STAFF
DIRECTOR - MRS. KAREN BUSSEAN
Karen Bussean is an accomplished music educator and director with a passion for teaching and inspiring her students who 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.
In 2012, she joined Mokena School District 159 as the band and musical director and drama coach, where she teaches Symphonic Band and Cadet Band. Mrs. Bussean also dedicates her time to extracurricular activities such as the Drama Club and the Spring Musical. She made history in 2016 by bringing the first-ever musical to Mokena Jr. High School and has since continued to direct productions there. She was also the director of the spring musicals at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School from 2020 to 2023.
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. Mrs. Bussean is also actively involved in supporting and enhancing music programs in her community. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family.
DIRECTOR - MISS AIMEE JARZEMBOWSKI
Aimee Jarzembowski 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 2019, 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.
MUSIC DIRECTOR - MR. GAVIN HARPER
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 3-12th.
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!
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 3-12th.
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!
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.
SET CONSTRUCTION/SCENIC ARTIST - MR. TIM BEARINT
Mr. Tim Bearint, along with his wife, Beverly, are familiar faces around SOD. Their children, John and Anna, have been involved in dance and theater since 2017.
Mr. Bearint brings his artistic talent to SOD, creating backgrounds and set pieces for Alice in Wonderland Recital, Annie, Seussical, Spamalot, High School Musical, Music Man, Newsies and, with the help of others, the unforgettable tree from Into the Woods, may it rest in peace.
Over the past two years "Not my Tim's" carpentry skills have grown from non-existent to mediocre under the tutelage of "My Tim" and a host of other skilled volunteers. Mr. Bearint's greatest skill is team building, fostering the can do community attitude that makes Street of Dream's crew of volunteers into a family.