musicology at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Master's Performance degree in piano at Brandon University. Upon his return to his native Newfoundland he founded and was Artistic Director and Conductor of the Terra Nova Chamber Players, a professional orchestra specializing in Baroque music. Paul was also a composer and performer in the experimental multimedia group Fusion, an ensemble dedicated to high-technology arts productions involving analog, digital and hybrid synthesis, as well as a contributor to the International Sound Symposium, a biannual festival of new music, art, and dance. Paul’s first recording for CBC FM radio broadcast as a 16 year old pianist was his introduction to the world of audio and recording technology, an experience that has become a lifelong passion. Later studies in recording technology, acoustics and psychoacoustics led to a research interest in the historical interface between music and technology. Paul has spent his professional career in Sault Ste. Marie collaborating in the musical life of the community as a teacher, conductor and performer. He has partnered with The Algoma Conservatory of Music, The Sault Symphony, The Algoma Chamber Players, The Chamber Singers of Algoma, The Algoma Festival Choir, Algoma Fall Festival, The Northland Chorus and The Steeltown Silver Band. His long association with musical theatre includes serving as Musical Director for The Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie’s productions of She Loves Me, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins and A Christmas Carol.
Born and raised in Canada, David Dellaire has a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and an Operatic Stage Directing Diploma, both from the University of Toronto. David ran a London based vocal studio, was a tutor at Morley College, and has performed, conducted, stage directed, musically directed, and choreographed for the following companies: Achord Chamber Choir, Bakelite Big Band, Boy Toy Inc, The Classical Opera Company, The Fourth Choir, Fulham Camerata, LGBB, LGMC, LGSO, London's Transport Choir, National Youth Orchestra, ROH, RVT Choir, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. Most recently David performed with Madonna at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv and conducted the Fourth Choir in a production at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
.jpeg)
Andrew Stuetz
Acting & Movement Instructor
.jpg)
Lauren Kinney
Movement Instructor
Lizz McIntosh
Movement Instructor
Andrew Stuetz is a multifaceted talent in dance, theatre, and journalism. He began his arts journey at age six, launching a twelve-year competitive dance career at Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts and later training in ballroom dance at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Toronto, ON. His dedication led him to represent Canada at the International Dance Organization’s World Show Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany, in 2011, where he achieved third and sixth place finishes with Team Canada. Stuetz honed his performance arts skills at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto, earning a Triple Threat - Musical Theatre diploma in 2015. He trained in stage and musical theatre, along with on-camera film training. He starred as 'Alex' in an original musical called “Lord of the Fries” (2014), 'Constantine' in “Big Love” at the Toronto Fringe Festival (2015), and 'Mal' in “The Addams Family” at the Annex Theatre (2015). After seven years in Toronto's arts communities – and one pandemic later – Stuetz transitioned into journalism, completing both an undergraduate Journalism program and a postgraduate Sports Journalism program at Centennial College. His analytical and public relations skills contributed to the Northern Ontario Hockey League’s Greater Sudbury Cubs' NOJHL Championship victory, lifting the Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy in his first season with the team earlier this year. Having now returned home to Sault Ste. Marie, Stuetz continues to showcase his theatrical talents, recently starring as 'Nick Massi' in “Jersey Boys” with the West End Theatre Project (2024). Other notable performances include 'Pepper' in “Mamma Mia!” (2018) and 'Cosmo Brown' in “Singin’ in the Rain” (2012) with the Musical Comedy Guild. He is also the Founder of “Untapped North,” a digital sports media publication launched in 2019. Andrew’s diverse knowledge in dance, theatre, and journalism highlights his versatility and dedication, and he looks forward to sharing that knowledge with the Northern Arts Academy family to inspire the next generation of multifaceted talent in Sault Ste. Marie!
