At On Stage Theatrical Productions, our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower children and young adults through high-quality performing arts education and live theatrical experiences.
We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where students can develop their talents in theater, dance, voice, and performance while building confidence, creativity, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Through professional instruction, productions, and community programs, we strive to make the performing arts accessible to children and families throughout Fall River and the surrounding South Coast community, including those who may not otherwise have access to arts education opportunities. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and personal growth that the performing arts can provide.
On Stage Theatrical Productions is committed to enriching the community through the arts while encouraging self-expression, cultural appreciation, educational achievement, and a lifelong love of performance and creativity.
The vision of On Stage Theatrical Productions is to create a thriving and inclusive performing arts community where every child has the opportunity to discover their talents, build confidence, and achieve their fullest potential through the arts.
We envision a future where children and families throughout Fall River and the South Coast region have access to exceptional performing arts education, live theater experiences, and creative opportunities regardless of financial or social barriers.
Through theater, dance, voice, and performance, On Stage strives to inspire the next generation of artists, educators, leaders, and community members while fostering creativity, discipline, compassion, collaboration, and lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Our goal is to continue building a respected community arts organization that transforms lives, strengthens families, enriches the cultural landscape of the region, and empowers young people to shine both on stage and beyond.
Linda Mercer-Botelho is the Founder and Executive Director of On Stage Academy of Performing Arts and On Stage Theatrical Productions. For more than 40 years, Linda has dedicated her career to providing children with professional performing arts training in a safe, nurturing, and educational environment.
Linda studied Dance Education through the Boston Conservatory Teacher Certification Program and has continued her professional development through extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Dance Education. She has studied with nationally recognized educators including Charles Kelley and Frank Hatchett and has participated in professional intensives through the American Ballet Academy at Vassar College.
Under Linda's direction, thousands of students have received training in dance, theater, and voice while building confidence, discipline, creativity, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the stage. Her passion for arts education continues to inspire generations of young performers throughout the South Coast community.
Linda is a member of the JKSOM – Julie Kay Studio Owners Organization, as well as both the Dance Teachers Club of Boston and Dance Masters of America Chapter 5. Through these organizations, she continues to stay active in professional development, dance education, and industry training opportunities.
Roger Botelho Jr. serves as the Music Director and Voice Instructor for On Stage Academy of Performing Arts and On Stage Theatrical Productions. Roger works closely with students in voice, piano, musical theater, and performance preparation, helping young performers develop strong vocal technique, musicianship, and stage confidence.
Roger holds a Master's Degree in Special Education and brings both educational expertise and musical leadership to the organization. His supportive teaching style allows students of all experience levels to feel comfortable while growing artistically and personally.
In addition to directing music for productions and showcases, Roger has helped guide countless students through auditions, performances, and vocal development programs over the years.
Stacy Wong has been part of the On Stage family for many years as both a performer and instructor. She specializes in Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater Dance, and performance choreography.
Stacy attended Providence College where she was a member of the Providence College Dance Team. Her strong technical background, performance experience, and upbeat teaching style make her a favorite among students of all ages.
She is passionate about helping children develop confidence, teamwork, and strong dance technique while creating a positive and encouraging classroom atmosphere. Stacy has choreographed numerous productions, showcases, and competition performances for On Stage students.
Elle Gendreau is an accomplished performer, choreographer, and On Stage alumna who has grown up through the On Stage program. She has performed in numerous musical theater productions and special events throughout New England and has participated in performance opportunities at Walt Disney World.
Elle specializes in Musical Theater, Jazz, and Tap choreography and enjoys helping students connect storytelling with movement and performance. Her energy, creativity, and passion for teaching inspire students to work hard while enjoying the artistic process.
As both an instructor and mentor, Elle is dedicated to encouraging young performers to build confidence and pursue their goals both on and off the stage
Hillary Pavao serves as the Administrative Assistant for On Stage Academy of Performing Arts and On Stage Theatrical Productions. She works closely with students, parents, and staff to help keep daily operations organized and running smoothly.
Hillary assists with front desk operations, parent communications, registration support, scheduling, costumes, and event coordination throughout the year. Her welcoming personality, attention to detail, and dedication to the students and families of On Stage make her an important part of the organization.
Hillary is also a former On Stage student and graduate who began dancing at On Stage at the age of 5. Growing up through the program gave her a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts and the positive impact arts education can have on children and families.
In addition to her work at On Stage, Hillary currently works within the Fall River Public Schools system as a Speech Pathologist. Her background in education and communication, combined with her passion for youth development, helps create a welcoming and supportive experience for all students and families involved with On Stage Academy of Performing Arts.
Lisa Mailloux is an experienced dance educator and former studio owner with a lifelong dedication to dance education and the performing arts. Her extensive background in teaching, choreography, and studio leadership has made her a respected member of the dance community throughout the South Coast region.
Lisa has trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Dance Education and has participated in numerous professional development programs and teacher training conferences throughout her career. She is committed to helping students build strong technical foundations while encouraging creativity, confidence, and artistic expression.
Throughout the years, Lisa has worked with dancers of all ages and levels, sharing her knowledge, passion, and love of the arts with countless students. Her positive teaching style and dedication to quality arts education continue to inspire young performers both in and out of the classroom.
On Stage Academy of Performing Arts is proud to have Lisa as part of its extended performing arts family, where she continues to support and encourage the next generation of dancers and performers.
Azusa Okamoto was born in Kyoto, Japan, and began her training atthe age ofthree with the Fukutani Yoko Ballet Studio. Atthe age of 16, she was offered a full scholarship to attend the Victoria Academy of Ballet, where she graduated from the Post-Secondary Bridge Program, earning a diploma in Classical Ballet. Since moving to the U.S. in 2017, Azusa has performed numerous principal roles, including Sugar Plum, Snow Queen, Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Snow White in Snow White, Cinderella and Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, and Michaela in Carmen among others. She has danced professionally for 9years with Roxey Ballet, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and Syracuse City Ballet.
Hannah Miller is a vocal educator and performer passionate about helping singers of all ages develop healthy technique, confidence, and expressive storytelling skills. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Teaching Artistry and Music Education from New England Conservatory, where she focused primarily on classical voice while also pursuing training in musicaltheatre and contemporary styles. Hannah’s teaching approach emphasizes strong vocalfoundations, musical curiosity, and creating a supportive environment where students can grow as confident artists.
In addition to maintaining a private voice studio, Hannah has taughtthrough theatre camps, classroom settings, and organizations including Boston City Singers, Boston Hope Music, Fulton Theatre, Popovsky Performing Arts, and Servant Stage Company. She has worked with singers and performers of many ages and experience levels, both in individual instruction and collaborative rehearsal environments.
TAs a performer, Hannah has appeared in productions including Titanic, Dido and Aeneas, scenes from West Side Story, L'incoronazione di Poppea, and Die Zauberflöte. She has also performed as a soloistin recitals, concerts, and benefit performances throughoutthe Boston and Lancaster areas, including appearances with the Lancaster Symphony Choir
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