Welcome!

WISP Performing Arts Initiative (Wagner Iovanna Studio Performances) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) pre-professional performing arts educational program providing Broadway-caliber training and performance opportunities to people of all ages and skill levels.

Our goal is for every participant to not only grow artistically but to grow in confidence and self-worth while developing a deeper love and appreciation for the arts and its positive effect on the community.

Our approach is what makes us different. We offer a platform for those wanting a career in the performing arts to gain much needed exposure, experience and the necessary direction through the rehearsal/performance process, workshops with industry professionals and casting agents and managers. Past and present participants have gone on to careers in the music industry, Broadway, film/TV, print, voice overs and been accepted into top theater universities and conservatory programs throughout the country.

We are a “family” and always welcome performing arts lovers of all ages to take part in WISP productions, whether on or off stage. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a sponsor/donor, please contact us.

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Our Team

Karen Wagner Iovanna

Robert Iovanna

Kate Simpson

Brittany Kammerer

Lauren Celentano

Greg Nutcher

Karen Wagner-Iovanna

Karen Wagner, a Boston Conservatory alumnus, is a professional singer/actress. Some of Karen’s favorite professional theatrical credits include Eva Peron in Evita, Rowena in Biloxi Blues, Lady Thiang in The King and I and Leisl in The Sound of Music. Her passion for the theatre has inspired her to develop and perform her one-woman show, Karen Wagner’s Broadway Cabaret Experience.

Karen has been the lead singer for many Boston- and Connecticut-based bands and performs throughout the country as a soloist with her husband, classical tenor, Robert Iovanna. She has been the guest voice teacher on WPLR’s Chaz and Ajay in the Morning and guest host for the nationally syndicated Joe Mazza Radio Show. Karen has also done voice overs, print modeling, music videos, commercials and released a Christian album.

Karen has been teaching voice, acting and vocal directing for over twenty-five years, owning studios in both Connecticut and Boston. Many of her students have gone on to careers in the music industry, Broadway/national tours and in film/TV. She has adjudicated many local and national talent competitions, as well as teaching vocal and acting seminars throughout the tri-state area.

Both Karen and her husband have established and run WISP Performances, a pre-professional, nonprofit theater education company where she serves as artistic Director, in addition to writing original works. Karen also works for Nouveaux Talent Management in NYC and is always on the lookout for new talent.

Robert Iovanna

Classical tenor and vocal instructor Robert Iovanna started his singing career at the age of seven with his father, a professional pianist/singer. Rob went on to play drums and sing with the touring rock band, American Dream. Tiring of the rock star life, Rob decided to continue his vocal studies with various classical instructors in NYC. While excelling in his performance career Rob also chose to pursue a career in law enforcement and has earned the title of “The Singing Cop.” He has performed with the USO and military events throughout the United States. Rob and his wife Karen perform Veteran’s salutes and Broadway cabarets throughout the tri-state area. As co-owner of Wagner Iovanna Studio Productions, Rob specializes in teaching Bel Canto and advanced appoggio vocal techniques. In addition, Rob lectures and teaches vocal seminars internationally. In his “free time” Rob enjoys doing voice overs for various radio and commercial spots.

Rob has studied under one of the last great Bel Canto masters, the legendary dramatic tenor “Rusty” Marshall Raynor. Excelling as Mr. Raynor’s top student, he is one of last in line teaching the true “Delmonico” Bel Canto technique. Rob also performs with members of the Metropolitan Opera.

Many of Rob’s past and present students can be seen on Broadway, American Idol, commercials, film and TV. His students are regularly accepted and receive scholarships to the top conservatories and theater programs both in the United States and internationally. In addition, Rob is vice president of WISP Performances, a non-profit pre-professional theatre company.

Kate Simpson

Brittany Kammerer

Brittany Kammerer has been performing for many years in musical theater. She has performed in such shows as Little Shop of Horrors, Les Misérables, Chicago, West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, and many more. She is thrilled to be choreographing again and performing in WISP’s summer production. She currently holds her master’s degree from Quinnipiac University (go Bobcats!!) and is a third grade teacher.

Lauren Celentano

Lauren Celentano’s most recent credit is her performance as Ensemble (U/S Rosina) in the 2019-2020 North American National Tour of the Broadway musical A Bronx Tale (directed by Stephen Edlund with choreography by Tony winner Sergio Trujillo.) Lauren was also the assistant dance captain for the tour. This was her professional theater debut! Previous roles include Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (dir. Jerry Goehring, Leo Carusone) and Anita in West Side Story (dir. Marylee Delaney.)

In November of 2018, Lauren was the first American contestant to be cast on the Italian TV talent competition show “Amici di Maria de Filippi” (Season 17). Lauren competed as a dancer and, after 8 months and going on to be a finalist, she emerged as the winner of the dance category as well as the prestigious Critic’s Award. Italy has become a second home and Lauren is now completely fluent in Italian!

Born and raised in Connecticut, Lauren began her dance training at the age of 4 and is trained in all styles, including jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, heels and more. Special skills include ballroom, Latin dance, and acrobatics/gymnastics. She has always had a special love for musical theater and began vocal training and performing at the age of 8. Lauren is absolutely in love with the world of performing arts and is excited to continue passionately pursuing this career path.

Greg Nutcher

Greg Nutcher, a former police detective with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, is an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. He served undercover in narcotics, The State Police Auto Theft Task Force and was a member of the SWAT team. Greg is a recipient of over 30 awards and commendations from the FBI and several state and local police agencies. Upon retiring from the police department, Greg decided to pursue an acting career, studying at some of the best schools in New York City. He has since had a very successful acting career, appearing as a lead and supporting actor in over 75 films, TV shows, commercials, and theater productions. Greg got his first big break in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar award-winning film Bridge of Spies, in a pivotal scene with Tom Hanks.

Some of Greg’s hobbies include woodworking, hiking, canoeing, and gardening. He is also active in the community, currently serving on The Clean and Green Commission for the Town of Hamden, is a member of the Hamden Historical Society and Sleeping Giant Park Association.

We are proud members of the following organizations:

Get in touch

Phone

(203) 494-1633 or
(203) 915-3852

Address

152 Burr Street
East Haven, CT 06512

Email

wistudioproductions@gmail.com