The John Davies Cultural Art Series was launched seven years ago with the opening of the CFA at Miami Country Day School, bringing world-class performers to our community. Featuring luminaries like Sir Ken Robinson, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and accomplished homegrown artists, the series has enriched the school’s cultural landscape, providing students and audiences with inspiring performances and thought-provoking experiences from globally recognized figures.
As the series evolved, it became clear that its most impactful element was the direct interaction between MCDS Arts students and world-class professionals. What began as an initiative to introduce renowned performers to our community has grown into a dynamic platform for deeper artistic and intellectual engagement, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation among our students, through our Arts faculty.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand these hands-on experiences, ensuring that young artists and thinkers have unparalleled opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. Since its launch in January, the John Davies Cultural Arts Master Class Series has quickly become a cornerstone of artistic enrichment at the CFA, offering students and faculty an immersive and transformative connection to the arts. MCDS Arts teachers and students are so grateful for and excited by the amazing opportunities our new series has created!
Dayna Stephens
Dayna Stephens is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator, recognized as the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star-Tenor Saxophone winner. He has released multiple albums, including Right Now! Live at the Village Vanguard (2020) and Liberty (2020), both produced by Matt Pierson, and leads projects like Pluto Juice, an electronic jazz fusion group. His distinctive melodic style and rhythmic innovation have earned praise from NPR and other critics, and he has performed at renowned venues worldwide. Over his career, he has collaborated with jazz legends such as Kenny Barron, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, and Wayne Shorter.
“I thought Dayna Stevens was very personable and taught me a lot about the EWI (electronic wind instruments). He was really responsive to students in the master class. I went to his performance after and he showed me all his gear and introduced me to other epic musicians. He offered to get in touch when I start playing saxophone!” —Jonas Janzon, Class of 2026
Nicholas Richberg (Class of ’96)
Nicholas Richberg is a Cuban-American award-winning producer, actor, and nonprofit executive, currently serving as Managing Director of Miami New Drama. Under his leadership, the company has produced numerous acclaimed productions, including 7 Deadly Sins, A Wonderful World, and The Cuban Vote. Previously, he was Managing Director of Zoetic Stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center, where he produced world premieres and award-winning works. A Drama League and Carbonell Award winner, he has also been recognized for his acting, holds an MBA from IE University and Brown University, and has been named a Miami Leader by the Miami Foundation.
“Getting to speak with Nicholas Richberg about the business of theater and performance was very insightful and gave me a new perspective on what it’s like to have a career in this field. His engaging and helpful tips on work and our own lives allowed me to feel more prepared for my upcoming years in college.” — Alba Haw Class of ’25
Anthony Fung
Anthony Fung is a Canadian-born drummer, composer, and producer based in Los Angeles, known for his performances at major jazz festivals and collaborations with legends like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Danilo Pérez. A graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute and Berklee College of Music, he has released multiple acclaimed albums, including Flashpoint (2018) and What Does it Mean to be Free? (2022). He has received numerous awards, such as the Angel City Jazz Festival New Note Commission Award and the Jazz Foundation of America Grant, and his compositions have been featured in films and TV series.
“It was awesome to meet him, learn from him, and make connections that will last a lifetime. I learned how to lock in with the bass and create a foundation for the band.” — Gabriel Robert, Class of 2026
Janet Dacal
Janet Dacal is an actress and singer best known for her roles in In the Heights, where she played Nina Rosario and Carla, and for originating the role of Alice in Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland. Born in Los Angeles to Cuban parents and later based in Miami, she began her career singing backup for Gloria Estefan before transitioning to theater. She made her Broadway debut in Good Vibrations (2005) and gained recognition in In the Heights, which won multiple Tony Awards and a Grammy. In addition to her dynamic Broadway career, she has performed in regional theater, concerts, and special events, earning a Carbonell nomination for Five Course Love.
