Meet Our Teachers, Program Directors & Camp Counselors!
Elisha Harris
Teacher- TWNN Company Youth & Advanced Teen Classes | Program Director- Kids Kottage and Boys & Girls Club Outreach Programs
Howdy guys I'm Elisha! I've lived in Reno most my life and love it! In high school I did Track, Cross Country, and of course Drama! One of the reasons that I love acting is because I can transform myself into a different person every gig! I'm incredibly thankful for the roles I’ve been able to play this year. It started with Tom Robinson in “To Kill A Mockingbird” and most recently I got to play The Mad Hatter in “Alice In Wonderland”. Two totally different roles, but incredibly fun in their own ways. In my free time you will most likely find me daydreaming, working out, or bursting into song for no particular reason.
Hana Altenburg
Teacher- TWNN Company Littles Class | Camp Counselor
Lights... Camera.... Action! My name is Hana Altenburg I’m a 15 year old sophomore attending Reed High School. I've been a part of the TWNN family for 6 years and counting. With a profile of over 30 shows both with TWNN, schools productions, and other local companies, I intend to use my platform “ Take Two” to promote the benefits of theatre to all the kids in my community. Working under TWNN, the Washoe County School District, and the Note-Ables music therapy my goal is to help ensure every kid gets the chance to feel accepted and appreciated in the limelight. My older brother Gunnar was diagnosed with autism at two years old and has been the inspiration for my platform. His experiences with being bullied for his love of the performing arts and his uncontrollable disability made me not only a sister advocate for children with disabilities but also one for the benefits of having a theatrical experience and education. Nothing brings me more joy then knowing I get the opportunity to touch the lives of kids in the community that offered me so much. Hana is currently Miss Mount Rose Outstanding Teen and is working hard towards her goal of becoming Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen in the future.
Nasya Mancini
Program Director- Volunteers of America Family Shelter & Assistant Camp Director
Nasya is a junior at AMDA, American Musical Dramatic Arts Academy in Hollywood, CA working towards earning a BFA in Acting. Nasya comes from Sparks, Nevada and is an accomplished actress who has performed in over 25 major productions. In addition to performing on stage, Nasya uses her acting talents to teach kids at the VOA Family Homeless Shelter. Through her program - Upstage: Dramatically Changing the Lives of Homeless Children homeless children - she helps to provide an escape to the children and provide them a greater sense of self-worth and confidence. This has enabled Nasya to touch the lives of 400 children over the past 5 years. When not performing or volunteering Nasya can be found shopping, watching Turner Classic Movies with her dad and hanging out with friends and family. Nasya is currently Miss Virginia City in the Miss America Scholarship Program and is working hard towards her goal of becoming Miss Nevada in the future.
Valerie Padovani
Teacher- TWNN Company Beginning Teens Class
Valerie Padovani is a local Nevadan that loves all things arts, outdoors, and people-centered! Valerie currently works as for a lobbying firm by day, but once the suit comes off she is busy fulfilling her artist dream! Valerie has a long love with performance art since theater transformed her shy, awkward 13-year-old self into a confident and thriving person, on and off stage. She’s participated in teaching youth classes, workshops, and now will be looking to gain some directorial chops.
She loves volunteering, writing and reading, watching stand-up with her boyfriend, and cooking. Valerie believes that all stories have the power to transform lives and minds, and she’s proud to be a part of the team at TWNN!
Lily Marenghi
Camp Counselor | Substitute Teacher
Lily is a Reno native is currently junior at the University of Nevada Reno studying to become a special education teacher. She is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority on campus. Lily has been involved with Theatre Works since 2005 acting, and more recently, stage managing and directing. She has been performing in acting and singing for most of her life and just can’t get enough. Lily has always loved working with children and utilizes her craft as an actress to forever be a social butterfly with all individuals. She believes that in all you do, love should be the core, especially in theatre.