Beyond the Stage

Kym Chambers Otto

Arts Educator, Professional Actor, Singer & Dancer

Kym received a Masters in Vocal Performance from New York University and BA from St. Olaf College. Originally from California, Kym relocated to the Twin Cities after living in New York City for a decade. Kym works as a professional actor/singer/dancer and has toured with the Broadway Tours Cats, Cinderella, and The Wizard of Oz. Regionally she has worked at prestigious companies such as Kansas City Starlight, TUTS, TOTS, North Shore, Ogunquit Playhouse, Kansas City Rep, Casa Manana, Bushnell PAC and Ordway CPA . Kym is actively involved in developing New Work with Nautilus Music Theatre. She has sung with The St. Olaf Choir, The World Youth Choir, Vocalessence and is a founding member of “Chick Cheer” entertaining over the holiday season.

When Kym is not performing she runs a successful private voice studio (NATS member), choreographs for Musical Theater, is a show choir clinician/adjudicator and a Lead Spotlight Evaluator for Hennepin Theater Trust‘s Theater Education Outreach Program. Her students have gone on to NYU, Vitterbo, UW Stevens Point, U of M Duluth and Twin Cities, University of Oklahoma, Coastal Carolina, UCLA, Northridge, Hartt School of Music, Millikin University, St. Olaf, Luther, Concordia, Gustavus and BYU. Kym has strong ties to the Broadway community and has recently curated Q and A sessions with Broadway Artists to connect with her MT studio students.

While at NYU, Kym worked as a Graduate Assistant in MT and was in charge of all new student inquiries and ran auditions for all incoming students. This provided a unique opportunity to see the audition process from the inside of a highly regarded MT program.

Ordway Artists in Communities.

Chops Inc.

Helping school and community drumming groups access festivals and competitions

Chops Inc. is where music, culture, and energy come alive! We’re all about integrity, excellence, personal growth, and building a strong community through the power of music & performing arts. . At Chops, students don’t just learn music—they experience it! Our programs are designed to inspire creativity, boost confidence, and make every performance unforgettable. Working alongside top professionals and organizations throughout Minnesota, we’re here to uplift and empower young musicians, especially in underserved communities. With Chops, kids get more than lessons—they get a movement, a family, and a stage to shine!

Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program

Deondre' Carter

Passionate drummer, educator, clinician, composer, and director, dedicated to inspiring and uplifting the next generation of musicians.

Deondre’ Carter is a dedicated drummer, educator, composer, and clinician from Richmond, Virginia, committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians. A proud alumnus of Virginia State University’s Marching Trojan Explosion drumline, “Drum-Phi,” he now serves as Vice President of Snare S.I. Phi, Inc. and is a member of Mu Phi Sigma National Percussion Fraternity. Dre is also an Endorsed Educator Artist with Salyers Percussion and Beetle Percussion, highlighting his excellence in performance and education.

As a lead composer for VSU’s Drum-Phi, Dre creates innovative warmups, features, and solos used by programs across the Americas. He is a sought-after clinician, traveling nationwide to provide expert training and support for drumline programs. In his role with Chops, he collaborates with community and school-based drumlines in the Twin Cities, introducing HBCU and show-style traditions to local youth. His work blends cultural relevance with artistic excellence, empowering students through music and opening doors for success on and off the field.

Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program.