Meet our team
At Bridge to Broadway, we believe every child has the potential to shine. As performers and instructors with professional experience in Broadway musicals and the international performing arts world, we are passionate about guiding the next generation toward their future with confidence, discipline, and creativity.
Our mission is to be the bridge that connects children’s dreams to real opportunities. Through high-quality training, mentorship, and encouragement, we help students grow not only as performers, but also as strong, confident individuals ready to take on the world.
Because we have lived the dedication, passion, and hard work required on the Broadway stage, we believe we can inspire and guide young artists to reach heights they never imagined possible.
Founder / Artistic Director
Daniel Therrien
Daniel Therrien is a Gulf Coast native and international performer, choreographer, director, and production leader with more than 30 years of professional experience across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Raised in St. Martin and a graduate of Gulfport High School, Daniel began his professional career on the Mississippi Gulf Coast before moving to Las Vegas, where he performed in productions including Folies Bergère, EFX, Splash, STOMP, and Legends in Concert. His choreography credits include projects featuring artists such as Usher, Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson, and Kenny Chesney, as well as corporate productions for Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Anheuser-Busch.
Daniel spent nearly a decade performing in Japan, with credits including Tap Dogs: Liberty on the Streets, Mystic Rhythms at Tokyo DisneySea, The Beetlejuice Show at Universal Studios Japan, and Wicked as Chistery. His European credits include Starlight Express, Cats as Mungojerrie, West Side Story as Riff, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the world premiere of Das Wunder von Bern.
His career later expanded into creative and production leadership, serving as resident choreographer and director for Knie – Das Circus Musical in Switzerland, associate director and choreographer for Hair, and Production Leader of the Musical Theatre Department at Salzburger Landestheater in Austria.
After three decades working internationally, Daniel returned home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with his wife, Minori, and their family. Since returning, he has continued contributing to the local arts community through choreography for productions at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, choreography for students at St. James Elementary School, and collaborations with youth and community performing arts programs throughout the Gulf Coast.
Daniel and Minori founded Bridge to Broadway Academy in D’Iberville to bring the professional training, mentorship, and international perspective of their careers directly to young performers in their hometown community.
At Bridge to Broadway Academy, Daniel’s philosophy goes beyond teaching steps. He trains students to become complete performers—combining dance, musical theatre, acting, acrobatics, stagecraft, performance technique, confidence, and professional discipline.
After a career that has taken him to stages around the world, Daniel’s focus today is simple: to give the next generation of Gulf Coast performers the training, opportunities, and belief that their journey can begin right here at home.
Minori Therrien is an accomplished musical theatre performer, music director, choreographer, and educator from Nagoya, Japan, with more than two decades of professional experience across Japan, Europe, and the United States.
Minori began her career with the renowned Shiki Theatre Company, making her professional debut as an original cast member of the Japanese premiere of Mamma Mia! in Tokyo. During her eight years with the company, she performed some of musical theatre’s most iconic roles, including Nala in The Lion King, Nehebka and the title role in Elton John’s Aida, and Elphaba in Wicked. She concluded her time with Shiki as the lead female vocalist in 55 Steps.
Her career later took her to Europe, where she performed in Wicked in Germany and toured Germany and Austria with Cats as Grizabella, Demeter, and Tantomile. Other European credits include Anita in West Side Story at Komische Oper Berlin, Lady Thiang in The King and I at Seefestspiele Mörbisch, as well as Hair, The Rocky Horror Show, Il Viaggio a Reims, Xanadu, and the world premiere of Skiverliebt.
After years of performing internationally, Minori returned to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her husband, Daniel, and their family. Since returning, she has continued her work as a creative artist and educator, including serving as Music Director for productions at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and working with young performers throughout the Gulf Coast.
Together, Minori and Daniel founded Bridge to Broadway Academy in D’Iberville, a nonprofit performing arts academy created to bring professional-level training and the perspective of their international careers directly to young performers in their community.
At Bridge to Broadway Academy, Minori combines vocal performance, acting, dance, musicianship, and storytelling to develop confident and versatile performers. After more than two decades on international stages, her focus is now on passing that experience to the next generation—and showing young Gulf Coast performers just how far their talent can take them.
Minori Therrien
Co-Founder/Director of Operations
Ida Tomasi
Faculty / gymnastics
Ida Tomasi was born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, where she attended the Academic Gymnasium Salzburg and graduated in June 2026.
She has been involved in artistic gymnastics since the age of two and was part of the Austrian junior national team.
Since October 2022, she has been coaching young competitive gymnasts in Salzburg, sharing her experience and passion for the sport.
She also has been a member of the Salzburg Festival and Theater Children’s Choir since 2015, through which she has gained experience in acting, opera, and especially musical Theatre.
Guest Faculty / modelling,etiquette, posture, poise, runway, and makeup
Lynn Gauvreau-Fortner
Lynn Gauvreau-Fortner has dedicated decades to the modelling and pageantry industry. A Northern Ontario native, she began training as a teen in etiquette, posture, poise, runway, and makeup—earning titles including Miss All Canadian (1995), Miss Hawaiian Tropic Ontario (1998), Mrs. Eastern Ontario (2017), and Mrs. Canada Globe Classic (2023). As Director of Miss West Nipissing for seven years and Executive Director of Miss Northern Ontario, she guided delegates to the Miss Canada Universe stage. An experienced fashion model and producer, Lynn spent over 20 years in Montreal before meeting her Mississippi-born husband; she now calls Biloxi home. Fully bilingual in English and French, she previously hosted elegant Social Tea Parties at Chateau Vaudreuil and is now excited to bring that same mentorship experience to Biloxi—creating a space for young ladies to build confidence through etiquette, soft skills, and self-development.
