Natalie Zanin; Sandy Roachford

Natalie is a writer, director and actor who has appeared on area stages for over 20 years.

Natalie researches and writes original historical theater pieces. She trains and costumes actors for events such as the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum’s 50 Years of the Space Age, and for the National Archives Sleepover at the Archives. She created an historical three-character drama for the hip-hop theatre artist, Holly Bass. She is a licensed tour guide and a tour developer. In 2001 she launched Historic Strolls, a company that combines historical walking tours with theatre to create a unique experience. She is the author and director of The Ghost Story Tour of Washington, DC’s longest running costumed/character-led tour and A Dickens of a Tour: Charles Dickens in Washington. She has appeared as a guest and expert on History Channel and Travel Channel and has told stories for Canadian and French television, NPR, CNN Radio, Washingtonian Magazine, Politico and others.

Other credits include Natalie’s one-woman show: Dolley Madison’s Washington and the original, interactive program Maryland, My Maryland: Early Maryland History in public schools and home schools. Natalie is the lead actor and guide for the International Spy Museum’s Spy City Tours. She teaches drama in after-school programs for public and home schools. She also appears as an expert witness for local law firms in mock trials.

With ArtStream, Natalie has worked as an assistant director and director with the Inclusive Theatre Companies, and has taught several classes. She also developed the Cabaret Company, which premiered in the 2017-2018 season.

Sandra has a BFA in dance from The Boston Conservatory of Music and an MA in dance from American University. She taught dance and creative movement in the Greater Washington DC area for 25 years, working with Imagination Stage, The Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, Iona Senior Services, and Arts for the Aging teaching creative movement to older adults. She also works with Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) teaching music and movement.

Sandra is currently working with Nancy Havlik’s Dance Performance Group. She has had previous performances with DPG in Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Philadelphia, PA; and New York, NY.

With ArtStream, Sandra teaches classes in schools and other provider organizations for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD). This work is highlighted in the Stone Soup Films production “DC Hero — Sandy Roachford.” She also works as a choreographer with Inclusive Theatre Companies.