Ms. BRETT N. BOGARDUS
York,PA
Summary
Innovative Theatre and Dance Director with a strong background in performance creation and educational program development. Founded and led a premier performing arts center, overseeing all production elements from choreography to technical execution. Skilled in mentoring diverse talents while ensuring artistic integrity and operational efficiency. Proven success in strategic planning and fostering partnerships to drive growth and inspire the next generation of performers.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Choreographer
Milton Hershey School
Hershey, Pennsylvania
08.2025 - Current
- Direct and choreograph middle school theatrical productions while developing rehearsal processes that cultivate confidence, creativity, collaboration, and technical performance skills. Guide students through character development, movement, storytelling, and ensemble performance.
Founder, Owner & Artistic Director
Bogardus Performing Arts Center
Oneida, NY
01.2009 - 01.2023
- Established and led a premier performing arts education facility, providing high-quality training in dance, theatre, voice, music, and production for students of all ages.
- Business Operations & Financial Management: Oversaw budgeting, financial planning, payroll, tuition structuring, fundraising, and grant writing to ensure sustainability and growth.
- Employee Management: Recruited, hired, trained, and supervised a team of instructors, administrative staff, and production crew, fostering a collaborative and professional environment.
- Curriculum & Program Development: Designed and implemented specialized curricula tailored to various skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive education in the performing arts.
- Production & Direction: Produced, directed, and choreographed numerous children's and adult productions, managing all creative and logistical aspects, including casting, rehearsals, set and lighting design, costuming, and technical coordination.
- Scheduling & Logistics: Developed class schedules, production timelines, and rehearsal calendars, balancing student progress with performance deadlines.
- Marketing & Community Engagement: Created branding, promotional materials, and social media strategies to increase enrollment and audience engagement. Built partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organizations to promote performing arts education.
- Facility & Operations Management: Maintained studio spaces, managed equipment and technical resources, and ensured compliance with safety regulations.
- Strategic Growth & Development: Expanded program offerings, introduced new performance opportunities, and adapted to industry trends to maintain excellence in arts education.
Director & Choreographer
Oneida High School
Oneida, NY
01.1993 - 01.2022
- Creative Direction & Artistic Leadership: Directed and choreographed annual musical theatre productions, ensuring high-quality, engaging performances that highlighted students' talents and growth.
- Casting & Character Development: Held auditions, cast performers, and guided actors in developing their characters through movement, expression, and storytelling.
- Rehearsal & Staging: Designed and implemented detailed rehearsal schedules, including blocking, vocal coaching, and choreography sessions to maximize efficiency and performance quality.
- Choreography & Movement Direction: Created dynamic and engaging choreography suited to performers of all skill levels, incorporating various dance styles to enhance storytelling and visual impact.
- Marketing & Audience Development: Developed promotional materials, managed ticket sales, and executed marketing strategies, including social media campaigns, press releases, and community outreach to maximize audience engagement.
- Production Staff & Team Management: Supervised and coordinated production teams, including musical directors, stage managers, technical crews, costumers, and volunteers, ensuring smooth collaboration and execution.
- Final Performance Execution: Organized and led technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and live performances, ensuring a polished and seamless presentation for audiences.
Adjunct Professor of Dance
State University of New York at Oswego
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Dance Instruction & Curriculum Development: Taught Modern and Jazz dance techniques, emphasizing technical proficiency, artistry, and performance quality.
- Innovative Teaching Methods: Adapted and developed virtual and hybrid teaching strategies during COVID-19 to ensure continuity in dance education.
- Choreography & Movement Exploration: Designed movement studies, improvisational exercises, and repertory projects to enhance students' creative expression and technique.
- Student Mentorship & Development: Provided individualized coaching, career guidance, and feedback to help students refine their skills and pursue professional opportunities.
- Academic Collaboration & Contribution: Engaged with faculty to develop interdisciplinary approaches integrating dance with theatre, music, and movement studies.
- Assessment & Evaluation: Designed assignments, practical assessments, and performance evaluations to track student progress and artistic growth.
- Performance Production Support: Assisted with university dance concerts and student showcases, providing choreographic and staging support.
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Multiple Studios
01.1992 - 01.2023
- Choreographed competitive routines and performances for teams and showcases, contributing to their artistic development and success.
- Taught diverse dance styles including ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and musical theatre to enhance student skill and creativity.
- Collaborated with The Talent Company as choreographer, performer, and director's assistant, supporting production goals and artistic vision.
Artistic Director & Dance Instructor
EMC Performing Arts Studio
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Developed and managed the theatre department, directed annual musical productions.
- Oversaw all production aspects, including choreography, set design, and technical execution.
- Instructed Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary dance.
Executive Director
Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce
Oneida, NY
08.2005 - 05.2010
- Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning: Directed overall operations, ensuring the Chamber's mission aligned with the needs of local businesses and the community.
- Financial Management & Budgeting: Developed and managed annual budgets, secured funding through sponsorships and grants, and ensured financial sustainability.
- Membership Growth & Engagement: Recruited and retained members by developing valuable networking events, business support programs, and promotional opportunities.
- Event Planning & Execution: Organized business expos, networking events, awards banquets, and community initiatives to foster local economic growth.
- Marketing & Public Relations: Developed branding, managed website content, created press releases, and leveraged social media to increase visibility and outreach.
- Government & Community Advocacy: Served as a liaison between local businesses and government agencies, advocating for policies that benefited the business community.