Faculty / Contemporary
Skylar Anthony
Skylar Anthony is a creative and accomplished choreographer, educator, and company director with more than 10 years of experience in the dance industry. Beginning his training at Stepping Out School of Performing Arts, Skylar has continued to expand his education by training with numerous renowned teachers and choreographers throughout his career.
Recognized for his award-winning choreography, innovative concepts, and strong artistic vision, Skylar is passionate about creating memorable works that challenge and inspire dancers. His choreography is known for its clever, engaging concepts, intentional storytelling, and emphasis on strong technique, artistry, and performance quality. While his numerous choreography awards reflect his accomplishments, Skylar believes his greatest achievement is helping dancers discover their potential and grow beyond the limitations they may place on themselves.
In addition to his work as a choreographer and educator, Skylar brings valuable experience from owning his own studio to know being a company director, providing leadership both on and off the competition stage. He is dedicated to creating a positive, challenging, and inspiring environment where dancers can develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and a genuine love for their craft.
Skylar is excited to continue collaborating with dancers and studios across the industry, bringing fresh concepts, innovative choreography, and meaningful artistic experiences to the competition stage each season.
Bonnie Hoeg (Acting Instructor) has been performing for 41 years and teaching for 26 years. Bonnie is currently a Kindergarten teacher with the Gulfport School District, serving on the leadership team and grade level chair person. She is highly qualified in the areas of Reading and English and holds her National Board Certification (NBCT) in the area of Early and Middle Childhood Literacy. Bonnie currently serves as the Youth Production chair on the Board of Directors for Biloxi Little Theatre. She will be directing the upcoming adult production of Jekyll and Hyde for Biloxi Little Theatre, as well as Something Rotten, Jr. for Wings Performing Arts. Her most recent directorial credits include Elf, Jr. (Wings Performing Arts) and Annie, Jr. at Diamondhead School of Fine Arts. She currently is assistant director for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jr. (Wings) and has assistant directed Newsies and Pride & Prejudice for Biloxi Little Theatre, and Sylvia at Theatre in the Pass. Favorite performances include The Sound of Music (Sr. Berthe) with KNS, GLT, and Shine; Into the Woods (Cinderella's Stepmother) at GLT; Jekyll and Hyde, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz, and Oliver! (KNS); and A Little Night of Music and the Sweeney Todd 20th Anniversary Concert (GCO). Directing credits: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Hancock PAC), Annie Get Your Gun (PCTP), Broadway’s Peter Pan (GLT at the Saenger), The King and I, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Wizard of Oz (GLT). Bonnie directed youth musicals (Footloose, Moana Jr., The Lion King Jr., Frozen Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Shrek, and numerous others) for M.A.P in Hancock County. She is well-versed in technical theatre working as a stage manager and sound designer on numerous productions. Bonnie is very proud to have been the start of 5 youth performers who have continued their journey on to Broadway! She is very excited to join the Bridge to Broadway family and continue working with young actors from all across the coast!
Faculty / Acting
Bonnie Hoeg
Faculty / Director of Family Experiences,
Front Desk Receptionist, Little Twinkles Instructor
Jenny Church
Jenny Church holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education with dual certification in Elementary and Special Education and continues to maintain her teaching license. She spent eight years teaching third grade in the public school system and has also helped create and operate two homeschool programs, reflecting her lifelong passion for education and supporting children.
Jenny’s connection to the performing arts began with ten years of dance training and was later rekindled through her daughters’ love of theater. Since then, she has become an active part of the local theater community, contributing through backstage support, stage management assistance, summer camps, and prop making.
Today, Jenny brings her experience in education and her love for the arts together as Director of Family Experiences at Bridge to Broadway Academy, where she is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and welcoming environment for students and their families.
The arts are truly a family passion for the Church family. Jenny’s husband serves on the Board of Directors for Encore Saenger, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Biloxi’s historic Saenger Theatre.
Whether in the classroom, at home, or behind the scenes, Jenny brings patience, creativity, and a genuine love for helping children and families learn, grow, and shine.
Faculty / Gymnastics
Cheris Blair
With over 15 years of experience coaching gymnastics, I bring a lifelong passion for athletics, leadership, and athlete development to every team and program I work with. My background began as a competitive cheerleader throughout high school, where I developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork, dedication, and performance.
Throughout my coaching career, I have had the opportunity to coach both competitive gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, working with athletes of various ages and skill levels. I am passionate about helping athletes build confidence, develop their skills, and reach their individual goals while creating a positive and encouraging team environment.
My coaching philosophy centers around hard work, consistency, sportsmanship, and making sure every athlete feels supported and empowered. I believe that athletics teaches valuable life skills that extend far beyond the gym, including perseverance, confidence, responsibility, and the ability to work as part of a team.
After more than 15 years in coaching, I continue to be passionate about mentoring athletes and helping them discover just how capable they are.
As a former gymnast, I bring a lifelong love for the sport and firsthand competitive experience to every athlete I work with. I competed in gymnastics through Level 8, where I developed a strong foundation in discipline, technique, perseverance, and confidence.
Having experienced the challenges and rewards of competitive gymnastics myself, I understand the importance of creating an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and excited to grow. I love helping gymnasts build not only their skills, but also the confidence and determination that carry with them far beyond the gym.
My goal as a coach is to help every athlete discover what they are capable of, celebrate their progress, and develop a genuine love for gymnastics along the way.
Kate Kuykendall
Faculty / Gymnastics