“Janet Dacal carries herself through the world with compassion, and when she came to speak to us in class, her advice was meaningful, and her presence was felt. It was a privilege to work with Janet at MCDS, as she taught us insight on the theatre industry and life as an actor.” — Victoria Strauch, Class of ’27
Snarky Puppy
(Michael League, Justin Stanton, Chris Bullock, and Zach Brock)
Snarky Puppy is a genre-defying, Grammy-winning collective founded in 2004 by bassist Michael League, blending jazz, R&B, funk, and global influences. With a rotating lineup of up to 25 musicians, they have won five Grammy Awards—Best R&B Performance (2014) and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (2016, 2017, 2021, 2023). Many of their members have collaborated with major artists like Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, D’Angelo, Kirk Franklin, and David Crosby. They continue to push musical boundaries through their independent label, GroundUP Music.
“Snarky Puppy was one of the most enlightening Master Classes I’ve ever been to as a musician. It helped me learn how to intertwine the melody into my jazz solos on the guitar. The members of Snarky Puppy spoke to us in ways that were easy to understand. I felt that I grew as a musician and I continue to apply the skills I learned in my everyday playing.” —Luca Aceto, Class of 2027
Matt Burke
Matt is a seasoned actor, coach, and teacher with nearly three decades of experience performing on stages across the country and screens around the world alongside industry greats like Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Angela Bassett. Holding a BFA in Acting from Florida State University and an MFA from the University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program, he has trained with some of the most influential educators of his generation. His career spans theater, film, and television, including roles in 25 major motion picture and TV projects. Now based in Asheville, NC, Matt integrates acting, holistic practices, and spirituality to help aspiring performers and communities create more authentic, passionate, and purposeful lives.
“The experience of Matt Burke teaching us the Chekhov acting technique was amazing and really improved our idea of what it means to “be a performer”. He encouraged us to become better actors while also creating an enjoyable and encouraging atmosphere. His eagerness and support gave us the confidence to try new things pushing ourselves far beyond our comfort zones.” — Jordana Mutchnick, Class of ’27
Melissa “PK” Tonning-Kollwitz
Melissa, known as “PK” (Professor Kollwitz), is a former theatre professor who transitioned from academia in 2020 to focus on coaching actors and artists. As a multi-hyphenate, she has extensive experience as a playwright, director, choreographer, actor, and producer, with a passion for acting and voice coaching. She developed The PK Method, a system designed to fill gaps in traditional actor training by providing practical, repeatable techniques for expressive voice and bodywork. Additionally, she offers career and mindset coaching, helping artists build resilience, overcome performance anxiety, and develop a growth mindset to show up authentically in their craft.
“Working with PK was an enlightening experience that truly transformed the way we approached our accents and dialects for Sweeney Todd and our one-person shows. Their insight into the intricacies of speech, voice, and character was invaluable. PK’s approach isn’t just about teaching accents—it’s about understanding the deeper connection between sound, emotion, and identity.” Salome Benitah, Class of ’25
Amaris Rios (Class of ’20)
Amaris L. Rios is a singer and actor with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College. She has performed in numerous productions, including Falsettos (Charlotte), Cabaret (Fritzie), and Rent (Mimi Marquez), and was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 EVVY Awards. Trained in musical theatre dance, Linklater voice technique, and private coaching, she has honed her craft both in the U.S. and internationally. She brings versatility to her performances, along with expertise in multiple accents and dialects.
“Having alumni Amaris Rios come give a masterclass was truly an enriching experience. Not only was her energy infectious and positive, she helped our whole class with amazing techniques that impacted us all. Working with her allowed students to see their pieces in a new way and a lot of progress was made because of her!” — Lea Denain, Class of ’27
Aurora Molina
Aurora Molina is a Cuban-born, Miami-based fiber artist whose work critiques societal attitudes toward beauty, aging, and political issues. Using embroidery, sculpture, drawing, photography, and video, she explores themes of invisibility, particularly the marginalization of the elderly, and the growing disconnect in modern society. She uses fiber art as a statement on contemporary issues like political satire, climate change, and misinformation. A co-founder of Fiber Artists-Miami Association (FAMA), she is committed to advancing fiber art as a powerful medium for social commentary.
Having Ms. Molina come in to teach us felting was a really cool experience as someone completely new to the medium. I probably wouldn’t have even thought to try it had I not taken Runge’s fiber studio class or Ms. Molina’s felting workshop. It was a really fun activity, and I think, an awesome way to translate concepts/ideas into pieces of art. It was also an amazing opportunity to get to learn from and with a professional artist. — Z Loverde, Class of ’28
