Wiremill Academy Staff

Mary Jo Duffy discovered the joy of teaching and directing children after years of performing on Broadway, internationally, and in film and television before co-founding

Wiremill Academy, a school for the performing arts in Georgetown, CT which offers private vocal training, classes in acting and musical theater, a college preparatory program as well as musical productions every spring, fall and summer. Mary Jo began her formal vocal training with Metropolitan Opera singer Mimi Lerner in Pittsburgh, PA, and went on to study with Lorenzo Malfattiand Margaret Ross at Chatham University as a Minna Kaufmann Ruud voice scholar. Mary Jo continued her vocal training after college with Beatrice Krebs at Carnegie-Mellon University before moving to New York City to pursue her career in theatre. Mary Jo played Liberty in Tom O’Horgan’s Senator Joe on Broadway, Magnolia, in the European tour of Showboat, and has spent years working in regional theatres across the country. Mary Jo worked with film director David Lynch at BAM and performed as a soloist in several Columbia Artists Concert tours. Ms. Duffy’s private voice students have been accepted into the competitive theatre and musical theatre programs at Northwestern University, New York University, Cincinnati Conservatory, Carnegie Mellon University, Baldwin Wallace, Michigan University, Elon, and Oberlin College to name a few. Mary Jo is thrilled to have Wiremill Academy to call home and always looks forward to directing the summer production each year for Wilton Children’s Theater, enjoying the collaboration of all the arts organizations in our town! Member AEA, SAG.

Morgan Billings Smith has worked in the musical theatre industry for 25 years! She began her professional career in 1998 as one of the Von Trapp children in the Broadway revival of The Sound of Music. Since then, she has appeared in countless shows throughout New York, various regional theatres and national tours. Morgan is a Suma Cum Laude graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Theatre Performance, and a minor in Musical Theatre.

More @minimorgana and www.morganbillingssmith.com

Andrea Metchick started her career as a dancer, after which, she became the owner and artistic director of the Saugatuck Dance Conservatory (1988-1997), and subsequently of the Red Barn Theatre (2003-2008).  Andrea has choreographed shows for the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Musicals at Richter,  Bedford Middle School, The Montessori School, Staples High School, Trumbull High School, Wilton High School, and Weston Middle School.  Andrea has also choreographed for the Wilton Children’s Theatre, Broadway Boot Camp, and her favorite -  Wiremill Academy!   

Andrea is the proud mother of three humans, two dogs, two cats, and the supporter of many.  We are thrilled to have her on our team!

Jacquie Militano is a Jersey-raised/story-crazed actor, director and producer with 20+ years of production, coaching, performing and writing experience in the entertainment and media industries.
After graduating from George Mason University with a BA in Theatre and “Best Actress” honor, she appeared in and collaborated on various contemporary theatre projects with Matthew Corozine Studio Theatre and Primary Stages.
Previously, she was seen performing with Disney Entertainment, at both Walt Disney World and World of Disney NYC in a number of productions including High School Musical Pep Rally, Snow White's Do Si Do, and Pirates in the Big Apple. She then continued her Disney career as a DJ for Radio Disney NY, hosting the “Kids Concern Show” on-air and opening various Disney Channel concerts and live events in NYC. 
Jacquie founded her own production company, Q.U. Productions Co., as a place to create and develop original web series and digital media projects. The Anonymous Lives of John & Jane, which Jacquie stars in, is the first of many series and is now in its 2nd season! The series received press accolades from The Skinny NYC, NetTV Now, and Broadway World.
Beyond Q.U., she grew her producing career as the accomplished Video Producer at CafeMedia. Following, she headed up video production as the Senior Video Producer at The Knot Worldwide (formerly XO Group Inc.), leading all video strategy and creation for The Knot and The Bump.
She has directed hundreds of musicals and taught children's theater with ACT of CT (CT), Acting for Young People (D.C.), Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (NY), Appleseeds (NY) Applause (NY), KJK Productions (NY), Paper Mill Playhouse (NJ) and now the wonderful Wiremill Academy (CT). 
Most recently she directed the incredibly talented casts of Edgemont High School's productions of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Shrekand Urinetown. 

And, of course, she began her most important role yet - mama to her 4 year old and 1.5 year old kiddos! 

For more info: www.jacquiewithaqu.com @jacquiewithaqu

Jorie Janeway is a musical theatre performer with a heart for teaching. As a performer, Jorie has worked in regional houses, toured nationally and internationally, and performed overseas and on cruise ships. As a teacher, Jorie has had the opportunity to instruct, choreograph, and direct kids and adults of all ages. Favorite performance credits include: Female Authority Figure (Hairspray National Tour and Royal Caribbean), Chaperone (The Drowsy Chaperone), Maggie Jones (42nd Street), Ensemble (Sister Act), Fairy Godmother (Shrek). Favorite Directing and Choreography credits include: Matilda, The Music Man, Mary Poppins, Beauty and The Beast (Encore Theatre Group), The Marvelous Wonderettes (The Prizery), The Drowsy Chaperone, Annie Get Your Gun (Post Playhouse), Annie, 101 Dalmatians (Wiremill Academy) and numerous productions at high schools and middle schools in the area over the years. Please visit www.joriejaneway.com for more info!