MEET OUR TEACHERS

ACTING, THEATER, 

DRAMA  & IMPROV

Seasoned stage actor, Commercial/TV actor, Stand-up Comic, A Member of the Screen Actors Guild and American Film and Television and Radio Association, along with being an Alumni Improv performer with Harvey Lembeck Comedy Studios and Second City Comedy. Chris has studied with Susan Strasberg, Ron Bosom and Annie Long, both with South Coast Repertory and Chapman Training Conservatory. Dana Evans with the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and Clown and mime with Jeff Robinson.

Chris has performed Stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Ice House and Martini Blues. Chris was Runner up in the Orange County Funniest female Contest and Chris was part of a touring LA Improv group called “Where’s The Gherkin”. Chris has been part of the Tehachapi Community Theatre (TCTA) since 2014 and has acted in several shows performed at the Beekay Theatre, “Red Velvet Cake Wars”, “Young Frankenstein”, “Addams Family”, “Texas Double Wide Christmas”, “Christmas Belles” and “Oliver”. She has also directed several shows, “On Golden Pond”, Steele Magnolias” “110 In The Shade” and “The Sound Of Music”. Recently Chris served on the TCTA Board of Directors from 2020 -2024 as the Executive Producer.

Chris’s passion for acting and supporting young and older talent has always been what drives her. Currently she is teaching drama at Valley Oaks and bringing those kids the opportunity to experience drama is one of her many highlights. Chris hopes that White Rabbit Studios becomes the home to many creatives who want to learn, perform, and become a better artist within themselves. 

 GUITAR

Hello! I am a guitarist, local to Tehachapi, with 15 years experience as a guitar instructor. I have accomplished a good understanding of what it takes to start beginners with a strong musical foundation. Nonetheless, I welcome intermediate and advanced guitarists as well. I feel I have gathered the most important techniques to help advance guitar players of any skill level, or offer new ideas for writing, playing, recording, and performing. 

Also, most of my lessons go home with you because I record custom video lessons to augment your in-person instruction.

I started playing guitar at 11 years old. For years, my main influences were Metallica, and Nirvana. But, I also enjoy R&B, Gangsta Rap, Classical Guitar, Flamenco, Classical Music, and almost anything. Personally, I feel like music/art is something that I have a deep connection with, so anything I listen to is automatically analyzed and appreciated. Since beginning guitar, I have always been writing songs and studying music, which led to starting bands, playing gigs, and sliding down the rabbit hole of music recording. My guitar playing has evolved into what I offer, musically, today. Please check me out at youtube.com/@michaelscottguitar and michaelscott.bandcamp.com

I look forward to talking with you and setting up lessons at 

White Rabbit Studios!

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

 BOOK CLUB

MATH -  TUTORING 

for 5th-9th GRADERS

Jamie Uhtof is joining the White Rabbit Studio to bring an exciting Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club back to Tehachapi and Math Tutoring for 5th-9th graders!!  She has taught junior high math for 21 years and is now semi-retired to pursue acting on the big screen.  She was part of Tehachapi’s Beekay Theatre for many shows including: Young Frankenstein (Inga), The Drowsy Chaperone, The Miracle Worker (Kate Keller),  Moon over Buffalo (Charlotte) and A Christmas Story (Ralphie’s mom). She brings her charismatic and friendly personality to every class she teaches so kids can learn in a safe and fun environment.

She taught at Valley Oaks Charter School in Tehachapi from 2012-2021 as well as traditional junior highs in Palmdale and Fullerton. She loves teaching math and an interactive Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club where students roll dice to battle monsters and go on a journey together as a class!  This class is great for all levels of readers (5th-9th) as it helps them find a love of storytelling with the help of math!

ARTS & CRAFTS FOR KIDS

What you will learn - Arts and crafts are a means to helping enrich your child’s fine motor skills and dexterity. It helps with developing their listening skills, opens their imaginations, and brings out their creativity. It’s also a great way to see if there’s a craft they are passionate about and can continue with it into the future. 

We will be working with all types of art supplies: paint, chalk, markers, crayons, pencils, scissors, beads, tissue, etc.. it’s the first step to know if they want to draw, paint, become a jeweler, etc…

Bio - I’ve been crafting all my life but have been teaching some sort of craft off and on for over 30 years. I was in charge of all crafts and supplies for a private schools after school program, summer camp, summer school and taught grades k-6. I also taught and sold scrapbooking products in the early 2000’s along with being an event decorator. I’ve dabbled in sewing, paper crafts, beads… a little bit of everything. 

YOGA

Hi My Name is Raquel aka Rocky

I’ve been teaching yoga since 2012. I got Basic Yoga certified in the East Coast through Yoga Fit. My focus is to help others thrive in life by nurturing the body, mind and soul with yoga. My sessions are awesome, each movement is coordinated with breath and flow from one pose to the next. I also like to combine creative sequencing and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice.

I strive to bring a sense of fun, freedom and kindness to my classes. My goal is for my students to step out of the mat refresh, nourished and balanced.

~Namaste~ 

ELECTRIC GUITAR

Hi! I am a guitar/ukulele teacher who has 6 years of experience teaching music to students of all ages. I believe that music should first and foremost be a fun experience! I like to create a positive and encouraging learning environment, where failure is not to be feared, but is instead an important part of improving. I have experience teaching the genres of pop, rock, country, metal, indie, and Christian worship music. I also enjoy teaching the songwriting process so that my students can tap into their own creativity and write the songs that they want to share with the world!

