About
Rise Up Performing Arts believes helping kids become great performers provides many valuable life lessons. More important though, is helping them become great people. At the heart of our program are seven core principles we incorporate into our instruction to help our young performers become the best they can be: Confidence, Creativity, Character, Leadership, Respect, Integrity, and Perseverance.
We’re developing characters from the inside out!
Rodney Neal - Executive & Artistic Director
Rodney provides both artistic and administrative leadership for Rise Up. He holds a bachelor of science in music vocal performance, a bachelor of arts in business, and a masters in business administration. Rodney has been involved in all aspects of theatre, working with performers of all ages as an actor, musician, director, designer, and producer in both community and professional theatre. Combining his background in business and the arts, his strategic thinking has guided him into creating a vision to help provide a high quality theatrical experience for young artists and audience members. Serving as both Executive and Artistic Director, Rodney is responsible for developing, executing, and enforcing Rise Up’s mission and vision while striving to continuously improve the reach, fundraising, programs, and operations in collaboration with the Rise Up team.
Angie Neal - Director of Program
Angie loves theatre and loves helping kids love theatre! She has directed, costumed, produced, and participated in children’s and community theatre in the greater Cincinnati area for many years. A native of Texas, Angie holds a bachelor of arts in communications and drama, television, and film performance. She is the coordinator of district information for the Fairfield City School District, and mom to two great kids. Angie is the co-founder of Rise Up Performing Arts and serves as the Director of Programming. She ensures that the Rise Up program focuses on positive transformation and self-growth, as well as fostering a lifelong love of the performing arts. Angie plays a leading role in creating an environment for youth that is fun, educational, and driven by the Rise Up core values.
Sam Murray - Teaching Artist - Dance
Samantha comes to the organization with 17 years of competitive dance experience teaching at multiple studios around the Cincinnati area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication from The Ohio State University, where she also studied tap in the non-major dance program. She was also a member of The Ohio State University All- Girl Cheer Team. Sam has a desire to pass on her knowledge and passion for dance to other young, aspiring dancers. Sam uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, creative expression, and critical thinking skills. She believes dance is not only important for its creative and physical benefits, but it also teaches valuable life lessons about hard work and dedication.
Sarah Grace McCollough- Teaching Artist - Character Education
Sarah Grace loves working with young actors and helping them to shine on stage and as individuals! Full-time, she leads the Career Services team at UC Blue Ash, supporting college students through their career journeys. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Cincinnati Christian University and a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University. Her extensive theatre experience includes performing, directing, choreographing, producing, and stage management. With Rise Up Performing Arts, she has directed productions including 101 Dalmatians Kids and Willy Wonka Jr. and has stage managed countless shows. Sarah Grace is thankful to bring her performance and teaching experience to Rise Up, ensuring that actors learn and grow to be wonderful people and performers throughout the entire process from rehearsal to production.
Molly Wanko - Lead Costumer
Molly's costume design is influenced by her background as an actor, dancer, director, and lifelong sewist. Her design credits include Rise Up's Matilda and Hamilton Rotary's Oliver, as well as helping with costumes in many other productions. She directed musicals at Kings High School for several years, and has performed with Hamilton Rotary, Greater Hamilton Civic Theater, Caroline Scott Players, OxAct, Miami University Summer Theater, Showboat Majestic, Rising Phoenix Theater, several Lansing, MI theater groups, and Children's Ballet Theater of Greater Lansing. Molly holds a B.A. in elementary education from Alma College and loves to help kids experience the magic of theater.
Hallie Thompson - Music Director
Hallie Thompson has had the privilege of vocal directing for Rise Up Performing Arts since its inception in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Wright State University. During her time in school, Hallie established the Rise Up Vocal Studio, where she privately taught over 30 students between the Cincinnati and Dayton area from 2021-2023. Since the fall of 2023, Hallie has served as the Director of Choral Activities at Ross High School. She directs the concert choirs, Pure Harmony and Voices of Excellence, as well as the competitive show choir, Legacy. In addition, she also teaches drama and assists with the Ross Middle School concert choirs and competitive show choir, Next Generation. Through every opportunity, Hallie hopes to inspire students to lead their lives with “love and kindness” for those around them, as she believes the future lies in creating strong leaders of character.