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 thrilled to be a part of the production team!  She would not be where she is today without having the experiences from her time in the West Side productions of Grease (Rizzo), Hairspray (Tracy), Legally Blonde (Vivienne), and most recently West Side's Encore production of Spring Awakening (Wendla). Her love for theatre led her to the roles of director and production manager for West Side Theatrix. Some shows she's worked on include 42nd Street, The Addams Family, and Footloose with West Side Theatrix, as well as 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 graduated in May with a B.A. in English-Theatre and will earn her Master's in Teaching (Grades 7-12) next year. She can't wait to see what the future holds for West Side Theatrix and is excited to make more memories!

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, and becoming Assistant Director, Production Manager, and Stage Manager for West Side Theatrix Encore in 2024. Dan graduated from John Jay High School in 2023, and now attends Gordon College, rated a top school for Theatre Arts in the United States, in Wenham, MA, where he studies Clinical Psychology and Theatre Arts. A current senior at Gordon, 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, light board operator, sound board operator, stage manager, vocal coach, production manager, assistant director, and now, director). 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.

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 freetime, 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!

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!