meet the magic makers!
At Storybook Lane Theater Co., our team of dedicated instructors are passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers. With a shared love for storytelling, acting, and creativity, we’re committed to creating a nurturing space where every child can grow, shine, and discover the magic within themselves.
Emerson Grace Julian
Co Founder & Artistic Director
Emerson is a lifelong lover of all things theater, stories, and fairytales! She founded Storybook Lane Theater Co. to create a magical space where kids can build confidence, creativity, and community through performance. With a background in acting, music, and directing, Emerson brings heart, imagination, and a whole lot of fairy dust to every rehearsal. Her favorite part of the job? Watching kids light up when they realize they can do hard things, and have fun doing them!
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Chris Kolde
Co Founder & Executive Producer
Chris has always believed that the magic of theatre doesn't just happen onstage; it's built from the ground up, piece by piece, with care and intention. With years of experience managing productions, organizing live events, and supporting youth arts programs, Chris brings structure to the storybook. He's passionate about creating spaces where young artists can explore, grow, and feel genuinely supported. Whether it's planning a production timeline or making sure rehearsals can run smoothly, Chris is always working behind the scenes so the spotlight can stay right where it belongs: on the next generation of artists who will continue to thrive in our vibrant community.
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Robert Valentine
Head of Acting Division
Robert is an aspiring actor who understands that acting is a multi-faceted craft that requires empathy, discipline, an openness to transformation, and a willingness to explore the full spectrum of the human experience. He approaches each role not just as a performance, but as an opportunity to uncover truth, connect with others, and tell stories that matter. With a deep respect for the discipline and a commitment to continual growth, Robert strives to bring authenticity, vulnerability, and intention to every character he portrays.
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Head of Dance Division
Riley Mays
Riley Emma Mays is a multifaceted artist and storyteller. As an actor, dancer, writer, and content creator, Riley blends vulnerability, humor, and authenticity in everything she does, whether she’s on stage or behind the camera. Trained in multiple styles of dance, she brings expressive movement and grounded physicality to her performance work, using her body as an extension of the stories she tells. With a growing online presence and a deep love for narrative work, she’s passionate about creating space for people to feel seen and inspired.
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Sienna Coats
Event Coordinator
Sienna grew up under the sunny skies of Scottsdale, Arizona, where her love for movies first sparked her passion for acting. She’s been performing ever since she could walk, and now she loves helping young performers step into the spotlight with confidence and joy. Whether she’s leading a warm-up game or directing a scene, Sienna brings energy, creativity, and heart to every moment. Her favorite part of theater? Watching stories come to life through the eyes of imaginative kids.
Head of Music Division
Paolo Masella
Paolo is a professional actor, singer/songwriter, and a dedicated dreamer. Born and raised in Queens, New York, and surrounded by his fathers instruments, he began picking them up and teaching himself to play, and fell in love with music. He moved to Miami to study music professionally and was accepted into A Cappella Academy, while starring in musicals, plays, and operas. After graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paolo lived alone and spent each day writing a new song, rediscovering his passion for storytelling through music. In time, he found himself returning to jingle writing, and just like his dad, fell in love with the craft all over again.
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Head of Industry Affairs
Mishel Eckman
Mishel Eckman is an actress and model based in Los Angeles. She recently appeared as Meghan Burkheimer in Season 6 of Buried in the Backyard, airing on Hulu & Peacock. Over this past year, she has starred in lead & supporting roles in 11 films and has worked with brands like Sephora, Hulu, Jack In The Box, & Beauty Creations for commercial/modeling work. Mishel trains with LA's top acting coaches, learning about character development, comedy, drama, Improv, & scene study.
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Community Wellness Manager
George Friberg
George is deeply passionate about mental health and making sure every young person feels safe, supported, and heard. Currently studying psychology at Middlebury College, George is especially interested in how community and emotional wellness intersect, and how the arts can be a powerful tool for self-expression and healing. With a background in community theater and a heart for service, George understands both the joys and pressures that come with being a young performer. At Storybook Lane Theater Co., he works to ensure that every rehearsal room is not just a place to grow as an artist, but as a person, and that kindness, connection, and care come first.