Marissa Leenaarts grew up performing in the Akron/Cleveland area. She performed as an Equity singer/dancer at Walt Disney World for several years. At Disney, she was contracted in several shows including The Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Disney’s Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Marissa recently directed and choreographed Weathervane Playhouse’s “Newsies” and “Elf the Musical.” Other Director/ Choreographer credits include Weathervane’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat” -2021, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and “Hairspray”. Choreography credits: Weathervane Playhouse’s Mama Mia, School of Rock, Bye Bye Birdie, Willy Wonka, A Christmas Carol (2015), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021), Oklahoma! as well as Ohio University’s Mary Poppins. Akron School for the Art’s productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins and Ghost the Musical, Akron Civic Theatre/All-City Musical’s Beauty and the Beast, Bye Bye Birdie and Shrek the Musical. Marissa is playing her most important role yet- “Mama” to Sebastian. Marissa is a member of AEA.