Louie Perez is our founder and producer. His passion in life has always been to inspire and motivate those around them to chase their dreams and NEVER GIVE UP.  Louie was born in Havana, Cuba and at age 10, he came to the U.S. where he fell in love with musical theatre. While living in Los Angeles, he performed in West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Damn Yankees, Eleanor, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Guys and Dolls, and The Sound of Music.  For 20 years, he owned VP Dance Academy with his wife, Francine Perez, where he taught jazz, tap, and musical theatre.  As a choreographer for local high schools and colleges, he has had the opportunity to choreograph Peter Pan, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Shrek, The Addams Family, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, and Anything Goes.  Louie would like to thank all of the students he has had the pleasure of working with, as the have inspired him to be the best he can be.  He would also like to remind everyone to "Never Give Up!"

Lindsey is a proud West Side Theatrix alumna and is excited to be part of the production team. Her theatrical foundation was shaped through her work in West Side productions, including Grease (Rizzo), Hairspray (Tracy), Legally Blonde (Vivienne), and the Encore production of Spring Awakening (Wendla). These formative experiences inspired her continued involvement with West Side Theatrix as a director, vocal director, and production manager. Her directing and production experience includes serving as director and vocal director for West Side Theatrix’s 2025 production of Fame, as well as working on 42nd Street, The Addams Family, and Footloose with West Side Theatrix. Lindsey has also taught a directing workshop at the New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) conference, a statewide theatre conference for students across New York. Additional credits include Mamma Mia, A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, Hairspray, Pride and Prejudice, and Curtains with John Jay High School. Lindsey currently attends Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY. She earned her B.A. in English-Theatre and is completing her Master’s degree in Teaching (Grades 7–12) this May. She looks forward to continuing her work with West Side Theatrix and contributing to its future success.

Jesse, originally from Stormville, NY, has been dancing throughout the Hudson Valley since she was 3. She studied at Pinewood School of Dance, Ballet Arts Studio, the New York Academy of Ballet and the American Academy of Ballet summer intensive before she found her home at VP Dance Academy. There, she discovered her love for teaching, working as an assistant and teacher throughout high school. In 2019, Jesse graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood & Childhood Education. While in college, she was fortunate to work with West Side Theatrix and choreograph their very first show, Grease. Jesse currently works at Vassar College, as well as teaching at Prestige Dance Factory. In her free time, Jesse loves crafting, reading and spending time with her husband and 2 sons, Miles and Ellis. She has a passion for teaching and working with students to grow their self-confidence and love for dance and theatre. Jesse is so excited to be back working with West Side and can’t wait to create new memories with everyone!

Thomas is a proud West Side Theatrix alumnus and is excited to be back with the creative team. Thomas’ experiences with West Side in Grease (Sonny) and Hairspray (Mr. Pinky/IQ) introduced him to the amazing world of musical theater, and more specifically, dance. Thomas credits Mr. Louie specifically for introducing him to dance, having been his first dance teacher. Thomas graduated the University at Buffalo in 2025 with his Bachelor’s degree in History, and is expected to complete his Masters in Secondary Education in the spring of 2026. When not in the classroom, Thomas is a choreographer for Impulse Dance Force, based out of Buffalo, New York, where he has choreographed several numbers to his personal favorite songs. Thomas is excited to continue working with the team, combining his love for teaching with his passion for theater and dance.

Cyrenius was introduced to West Side Theatrix through his wife, Jesse, and was immediately drawn to the joy, dedication, and sense of community that define the company. A lifelong lover of theatre, music, and dance, his journey began with childhood reenactments of The Sound of Music and continued through performing in musicals, choreographing at summer camp, and nurturing creativity in young people for over a decade. Cyrenius graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2019, with a degree in English, and has a deep love for stories and finding meaningful connections between script and life. He is excited to join the creative team and support company members to connect more fully to the stories they tell on stage, while continuing to foster the safe environment West Side has become for people to explore, grow and create magic together.

Dan is a proud alumnus of West Side Theatrix and is thrilled to now be directing for the company! West Side was integral to his development as a theatre artist, joining as an actor in 2020, becoming Assistant Director, Production Manager, and Stage Manager for West Side Theatrix Encore in 2024, and Co-Production/Vocal Director for West Side's Fame in 2025. Dan graduated from John Jay High School in 2023, and is currently completing his capstone for his degree in Theatre Arts and Clinical Psychology from Gordon College in Wenham, MA. At Gordon, where he also works as the theatre department's lighting apprentice, Dan has enjoyed blending the skills gained from both of his areas of study, and they have prepared him for a number of different roles in the production of theatre (e.g. actor, sound board operator, stage manager, lighting designer, vocal coach, production manager, assistant director, and now, director). As part of his course work, he has also had the pleasure of studying theatre arts immersed in the rich theatre cultures of both London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland. Because of the vast array of stories that he has had the opportunity to hear and be a part of since beginning his journey in theatre, Dan’s artistic mission revolves around the idea of “radical empathy,” and he is beyond excited to work with the students that find a home in West Side Theatrix to create theatre that offers opportunity for all and uplifts the voices and stories of those who need it most.

Lori has been working with West Side Theatrix since its inception.  She designs all of their show programs and posters, takes rehearsal and show photos/videos/cast headshots, helps with costumes, and assists with just about everything else.  She created the West Side Theatrix website, which she maintains along with the West Side YouTube channel, Facebook page and other social media sites.  Lori is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam/Crane School of Music with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Production and Marketing.  She loves working with all of these talented young people and hopes to help give them the opportunity to reach for the stars and fulfill their dreams.  Lori lives in Hopewell Junction, NY with her husband, Eric and 3 daughters, Lindsey, Carly and Hailey. She is looking forward to working with West Side Theatrix on future productions and help to create long lasting memories!