Weathervane Musical Theatre Company

The Weathervane Musical Theatre Company, (WMTC) is a pre-professional musical theatre training program for students interested in a career in the performing arts

WMTC helps our talented students gain competitive musical theatre training to better prepare them for college auditions and the professional theatre world. WMTC takes place on Saturday afternoons. WMTC students gain fast paced , professional training in dance, acting, voice, and musical theatre technique. Each year will feature exclusive masterclasses with industry professionals designed to help students build their network and gain valuable feedback. Don't miss out on this unique training experience and opportunity to belong to a company and community full of passionate musical theatre artists!

Since this program will be based on a conservatory model, there will be initial auditions for admittance. WMTC students will then be assigned a leveled group, so we can better challenge their specific skill set.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 SENIORS!! We are beyond proud of your college acceptances and can't wait to continue cheering you on in your artistic journeys!

Announcing WMTC 2025/2026 Season Masterclass:

WMTC Course Schedule:

WMTC COMPANY CLASS/MT TECHNIQUES consists of topics including but not limited to:

*Audition material and cuts (Taking your audition to the next level, Mastering a callback, Tv/Film/Commercial Technique and Marketing, Professional rehearsal etiquette/Equity rules, Building your "book" and musical theatre rep, Dance call technique, The "business" side of the biz, Contemporary and Classical Monologue Rep)

WMTC TEAM

WMTC Founder/Director: Kathleen Rooney Faubel

An Akron native, Kathleen graduated from the prestigious Musical Theatre Program at Baldwin Wallace University and is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA and Actors Equity Association. She has performed in Broadway workshops, concerts, and readings of new and upcoming musicals in NYC and Off-Broadway. Kathleen is the face of "OLAY" skincare for an international campaign/commercial that was filmed in Iceland. You may have also spotted her on TV in Law and Order SVU or starring in national commercials for Red Lobster, McAlister's Deli, and Axe Body Spray. She starred across the globe as "Belle" in Beauty and the Beast for 8 months in Hong Kong with Disney. Favorite regional credits include Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Stages St. Louis, The Gateway Playhouse, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Beck Center, Cain Park and at the Tony Award Winning Goodspeed Opera House. Locally, Kathleen has performed at Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Cain Park, Beck Center, Dobama Theatre, and at Playhouse Square.

Kathleen serves as the Director of Education here at Weathervane Playhouse and has taught dance, acting, private voice, and musical theatre technique classes to students all over the country and has directed and choreographed productions of Something Rotten, Shrek, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Little Mermaid, Spamalot, The Descendants, and The Pajama Game. Her students have been accepted into musical theatre, acting and voice programs at Carnegie Mellon, Baldwin Wallace, Penn State, Elon, Boston, Oklahoma City University, Ball State, Florida State, and Marymount Manhattan. She's crazy about her studly husband Jarid, their sweet little boys, Ben and David, and their two puggles, Maple and Bacon.

Music Director Ron Hazelett:

Ron holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from Kent State University, and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Marshall University. Ron has been music directing and teaching in the area for over 30 years. Many of his former students can be seen working professionally in NYC and studying in the top musical theatre schools around the country. As Music Director, his Weathervane Playhouse credits include Gypsy, Bye Bye Birdie, School Of Rock, Kinky Boots, Newsies, Matilda, and Something Rotten to name a few.

Company Team: Valeria Flores

Valeria feels grateful to be a part of WMTC’s team! Before college, she trained under Kathleen’s direction at Class Act Performing Arts Studio and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre at Baldwin Wallace University. Valeria was recently featured in Cleveland Playhouse’s In the Heights (Ensemble) and BW’s Pippin (Ensemble, Fastrada u/s). At Paper Mill Playhouse, she received a Rising Star Award nomination and choreographed for their New Voices Concert. Some of her earlier credits include Chicago (Velma), Sweet Charity (Charity), and Spelling Bee (Olive).

Company Team: Alan Pickett

Born and raised in Akron Ohio, started dancing at Martell School of Dance during the 2011-2012 dance year and began training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop.

After graduating from Firestone High School’s visual and performing arts program, he went to the University of Akron studying dance, and working/teaching at Martell. Then shortly after he moved to New York to study at The Ailey School. When his time at The Ailey School was up, he stayed in New York and trained at the various studios around the city.

He’s recently moved back to Ohio and excited to encourage other young dancers to explore their artistry and most important, share his love for dance!

Company Team: Jarid Faubel

Jarid is an accomplished actor and dedicated educator with a career spanning theatre, film, television, voice work, and national commercials. A graduate of the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, Jarid has performed on stages in New York City, regional theatre, and on national tours, with projects ranging from intimate plays to extravagant musicals. His recent credits include ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE (Broadway workshop), the national tour of THE BODYGUARD (where he played opposite pop icon Deborah Cox), and starring in roles across the country at Maine State Music Theatre, Papermill Playhouse, Flatrock Playhouse, and Berkshire Theatre Group.

In addition to his extensive theatre work, Jarid’s screen credits are numerous, including roles in films such as Jack Reacher (2012) and X-Men: First Class (2011), among others. He has also made appearances on a variety of popular television series, including The Blacklist, Billions, Younger, The Good Fight, and a recurring role as Brian Baker on Blue Bloods. His voice can be heard in major video games like Red Dead Redemption II, and he has featured in multiple commercials for well-known brands.

With a rich and diverse career, Jarid brings a wealth of real-world experience into his teaching. His approach combines practical techniques, industry insight, and a focus on the individual growth of each student. Whether honing their craft for theatre, film, television, or commercials, Jarid’s students benefit from his broad experience across all mediums.

He is happily married to Kathleen Faubel and loves being a dad to their sons, Ben and David.

Company Team: John Ebner

John has worked extensively as a keyboardist, musical director and accompanist for the Carousel Dinner Theatre, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Players Guild of Canton and the Voices of Canton to name a few. His first experience with Weathervane was in 1999. He performs in local bands including The Canton Concert Band, The Blue Note Jazz Combo, The Dukes of Darrowville and The Savoy Big Band. He continues to collaborate with schools in Stark and Summit Counties after retiring from teaching music for 33 years. John has had great opportunities over the years including working with Arthur Fiedler and Paul Williams. He won an Addy Award along with the Weathervane Cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; a YACTA Marquee Award for musical directing Weathervane’s Ragtime as well as 8 Chanticleer Awards. He has also done commercial work for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has a Master of Music Degree in Music from the University of Akron and is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association and a life member of the American Federation of Musicians. He is very excited to work again with Kathleen & WTMC.

Compnay Team: Cynthia O’Connell

Cynthia has been a mainstay among voice teachers in Northeast Ohio for the past 3 decades. She recently retired from her position as an Associate Professor of Voice in the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University. She has now redoubled her focus on her private studio in Shaker Heights. Cynthia’s students can be seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, and on National and International Tours. In addition to her private studio, she also provides lectures and masterclasses to institutions across the US. Cynthia continues to work as a professional singer in the greater Cleveland area.