Waymire Studio Philosophy

Through the ages, civilizations and cultures have been improved because actors dared to share their stories on stage and most recently, in film. In a collaborative effort, writers have provided the words and the actors have breathed life into their stories. We have the power to touch lives in a positive way and we have the power to make the world a better place through our art.

At Waymire Studio you will discover “truth in art”. You won’t find the “bells and whistles”. We don’t view ourselves as a business. We are a provider of services to anyone who is interested in learning about and experiencing personal growth through the performing arts. Our goal is to educate the public, particularly actors, on the joys of working in this noble profession we call “Acting”.

Acting is not therapy. However, it is therapeutic for many. It provides us an artistic outlet for discovery of self and of the world in general. It has been my personal goal, as owner of Waymire Studio, to enhance the lives of students who are courageous enough to walk the path of self-discovery as they share their hearts with their audience.

I honor the performing artist and I honor the art of performance. I remain committed to our mission of “Touching one life at a time through the Arts”.

Linda Waymire, PhD
Executive Director
Waymire Studio for the Performing Arts

Baby Max Strocchio was born at home arriving Monday morning April 12th at 8:37am.
He weighed in at 7lbs. 11 oz. and is absolutely adored by his proud big brother, Frankie.

Many of you have been keeping updated on the “Ellie Strocchio Story”.  We lost Ellie early in 2009 to a careless driver.  She had not yet reached her 4th birthday.  Ellie’s brother, Frankie, has been a Waymire Studio student for a couple of years now and one of our “adopted” sons.  Ellie was going to follow in big brother’s footsteps one day, but instead she was called to sing in the “Angel Choir”.  She is missed and forever in our hearts. 

Last year, Frankie went to his Mom, Taunya, and told her that Ellie had come to him at night to tell him he had a baby brother on the way.  Taunya, of course, thought that the loss of his sister was weighing on him and his mind was playing tricks on him.  It wasn’t long before she realized it was no trick.  There was a baby on the way.  Of course, Frankie knew all along.

“Max” is a beautiful gift to his family and to the Waymire family as well.  His birth sings of hope for the future and reminds us that goodness prevails. 

As the studio owner, I have had the privilege of getting to know this lovely family and feeling as though I’m a part of theirs.  Nothing in my career gives me greater joy than to share life with such wonderful people and to have the honor of working closely with their children.  I look forward to the day that “Max” does his first cold read and I’m guessing Frankie will get him started in “improv” in the meantime. 

Congratulations and continued blessings to the Strocchio family from all of us here at the Waymire Studios!

…Linda Waymire, Studio Director

In Loving Memory
Max’s Big Sister
Ellie Strocchio

Vocal Performance

Facilitated by

Karen Lewsader

Master’s in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University

Background in:
Vocal Music Program, Grand Canyon University
Opera Performance, Deanna Murray, MA Vocal Music
Music Performance, Concord College, Athens, WV

Professional and past experience:
Phoenix Police Honors Chorus, guest soloist
Bellevue Heights Church, soloist
Desert Sands Middle School
Glendale Community Chorus

•    Learn to breathe correctly for maximization of stamina
•    Practice vocal warm ups
•    Develop a repertoire
•    Maximize rehearsal techniques
•    Cultivate your stage personality
•    Charm your audience with a natural charisma
•    Get in touch with your “gut” for interpreting your pieces
•    Promote positive performance assets on stage
•    Tap into your talent to take the show
•    Participate in the Matlin Idol Expose’

Saturday Afternoons 1:30-4 pm
(Begins Soon – Dates TBD)

6 Saturdays of coaching
Tuition: $250

For more information on Karen, please email:
Kl417g@yahoo.com

So many of you have been so wonderful with prayers and offers to help the Strocchio family.  We finally have something that we can all do to help them during this trying time and it will only take a few minutes of your time.  Please get as many people as you can to assist them in keeping the man who killed their daughter off the streets.  The following was sent to me by Ellie’s parents:

We are so blessed to be surrounded by our family and friends.  You should know that your support and love give us bits of strength to take the steps we must as we try to begin moving forward.  So many of you are willing to help us with any need and we are grateful.  We have a need for you now.

We need you to write a letter for us.  We need as many letters as possible to go to the judge in this case.  You don’t have to send the letter to the judge, you can send it to us via email and we will deliver it to the judge on the appropriate court date.
Why do we need letters?

The judge will read EVERY letter that is sent.  Letters play an important role in court cases particularly at the time of bail changes and sentencing.  We want the judge to know that our community will not stand for behavior such as this.

We want you to know more about the man that hit Ellie and her Grandma (Ellie’s Grandmother is recovering at her home, but will face many challenges going forward due to her injuries and very likely will suffer permanent disability).  Know that this was no "mistake" this was a terrible choice he made. This man has a previous DUI (combination drugs and alcohol), and in the past has violated parole…the list goes on (this is public information).  His clear disrespect for the law makes him dangerous to our community. He has a history of making poor choices and has been doing so for years.  As we were all living our lives as good citizens the past several years, he was taking little bits from our community all the while.  He has been given TOO MANY chances.  He does not deserve to drive, or even walk among those of us who are safe, kind and compassionate. He poses a risk to those of us who everyday buckle our children securely into a car seat thinking that we are protecting them.

He has been arrested and sits in jail with a significant One Million dollar cash bond.  He is charged with 2nd degree murder, and aggravated assault (Joann-Grandma). Having him return to our community puts us all at risk.

This letter is regarding a motion by the defense to reduce his bail.  If it is reduced, he will be eligible for release. If he is released on bail, not only does he pose a serious danger to our community, we believe that he is also a flight risk. Based upon his history(AZ Supreme Court Case history-public record), we are concerned that he will continue making dangerous choices and will likely disregard the law and court restrictions as he has in the past.

When you write your letter you may address it Dear Judge Mc Coy or Your Honor.  Tell the judge about Ellie. Tell the judge about our family. Tell him/her who you are to us, friend, family or a family friend, co-worker, neighbor, etc.   Tell him how you see the effects of this accident on us. You can tell him how you feel and how it has affected you. Finally, be sure to tell him that you think this man should not be free to roam our streets.

Please remember to include your name, your city and or state and even your title. We want the judge to see where these letters are coming from and that all types of individuals are writing them.

ANYONE can write a letter.  Many of you have told us that you have friends and family that have heard and want to help.  They can help.  Please encourage them to write a letter. 

Not only will you be helping us for Ellie, but you will also be protecting your own children, your family.
Please email me with any questions regarding your letter. 

We will be asking for a similar letter regarding the sentencing trial as well and will let you know about that in the future.

Send letters to letters4ellie@yahoo.com

Thank you
Taunya and Frank Strocchio