✰TEAM UPSTAGE✰

Director: Mike Madden
Phone Number: 321-465-4000
E-mail: mike@upstagedrama.com

Since March 2013, Mike has served as the Director of UPside Kids, actively implementing our amazing curriculum in partner schools and public programs across Orlando. With over 15 years of experience in preschool enrichment, Mike is dedicated to fostering youth programs with his extensive knowledge and passion.

Mike's overarching goal is to make a positive impact on Florida's youth, instilling confidence in them to take on new challenges fearlessly! In his free time, Mike treasures moments with his wife and two children, and indulges in his passion for running through participation in races and triathlons.

Team Lead: Annalou Menekseoglu

Email: annalou@upstagedrama.com

Annalou has been bringing her passion and expertise for theater to our students since she joined the UPstage family in January 2024, directing our end-of-year play and coaching classes all across the Orlando area! She may be from the Midwest, but Orlando, her favorite vacation spot, has been her happy home since 2022. As our Team Lead, Annalou is excited to expand UPstage by mentoring new coaches and helping all our students find their voice through our curriculum’s principles of Confidence, Communication and Creativity.

With a BFA in Theatre Education and over two decades of experience working with kids of all ages, Annalou is a champion for arts education. Multi-talented, she's also a freelance artist, tattoo artist, and advocate for neurodiversity and mental health! Annalou believes everyone has the spark to learn, and she loves helping others discover their own creative path. (I bet you’d never guess that her life-long hero is Mr. Fred Rogers!)

When she's not inspiring the next generation of creatives, Annalou enjoys theme parks, museums, and other attractions with her best friend (husband) of 14 years. She's also a dedicated crafter and loves cozying up with her two dogs for movie nights or audiobooks.

Annalou's mission is to ignite a love of learning through the arts. With her enthusiasm and expertise, she's ready to take UPstage to new heights!