Investing in Children Is a Powerful Act

Faye founded Cozy Arts in 2018 after 20 years creating and producing touring theater and developing art and puppet-based programming for a variety of educational institutions. As the company’s artistic director, Faye oversees all aspects of creative development and production, from co-writing episodes and educational materials to performing as Mrs. Flutterby, Rory and others, and managing operations behind the scenes. Faye began her career as an apprentice to master puppeteer Noreen Young, and was drawn to create for children because of the directness of the experience and the authenticity of children’s response. Founding Cozy Arts enabled Faye to bring together artists compelled by the power of theater and metaphor to address complex issues. Together, Faye and the team seek to cultivate children’s sense of curiosity about the world and the possibility of creating positive change. Faye earned an BFA in Drama for Human Development from Concordia University in Montreal and an MFA in Puppetry Arts from the University of Connecticut. She lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, son and three cats.

Jason brings 25 years of directing and devised theater experience to his role as director of Cozy Corner performances. The founding Artistic Director of Liars & Believers, Jason uses the dynamism of live theater to reach and engage audiences with powerful experiences that help them explore ideas, develop creativity and find the good in themselves and others. Jason earned his BA in Philosophy from Trinity College and an MFA in Directing from Trinity Repertory Conservatory. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with his wife and their puppy Stella.

In addition to playing the character Max in stage and screen productions of Cozy Corner, Max has composed and recorded the songs used in each episode. Max has worked as a pre-school music teacher, taught private lessons and collaborated with musicians and artists around the world to create music that explores themes of learning, spirituality and service. He began writing songs at age 12 and has released multiple albums of childrens, devotional and folk music. Max holds a degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music and a BA in International Relations from Connecticut College. He lives in Somerville Massachusetts, with his new wife and their rescue dog Maddie.

Patti co-writes Cozy Corner episodes and collaborates with the team as each show progresses from concept to storyboard to stage. She brings more than four decades of working with children and storytelling to her role, and has a strong background in print and graphic design. Three of Patti’s books have been published, one concept book and two storybooks. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and a student of Storyteller Academy. Patti lives in a multi-generational home in Boston with her two grandchildren, their parents and a whoodle named Poe.

A veteran of the Boston theater community, Becca plays Trudy and Professor Lumens on stage and on screen with Cozy Corner, and is a co-writer of both Trudy’s Craft Corner and Imagination Station. Becca is a company member of Liars & Believers, a long time collaborator with Imaginary Beasts and a scenic designer with Boston-area fringe theater companies, such as Flat Earth Theater, Fresh Ink Theater and Titanic Theater Company. Becca is a teaching artist with a focus on theater, painting and speech. Her immediate connection with children and love of movement, puppetry and clowning enable her to explore big ideas and complex situations with audiences of all ages. Becca holds a BS in Theater from Skidmore College, an MFA in Contemporary Theater from Naropa University, and a Shakespeare Program certificate from the British American Drama Academy in London. She lives in Acton, Massachusetts with her husband, son and cat Albus Dumblemeow.

As the Cozy Arts accessibility specialist, Mia brings more than 12 years of experience designing inclusive programs for youth with disabilities to her role. Compelled by children’s ability to immerse themselves in imagination, possibility and play, Mia works to create accessible, inclusive experiences for children across all aspects of Cozy Arts programming and performances. In addition to her work with Cozy Arts, Mia is the director of education at Open Door Arts and a consultant for sensory friendly programming and inclusive theater design. Mia earned her BA in Musical Theater from American University and an MA in Arts in Education from Harvard University. She lives in Maine with her partner, Eric, and a cat named Oakum.

Dr. Noah has worked with children for more than 30 years, including 15 years as an arts educator and community engaged artist. As the Cozy Arts early learning and family support specialist, Noah partners on all aspects of the Cozy Home and Cozy Classroom curricula and materials, and as a consultant for creative development. In his role, Noah contributed to Cozy Corner’s perspective of supporting children and families in developing important interpersonal and emotional skills in concrete ways. Noah earned his BA in Early Childhood Education and MA in Early Childhood Studies from Ryerson University and a PhD in Education from the University of Toronto. He is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Canada.

An illustrator, animator, designer, storyteller and puppeteer, John brings 20 years of creative experience to his role as the Cozy Corner set designer and educational support material illustrator. John harmonizes a deep commitment to storytelling with expressive design to create sets that bring the world of Cozy Corner to life. As a founding member of FableVision, John has directed or co-directed numerous animated films, including The Blue Shoe, The North Star, and He Was Me.  He has written and illustrated four books for children and draws the weekly webcomic Sticky Burr. John holds a BFA in Illustration from Carnegie Mellon University. He loves nature and gardening and makes his home in Needham, Massachusetts.

Sarah directs online productions, episodes and educational offerings for Cozy Arts. She has toured internationally as part of the Red Ball Theater’s Reverse Cascade and performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra and the off-Broadway immersive theater production Pip’s Island. Sarah is currently resident artist at the Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline, Massachusetts. She earned her BFA in Cinema and Television from Southern Methodist University and an MFA in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut. Sarah has participated in numerous workshops, including a puppetry intensive with Sesame Workshop and the National Puppetry Conference at the O’Neill Theater Center. She lives in Waltham Massachusetts. 

Andrew is a producer, director and writer for television and film. With more than 20 years of experience in children’s television, animation, film and music videos, Andrew leads video and online creative development for Cozy Arts. His past credits include founding and co-producing The On The Fly Film Festival, Roger’s ‘1000 Pictures Commercial,’ SEE, Lost in Space, Kenny vs Spenny, and Tell it Like it Is, as well as short films and music videos. Andrew attended the Ontario College of Art + Design for Visual Arts and Video Production before launching his professional career. In addition to his role with Cozy Arts, Andrew is currently directing commercials and preparing for his first feature film from his home base in Vancouver, Canada.

Kendra brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as the Cozy Corner costume designer. A faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, Kendra has created costumes for American Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare and Costume Works, among others. Kendra is drawn to designing costumes for Cozy Arts because of the playfulness and directness of the work, as well as the purpose and value of the organization’s mission. Kendra earned her BFA from Millikin University and an MFA in Theatrical Design from Rutgers University, and lives in Reno, Nevada.