It’s Our Pleasure to Meet You!
We at Standing Ovation are a team of creative professionals who specialize in helping our local youth pursue and realize their dreams through theater and the arts!
A Letter From the Owners of Standing Ovation
Standing Ovation Performing Arts was started in 2006 by JR. and Erin Coley. They built a phenomenal safe place where children could come and discover who they were and live out their passion for theatre.
We were introduced to SOPA in 2018 through a school friend of our 11 year old daughter. She was invited to audition for the summer production of Annie and she fell in love with all of it! Madison (Our daughter) had not been involved with any acting or singing to speak of previously, but when she came to Standing Ovation, a passion came alive in her that was undeniable. Madison grew in talent and discipline by leaps and bounds during her first year at SOPA, as she found a true love for musical Theatre.
We were very sad to hear that after 15+ years, Standing O would be closing for good on August 8th 2020. We as a family were out to dinner at Park Avenue Grill Friday the 24th of July where we joked about us stepping in to keep the theatre open , we decided to just give Erin a call to see what was going on and if there was any change or hope for the future of SOPA. Erin explained that multiple offers to purchase Standing O had fallen through over the summer and at this point time had run out. Erin and JR were scheduled to move and start their own new adventure that week and had already begun the process of shutting down the studio.
I called my husband and son and told them what was happening and while a little crazy, we made a last minute offer to purchase Standing Ovation—and Erin and J.R accepted! This has been a whirlwind of an endeavor and as our Musical Theater experience is, shall we say “limited”, it was truly a leap of faith.
There are no words to express our gratitude to Erin and J.R for putting their heart and soul into Standing Ovation for so many years and for being there to spark a passion in our daughter and many other children over the years that will last a lifetime.
We are thrilled to have this challenge and continue the legacy that Erin and J.R have entrusted to us, we are here to serve our community of children, helping them build life skills through participation in the performing arts in a wholesome environment!
We truly look forward to being a small part of the village it takes to raise our little ones.
Meet the SOPA Staff
John & Tracie Anderer
OWNERS
John and Tracie Anderer are excited to be a part of the musical theater community. It warms our heart to see young people grow in their talents and life skills.
We want to thank God for affording us this amazing opportunity. We would also like to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication. Lastly, thank you to the parents and all your sacrifice. God bless you.
Robbie Kubusheski
OWNER/INVESTOR
Robbie Kubusheski is an entrepreneur and Father of two school aged children. He was born and raised in Palm Beach County and now resides in South Carolina with frequent trips back home.
Robbie was inspired by his sister’s love for Musical theatre to partner in Standing Ovation Performing Arts. Robbie is dedicated to the success of each young performer to discover their talents and follow through dreams.
Caroline Dopson
DIRECTOR
Caroline Dopson (Director) graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her MFA in Theatre Performance. She has also studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory in New York, The Gately/Poole Conservatory in Chicago, and Centenary College of Louisiana. Caroline teaches acting at Florida Atlantic University, Standing Ovation Performing Arts, Fusion Enrichment, and the Broward Center.
Some of her favorite roles include Karen in The Children’s Hour, Sabrina in Sabrina Fair, and Marianne in Constellations.
Caroline’s teaching methods are centered around the works of Constantine Stanislavski and Sandford Meisner. Caroline is immensely grateful to get to work with such a talented group of young storytellers and hopes to inspire them to love theatre and all it has to offer the world.
Michael Butt
ASSISTANT THEATER DIRECTOR
From the first time he heard Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, “The Phantom of the Opera,” Michael has nurtured a love of theatre and the arts. Between high school productions, college, and some amateur theatre work, Mike will be bringing nearly ten years of experience to Standing Ovation Performing Arts.
In his time away from the stage, he has spent his professional career within public safety – mainly within the 911 emergency communications field – and served as a United States Marine. Finally, he has a beautiful family with his wife, Jessica, and three (soon to be four) children.
Brianna Walker
THEATER VOCAL COACH
Brianna is a student at Palm Beach State College currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree. She has many years of experience in choir, theater, string instruments, and is currently a worship leader at her church.
She has participated in a number of musical theater productions, plays, vocal competitions, and has won awards for her vocal capabilities to include acceptance and participation in All-State Choir, 1 of 32 people in the state of Colorado.
Brianna has been with Standing Ovation Performing Arts since 2020 and has provided vocal coaching to each production since. She thanks God for blessing her with this opportunity to share with others the gifts, passion, and knowledge He has given to her, and is eager to encourage the next generation in their love of the arts!
Amanda Skidmore
SCENIC DESIGN
Amanda studied Art at FAU and is excited to have a creative outlet to use her skills. She is grateful to Tracie and John for trusting her with this responsibility. She feels blessed to be able to bond with her daughter through the arts.
Andrea Sandrin
COSTUME DESIGN
Andrea Sandrin has been costuming shows at Standing Ovation since 2008. Her two children are both SOPA alumni and she has had the opportunity to see how much the skills they have learned in theater have benefited them as adults.
She is looking forward to many more productions.
Alexandra Aliscio
SCENIC DESIGN
Alexandra Aliscio a self-taught artist born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL. She specializes in murals and colorful pet portraits. She participates in Lake Worth street painting festival every year and loves working on large projects.
She is honored and excited to be a part of the Standing Ovation scenic design team.
Sarah Scalisi
BACKSTAGE MANAGER
Sarah is thrilled to be back in the theater, as it has brought back memories of productions she was apart of like: “the little mermaid,” “Willy Wonka”, “High School Musical”, “Legally Blonde” and more.
After directing the music for this past summer show “The Lion King” Sarah couldn’t stay out of Standing Ovation as she views it to be one of God’s many blessings. Sarah gives it all to her family and friends as they have supported her always, and is extremely grateful for this opportunity!
