Elizabeth Blakemore
Artistic Director

Elizabeth graduated magna cum laude from Concordia University-Chicago with degrees in Theatre and Business in 2004. Since moving to Atlanta in 2006 she has taught theatre and acting classes and directed shows for a number of programs including Master's Academy, Portfolio Academy, Artios Academy, Renaissance International School of Performing Arts (RISPA), the Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Sunrise Baptist Church, Victory World Church, and WOW Talent.  She has also assisted with casting for CYT.  As a private acting coach, she has helped students prepare auditions for colleges, professional theatre companies, Disney, commercials, and agent representation. In addition to teaching and directing, Elizabeth occasionally performs around Atlanta at various theaters when she can fit rehearsals into her busy schedule.  

She has worked on over 120 productions for children and youth as a Director, Music Director, or Producer.  Favorite directing projects include "The Pirates of Penzance", "Little Women", "Bugsy Malone Jr.", "The Wizard of Oz", "Moby Dick the Musical", "Schoolhouse Rock", "Shrek the Musical",  "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown", and "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

Forefront Arts was founded in 2010.  Under Elizabeth's leadership thousands of children and teens have experienced the transformative power of live children's theatre through our classes, workshops, summer drama camps, and productions.  She owns 5 other arts-related businesses including a private piano studio, online acting programs, a princess character company, and an Etsy Shop for handmade theatre keepsakes.  She and her husband have two young boys and like every mom, every day is crazy and hectic, but every day is a gift!  

Haley Peeler
Education Director / Competition Team Co-Director

Haley is a director, teacher, and theatre enthusiast from the small town of Between, Ga. Haley is passionate about bringing the arts to children and inspiring them to find confidence and joy in theatre! Haley recently graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with a degree in English Education and is excited to work with Forefront to bring theatrical education to all students through productions, camps, workshops, private lessons, and any and every avenue of theatre possible!  

Through Forefront Arts, Haley has worked to help coordinate dynamic classes, camps, and workshops that focus on building the imagination, creating wacky characters, and understanding theatre as a form of brave expression. As a private vocal instructor and director, Haley has worked with hundreds of students on connecting their passion for singing, dancing, and acting with technique to help them learn to become well-rounded performers and unlock the full potential of their talents. From "Annie" to "Frozen" to "Fairtyale Courtroom," Haley has directed a number of shows and musicals that have given students the opportunity to see their love for theatre grow and bravely embrace new talents. 

When she is not teaching theatre (which is a rare occasion), Haley enjoys spending time with her family, directing her church youth worship band, and dragging her fiance along to as many theatre performances as possible. Some of her favorite shows include "Anastasia," "The Last Five Years," and "Waitress." 

Joshua Davis
Jr Ensemble Director / Young Actors Ensemble Choreographer / Competition Team Co-Director

Bootscootin’ from Texas, Mr Joshua is very excited to be joining Forefront Arts this year. He directs the Jr Ensemble, oversees Forefront's growing after-school dance program, and choreographs the Young Actors Ensemble productions.    He graduated from Texas State University with his Bachelors in Science. He has always had a passion for dance and was naturally gifted. He pursued dance classes of all sorts in Texas and later found his passion in Theatre/Musical Theatre, performing in 9 to 5, Black Comedy, House of Blue Leaves, Young Frankenstein, You Can’t Take It With You, Best Little…House In Texas, Guys and Dolls, Joseph & The Technicolor Dreamcoat, South Pacific, Beauty & the Beast, Footloose & Shrek!  Mr. Joshua has also choreographed shows such as Grease, Footloose, Lion King Jr. & so many more! He has also worked here in Atlanta on films and shows including Dynasty, MacGyver, Raising Dion, Genius: Aretha, Coming to America 2, The Resident & The Powerpuff Girls! Joshua is excited to share his experience and knowledge in theatre with all students and help grow a passion and dedication for performance in the arts!  

Sydney Coffey
Teaching Artist / Vocal Coach

Sydney is from Loganville, Ga. She has been singing in ensembles for 9 years, and teaching voice for 5 years. Sydney also has extensive experience in directing behind the scenes tech work in theatre. She is passionate about helping kids become everything they can be; artistically and academically. Sydney loves watching ideas come to life. She is excited to teach students everything that goes along with theatre. From set and props to costumes and makeup. She is ready to take it on.

Christian Gray Moore
Teaching Artist / 

bio coming soon!

Jack Pearson
Teaching Artist / Private Music Instructor

Jack Pearson is an actor and comedian from North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he studied drama and accrued several acting credits in regional and touring theatre. Jack has collaborated with Triad Stage, Bright Star Touring Theatre, and directed summer camps for the North Carolina Theatre for Young People. In the classroom, Jack welcomes and encourages humor, uniqueness, and creativity across all age groups, and draws inspiration and material from all areas of theatre and performance. Currently, Jack is offering classes in Theatre Skills, Comedy, STEAM, and film acting.

Caitlin Slotnick
Teaching Artist

bio coming soon