Courtney founded To The Stage in May 2012, after earning her Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) in Theatre Arts (credits in Education & Expressive Arts/Drama Therapy) from SUNY New Paltz in 2011. She graduated as the historian of Alpha Psi Omega (National Theatre Honor Society). She studied at Carnegie Mellon University's prestigious Drama program for 6 weeks in 2006. Born & raised in Oceanside, her "claim to fame" is having played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Boardman Elementary 9E!  Courtney is an Elementary School Theater Director for the Oceanside School District, having directed the last 6 years: The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and The Lion King at School #5, Matilda at School #8, Mary Poppins, Shrek JR, and Frozen Jr at 9E. Courtney was a performer for over 17 years, (working with several professional NYC agencies) with a successful theater background, starring in shows regionally & throughout the community. She appeared on TV's Guy Code & Gossip Girl, & modeling for Bloomingdales, The Sak, & more. She's also an eligible member of the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG). Before opening TTS, she worked for years as an acting coach, theater director, group camp counselor, & children's party entertainer across LI, & earned her Girl Scout Gold Award with focus in teaching children theater. Courtney attended the intensive and esteemed "Broadway Teachers Workshop" (Masterclasses with the top Broadway Directors/Performers) in July 2015. Courtney's son, Ryder Koehle, appeared in the Tony Award winning Broadway show, The Ferryman, as Bobby Carney (the son of well known actor, Brian D'Arcy James!)  in January-April 2019 (where Courtney "worked behind the Broadway scenes" four shows a week!)

 

"I wanted to create a program with an atmosphere where EVERY CHILD is a star & brings something unique to the stage. Each child will receive the same amount of attention in my classroom. The key to succeeding as a young performer is having the confidence in oneself, regardless of talent level, & I want them to leave my classes feeling that they can accomplish anything!"