MEET THE TEAM
Alice Cowan
FOUNDER & CEO
VOICE / ACTING / DNA ACADEMY / DNA TOTS
Originally from Manchester, England. Alice now lives in sunny Palmdale with her wonderful husband and four beautiful daughters.
She began performing at the age of 8 and after high school was accepted into Sir Paul McCartney's prestigious LIPA (The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) where she received her formal training in Musical Theater and Song Writing. After graduating she performed with various UK and European touring companies. Performing as 'Princess' in Aladdin, 'Cosette' in Les Miserables, 'Hannah' in the UK premier of Hannah's Aura and 'Story Teller' in Children of Eden. Her work was mainly in the field of Musical Theater but she also enjoyed her time working within the Film, TV and commercial modeling world.
In 2010 she accepted a contract with Universal Studios in Japan and worked there for 5 years, during which time she performed in over 15 different roles, most noticeably; 'The Bride of Frankenstein', 'Marilyn Monroe', 'Princess Fiona', 'Cinderella' and 'Lead Singer' in The Hello Kitty Pop Show. In addition to Universal Studios, Alice also worked for various other production companies in Japan, her roles included. 'Kathy' in The Last 5 Years and 'Woman 1' in Songs for a New World. During her time in Japan Alice found her passion for producing and directing. She directed her first play The Vagina Monologues in 2013 and went on to direct an additional two musicals, produced a series of popular musical review shows entitled 'International Artist Night' and became an established presence in the entertainment scene.
Alice also found her 'True Love' in Japan - in the form of a handsome young man named DaJuan Cowan - A Los Angeles native who's dashing good looks and incredible talent stole her heart! The rest they say....is history!
Alice re-located to Palmdale in 2015 and was hired as the Theater Manager for The E-PAC where she enjoyed immersing herself in the local theater scene of the AV.
Alice began teaching private vocal and acting lessons in 2018 and what started as a small group of just four eager students, has since grown to the DNA STUDIOS we know today.
While still a working Actress represented by FSE Talent Agency in Los Angeles, Alice's passions now lie in educating and empowering the next generation of super stars!
She thinks of her students as an extension of her own family and truly loves the thriving community of performers that DNA STUDIOS has become.
DaJuan Cowan
CO-FOUNDER
VOICE / ACTING / GUITAR / BASS / MUSIC PRODUCTION
DaJuan Cowan is a singer/songwriter/ producer from Los Angeles, California. As a child, DaJuan was raised by parents David and Daphene who were singers in the Los Angeles based gospel group; The Young Messengers who would often open concerts or sing background for such Gospel music superstars as The Winans, Reverend James Cleveland, and The Hawkins Family. At age 7 DaJuan began singing in the contemporary gospel group, The Souls of Zion, which consisted of his older brother David Cowan, Jr. and friends Warryn and Joi Campbell. The Souls of Zion quickly gained notoriety by singing at churches, conventions, and concerts all of over the state of California, and eventually were invited to open concerts for their musical heroes; The Winans, The Clark Sisters, and Commissioned.
After graduating from high school DaJuan was accepted to and attended The University of California at Santa Barbara where he eventually graduated with a B.A. degree in Sociology. During his last quarter in college DaJuan received admission into Universal/Interscope Record's internship program where he worked in the Promotions and Marketing department, and was able to learn the business aspects of the entertainment industry as well as study many genres of music. DaJuan has since gone on to take on many sides of the entertainment industry which include; appearing as a principal actor in films such as "Dream Girls" and "Guess Who", television shows such as "The Steve Harvey Show" and "Cedric the Entertainer Presents"; commercials for such brands as Pepsi, McDonalds, Warner Brothers, and as a featured Print and Commercial model for the Apple Ipod.
DaJuan has worked as a producer and songwriter for independent and major label artist and production teams such as The Stereotypes (Fantasia, Justin Beiber, and Far East Movement), 1500 (Nas, Jay-Z, T.I.) and The Heavyweights (Pussy Cat Dolls, 98 Degrees, Neyo). In 2009 DaJuan was hired as a singer/ musician for Wayne Brady's highly successful show "Making It Up" at The Venitian Hotel in Las Vegas. While performing and touring with Wayne Brady DaJuan also began producing and writing songs for Mr. Brady's forthcoming sophomore album. DaJuan also produced and co-wrote the song "I Love That Girl" and played bass on "If Your Heart's Not In It" from Grammy Award winners' All-4- One's No Regrets album. In 2010 DaJuan accepted a contract to work as a singer and lead vocalist in a tribute show for the late Michael Jackson; Forever The King of Pop at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. In January of 2011 DaJuan was signed to Japanese based record label Peoples Records. It was in Japan where DaJuan met, dated, and married the love of his life, Alice Cowan.
Currently DaJuan uses his range of God- given talents serving as an instructor for a Sound Engineering and Music Production program at Eastside High School in Lancaster, California. He also teaches Voice, Guitar, Bass, Acting, and Song Writing/Production here at DNA STUDIOS. DaJuan engineers all recording sessions and oversees all recorded production at DNA STUDIOS RECORDINGS, and provides original music which is mixed and mastered in our recording facility for a range of clients in marketing, film and tv, social media influencer, and sync and licensing spaces.
TRAVIS MELROSE
VOICE / PIANO / COMBO / TRUMPET
Finishing his degree in Music Education at California State University, Northridge with an emphasis in choral music,
Travis Melrose has lived and breathed music and performing for most of his life. A first-generation musician, Travis started his music career playing trumpet at the age of 11 and has continued for the last 16 years, playing for different ensembles in orchestra’s, jazz groups, solo performing, and small cafe bands.
