Melodia Students Shine in 2025 Summer Showcase, Stage Struck!

On June 1st, Melodia Studio and Boosahda Voice Studio came together to present Stage Struck!, a dynamic and heartfelt showcase celebrating the artistry and growth of our young performers.

From heartfelt solos to show-stopping group numbers, the evening highlighted the wide-ranging talents of students from 5th to 12th grade who have spent the year refining their skills in acting, vocal performance, and stage presence. Each performance reflected the dedication and passion that lives at the heart of Northern Virginia’s young performing artist community.

Stage Struck! was an event made possible through the collaborative leadership of Rita Gigliotti (Melodia Studio) and Tina Boosahda (Boosahda Voice Studio), who co-directed the showcase and guided students through a thoughtfully curated 6-week rehearsal process that emphasized both personal and artistic development.

Behind the scenes, a talented team of directors also helped shape the showcase:

• Karen Wright – With a wealth of experience in professional theater and college audition coaching, Karen worked one-on-one with students to strengthen their artistry, develop emotional depth, and prepare pieces with clarity.

• Jenny Girardi – A trained actor, dancer, and former high school theater director, Jenny led students through scene work, choreography, and movement coaching. Her expertise in acting, choreography, and physical storytelling helped students understand how to fully embody their songs with presence and purpose.

• Jonah Uffelman – A well-known young professional performing artist in the DC Metropolitan area, Jonah provided skilled choreography and stage direction. His ability to adapt in real time helped students feel supported and performance-ready. Jonah is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater at Elon University.

• Abigail Jamison – As a rising performer with a sharp eye for detail, Abigail supported students in individual rehearsals, offering specific feedback on diction, delivery, and transitions. Her encouragement and energy helped younger performers gain confidence and polish. Abigail is majoring in Drama at New York University Tisch Stella Adler Studio

We also want to give a huge nod to our live band, Phil Nichols on Keyboard, Nick Ramdass on Bass (Psychology Major at George Mason University) and Jesse Chon on drums (Music Business and Percussion double-major at Berklee College of Music).

Together, this team fostered an environment where students were challenged, celebrated, and supported as they brought their Broadway selections to life.

Click here to watch the 2025 Summer Showcase

To our other collaborators: thank you for helping build a showcase that was as joyful as it was professional. To our families: thank you for your trust. And to our students: your courage and commitment lit up the stage. Onward and upward!

Interested in joining Melodia Studio? Get Started.