Sayaka Yamamoto and Elza Hofeld

Sayaka Yamamoto (they/them) is an arts educator, actor, and artist born and raised in DC. A former Theatre Lab Teen Program student, Sayaka has found their way back to The Theatre Lab as an educator and now serves as a beloved faculty member for our youth and teen programs. They teach and also assist in directing The Theatre Lab's renowned Musical Theatre Institute for Teens. Sayaka is passionate about storytelling and community. With over 10 years of dance and movement experience, as well as training from the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s BA program they look forward to continuing to grow as an educator alongside the students and staff at The Theatre Lab.

Elza Hofeld (they/them) is a talented DC creative whose past educational productions include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Their directing work spans a range of classics and new pieces, including Little Women: The Musical with TAP, Measure for Measure and A Christmas Carol with Riverside Community Players, and original works with Broken Slate Productions. In addition to directing, they have contributed to productions in diverse creative capacities, serving as Puppet Captain for Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins with the City of Fairfax Theatre Company. As a playwright, their adaptation of The Little Match Girl was recognized as a National Semi-Finalist at the Kennedy Center Theatre Festival. Their stage management credits include working as Assistant Stage Manager for both Deaf West Theatre and the Shakespeare Theatre Company.