Firebird Instructor: Tony Barrett
Tony’s passion for sketch and improv started when he watched old Saturday Night Live episodes way past his bedtime as a 10 year old. That passion took him to Chicago where he learned the art of improv. Tony is a graduate of The Second City conservatory and Improv Olympic training center, where he served on a house team and embraced the Del Close philosophy of ‘Truth in Comedy’. Tony worked in the Phillies entertainment division along side the Phillie Phanatic for four years. Influences include Mr. Show, Chris Farley, David Sedaris, and the real-life absurdity of Larry David. Tony is a graduate of Cabrini University, where he served on the Improv team and performed in several National College Comedy festivals. Tony made his directorial debut with the 2022 Firebird Theatre Holiday show “Jingle Arrgh the Way’! “The most enjoyable aspect in working with Firebird is that the actors and staff have the freedom and encouragement to be who they are and follow their passions. The actors are allowed to be [a new character] for a couple hours a week and celebrated for it as well. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to be than Firebird!” |
Mary Fitzgerald - Firebird Instructor
Mary has a BA in Theatre Management, with a specialty in Children's Theater, from Fordham University. No stranger to the stage, Mary has worked on all aspects of putting on a production, including her favorite role as director. She has directed Disney's AristoCats Kids, Cows in the Kitchen at Firebird and is currently the Director of the Fall Play and Spring Musical at Methacton High School. Her past directing credits include Footloose, The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, SpongeBob the Musical, Urinetown, The Great Gatsby, The Laramie Project, and The Dining Room to name a few. When not working on a show, Mary loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, who are her biggest fans. |