KIDSTAGE
Spotlight on KIDSTAGE Fall Class Teachers
Mackenzie Malhotra and Renee Robinson are two shining examples of KIDSTAGE teachers who are incredible educators and artists. Many of our teachers work professionally in the performing arts as a career. We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on them and their exciting classes!
Meet Fall Class Teacher Mackenzie Malhotra
Mackenzie Malhotra, KIDSTAGE Fall Class Teacher in Issaquah.
Q: What do your students say they love most about their KIDSTAGE classes?
It is my teaching philosophy that students are capable of more than they think they are. During my classes, they love that they are being challenged, and leave feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Q: Sure, you’ll get better at whatever skill you’re practicing like acting, singing, or dancing—what other good stuff do students get out of a KIDSTAGE class?
Through the nature of what dance is, students learn to let go of instant gratification. Last year in my classes, each student had a stretch/flexibility goal. When we reflected on this at the end of the year, many students said they learned that developing skills and achieving goals takes time, and they learned to stick with it–even if they weren’t seeing results after one day. This is a lesson that is certainly valuable in life, not just in theatre and dance.
Q: What are some things you do to create a space in which every student feels comfortable and welcome, regardless of skill level?
I think the space I create all stems from my teaching philosophy. I truly believe that each student is capable. When they see that I believe them, it helps them start to believe in themselves.
Q: What activities or skills are you most excited for your students to learn?
This year in my Saturday Dance Tap class, my students will be learning original choreography to the opening number of 42nd Street. It’s high energy, fun, and teaches strong foundational skills that are executed at an advanced level. Plus, it’s always fun to add to your original choreo repertoire!
Mackenzie’s Issaquah Class
Dance Essentials: Jazz and Tap
7th – 12th grade
Students will be placed in Jazz 1 or Jazz 2, and Tap 1 or Tap 2, during the first few weeks of class.
About Mackenzie
Mackenzie Malhotra (she/her)
Mackenzie is in her eighth year teaching with Village Theatre KIDSTAGE. She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, and is a dance instructor, choreographer, and performer. You may have seen her perform on the Village Theatre stage in The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes or in the Beta production of Miss Step. You may have also seen Mackenzie’s choreography here at KIDSTAGE in Les Miserables, Addams Family Young @ Part or the Holiday Cabaret. She has choreographed at Reboot Theatre, SecondStory Rep, Renton Civic Theatre, Tahoma High School, Nathan Hale High School, and with EDGE Performing Arts and Dance, and will be playing Billy this fall in Reboot’s production of Anything Goes.
Meet Fall Class Teacher Renee Robinson
Renee Robinson, KIDSTAGE Summer Camp Teacher in Everett.
Q. What do your students say they love most about their KIDSTAGE classes?
The number one thing I hear from my students is that they love coming to class to spend time with their friends doing what they love. It is incredible to be part of a team that focuses on building community and friendship through the lens of music, dance, acting – theatre!
Q. Sure, you’ll get better at whatever skill you’re practicing like acting, singing, or dancing—what other good stuff do students get out of a KIDSTAGE class?
Community, friendship, confidence – so many skills students take with them into everyday life. I’ve always said if you can stand in front of total strangers, put your heart on your sleeve and sing, there’s nothing you can’t try. KIDSTAGE teaches kids to be brave, adventurous, and to just have a go!
Q. What are some particular things you do to create a space in which every student feels comfortable and welcome, regardless of skill level?
That element of community building is SO important. It’s so easy to sing loud and proud next to a friend, and it’s a lot less scary singing on your own for the first time when you’ve got your own personal cheer squad encouraging you!
Also, keeping things light and not taking things too seriously! Art, music, and theatre are about creation, not perfection, and the biggest win is always diving in and giving your best!
Q. What activities or skills are you most excited for your students to learn this session?
Although I am primarily a music instructor, I am a total sucker for acting games. I love watching students unlock new levels of creativity – they inspire me so much with their imaginations!
Q. How to you work with to students who are repeating a class?
Great news! No class ever repeats! Every session is fresh content, and I love to work closely with students to find out their goals. I strive to be flexible in my plans to include the skills, opportunities and songs they’d like to get out of it!
Renee’s Everett Fall Classes
Musical Theater: Broadway KIDS
3rd – 5th grade
Singing Essentials: Song & Monologue Coaching
5th – 8th grade
Musical Theater Workshop
6th – 10th grade
About Renee
Renee Robinson (she/her)
Renee began her musical journey at age 6 when she first picked up the violin. Since then, she has tried her hand (with varying levels of success) at a variety of instruments, until she fell deeply in love with the art of the voice. Performance began to dominate her passions, and her love for musical theatre led her to such roles as Madame Dubonnet (The Boyfriend), Maria (The Sound of Music) and Elphaba (Wicked). Renee began teaching voice lessons while she was a student at The University of Sydney, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. After moving to the US, Renee started her own singing business and began working with KIDSTAGE as a teaching artist in 2023. It is one of the greatest honors of Renee’s life to be able to spend her time with students singing and having fun, watching them build confidence and share in the joy of music!
Originally published September 12, 2025
