Meet Melissa Karly
Melissa Karly
Owner & Artistic Director
Melissa is the founder of Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts and has been inspiring young performers since 2009. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music and over 20 years of teaching experience, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop their talents, and discover a lifelong love of the performing arts. In addition to directing PPAPA, Melissa is an elementary school teacher who believes every child deserves the opportunity to shine on stage.
Highlights
- 🎓 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music
- 🎭 20+ years teaching music and musical theatre
- 🎬 Director & Producer of annual productions
- 🎼 Voice, piano & musical theatre specialist
- 🍎 Ontario Certified Teacher
Glenna Rae
Administrative Assistant | Producer | Costume Lead | Supply Teacher
Glenna brings decades of experience, kindness, and dedication to Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts. A lifelong musician, she began playing piano as a young child and spent over 40 years as a teacher. Now semi-retired, she is thrilled to continue sharing her love of children and the arts as a supply teacher and valued member of the PPAPA team.
Behind the scenes, Glenna wears many hats—answering emails, helping families, coordinating productions, supporting classes when needed, and leading our costume department. She is often one of the first people you’ll connect with and looks forward to welcoming your family to the PPAPA community.
Fiona Guindon is thrilled to be part of the creative team at Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts. A dedicated multi-instrumentalist, Fiona has been performing since the age of three and enjoys sharing her passion for the arts with young performers. Her instruments include voice, piano, alto saxophone, guitar, and ukulele, and has appeared in numerous musical theatre productions across Durham Region. Some of her favourite roles include Dodger (Oliver!), Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast), and Gomez Addams (The Addams Family).
Mackenzie Marlatt is thrilled to be part of the Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts team. She has loved serving as the Assistant Director for Finding Nemo Jr. and Moments from Matilda, where she enjoys helping young performers discover their confidence and love of the stage. Mackenzie began performing at a young age and has appeared in numerous musical theatre productions throughout Durham Region. She is passionate about sharing her love of theatre and music with the next generation.
Izzy Probst is excited to be part of the creative team at Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts as Choreographer, Assistant Director, and Stage Manager. A true jack-of-all-trades, Izzy brings extensive experience in musical theatre as a performer, choreographer, stage manager, and director. As a talented singer, dancer, and actress, she loves sharing her passion for the performing arts while helping every production come to life both on and off the stage. Whether she’s teaching choreography, organizing backstage, or stepping in wherever she’s needed, Izzy is always ready to help.
Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts 