(she/her)

Anju has had a passion for teaching forever, forcing her 3 siblings to play school from an early age. Was she always the teacher? Yes. She’d say it was because it was her calling. They’d say it’s because she was bossy. Of course she’s right. After having 2 amazing kids Anju completed her Bachelor of Community Studies and then her Bachelor of Education at Cape Breton University. She spent 10 years in elementary classrooms learning how to build relationships, develop meaningful curriculum and learning experiences, and helping students find their own passions. During a particularly bleak winter she stumbled into a Resident Company class at the HAT Academy and finally claimed her Leo birthright and fell in love with showing off. This led to an unlikely mid-life stage turn with Tell your Story, Comedy of Errors, Christmas Carol and Cheers to 10 Years. These wonderful stage experiences were underpinned by further HAT Academy classes, including Creative Writing, where she wrote her own play which will debut in October 2024. And now, with this new position as Interim Education Director of the HAT Academy, her twin passions of education and showing off have merged perfectly. Anju must stress that her family, Randy, Ivy and Wyatt, have never wavered in their love and support of every adventure she has dragged them on and everyone deserves a team like this in their corner.

(she/her)

Suzanne Doane currently teaches the music/singing skills component of the Jr. Resident Company, as well as Music Directing with various HAT mainstage projects from time to time. Apart from holding a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Dalhousie University, she has been teaching vocal music, playing and teaching many instruments, writing musicals, and arranging/writing songs for over 40 years (all of which she enjoys very much). Working with the staff at the HAT Academy and with so many students interested in music and musical theatre is very rewarding, and an exciting part of her week. She also has three amazing children and two wonderful cats.

Hello! Coming up through the classes of the HAT Academy, I was in awe of the talent and dedication of each of the teachers that guided my theatrical education. Now, I’m honoured to get the chance to help foster the same love of art and performance I developed years ago.

My classes are focused in acting and performance, using those skills as a way to express yourself. Within those classes we explore play and creation - with a strong emphasis on allowing yourself to be silly and impulsive in the name of fun and creativity!

(she/her)
CO-DIRECTOR of Beetlejuice JR

Favourite HAT Credits:
Hairspray, Back to Broadway, Christmas at Sacred Heart

Favourite Credits Elsewhere:
ELATYRIAF (Boardmore Playhouse)

Other:
Beetlejuice is my Directorial debut!

(she/her)
CO-DIRECTOR of Beetlejuice JR

Favourite HAT Credits:
The Producers (Ulla), Funny Girl (Maude/Ensemble), Jack and the Beanstalk (The King of Uptown/Sarge), Dream! Dinner and a Show (Waitress Ensemble), Blow Me! A Big Bad Musically Comedy (Nicky)

Favourite Credits Elsewhere:
Matilda, Mamma Mia (Savoy/HAT)

Training:
Trained with D&R Dance for 15 years, Bachelor of Arts (Minor in Drama), Theatre Arts Certificate (CBU)

Other:
I'm truly thrilled to join this killer creative team! Being part of one of my favourite shows is such an honour, and I can't wait to contribute to this exciting project! 😊

(she/her)
CHOREOGRAPHER of Beetlejuice JR

Favourite HAT Credits:
Feelin' Good: A Bubbly & Buble Dinner & Show (Choreographer & Featured Dancer), The Producers (Choreographer & Ensemble), Christmas at Sacred Heart (Choreographer & Featured Dancer), Blow Me: A Big Bad Musical Comedy (Cat of the Woods & Dance Captain), A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Present & Dance Captain), Dream: Dinner and a Show (Waitress Ensemble & Dance Captain), Jack and the Beanstalk: A Musical Comedy Pantomime (Harpie & Dance Captain), Mamma Mia (Ali), Funny Girl (Ensemble & Dance Captain), Into the Woods (Lucinda), Cabaret (Frenchie), Shrek the Musical Jr. (Choreographer)

Favourite Credits Elsewhere:
The Nutcracker (Savoy Theatre), Chicago (Savoy Theatre)

Training:
Broadway Dance Center Professional Semester, BA Dance/BKIN University of Calgary, Safe in Dance International: The Healthy Dance Practice Certificate

Other:
Always happy to be back on the HAT stage doing what I love with the most talented people!

(she/her)
MUSIC DIRECTOR of Beetlejuice JR

Favourite HAT Credits:
Tell Your Story (Singer/Songwriter) A Christmas Carol (Cornelia) HAT Telethon (Finale; Original Piece Of Music)

Favourite Credits Elsewhere:
Cape Breton Music Hall Of Fame Show 2024 (Rita MacNeil Tribute) United Way Gala 2025 (Membertou Trade and Convention Centre) Released a National Single 2024 (HOF Records)

Training:
AUSOM Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree (2016-2020) HOF Records Developing Artist (2023-Present)

Other:
I’m super excited to be back at the HAT and stepping into the role of music directing!! 🎶❤️