About
Us
Our Founders
Jaymee Schaben
Founder & Executive DirectorJaymee Schaben is a premier Producer, Vocal Director, and the Founder and Director of Stage Presence, a leading theater and music school expanding its footprint across the San Francisco Bay Area. Based in San Francisco, Jaymee has over a decade of experience as a vocal coach and serves as the Executive Producer and Head of the Voice Department, overseeing and producing all of the studio’s mainstage shows alongside a robust lineup of in-school and after-school productions and classes.
A highly trained vocalist and educator, Jaymee studied Musical Theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and polished her technique at the Matt Farnsworth Vocal Studio in New York City. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business with a concentration in Voice from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where she graduated summa cum laude.
Since founding Stage Presence in 2016 in San Jose, Jaymee has scaled the organization from an intimate vocal program into a full-scale, multi-faceted theater company, and is currently expanding its celebrated programming directly into San Francisco. Her innovative contributions to the arts education community include launching a specialized mentorship and student-teaching program for current college students aspiring to be theater educators, as well as developing early-childhood music enrichment curricula for local preschools.
Having produced and vocal directed dozens of youth productions across the region, Jaymee is a fierce advocate for all youth. Under her leadership, Stage Presence has become a celebrated, safe, and inclusive space for students with diverse diagnoses and learning needs. Jaymee remains deeply dedicated to her core mission: empowering every young performer to find their unique voice—both on stage and in life.
Jaymee has just launched our San Francisco music school location & productions. She is available for voice lessons virtually or in San Francisco.
Joe Schaben
Co-founder & Instrument TeacherJoe built and launched the instrument program, which focuses on technique, ear-training, and music theory fundamentals. He is a multi-instrumentalist who was born and raised in the city of Las Vegas. Joe attended the College of Southern Nevada, where he won numerous awards as he completed his Associates Degree in Drum Set Performance, while also privately studying jazz piano, and saxophone. Joe also has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music Performance, with an emphasis in saxophone/multi-woodwinds. During his time at UNLV, Joe was a member of UNLV’s prestigious Jazz Ensemble I, which won numerous awards from Downbeat Magazine, as well as Jazz Times Magazine. In addition, Joe has also had the opportunity to perform live with many incredible players, such as trumpeter Kenny Rampton from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, drummer Butch Miles from The Count Basie Orchestra, drummer Gregg Bissonette from Ringo Starr’s All-Star Band, among others.
As an educator, Joe spent 4 years as a percussion technician for multiple high schools in the Las Vegas valley. Since moving to the Bay Area, Joe has spent time working with both public and private school music programs, and is currently working as a music teacher for Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School in Saratoga, CA.
Joe has limited openings for Drums and Woodwinds.
Meet Your Instructors
Milo Mee
Head of Marketing, Director & Voice/Acting Coach at our Rose Garden Location & Online.Milo Mee began his artistic journey right here in san jose! After graduating from
San Diego State University, where he earned a degree in Musical Theatre and Marketing, he was overjoyed to join the Stage Presence team! During his time at SDSU, Milo developed a deep love for storytelling that challenges, uplifts, and connects communities. Recent on stage
credits include Mark in Rent Rent, Melchior in Spring Awakening, Vladimir in
Waiting for Godot, and Tom in the Box Out Bullying National Tour. Behind the scenes he helped as Assistant Stage Manager for Carrie, Assistant Director for Hadestown Teen Edition, and Co-Director of Descendants the Musical.
Alex Govan
Guitar Teacher at our Rose Garden Location and Online.Alex Govan is a Bay Area guitarist and music educator with a background in jazz, contemporary music, and improvisation. He began teaching at the Carmel Youth Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea while still a student at Carmel High School. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and an alumnus of the Monterey Jazz Festival Summer Jazz Workshop and Stanford Jazz Workshop, he currently teaches at The Harker School and has worked with students of all ages in guitar, bass, ukulele, and ensemble performance. His teaching emphasizes creativity, strong musicianship, and confidence through music.
Anika Iyer
Summer College Teaching Artist in Residence. Coach Anika will be doing a semester abroad and then will rejoin us in January 2027 as a virtual vocal coach! Anika Iyer is a singer, songwriter, and producer who grew up in the Bay Area. She is currently pursuing a BFA at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in NYU. She loves performing around the city, learning piano/guitar/drums, and making songs on Ableton. Outside of music, she enjoys dancing, walks with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
She is so excited to be a part of the team at Stage Presence and teach this summer!
Melanie Flanagan
Virtual Voice/Acting Coach, Director, & Muppet Expert.Melanie Flanagan is a Houston-based musical theater teaching artist who loves to combine music and movement to create stories with aspiring artists of all ages. From imagination play with kindergarteners, to teen conservatory acting classes, to choreography with senior citizens, Melanie delights in sharing theater arts with anyone who’ll say “yes, and…” She’s been teaching with Theatre Under The Stars in their engagement and conservatory programming since 2019, and developed and led an ensemble class for students with disabilities through TUTS' River program. In 2025 she joined the Alley Theatre's team of teaching artists, combining her love of theatre and science in Houston classrooms and summer camps. She also led the early childhood music program for Vivaldi Music Academy and tutors middle school math and science. Recent credits include composing and choreographing two original plays with the Houston Community College Performing Arts Program. Before she moved to Houston in 2018, she worked with Lincoln Center and The Little Orchestra Society in New York City, creating and managing interactive theatrical experiences for a variety of audiences. She has produced and directed performances across the United States, collaborating with opera singers, movie stars, aerialists, giant puppets, and marching bands. She's excited to be back with Stage Presence!
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Students, Trusted by Parents.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
“Niveda has been taking vocal lessons at Stage Presence for the past five years, and it has been an incredible journey. She looks forward to every class and has grown tremendously as both a singer and performer.
The instructors bring deep knowledge of music and theater, and their dedication to each student's growth is evident in every production. Through Stage Presence, our daughter has participated in 10–12 musical theater productions, gaining valuable experience and confidence on stage. Beyond vocal training, the team also worked closely with her on acting skills and dialogue delivery for a drama production, helping her successfully earn a role in the play.
A special mention goes to Jaymee, whose passion and commitment are truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to create an inclusive and supportive community where every child is given the opportunity to step into the spotlight and shine. Her attention to detail, organization, and dedication to each production are remarkable.”
— Swapna B., Parent
“
“Stage Presence has been a constant part of our lives for so many years. Jaymee and the team have made a space for my daughter to be comfortable and be herself through positivity, encouragement, and performances. Their priority of providing a welcoming space for their students to gain experience and opportunity to learn and grow has truly helped my girl be more confident both on and off the stage.”
— Stephanie B., Parent
“
“Our daughter has flourished with Jaymee and Stage Presence. Beyond growing tremendously as a singer and performer, she has gained confidence, discipline, and a true sense of belonging. The supportive community of talented, kind kids, along with the expertise and encouragement of Jaymee and her team, have made this an incredibly positive and enriching experience for our whole family."
— Julia B., Parent
“
One Studio. Major Opportunity and Education. Huge Heart.