- Economic Development Initiatives: Partnered with local organizations to attract new businesses, support entrepreneurship, and enhance workforce development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Performing Arts
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY12-2026
BFA Degree Programs -
SUNY Purchase
Purchase, NY01-1996
Skills
- Dance Instruction
- Choreography
- Theatre Direction
- Stage Movement
- Acting Coaching
- Performance Coaching
- Audition Preparation
- Improvisation
- Production Management
- Production Design
- Technical Direction
- Injury Prevention
- Dancer Anatomy
- Educational Arts Programming
- Talent Development
- Curriculum development
- Creative direction
- Community Engagement
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Planning
- Program Development
- Operations Management
- Staff Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Revenue development
- Staff management
- Mentorship
- Community Relations
Awards
- 2018, Syracuse High School Theatre Awards
- Winner Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical: Footloose
- Winner Outstanding Production Number: 'Let's Hear It for the Boy' from Footloose
- Winner Best Supporting Actor - Emmanuel Esparza
- 13 total nominations
- 2017, Syracuse High School Theatre Awards
- Winner Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical: Les Miserables
- Winner Outstanding Director: Les Miserables
- Winner Outstanding Production Number: 'One Day More' from Les Miserables
- Winner Best Actor - Kevin Spooner
- 9 total nominations
Professional Expertise
Dance Instruction & Choreography: Expert in teaching and choreographing a wide range of styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre., Theatre & Dance Direction: Guides performers through storytelling and stagecraft, creating dynamic and impactful performances., Choreography & Stage Movement: Creates expressive, tailored movement that brings depth to the narrative and resonates with audiences., Acting & Performance Coaching: Develops performers' character depth, stage presence, and emotional connection, empowering them to deliver compelling performances., Theatrical Set & Lighting Design: Designs immersive stage environments that enhance the overall story through scenic and lighting elements., Improvisation & Audition Preparation: Helps performers build confidence, adaptability, and technique for auditions and live performances., Educational Arts Programming: Designs arts education programs that balance creativity with discipline, empowering students of all ages to grow artistically and personally., Injury Prevention & Dancer Anatomy: Ensures safe, sustainable training through knowledge of biomechanics, conditioning, and injury prevention., Mentorship & Talent Development: Guides students and performers toward professional success, providing mentorship and support to help them reach their potential., Production & Event Management: Manages all aspects of theatrical and dance productions, from budgeting and scheduling to logistics, ensuring the focus remains on the performance., Financial Oversight & Budgeting: Manages finances for productions, including tuition, grant writing, and fundraising efforts., Marketing & Public Relations: Develops and executes strategies to grow audiences and engage the community, including branding and social media campaigns., Staff & Team Leadership: Builds and leads teams, from instructors to production staff, creating a positive and collaborative work environment., Strategic Planning & Program Development: Focuses on expanding and evolving arts education programs, introducing new opportunities for students., Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong relationships with local organizations and businesses to support arts education and performance opportunities., Facility & Operations Management: Oversees the operation and maintenance of studio spaces, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
Production Experience
2021, Big Fish, 2019, Mamma Mia, 2018, Footloose (Award Winning), 2017, Les Misérables (Award Winning), 2016, The Addams Family, 2015, Mary Poppins, 2014, Forbidden Broadway, 2013, 42nd Street, 2012, Legally Blonde, 2011, Cinderella, 2010, South Pacific, 2009, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2008, Guys and Dolls, 2007, Barnum, 2006, Fiddler on the Roof, 2005, Beauty and the Beast, 2004, Footloose, 2019, Aristocats, 2019, Annie Jr., 2018, Beauty and the Beast Jr., 2017, Getting to Know Once Upon a Mattress, 2016, The Wizard of Oz Jr., 2015, Alice in Wonderland Jr., 2014, Annie Jr., 2013, Dear Santa, 2012, Sleeping Beauty Kids, 2018, The Music Man Jr., 2017, Legally Blonde Jr., 2016, Cinderella Jr., 2015, The Cast Variety Show, 2014, Annie Jr., 2009-2023, Bogardus Performing Arts Center, 1998-2005, Leatherstocking Ballet Company, 2019, Fun Home, 2018, Urinetown, 2018, WEIRD! (Original Musical), 2003, Kiss Me, Kate, 2002, Damn Yankees, 2001, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 2000, Crazy for You, 1999, Over Here!, 1998, Brigadoon, 1997, Me and My Girl, 1996, West Side Story, 1995, Once Upon a Mattress, 1994, 42nd Street, 1993, The Pajama Game, 2002, Footloose, 1997, Fiddler on the Roof, 1997, The Music Man, 1997, Sweet Charity, 2012, The Music Man, 2011, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr., 1996, Anything Goes, 1995, Damn Yankees, 1997, Anything Goes, 2004, Into the Woods, 2003, Anything Goes, 2002, 42nd Street
Timeline
Director Choreographer
Milton Hershey School
08.2025 - Current
Artistic Director & Dance Instructor
EMC Performing Arts Studio
01.2020 - 01.2023
Adjunct Professor of Dance
State University of New York at Oswego
01.2018 - 01.2020
Founder, Owner & Artistic Director
Bogardus Performing Arts Center
01.2009 - 01.2023
Executive Director
Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce
08.2005 - 05.2010
Director & Choreographer
Oneida High School
01.1993 - 01.2022
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Multiple Studios
01.1992 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Performing Arts
SUNY Empire State College
BFA Degree Programs -
SUNY Purchase