Our Staff

Our Professional Staff

Heidi Stipetic - Executive Director

Ms. Stipetic is a graduate of New York University with a bachelor of fine arts degree in drama. She studied acting for four years at the Stella Adler Conservatory for Actors in New York City. Professional performing credits include Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, SeaWorld-Orlando, SAK Theater Company and the Cape Cod Melody Tent, and national commercials. Previously an acting instructor at Miami-Dade Community College, Ms. Stipetic is the founder and show director for Applause Academy MA, Inc., where she has directed Thirteen, Alice in Wonderland, Disney's 101 Dalmatians, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Willy Wonka, Disney's High School Musical, Christmas Eve in Dobb’s Diner, Grease, Rent, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Avenue Q, Annie, Camp Rock and more.

Scott Stipetic - Scenic, Lighting, and Audio Designer

Mr. Stipetic, an award-winning lighting
and scenic designer, is a graduate of
Carnegie-Melon University and holds a
master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in lighting design and technical theater. Professional design credits include the Rich Little and Smokey Robinson shows in Las Vegas, Walt Disney World’s SpectroMagic Parade and Beauty and the Beast at Disney MGM studios, Universal Studios in Orlando and Fiesta Texas Theme Park, SanAntonio, TX. Mr. Stipetic has taught stage craft at The New World School of the Arts in Miami. He is the scenic and lighting designer for Applause Academy MA, Inc.

Nori von Jena - Vocal Instructor

Nori received her bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth music education and classical voice. While there, she was trained in classical, theater and contemporary vocal styles with a focus on breathing and healthy singing. Currently, she teaches chorus, general music and theater at Medway Middle school. Nori also teaches private voice lessons at Applause Academy and assists with theatrical productions and summer camp.

Johanna Mullen

Johanna Mullen is currently a junior at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in the BFA Acting program. Johanna is a student at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in Manhattan. She is also pursuing a Minor in Music at NYU's Steinhardt School of Music, involved in multiple ensembles such as the NYU Choral Arts Society, NYU Chorale, and the "Gsus" Contemporary Christian Band. Johanna has choreographed, music directed, assistant directed, and performed in numerous productions throughout the greater Taunton community as well as in New York City. Previous theatrical credits include Grease, RENT, Into the Woods, Honk!, Chicago, Hello, Dolly!, etc. Johanna has worked for Applause Academy as a choreographer since 2012.

Jon Andre - Music Director

Jon is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a degree in Music. He has worked for Applause Academy as a Music Director since they moved into their current space in 2009. Jon has appeared in a number of productions, including “Hairspray”, “The 25th Annual Putnam Count Spelling Bee”, and "The Best of Broadway's Burlesque".

Sue Hunter - Costume Designer

Sue moved to Massachusetts from the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2003 where she made costumes for The St. Croix Community Theatre and several carnival troops. She was thrilled when the Stipetic’s opened Applause Academy in 2009 and asked her to be part of their team and has had fun costuming every play from the very beginning.

Jacob DeSousa - Technical Director

Jacob has been attending Applause Academy in the tech theater program since its opening in 2009. Applause Academy unleashed Jacob's passion for the technical side of theater and he intends to attend College for scenic design. Jacob has been the technical director working along side Scott Stipetic for the past two years, helping Applause with set construction, painting, audio, lighting and stage-managment.

Britton Stipetic - Scenic Designer/ Scenic Painter/ Graphic Designer

Britton has been drawing and painting since he could hold a pencil. He is attending Massachusetts College of Art & Design for Graphic Design. He has worked for Applause Academy since he was 15 as their scenic painter and has been working as their graphic designer for the past four years designing their logo, T-Shirts, website, banners, and more.