Dr. Tina Marie is a professional performer and legit vocalist with a B.A. in Theatre from Southern CT State University, two masters degrees in Education, and a PhD in Organizational Leadership.  She was a classroom teacher for 22 years and a church choir director and soloist for over a decade.  While at SCSU, she earned an Irene Ryan nomination for her role in “Simpson Street,” directed by Miriam Colon.  She also trained at Circle in the Square Theatre School in NYC.  In July 2025, she played Eva’s mother as part of the ensemble of “Evita” for Richter Musicals in Danbury. The production won several awards, including “2025 Best Ensemble” from Broadway World. Tina is still active in theatre along the shoreline, performing staged readings with Epoch Arts, Fuse Theatre, and Eastbound Theatre.  She is also a member of the Orange Players where she directs and performs. She also designs costumes for Cabaret on Main Theatre and is commissioned to write an original show for “Color a Positive Thought” (CAPT) youth program. You might also see Tina leading ghost tours in downtown New Haven as “Raveena Nightshade,” an original character she created.  She also created characters for the “North Pole Express” in both Essex, CT, and NYC, where she performs seasonally.  Tina is active in the local community and grew up performing in her hometown of Stratford.  Tina serves as VP of the Arts Alliance of Stratford, where she produces events that celebrate original work. She most recently performed on stage in original musicals with both Sound & Stage Musical Theatre Company in the original musical, “Old Oak Ridge” (Babs Franklin) and Cheshire Town Players in “Salem” (Ann Putnam, Sr.). Her theatrical criticism blog, “Rooted in Drama,” has articles featured by the CT Critics Circle, where she is a member.

Dr. Tina Manus

Voice Instructor