CristinaSohnsWilliams

Cristina Sohns-Williams

Cristina Sohns Williams resides with her husband Jerry and son Michael in Dunmore, Pa.  She has been studying dance for forty five years and has been teaching for the past thirty years.  She has studied with the Scranton Civic Ballet Company and Civic Dance Center, Broadway Dance Center and Steps in New York City along with attending various workshops and conventions in New York City, Philadelphia, East Stroudsburg and Lancaster.

Cristina has been involved with several local theatre groups and has performed in such productions as Oliver, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Once upon A Mattress, West Side Story and The Odd Couple to name a few.  For six summers she performed with the Pocono Playhouse Children’s Theatre.  She has choreographed Penn State Worthington Players production of “Stop The World…I Want To Get Off”, Dunmore High School Crimson Company’s productions of “Guys and Dolls”, “West Side Story”, “Anything Goes”, “42nd Street”, “Cinderella”, “Crazy For You”, “The Music Man”, “Once Upon A Mattress”, “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers”, “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “No No Nanette”, “Pippin”, “Disney’s Beauty And The Beast”, “Back To The 80’s”, “South Pacific”, “Seussical” and “Annie”.  North Pocono High Schools Odyssey Players productions of “Lil Abner”, “Hello Dolly”, “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory”, “Little Women”, “Godspell”, “Into The Woods”, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown”, “Disney’s High School Musical”, “Oklahoma”, “Bye Bye Birdie”, “Seussical”, “Footloose” and “Lucky Stiff”.  Abington Heights High School productions of “Guys And Dolls” and “Carousel”.  Honesdale High School production of “The Music Man”.  Lakeland High School and Northwestern Lehighs production of “Legally Blond”.  Green Ridge Youth Theatre productions of “Hairspray” and “The Little Mermaid”.  Actors Circle Production of ” Take Me Along”.  J&J Dinner Theatre’s Productions of “Godpell” and “Give My Regards To Broadway”.  Northampton Community College Production of “Heathers”.  CaPAA Productions of “Newsies”, “Seussical”, “Wicked”, “The Little Mermaid”, Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”, “Aladdin”, “Fame”, “Matilda”, “Disney’s Beauty And The Beast”.  CaPAA Of NEPA Productions of “Disney’s High School Musical”, “101 Dalmatians”, “James and The Giant Peach”, “Finding Neverland”, “Peter Pan jr”, “Mary Poppins”, “The Lion King Jr”, “The Jungle Book”, “Annie”, “Winnie The Pooh Kids”, “Mulan jr” and “Into The Woods” along with Musical Theatre Dance Showcases.

In August of 2002 Cristina choreographed for the Rap group Coalition.  The group performed as the opening act for recording artist “Nelly” at the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes Barre Pa.  in the past Cristina’s advanced dancers performed a “Story Brought To Life” for the students at the Dunmore Elementary Center and Wallenpaupack South Elementary.

Cristina was Director of The Cristina Sohns Williams Studio Of Dance for twenty eight years and has held positions as Director, assistant director, choreographic consultant and stage manager at the Abington Heights Civic League Dance Academy for 29 years.  She is choreographer for the Dunmore High School Show Choir and the Dunmore Elementary Centers 5th and 6th grade chorus.  In the past she has taught for the Scranton Civic Ballet Company/Civic Dance Center, The Linn McDonald School Of Dance and was part of the Physical Education Staff at The University of Scranton teaching Modern Jazz.

Cristina is a member of Dance Educators of America and is an Adjunct faculty member at Marywood University as part of the teaching staff for the Dance Minor.  She is also a choreographer for Marywood University’s Dance Company “Dance Elan'”.  Recently, she choreographed for Stars Within Reach Productions in New York City.  Cristina was choreographer for Harry Connick Jr’s new musical “The Happy Elf” at the Scranton Cultural Center and leads the Dance Department for The Creative And Performing Arts Academy of NEPA.

Testimonials

My son has been at CaPAA for a few years now and all I can say is WOW! From the first time he stepped into the doors he was welcomed with open arms and felt so involved in all aspects of everything they do. He first started with their plays (which is his absolute favorite) he loves the energy and immediate response from the audience! Then he got involved in acting techniques and some dancing and singing. Because of his start at CaPAA, he has done films, commercials, TV shows, PSA’s and modeling! We owe a lot to Sheri and Mike and our CaPAA family

Lisa W.

My daughter, Jolie started with CaPAA when she was just 6 years old as a little orphan in Annie Jr. She is just days away from 10. It’s amazing how much she has grown in these last few years with the acting and singing instruction she has received at CaPAA. These years of having the most fun, building great friendships and developing lifelong skills while at CaPAA will surely go down as some of the best years of our lives!

Katy C.

When I started my daughter at CaPAA, I thought it would be where she would learn to sing, act, and dance within the theater world. Little did I know, it would become a place where friendships are forged and my family has increased by several hundred. CaPAA is beyond amazing, with an incredibly talented, supportive, and loving staff. We couldn’t be happier.

Carole M.

Our son’s music teacher suggested we try a CaPAA summer camp, and we were blown away. Our 9 year old son immediately fell in love with CaPAA and couldn’t wait to sign up for the next show. The staff and environment at the theater is beyond professional. Our teenage daughter saw how happy her brother was, so she decided to give CaPAA a try. She has now also found her home on stage at CaPAA . =We couldn’t ask for a better place to send our children to learn and have fun!

Erika W.

My daughter has been involved with CaPAA for 5 years. She cannot wait to go to rehearsals as she feels completely comfortable with her castmates and with all of the staff that run the programs. She has found a place that not only teaches her the skills of theater and dance but also how to work with a team. She has said she loves CaPAA and that it is like her home.

As a parent, I am blown away by the professional way the programs are run. From the audition process to the rehearsals, to the way the children are taught and treated is incredible. The staff treat the children as young professionals and with respect and teach them to be respectful of others and themselves. The shows are amazing and so well put together in such a short period of time. I would highly recommend CaPAA for any child interested in theater and /or dance. What a wonderful atmosphere of a kind, caring professionals. I’m so happy to be a part of the CaPAA family.

Jennifer A.

If someone told me 15 years ago that my first-born was not going to play sports, I would’ve laughed and certainly doubted them. My son tried so many different things, but it wasn’t until he walked through the doors at the Ritz, for a Summer Camp at CaPAA in August of 2018, that he found his niche. The staff at CaPAA saw something in him, and truly believed in him, and he hasn’t looked back since! He has been in several shows and has found a home up on that stage! CaPAA has been so welcoming to him. The staff has pushed him to be the best that he can be. His confidence has soared and we have never seen him happier. The arts are a whole new world to us, but I have to say that they have opened not only our ears and our eyes, but also our hearts! I know this is mostly about our son, but our daughter also goes to CaPAA and loves to shine on that stage too!!! We are forever grateful to CaPAA for all that they have done for not only our kids, but all of the CaPPA kids!!!

Leanne S.