Meet the Music Makers Theatre Faculty

Ann Bourjaily -Maney

(Music Director, Music Makers Theatre)

Ann received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance/pedagogy from Saint Mary’s College and Northwestern University, respectively.  She has been involved in musical theater as a musical director and accompanist at Music Makers since 2000 and also does children’s theater elsewhere in the community. 

Ann is also the choir director at Nazareth Academy, accompanist at St. Francis Xavier, Bethlehem Woods, and other churches in the area.  Aside from the wonderful children she has the privilege of teaching in musical theater, she is the proud mother of four adult children.  

linnea carrera

(Vocal Director, Music Makers Theatre)

Linnea Carrera is a theatre professional and Registered Drama Therapist with over fifteen years of experience as a theatre educator. Linnea has directed multiple youth productions over the years and is very excited to be joining Music Makers Theatre as a vocal director for the spring shows. Directing credits include The Music Man (CTWS), The Addams Family (CTWS), and The Real Inspector Hound (Studio C Theater). Vocal and music direction credits include Beauty and the Beast Jr (Spotlight Youth Theater), 1776 (Edge of Orion) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Edge of Orion).

emily leathergood

(Choreographer, Music Makers Theatre)

Emily Leatherwood is thrilled to be a part of the Music Makers Theatre team! A recent graduate of Vanderbilt University, she has choreographed shows at both adult and children's theaters in Chicagoland and beyond. Emily incorporates various styles and techniques in her choreography, drawing upon her background in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and musical theatre.

Emily loves sharing her passion for dance with students, creating routines that are both educational and fun! Select choreography credits include Chicago, Annie Jr., Jungle Book Kids, Shrek Jr., Legally Blonde, andThe SpongeBob Musical Jr.

Jeremy & Gwen Michor

(Owners, Music Makers of Western Springs and Producers, Music Makers Theatre)

Music Makers is a family-owned business run by Jeremy & Gwen Michor of Western Springs. The school was started in 1978 by Jeremy’s mother, Penny Wright, with Penny teaching in her home until the move to Grand Avenue in 1986.

Jeremy began running the business in 1995 with his wife Gwen joining him in 1998. The fulfilled their dreams of owning their own facility in 2019, when they moved into the new space at 4332 Howard Avenue. Jeremy and Gwen believe that the school’s professional staff, friendly atmosphere, and wide variety of programs are what draw students of all ages and talents to Music Makers, and are grateful for the continued support from their staff, teachers families and community.

They are blessed with four amazing children, with whom they spend most of their time. You may know one or recognize them, as their involvement with Music Makers lessons and theatre classes began at the young age of five and continues through this day!