MEET THE RALEIGH ACT TEAM
Amanda Blaire Thompson
Owner & Creative Director
Blaire is a native of Raleigh who was in Music Education before starting Raleigh ACT in 2012 with just two classes. She grew up performing in musical and drama productions, school, church, and local community theaters.
Blaire is grateful that she gets to perform regularly with local professional theatres, North Carolina Theatre and Theatre Raleigh.
She also continues her professional development with voice lessons, vocal pedagogy classes, and acting and directing workshops.
Blaire is thrilled that Raleigh ACT just celebrated 10 years! It has been an honor to pour her heart and soul into its development. Teaching students and watching them grow in technique and confidence is Blaire's ultimate passion.
Blaire is grateful to the amazing families of RACT who have made this theatre like a family. She is also grateful to her favorite people - Bryn, Luke, and Mom for always supporting her!
Lauren Tompkins
Resident Music Director
Lauren Tompkins is a singer, actor, voice teacher, music director, audition coach, and accompanist. Her first time working with Raleigh ACT was accompanying a summer masterclass camp in 2015 and she has been with us through camps, classes, workshops, Voices on Broadway, and JTF ever since.
Lauren strives for musical excellence but, above all, loves watching our students build confidence in their musical abilities and in themselves.
Hailing from the Midwest, Lauren received her BM in Voice Performance from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and her MA in Voice Performance from the University of Iowa.
Since moving to the Triangle, she has performed on stage with many area theatres and opera companies, and enjoys being able to share her experiences as a performer and educator with all her students.
Tim Malboeuf
Resident Choreographer
Tim is a Raleigh native professional working actor and educator. His passion for performing began at a young age while simultaneously discovering his passion for education and teaching.
While earning his BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College (‘19) in Boston, MA, he performed professionally all over the east coast! Post graduation he lived and worked in NYC furthering his education and professional career.
Throughout the past few years Tim has spent time choreographing and directing, garnering nominations and awards for his work.
Tim specializes in theatre education and athletic education such as; dance/technique classes, acting, vocal technique, audition coaching, college audition prep, professional orientation courses and tumbling/gymnastics.
Amanda Rae Melody
Director
Amanda Rae Melody (Director) Amanda grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and she has always loved the stage! She spent much of her childhood performing in children’s musical theater in both touring companies as well as local community theater. She has toured nationally and internationally with multiple choral and musical theater companies. She has taught, written, choreographed, and directed for schools, churches, and theaters. She even met her husband in a community theater! Raleigh ACT has been a place where she can combine her passion for musical theater with her passion for loving and encouraging children to grow and learn. There is nothing more rewarding than watching them find a place where they truly belong. When Amanda isn’t at Raleigh ACT, she loves homeschooling her three amazing, talented kids, painting and creating art.
Support Staff
Bridget Soberanes
Director
Bridget Soberanes grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, where her journey in the arts began. In 2009, she moved to the Triangle area and has since worked as a developmental therapist, youth mentor, theater director, and Creative Arts Director specializing in the field of special education. Some of her favorite directorial credits include Junie B. Jones Jr., Seussical the Musical, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, Space Pirates, A Seussified Christmas Carol, and Mean Girls Jr., to name just a few. A theater enthusiast to the core, Bridget loves to act, sing, dance, and direct. She has been involved in theatrical productions since childhood, where she discovered her spark and dream to make the arts accessible to people of all abilities, ensuring they feel loved, seen, and heard. With 20 years of experience, Bridget is dedicated to empowering everyone through the arts. She and her business partner are currently working on an innovative project aimed at making their dream of accessible arts a reality. Bridget inspires everyone with her mantra: “They are kind. They are unique. They are creative. They are able.” She firmly believes that every individual deserves to experience the joy and fulfillment that the arts bring.
Gail Stephenson
Business Administrator
With over 35 years in administration, business ownership and event planning, Gail comes to Raleigh ACT with the experience needed to make sure that parents and students are informed and everything is organized for a smooth operation. She is the oldest of six children, grew up in Cary and is the mother of three and grandmother to seven. Gail has a genuine love for children of all ages. As Blaire’s Mom, she also has a vested interest in the success of Raleigh ACT!
Amy Harvey
Accountant
Amy owns Harvey Bookkeeping Services and has been with us since 2021. She has taken the burden of managing the accounting so that Blaire can concentrate on the creative side of Raleigh ACT. Amy has a daughter that is also one of our students.
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Brianna Johnston
Class Assistant
Brianna began volunteering at Raleigh ACT when her daughter was seven years old! She now manages the APP that we use for class communications. Brianna assists with Jump Up, Performance Company and JTF Classes, volunteering with what ever needs to be done. She is a very valuable member of the Raleigh ACT Team!