Get To Know The JEM STARS Team!

JANELLE MURRAY (she/her) - Artistic Director & Teaching Artist

Janelle Murray is the Founder and Artistic Director of JEM STARS Performing Arts Company. Janelle has always had a passion for all things related to the performing arts and enjoys sharing her passions with the next generation. She has an array of experience as an arts educator and administrator working with different theatrical organizations, schools and youth bureaus throughout the New York and Connecticut area. Janelle is a content creator on TikTok where she shares a glimpse of what she is like as an arts educator. She has become known as the “Gen Z Teacher” who often uses Disney songs from her childhood to uplift, motivate and inspire her students. She has grown a following of over 50,000 people and her teaching artistry has been shared and noticed by the legendary Forbes, Disney Music, Demi Lovato, Hilary Duff, Bart Johnson, and more!

MIRANDA BEAVER (she/her) - Communications & Marketing Assistant

Miranda is a NYC based Model, Actress and Host that has been seen on City on Fire (Apple TV), Saturday Night Live, Wu-Tang the American Saga and the new Gossip Girl reboot. She is a very outgoing individual, with years of pageant and public speaking experience. She is a graduate from New York Film Academy and New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts for TV/ Film Acting and the University of Washington where she completed their Public Speaking program. Additionally, she has partnered and worked with multiple social media companies for marketing, content creation and talent coordination. Miranda is also a Teaching Artist that strives for excellence!

BERNY BALBUENA (he/him) - Teaching Artist

Berny Balbuena is a NYC based actor, singer, dancer, and classical pianist signed with Bloc Talent Agency. He was recently on tour with the Broadway National Tour of "On Your Feet!". Berny is a graduate from Western Connecticut State University where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre, as well as a BA in Music and is a graduate from Dutchess Community College where he received his A.S in Performing Arts; Certificate in Music. Berny hopes to continue to pursue his fervor for the arts, all while attempting to inspire the actors, singers, and dancers of tomorrow.

MISHKA REHAK (she/her) - Teaching Artist

Mishka is a Queens-based actor, dancer, writer and educator with a passion for creating. Since receiving her B.F.A. in Acting from Adelphi University, she has appeared in a variety of projects in front of the camera, behind the camera, on stage, and on paper. From independent films & shorts to play festivals & cabarets, Mishka lives for storytelling. She hopes to push her students to their highest potential both creatively and personally as they explore the performing arts alongside her!

ETHAN YAHEEN-MOY CHAN (he/him) - Teaching Artist

Ethan Yaheen-Moy Chan (He/Him) is a born-and-bred New Yorker hailing from Queens and is excited to join JEM STARS as an arts educator. New York Credits: Maddie: A New Musical (Teatro LATEA), Working, A Musical(LaGuardia Performing Arts Center). Regional: Blended和(HARMONY)(Theater Mu/History Theatre), Double Helix (Bay Street Theater), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (The Winnipesaukee Playhouse). Workshops: Crazy Rich Asians (BMI Lehman Engel Workshop), Double Helix (Goodspeed Musicals), Dismantling Prospero (ARC Stages), Roxane, of Bergerac (The Dramatists Guild). Film and Commercials: You Will Be Found, Across the Country (Dear Evan Hansen, Broadway), Trap Pack (Shomi Patwari, Starring Jharrel Jerome). BFA, Western Connecticut State University. Advanced Regents Diploma, LaGuardia Arts.

MARK CEPPETELLI (he/him) - Teaching Artist

Mark Ceppetelli is a theatre music director, pianist, music educator, composer, and arranger, based in New York. He started his music career as a composition student at the Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theatre of the University of Hartford. He has worked as a theater music director since 2015, with venues ranging from community and educational theaters through professional regional theaters.