STAFF

DIRECTOR - MRS. KAREN BUSSEAN
[email protected]

Karen Bussean is an accomplished music educator and director with a passion for teaching and inspiring her students, having joined the Street of Dreams Theatre program in 2020. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 1990 and has over three decades of experience teaching music. In 2019, she earned her iTheatrics Level 1 certification in Musical Theater and attended the Broadway Theater Workshop in 2020.

Currently, Mrs. Bussean serves as the Director of Festivals and Fundraising for Accent Performances, where she brings her expertise in music and education to a broader platform. She also is the Musical Director at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School, where she continues her work directing musicals since 2020.

Her dedication and creative approach to teaching have earned her numerous accolades, including the Illinois Theater Association's Award of Excellence in Creative Drama and Theater for Young Audiences. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family.

​

DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER - MISS AIMEE LABRIOLA
​[email protected]

Aimee Labriola found her joy and drive for performing at the young age of three. Since then she's been dancing, singing, and acting her way to her dreams. She is a 2013 graduate of Western Illinois University with a BFA in Musical Theatre/Dance. She is currently faculty at Street of Dreams Dance Studio in Mokena, IL in which she teaches Musical Theatre, Tap, Lyrical, Ballet, and Tot Classes to children ages 2-18. She is also the vocal coach at Street of Dreams.

She co-founded Street of Dreams Theatre in 2013. In 2020, Aimee received her iTheatrics Level 1 certification in Musical Theater and attended the Broadway Theater Workshop in 2020 and 2023. She has also choreographed many productions for schools in the Chicago Suburbs. She has attended and led a workshop at the Illinois Bi-Annual Community Theatre Festival. But her most important award to date is the Illinois Theater Association's Award of Excellence in Creative Drama and Theater for Young Audiences. 

​When not directing or choreographing for Street of Dreams, she finds joy in still performing herself. Some favorite roles include Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Sandy in Spongebob the Musical, Jan in Grease, Wendy Jo in Footloose, Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, Cast in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and Martha in High School Musical.

She hopes to share her love for theatre and the arts to kids worldwide and help them become triple threats. 

DIRECTOR/MUSIC DIRECTOR - MR. GAVIN HARPER
[email protected]

Gavin Harper is thrilled to be a part of the Street of Dreams team! Gavin comes with over a decade of music directing and teaching experience. Gavin is an active musician, performer, and educator. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Vocal Music from the University of Valley Forge and a Masters in Music Education with a focus in conducting from Old Dominion University. 

Gavin taught elementary music for four years producing and writing multiple original musicals for the students. He is currently a Conductor for Uniting Voices Chicago, directing the neighborhood choirs and in-school choir programs for grades 3-8th.

Gavin is not only a teacher and educator, but he loves being on stage and has over a dozen musical theater credits to his resume. He has also worked behind the scenes and has been the music director for multiple musicals. His favorites include: Footloose, Shrek! The Musical, & The Drowsy Chaperone. Gavin's goal in life is to help empower young artists to achieve their dreams in the arts!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ACTING COACH - MISS EMMA LUNDQUIST
​[email protected]

Emma Lundquist has always had a deep rooted love for musical theatre. Though she has been involved in many shows with Street of Dreams Theatre, she had the honor of officially joining the team in 2024, with her first show as Assistant Director being Les Miserables School Edition. 

Emma’s journey in musical theatre began at age 13, where she played Star-To-Be and Bonnie Boylan in Annie Junior. She then joined the tap ensemble of 42nd Street with Lincoln Way East High School. After an almost ten-year hiatus from the stage, Emma returned as Dr. Madden in Next to Normal with Street of Dreams Theatre—an unforgettable experience in their first-ever adult cast show, and her favorite role to date.

As an Acting Coach, Emma is driven by a passion for helping young performers gain confidence and individuality on stage. She believed in the transformative power of theatre and is incredibly excited to play a part in inspiring the next generation of talent at Street of Dreams Theatre. 

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR/SET DESIGN - MR. TIM BUSSEAN

Tim Bussean is a dedicated individual with a lifelong commitment to theatre and architecture. He started in the theatre industry in 1984 and quickly developed a fascination with the technical aspects of productions. He has become a respected technical director and master carpenter, collaborating with theatre groups of all ages. He also has a talent for nurturing young talent, dedicating a significant portion of his career to community theatre programs.

Teaching is another important aspect of Mr. Bussean's career. He has been sharing his extensive knowledge and skills with aspiring young artists and set builders for over 30 years. In addition to his work in theatre, he also has a passion for architecture. He works for an architectural firm in downtown Chicago, utilizing his expertise in design and construction. He also teaches architectural courses at the college level.

The highlight of Mr. Bussean’s theatre career was working in Chicago’s own Steppenwolf Theatre Company as part of the production team on "The Duel" back in the early 2000’s.  
​
Mr. Bussean met his wife at a show for a community theatre production back in 2001 in Tinley Park where he was the technical director/set builder.  Outside of work, Mr. Bussean enjoys spending time with his family and exploring new places.
​