Behind the Curtain

    The Educators Behind
    Every Standing Ovation

    As a true conservatory, our faculty are degreed professionals from world-class universities — bringing decades of teaching experience, proven methodology, and genuine passion to every class.

    Our Mission

    Nurturing Passion in the Performing Arts

    Bay Area Arts Conservatory (BAAC) focuses on the performing arts — including Dance, Acting, Musical Theatre & Voice — for students ages 2–18. We help toddlers, kids, and teens develop their skills and confidence, fostering musicality, body awareness, and movement potential in a format that encourages individual artistry.

    Community

    A positive, welcoming environment for families across the Bay Area.

    Excellence

    Professional instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theatre.

    Confidence

    Building self-esteem and creativity that lasts a lifetime.

    -7+

    Educators & Staff

    -6

    Universities Represented

    -74%

    Curriculum-Based Classes

    0-18

    Ages We Teach

    Higher Education

    World-Class Universities

    Our faculty hold degrees from some of the most respected institutions in the country — individually exceptional, and collectively extraordinary.

    UH

    University of Houston

    Psychology, Public Relations, Dance & Voice

    BAAC Faculty

    Sarah Foster LewisAshley Williams
    RICE

    Rice University

    Bachelor of Arts

    BAAC Faculty

    Jeffrey C. Lewis
    ND

    University of Notre Dame

    Theatre, Dance & Voice

    BAAC Faculty

    Quincy Starnes
    TCU

    Texas Christian University

    Dance

    BAAC Faculty

    Ashley Williams
    URI

    University of Rhode Island

    Dance & Early Childhood Education

    BAAC Faculty

    Nicole Nham
    USM

    University of Southern Mississippi

    BFA — Dance Performance & Choreography

    BAAC Faculty

    Cassie Zaremba
    ESM

    Eastman School of Music

    Vocal Performance

    BAAC Faculty

    Abby Seible
    HSPVA

    High School for Performing & Visual Arts

    Performing Arts

    BAAC Faculty

    Sarah Foster LewisAbby Seible
    Decades of Dedication

    Our Teaching Faculty

    Meet the dedicated educators who bring their training, passion, and artistry into the classroom every week.

    Sarah Foster Lewis

    Sarah Foster Lewis

    Artistic Director & Founder

    Quincy Starnes

    Quincy Starnes

    Theatre Dept. Chair

    Ashley Williams

    Ashley Williams

    Dance Dept. Chair

    Nicole Nham

    Nicole Nham

    Administrator

    Cassie Zaremba

    Cassie Zaremba

    Teacher

    Abby Seible

    Abby Seible

    Teacher

    Skylar Mayville

    Skylar Mayville

    Teacher

    Meet the Team

    Who's Teaching Your Kids

    A transparent look at the educators your children learn from every week — their education, their credentials, and the passion they bring to the studio.

    Sarah Foster Lewis

    Sarah Foster Lewis

    Artistic Director & Founder

    University of Houston

    B.S. in Psychology

    Sarah began her dance training over thirty years ago in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, variations, character and musical theatre. She is a graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Sarah received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Houston and pursued her master's in Counseling. While working as a special education teacher. As a mother of two, she appreciates the importance of having teachers who engage and inspire children in the performing arts.

    Jeffrey C. Lewis

    Jeffrey C. Lewis

    Executive Director

    Rice University

    B.A.

    Jeffrey is a lifelong resident of the Houston area and a graduate of Rice University. As a business owner for over 30 years, Jeffrey oversees the operations and administration of the conservatory, striving to ensure every family has a wonderful experience with us. He shares two children with his wife Sarah.

    Quincy Starnes

    Quincy Starnes

    Theatre Dept. Chair

    University of Notre Dame

    B.A. in Theatre, Dance & Voice

    Quincy began his musical theatre training in 1988 when chosen by his director to perform a role as a student at River Oaks Elementary in Houston. He studied theatre, dance, and voice from the University of Notre Dame studying costume and lighting design, stage management and theatre history. Quincy was the founding conductor of the Pasadena East Musical Company (PEMC) which still operates today as the only student run musical theatre program on campus. He enjoys teaching children about modern musicals.

