MEET THE TEAM

A woman with glasses, long hair, wearing a sleeveless top and pants, smiling and gesturing with her hands, in a black and white photo with digital editing elements around her. This photo is of Chelsea Cook from Rhode to Broadway.

FOUNDER

Chelsea Cook has been a dedicated theatre educator across New England since 2010. She is deeply passionate about using the performing arts to support students' educational and social-emotional growth. Having personally navigated the challenges of dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD, Chelsea understands the difficulties of following a traditional curriculum. It was through theatre that she found motivation and inspiration, and she now strives to ignite that same passion in students who struggle in conventional learning environments.

In her commitment to making the arts accessible, Chelsea founded Rhode to Broadway, a company dedicated to bringing the Broadway dream to students in Rhode Island. Through this initiative, she connects young artists with exceptional theatre professionals, offering them unique opportunities to learn and grow in an inspiring environment. Chelsea's goal is to create a nurturing space where every student can thrive, discover their unique potential, and build confidence through the transformative power of theatre.

CHELSEA COOK

Our Team

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    Connor Buonaccorsi

    Associate Artistic Director

    Connor Buonaccorsi is a Rhode Island native and New York based actor, singer and dancer. Connor is best known for his work on the Broadway North American tours of Hairspray, Mean Girls, and an upcoming touring project that has yet to be announced. Connor has performed at many regional theaters around the New England area like Theatre by the Sea, The Weathervane Theatre, Trinity Rep, The Palace Theatre, Ocean State Theatre Company, and New Bedford Festival Theatre in shows like: Kinky Boots, Heathers, Joseph, American Idiot, Beauty and the Beast and Swing. In 2023, Connor received his BFA in Musical Theater with a specialization in advanced musical theatre dance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Connor has a passion for teaching and developing love for the arts and is thrilled to be back in Rhode Island teaching!

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    Wensday Greenbaum

    Musical Director

    Miss Wensday is an accomplished educator and performer specializing in theatre, acting, and voice. An acclaimed vocalist celebrated for her soulful vintage jazz performances, she also leads a dynamic ensemble that fuses modern influences with classic jazz traditions. A Grammy ballot nominee, she honors the rich legacy of jazz while showcasing her own distinctive artistry. Miss Wensday now brings her passion and expertise to Rhode to Broadway, where she will teach acting and voice in the new Theatre Institute and Mentorship Program.

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    Alex Celico

    Musical Director

    Alex Celico is a senior at Rhode Island College, currently perusing a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a minor in Film Studies. As a vocalist and pianist, Alex has many years of private teaching experience and loves to tailor lessons to fit the students needs. In addition to teaching lessons, Alex is a music director and film director for Rhode to Broadway’s various programs!

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    RUBY COSTA

    Director/Choreographer

    Ruby Costa is a sophomore at Rhode Island College, studying to receive a BA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Dance Performance. She is also a member of the RIC Dance Company. Ruby has been choreographing and directing alongside Chelsea Cook for the past three years and she is so happy to be working at Rhode to Broadway and sharing her passion for theatre with future generations. Some of her hobbies include sewing, creative makeup, skateboarding, and circus!

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    Christian Sullivan

    Musical Director

    Christian Sullivan is a junior at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, pursuing a B.S. in Music Education. A 2022 graduate of Chariho High School in Richmond, RI, Christian was actively involved in the Chariho Theatre Co. and was among the first students to complete the CharihoTech Performing Arts Pathway. As an alum, he returned as the Musical Director for Chariho's inaugural youth summer program, Stage Explorers, leading their production of Seussical, Jr! Christian has also collaborated with Rhode Island Youth Theatre as an intern and served as both composer and musical director for Hope Valley Elementary's production, The Magic Within. He is thrilled to be a part of the Rhode to Broadway team!

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    Steve Wilson

    Technical Director

    Steve Wilson is an accomplished technician and manager with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. As the owner of Show Ready Mobile, he has established a reputation for delivering high-quality technical solutions for a variety of productions. Steve’s notable credits include serving as the Technical Director for the Broadway musical A Night with Janis Joplin and its Off-Broadway tour, where his expertise was instrumental in bringing the production to life. He also held the role of Technical Director at Theatre by the Sea, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled leader in theatre production. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre from the University of Rhode Island, Steve combines a strong arts and design background with hands-on experience in event planning, strategic planning, and management. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach make him a respected figure in the field.

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    Patrick Cavanagh

    Business Manager

    Patrick Cavanagh is a dedicated theatre artist and aspiring producer double majoring in Film, Television, and Theatre and Business with a minor in Spanish at the University of Notre Dame. He has received multiple Ocean State Star Awards for his work in theatre and is passionate about combining creativity with strategy to pursue a career in production and the entertainment industry.

  • Kristen Beres

    Kristen Beres

    Digital Media & Operations Director

    Kristen Beres is a versatile creative professional specializing in photography, graphic design, website management, and administrative support. As the owner of Kristen Beres Photography, she brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for photojournalistic-style theatre photography, as well as striking nature imagery. Kristen combines her artistic sensibility with strong organizational skills to support teams both visually and operationally.

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    Sadie

    Choreographer

    Sadie Swanson is a freshman at CCRI, planning to transfer to Rhode Island College through the JAA program to pursue a BA in Dance Performance. She trained in ballet, tap, and jazz before expanding into many styles and competing, and has been active in theatre since age 4. Sadie began directing at 12 as an intern with Chelsea Cook and went on to co-direct two productions her senior year, as well as serve as Head of the Costume Department for Hendricken Theatre. She is so excited to be working at Rhode to Broadway and to share her love of dance and directing with future generations. Some of her hobbies include ceramics, sewing, going to the gym, film, and reading.

  • Eric Sturtevant

    Rentals / Set Design

    Eric Sturtevant is a Rhode Island–based children’s author and illustrator whose work has delighted young readers since 2014. Through his independently published series of early-reader board books, he explores timeless themes of patience, love, and embracing individuality. Now, Eric brings his creative eye and storytelling spirit to the stage as a set designer with Rhode to Broadway.