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Lauren Kinney is a Dance Educator in Sault Ste. Marie, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance, and certifications with the BATD and ADAPT dance institutions. Lauren has created a fun and exciting atmosphere for students at various competitive and recreational dance studios, local elementary and secondary schools, as well as with the Algoma University Musical Theatre Program. With strengths in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary/lyrical, and pointe, Lauren has shared her passion for dance with people of all ages and abilities and aims to help her students find the joy in movement. Lauren has won countless awards for her dynamic choreography, unique concepts, entertainment value, creative staging and helped her students achieve innumerable high scores and coveted Dance-Off Championships from competitions all over Ontario and Michigan. In 2019, Lauren was also invited to create a piece for the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics. Combining her talents, she has participated in many local musical theatre productions including: Chicago (the Hungarian), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Angel), Pirates of Penzance (a sister), Les Miserable (Fantine), All Together Now (soloist and ensemble) Priscilla Queen of The Desert (a Diva), and Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham). Lauren also co-starred next to Adam F. Proulx in the Nick Payne play, Constellations, directed by Joe Lauzon and Loretta Durat, was Assistant Choregrapher for Westend Theatre Project’s Elf, and was Director/Choregrapher/Music Director/Assistant Vocal Director of the Musical Comedy Guild’s 60th Anniversary. Lauren is excited to join the NAA team this year, and is eager to share her love of performance and movement.
Lizz McIntosh is thrilled to be back in the Soo to share her expertise in movement with The Northern Arts Academy to spread her love and passion for the performing arts. Lizz grew up studying dance at both Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts and Studio Dance Arts. This love of dance sparked an interest in Musical Theatre—she was a part of many memorable productions such as, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Musical Comedy Guild), The Producers (Musical Comedy Guild), White Christmas (Sault Symphony Orchestra), as well as co-choreographing Annie (Musical Comedy Guild). Lizz attended the University of Windsor to study a double major in Psychology and Disability Studies. After graduating, she also obtained a post-graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies. During her time in Windsor, Lizz was involved in a few different theatre companies including Windsor Light Music Theatre, Cardinal Music Productions and Windsor Dance eXperience. Not only was Lizz performing on stage but also choreographing, working with the costume departments and working as production director.
Emma Dingle
Executive Assistant
& Movement Instructor
Keiko Larocque
Online Voice Instructor
Emma Dingle is a vibrant 22-year-old with a rich background in the Arts. Holding an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Global Business and Digital Arts from the University of Waterloo, Emma has built a career in the design industry. With a passion for women’s empowerment, Emma focused her undergraduate capstone on postpartum mental health and by day works as an Administrative & Marketing Assistant for Women In Crisis (Algoma) Inc. With a passion for the performing Arts, Emma has been a competitive dancer and performer for over sixteen years. She received her Associate Teaching diploma in Ballet through the British Association of Teacher’s of Dancing, as well as participating in multiple community Theatre productions. Her dedication to performance was recognized through her acceptance to the Young American College of the Performing Arts in Corona, California. Emma adores her NAA family, and is excited for another year of confidence building through performance!
Recent graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Keiko Larocque is a young soprano hailing from the small northern community of Chapleau, Ontario. Having curated her own voice studio in her hometown, teaching privately and directing choirs throughout her post-secondary journey has given her an opportunity to pass along the knowledge and experience she has gained through her love of music. Having completed her BA (Algoma University), BMus in Voice Performance and Opera Diploma (WLU), Keiko has studied under the tutelage of Agnes McCarthy, Jennie Such, Leslie Fagan, and Kimberly Barber. Her past roles include Anne Frank in Cecilia Livingston’s Singing Only Softly, Beth in Mark Adamo’s Little Women, and Ollob/Man1 in the world premiere of Borderless (Alaina Viau, Ashley Seward, and Troy DeFour). Other roles in excerpts at Laurier include Violetta (La traviata), Fiordiligi (Cosi fan tutte), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel), and Maria (West Side Story). Keiko’s KWSO debut was alongside drag star Thorgy Thor and conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser last October (‘22). For over 12 years Keiko has provided music for Chapleau’s Sacred Heart Parish, and for the past 4 years she has served as a choral scholar for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. The community of music making is what drives her passion to connect and experience the love she has for the artform with others. Her teaching style is rooted in classical technique, but the exploration of other genres is what keeps learning music interesting and fun. Keiko is a versatile singer and performer, and can offer a variety of singing styles tailored to her student’s goals. She aims to help her students feel comfortable in their voices, and confident in their performance while they explore their instrument. Upon teaching in Sault Ste. Marie at the Northern Arts Academy, Keiko has found such joy in the beautiful music making of the NAA and the kindness and care the studio has for their students and faculty. As an NAA Alumna, it is such a privilege to teach in a place that was so fundamental for her development and growth in the early stages of her learning.