PIANO

Learning to play the piano should be Fun and Enjoyable! If that idea appeals to you, then you will want to try piano lessons with Fiona; either for your children or yourself. Having experienced arduous traditional piano lessons when she learnt as a child, Fiona set out to create a fun and engaging learning experience for her piano students. If students enjoy the lessons, and are playing music that they like, they will learn faster and practice more. Lessons are tailored to each individual’s capabilities and learning style – young or more mature. (Special needs catered to – please enquire.) 

Lessons are designed so that the student progresses in incremental steps which are easy to master. This leads to success. Being successful is such a thrill, and accomplishment boosts confidence. This steers the way, and motivates, to progress and improve. 

Students have input on the music chosen to play. If the student likes the music that they are playing, they will be eager to practice. This leads the way to proficiency and inspires creativity.

The notes are the same whether the music was written by composers such as Beethoven and Mozart, or more modern composers such as John Williams (Star Wars) and Alan Menken (Disney). Modern technology has opened up a whole new world of music so everyone’s favorite songs, movie music, or computer game themes are easily accessible. (If the music that a student wants to play is not readily available at their level, Fiona will do her best to arrange an appropriate version.) 

Together, with Fiona as the coach, exploring the excitement of learning to play the piano is a fun adventure. Find out more by booking a Free Meet & Greet today.

Fiona has been teaching piano students of all ages and abilities in the Tehachapi area for a number of years. Her experience helps her shape the lessons to suit individual students. She is passionate about sharing the wonderful gift of being able to read and play music with all of her students.  

 ACTING CLASS (KIDS) & PUPPETRY

I have been an educator for over 30 years. I have a Montessori Teaching Credential, A Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been a homeschooling Mom (15 years) and most recently I am semi-retired and working for Tehachapi Unified School District as a Substitute Teacher. I have taught every grade from preschool to 12th grade. I like to make my students feel comfortable and confident on stage and I know we will have lots of fun.

Also teaching a Puppetry class. Students will have opportunities to make their own puppets and create stories for those puppets!

PIANO

   My name is Deborah Ray and I go by     "D-R" or "Miss Deby" by my younger students.

I started my own band at 15, toured Europe at 19 and have been playing piano ever since. But my first love has always been teaching. I've taught piano and voice lessons in the Los Angeles area for many years. 

I always take into consideration the goals of a student, so my lessons are tailor made. Scales, chords, arpeggios, and standard classical pieces, that incorporate a student's level of playing, are always present but if you already play by ear, I'll teach you how to read. If you have trouble reading, I'll help you break down the chord progression, so it makes more sense in figuring things out. Having a good time with music is always the goal and I'm looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge so that you or your child can enjoy making their own music!

EDUCATION

Dick Grove School of Music – Vocal and Keyboard Programs

University of VA – 2 yrs Music Program

Christopher Newport, VA

VOICE INSTRUCTORS

Seth Riggs

Bob Corff

Roger Love

Sue Ramey

TOURING / PERFORMING

Ann Likes Red - Opened for Jackson Brown at the Lummis Day in Highland Park

    - Keyboards and backup vocals 

Percy Sledge in Europe (“When a Man Loves a Woman”)

    -  Keyboards and backup vocals

Various Bands playing The Beach Circuit” on the East Coast

    -  Lead Vocalist and keyboards

”The Toys” on the East Coast (“Lover’s Concerto”)

    - back up singer

Solo Artist at various major hotel lounges & clubs

    - Keyboardist and Singer 

PUBLISHED SONG

"Joe's Nightmare" - In the movie, "Gang Related" starring Jim Belushi and Tupac

VOCALS & ACTING

Liz is so excited to be teaching at White Rabbit, among several other places! She is currently teaching drama for kids with an after school program through TUSD, taught and assistant taught with TADA for several years, doing improv, acting, Shakespeare, singing, Drama for Littles, and putting together several kids' shows! Her BA is in Musical Theatre, and she's taken many Early Childhood Education classes. Liz is also a professional actor with several national commercials on TV and streaming, lots of short films, voice over work, and she sang in an opera company for several years. She has a passion for helping students reach their highest potential in theatrical arts. 

American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that serves as the primary means of communication for the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL is a visual-gestural language, meaning it relies on hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. Unlike spoken languages, ASL is not dependent on vocalization or auditory skills, making it a unique and rich language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

ASL has a long history, with its roots tracing back to the early 19th century. It was influenced by French Sign Language and regional sign languages in the U.S. Over time, it has evolved into a distinct language with its own cultural significance. Learning ASL not only facilitates communication with Deaf individuals but also provides insights into Deaf culture and community.

ASL is widely taught in schools and universities, and technology has further expanded access to learning resources. With the increasing awareness and appreciation of ASL, more hearing individuals are embracing the language, contributing to greater inclusion and understanding within diverse communities.

BALLROOM DANCE

Hi! My name is Ben Baldassarre, and I’m a ballroom dance instructor in Tehachapi with over 25 years of experience as a teacher, dancer, choreographer, and performer. I teach all ages and skill levels, and once upon a time I even had the opportunity to teach celebrities, including Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, and Donnie Yen. Now I’d like to share my knowledge with you. I do private and group lessons, classes, wedding choreography and instruction, and private events.

Ballroom dance is a multifaceted, beautiful way of exercising that helps develop balance, music appreciation, confidence, body positivity, and so much more—not to mention it makes you look great at parties. Dance reveals to us the intricacies of music and movement; connection and control. For couples, it’s an entirely new way of communicating with your partner, using your arms and your body to speak instead of your voice. Anyone can learn that language—even those who “can’t dance” or think they have two left feet!

There is also a social component to learning ballroom dance. There are places all over the world (even locally) to go swing dancing, salsa dancing, and more. One could, if so inclined, go dancing just about every night of the week. It’s an excellent way to build community while challenging yourself to learn something new and step outside your comfort zone.  

Start your dance journey today.