Meet Our Teachers – NOVA Center for the Performing Arts

Marisa Clark-Backstage Pass: Costuming

Marisa rediscovered her love of theater through the involvement of her children, and is passionate about the importance of the youth and adult programs here at NOVA. In addition to performing in several shows over the past two years, coaching on of our youth improv troupes, and teaching previous youth classes, she has also costumed productions such as “Funny Girl”, “A Christmas Carol Musical” and “Jake’s Women”. She’s excited to teach costuming as she enjoys both the confidence building aspect of dressing the person embodying the character and putting some psychology to work in the impression costumes makes on the audience.

Lexi Cooper-Audition Prep

Lexi is 24 years old and has been doing theatre for over half her life. Her first production was Annie when she was 11 years old, and now is gearing up for her 33rd production! Lexi loves to binge watch tv shows and hang out with friends when she has extra time to spare. A few of the roles Lexi has played in the past is Pearl Krabs in The Spongebob Musical, Percy Talbott in The Spitfire Grill and her personal favorite Samantha Brown in The Mad Ones. Lexi fully believes that the arts are extremely important in our society whether it is performing arts, practical arts, or visual arts and believes that they can help shape someone significantly in their lives. When Lexi was young she was taught “everyday is an audition”, and she is thrilled to be able to pass that knowledge down.

Delaney Harrington-Acting

Delaney Harrington is an actor from Billings, Montana, and has been acting since she was 8 years old. Her first project was a short film shot in Bozeman, from there, she continued her training at Venture (now NOVA) and at Billings Studio Theatre. She has danced since she was little and also loves painting and being active outside. Her mom is her biggest inspiration for acting, but her wonderful family has supported her in this for years. Over the past two years, she’s had the opportunity to perform in The Crucible at the Moss Mansion and The Games Afoot at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, both of which reignited her love for the stage. Most recently, she starred in a horror film filmed at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts and is currently performing in A Christmas Carol also at NOVA. Acting has given her incredible opportunities, helped her build confidence, and introduced her to some of the best people she knows. Delaney will forever be grateful for acting, especially at NOVA!

Sam Pfeifer-Backstage Pass: Puppetry

Samantha Pfeifer is excited to be teaching at Nova this Spring. Originally from Lennox, SD, Samantha moved to Billings to study Mathematics and Theater Performance at Rocky Mountain College. It was here where she developed a passion for puppets. Samantha currently works as the Production Manager at the Alberta Bair Theater. Her most recent performance was as Understudy for Woman 1 in Backyard Theater’s production of Songs for a New World. She also had the privilege of presenting a puppet show she co-wrote with Brianna West at the Billings Symphony. When Samantha isn’t busy working on a show, she enjoys crafting for her business Haan Puppets (also known as Sam’s Puppets and Props), playing video games, and spending quality time with her husband, Andrew, and their two cats, Tuna and Halibut.

DeLaney Hardy Ray-Tiny Tot Theater, Creative Drama & Intro to Theater

DeLaney is the Youth Conservatory Director at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts. She graduated in 2014 from Rocky Mountain College with degrees in Theater Performance and Communication. In 2011 she performed as one of the, “Illustrious Virginia City Players” in Virginia City, MT and in 2015 she was a drama school intern at the Seattle Children’s Theater. She also directed the annual Polar Express production at the Billings Depot from 2012 to 2016. She has been active in the Billings theater community for many years having acted with Billings Studio Theater, Yellowstone Repertory Theater and NOVA. Outside of theater DeLaney enjoys spending time with her family and husband, doing yoga, and spoiling all her pets.

Janie Sutton-Musical Theater

Janie graduated with a degree in Vocal Performance from Rocky Mountain College. She has performed in many productions-both operas and plays. She was most recently seen in NOVA’s Jake’s Women and directed the NOVA Youth production Space Pirates. Janie has also performed with Billings Studio Theater, Billings Symphony & Chorale, and The Virginia City Players.