(Anna_CARMELA)
Artistic Director/Choreographer
Anna was born and raised in Chicago, and began a career in the arts at an early age. As a young performer she began to master all facets of her craft and cultivate connections that she still cherishes to this day. Education has always been at the forefront of everything she does. Anna innately recognized that in order to be the best student, performer, and educator possible, she had to understand the inner workings of each of her fields of interest. She then began an exploration that led her to the position she holds today. Anna has studied with The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, was an original company member of the All About Dance Company, and studied at the Second City Training Center. She also studied under Broadway actor and business owner Julian Decker, whom she has known for two decades. As a choreographer she created the original movement for the world premiere of Night of the Living Dead, which has found a home in New York City. Under the mentorship of renowned Set/Lighting Designer Joseph Hassler, she was able to grow her portfolio of design skills/techniques, and has used this knowledge to create lighting and set designs for numerous productions in Chicago and Pennsylvania. She credits Joe’s generation for her work ethic, love, and “give it back” mentality. Anna currently serves as Artistic Director of Corella Productions, where she oversees hundreds of students regularly. As an original company member of Corella Productions, her commitment to the organization spans over a decade. Her mission is to empower like-minded women to “step up and out” so they can be an advocate for change in the performing arts industry.
(Patty_Corella)
Executive Director/Producer
With an extensive background in Musical Theatre and Musical Theatre Dance Patty Corella realized she had to pass down the teachings of all who inspired her over the years. Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania Patty found her community through the Erie Playhouse. It is one of the most decorated Community Theatres in the Country because it offers its patrons, performers, and employees direct connection to industry professionals all over the country. This business mentality and offering did not go unnoticed by Patty and catapulted her hunger for more education outside the walls of her Community Theatre. She enrolled with The Dance Theatre of Erie, the Performing Arts Center of Erie and after High School was accepted into the prestigious dance program at Point Park University, in Pittsburgh, PA. Patty moved to Chicago IL in 1990 and began studying with River North Dance Company, Hubbard Street Dance Company, The Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts, and The Joel Hall Dance Company. She was also seen on stage as a performer at Steppenwolf Theater, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Mercury Theatre and Circle Theatre where she was nominated for a Jeff Award (one of the highest award honors in the country). After the birth of her daughter, Anna, her passion for Children’s Theatre was ignited! Thus began the creation and journey of Corella Productions. As Owner and Executive Director of Corella Productions, Patty has created a home for performers of all backgrounds. She has instilled a work ethic in young hopefuls that not only have made them better performers but human beings as well. Her love and care for her family, students, employees, and community has propelled her company to extreme heights; notably being the longest running after school program within the Chicago Public School System. In December of 2023 Corella Productions was awarded/recognized as the “Nations Best After-School Program”of 2023, by the Right At School Foundation. Corella Productions is an authentic representation that Female Entrepreneurs have a place in the Performing Arts.
