Mandy

Onder

Educating

through

the

arts

✶

Educating through the arts ✶

My Mission

I believe in the power of the arts as a tool to connect generations through exploration, empathy, and laughter. Play-based learning is at the core of my teaching approach, with a STEAM-focus to foster creativity and critical thinking.

My Experience

I have over 10 years of experience as an educator in the theater arts and have put on dozens of productions aimed at guiding children to gain confidence as artists as well as supervising teams and creating curriculum. Here are some of my professional credits:

  • Education Manager/Director - Geyer Performing Arts Center

  • STEAM Teacher - Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette County

  • Center Director/Group Supervisor - Mt Lebanon Extended Day Program

  • Educational Coach - Primrose Schools Peters Township

  • Children’s Theater Director - Washington Community Theater

  • High School Musical Acting Coach/Stage Manager - Southmoreland School District

My Education

In an ever-changing world, educational approaches and strategies are always evolving. I am a committed life-long learner, and I embrace the unknown as an opportunity to grow with open arms. In 2025 I had the opportunity to take part in a two-day workshop for teaching theater artists through City Theatre Company and New York City Center due to the generosity of the Dianne Duursma Memorial Fund for Staff Advancement. I am forever grateful for the experience as this workshop reignited my spark for the arts!

Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre - West Virginia Wesleyan College, 2012

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education - West Virginia Wesleyan College, 2012

My Method

I believe that the theater arts aren’t just extracurricular, they are essential 21st-century skills. Through theater, students develop confidence in public speaking, learn to collaborate effectively, think critically, and tap into their creativity. They also build social-emotional intelligence and adaptability. Skills that shape them into empathetic, expressive individuals who thrive as part of a team.

In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced where screens are everywhere, theater keeps human connection alive. It gives students a space to listen, respond, and truly engage with one another and the world around them.

I am committed to using theater as a tool to equip students with the skills they need to connect, create, and succeed in today’s world.

“Mandy Onder is a multi-faceted educator who leads with her heart. She really takes the time to get to know each person she’s teaching. She has a unique way of understanding every person she’s in the room with and tailoring an experience that leaves everyone comfortable, safe, and satisfied. Every person is a star in her eyes and no one is treated unfairly or pushed to the side. She is kind and considerate, she fills every room she’s in with joy and laughter, and most of all she is passionate about teaching. I’ve never met someone who cares as deeply about teaching as she does. She IS the textbook definition of a teacher. Anyone would be lucky to work with her!

I met Mandy as a young green actor who was ready to dive into the world of theater and over about 5 years she taught me how to be a better actor, a director, a choreographer, a summer camp counselor, and a better person. I hold a wealth of knowledge from her that I try to share with others every day.”

- Layne Alexandra


My Students

“Mandy Onder is the reason I felt a sense of belonging as an actor. Mandy has the most beautiful heart and the greatest passion for teaching. She wants all of her students to excel in the educational space and beyond, and she continues to support her students from afar even when they have grown up. I’ve been lucky enough to know Mandy for 10+ years, and she has given me opportunities on and off stage that have shaped me into the person I am today. As an educator, Mandy has been committed to creating inclusive spaces from the ground up and puts her students first. She catapults her students to success. She is a masterclass in leadership and collaboration, and I am so grateful for her impact to this day.”

-Kate Cramer

“When I began in the world of community theater as an awkward homeschooled 11 year old, I had no clue how to act, what to do, or how much I would come to love it. The only reason I now know all of this is because of Mandy Onder. Working with her as an actor, a student and eventually a stage manager set me up to be the thespian and person I am today. She built my confidence, and pushed me to succeed even when I wasn’t sure I could. Miss Mandy was and is one of the greatest educators and people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with.”

-Michelle Coltura