    Ashley Williams

    Ashley Williams

    Dance Dept. Chair

    University of Houston

    B.A. in Public Relations (Magna Cum Laude), Minor in Global Business

    Ashley began dancing at the age of 10 focusing on ballet, jazz and tap. She continued her dance education at TCU before transferring to the University of Houston. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations with a minor in Global Business. Ashley has maintained her love of dance and is truly excited to teach children. She is a proud mother to her son.

    Nicole Nham

    Nicole Nham

    Administrator

    University of Rhode Island

    B.A. in Dance & Early Childhood Education

    Nicole has been dancing and training in tap, jazz, contemporary and lyrical since. She studied dance and early childhood education at the University of Rhode Island. Nicole has choreographed numerous award-winning pieces in hip, jazz, musical theatre and helping create a curriculum for students. She has also taken master classes from places such as Jean-Ann, Lyrical and Broadway Dance Center. Nicole has performed professionally in Houston and her hometown state of Rhode Island.

    Cassie Zaremba

    Cassie Zaremba

    Teacher

    University of Southern Mississippi

    B.F.A. in Dance Performance & Choreography

    Cassie has been dancing for over twenty years. She attended The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Dance Performance and Choreography. She was a member of Pines Repertory Dance Company and choreographed multiple dances for performances. She dance on tour with LGPA music department at Disney World Company and taught with Hoyas Community Arts School of the Arts outreach program. Cassie has taught at numerous studios in the Greater Houston and is passionate about helping the next generation of dancers how to express their emotions through the art of dance.

    Abby Seible

    Abby Seible

    Teacher

    Eastman School of Music

    B.M. in Vocal Performance

    Abby Seible is an experienced performing arts educator with a deep passion for dance and theater. A lifelong resident of the Houston area, she is a graduate of the HSPVA Vocal Department and Eastman School of Music with a degree in vocal performance. Abby most recently served as the Choir Director for Middle School in Pasadena. Having served as the former Music Director at the HSPVA for six years, Abby has spent years sharing her love for the arts with students in both group and private lesson settings. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering a positive and encouraging environment where every student can discover their unique creative voice. Abby is dedicated to helping the next generation of performers develop the skills and confidence they need for success both on and off the stage.

    Skylar Mayville

    Skylar Mayville

    Teacher

    Santa Fe High School

    Dance Team & Studio Training

    Skylar's passion for dance began early, training extensively in local studios before shining on the dance team at Santa Fe High School. A dedicated and enthusiastic instructor, she loves working with children and finds immense joy in watching them grow, build confidence, and discover their own unique voices in the performing arts.

    Bree Butler

    Bree Butler

    Teacher

    Coming Soon

    Coming Soon

    Bio coming soon

    Sara Rodriguez

    Sara Rodriguez

    Teacher

    Coming Soon

    Coming Soon

    Bio coming soon

    Our Methodology

    Why Teacher Education Matters

    A degreed teacher doesn't just know their craft — they know how to teach it. Here's how our faculty's education directly benefits your child.

    Pedagogical Training

    Our teachers studied not just the arts, but how to teach them. Degrees in education, psychology, and early childhood development mean instruction is age-appropriate, evidence-based, and effective.

    Curriculum-Based Instruction

    Every class follows a structured curriculum — not improvisation. Students progress through defined milestones, building skills sequentially the way they would in any accredited academic program.

    Proven Experience

    Our faculty have taught every learning style, age, and ability level. That depth means faster progress and fewer plateaus for your child.

    Administrative Oversight

    Curriculum isn't just written — it's reviewed. Our department chairs and directors provide continuous oversight, ensuring consistency and quality across every classroom.

    Customer Experience & Communication

    We treat families like partners. Clear communication about progress, responsive administration, and an open-door philosophy keep you informed every step of the way.

    Individual Artistry

    Structure meets creativity. Our methodology encourages each student's unique voice within a framework that builds real, transferable skill — confidence that lasts a lifetime.

    Ready to Learn From the Best?

    Give your child the gift of conservatory-level instruction. Try a class for free and meet our faculty in person.

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