Instructor Bios

Reno native, Christiana Frank, created KidScape Production’s structure six years ago at the New York City Police Department /At-Risk Youth Division. Christiana attended Juilliard in New York City as well as Yale School of Drama in Connecticut. Extensive coaching with Uta Hagen for over two years and continues practicing her craft even when not performing! Her resume was built on Broadway as well as on Television and in Films. Her lifelong love for performance art brought about her passion for sharing it’s affects on the individual student. As a result, she has created a professional curriculum which focuses on the experience of the participants, helping them discover tools for life long success. Currently Ms. Frank is working with students and teachers in the Washoe County School District. Some of her successful ongoing programs include Donner Springs Elementary School, Rollan Melton, 21st Century, Washoe County School Districts Community Education, YMCA, Sierra Kids, Girl Scouts, VSA, Reno Housing Authority, and Camp Wamp. Volunteering also includes Tune In To Kids, Cinco de Mayo, Reno Celebrates America, Optimist Club of Reno, Sun Valley Elementary School, Alzheimer’s Association, Classic Hyatt and soon Sierra Association of Foster Families. Dedicated to offering free programs to Washoe Counties kids K-12, Christiana’s plans are to be a non profit by 2008.

My name is Marissa, and I have a passion for positive thinking. I am a Nevada native, born and raised in Reno. My love of performance and people kept me committed to the theatre in high school and after graduating, I left home for San Francisco to study with Shelley Mitchell at the Actor's Center. I returned to Reno and began instructing for KidScape. Teaching these programs has fulfilled my most favorite things in the world: learning, performing, and fun. I try to keep a focus on teamwork in all my classes, and I love helping to build self-esteem and instill a sense of self in all students. When I'm not instructing, I am a student, a Big Sister, an advocate for recycling and your friendly neighborhood Starbucks barista :)

Jody has studied theater at the University of Wisconsin, Southern Oregon State College and The Ruskin School of Acting in Santa Monica, CA. He has performed improvisation as a member of "Comedy Sportz" in Reno and Lake Tahoe, and has taught improv in Los Angeles. His theater credits include performances with the Brewery Art Center's "Proscenium Players," Virginia City Theater Muckers and the Dakota Theater in Minden, NV. His television and movie credits include appearances on; ER, Ally McBeal, The X-Files, Chicago Hope and Walt Disney's "The Kid." Jody's love of theater, and acting goes back as far as he can remember. He has been touched and transformed by it miraculously...many times! He especially enjoys the opportunity it affords any of us to be whoever we dare or dream to be.

My name is Kazimir (pronounced like the sweater) Rekucki most people know me by “Kookie”. I recently retired from Reno High School, WCSD after being a classified staff member for 21 years. It was a gratifying and challenging time of my life. The education that I will take with me for the rest of my life is priceless! The young men and women, their parents and siblings, the teachers and staff, will stay with me forever…The enthusiasm, the optimism, the questions of all aspects of life, kept me on my toes at all times, and I do believe it keeps me young. I now, am volunteering my time to an organization called KidScape Productions I also have to mention that the head of this great organization was a former student at Reno High School “Class of 91”. Like I said, I will take all the people and all the experiences with me for the rest of my life…

Kookie