He transitioned his music focus to singing 10 years ago and became classically trained with adaptabilities to many styles of music including rock, country, swing, musical theater, and opera.
His favorite moments in music includes a first ranked trumpet position in the Southern California Tournament of Roses Honor Band at the 2012 New Years Rose Parade, a 2015 summer choral tour in Bulgaria, and staged musical roles as Grease’s Danny Zuko and Hairspray’s Link Larkin.
Travis has worked in the education field for the last 8 years, including positions as an AVID Tutor for Quartz Hill High School, a program supervisor for Innovation Education at Gregg Anderson working with 80+ elementary children and overseeing a staff of 12 that consisted of mostly work-study high school students.
He currently is the Creative Director for Desert Bloom Marketing, serving clients such as The BLVD Association and Destination Lancaster; as well as the Assistant Music Director, Audio/Video Tech, and Youth Worship Band Director for Diamond Bar United Church of Christ. Occasionally Travis serves as a music coordinator for productions by Fashionate Rhythm and Dance Entertainment Company.
Other experiences include print modeling, brand ambassador, event performer and more.
“I am extremely excited to join the DNA family. Music Education is my true passion and is routed from the desire to bring people of all ages together. I run my life based on a code of communication, transparency, and comradery. I consider everyone that is placed in my life to be part of a bigger family. I look forward to adding new students to that family and providing an environment full of fun, compassion, and of course…MUSIC!”
-Travis Melrose
CIERRA GOODEN
VOICE / PIANO / COMBO / DNA ACADEMY
Cierra is so excited and proud to join the DNA family. Ms. Cierra recently graduated with her Masters in Music with a specialty in vocal performance and music education from San Francisco State University. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, Cierra performed in many operas both on stage and behind the scenes. She was chosen to be the vocal director for San Francisco State University’s theatre department as their vocal director and coach for the production of the musical, “Rent”
Cierra has also been cast in several productions throughout the Antelope Valley, as well as in Los Angeles since the age of 12. Some of her favorite roles have been Squeak in “The Color Purple”, Yonah in “Children of Eden” as well as being an ensemble member in five operas produced by a branch of the LA Metropolitan Opera. As much as Cierra loves performing, she truly loves sharing her passion for The Arts by teaching the next generation of artists. Cierra is proud to be part of this team and looks forward to helping others by Dreaming, Nurturing and Aspiring.
ETASHA CASTON
VOICE / ACTING / DNA ACADEMY
Etasha is a professional actress, director, singer, and creative from Palmdale, Ca. From an early age, Etasha found her passion for creative work. Her love of this craft began with dance then molded itself into a broader appreciation for The Arts.
An Alumni from Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts who learned the importance of helping others pave their own way into this industry with brilliant networking skills, focus and confidence.
She may be familiar to Central Coast audiences. Most recently seen as “ Zoe” in Slo Repertory Theatres Reading of The Niceties and “ Aouda “ in Around the World in 80 Days. Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s Production of The Little Mermaid and The Sound of Music. As well as a Storyteller in Rocky Ross’s The Reboot, StoryTelling Reimagined.
She is also an accomplished Director with credits including; Assistant Directed Palmdale Repertory Theatre's production of Roger’s and Hammersteins Cinderella. Pacific Conservatory Theatres 10 minute play festival director for 2019 and 2020. As well as director for virtual Childrens theatre production of The Boardroom. She will be Directing Palmdale Repretory Theatres upcoming production of Head Over Heels fall of 2024. Etasha loves her role as Acting/Vocal coach for DNA STUDIOS and her work with DNA Academy - she is excited to help her students achieve their dreams!
MAKENNA HERTZ
VOICE / DNA ACADEMY
Ms Makenna began as a student of DNA Studios and is so excited to be joining the coaching staff this year!
She began dancing at the age of 3, and since then has performed in numerous recitals and as a Principal Dancer in Ballets including Nutcracker, Cinderella, Snow White, and many more. She began competing by the age of ten and holds awards in hip hop, tap, and contemporary choreography.
Makenna became a teacher at age 18 and is a much loved coach at several dance studios here in the AV.
Music and singing has always held a special place in Makenna's life and a couple of years ago she took the leap into the professional world of Theatre. MaKenna's first professional role was as Elsa in the City of Lancaster's Magical Boulevard Christmas event. Makenna is also a proud member of the worship team at the Highlands Church where she sings, plays guitar and just got promoted to Youth Worship Leader.
MaKenna has a great appreciation for The Arts and the transformative power they have had in her own life. She has over ten years of experience and is so excited to share her knowledge and to help be apart of each student's growth into amazing performers!
DEIRDRE STEWART
VOICE / ACTING / TRIPLE THREAT
ANDREW JOHNSON
DRUMS / PERCUSSION
Andrew is thrilled to be a part of the DNA Fam!
Since he could walk, he had a pair of drum sticks in his hands. His father played a big role in teaching him what he knows today. Throughout all 4 years of high school, his passion for drums grew through his involvement in band. Starting from the bottom his freshmen year, he quickly began to move up year by year. Becoming section leader over the drum line his junior year and earning a spot on the 2017 Tournament of Roses Honor Band marching in the New Years Day Parade in Pasadena CA as the Herald Snare. Closing out his high school career, he was invited back on for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Honor Band. A graduate of QHHS, he received the prestigious 'Dean Chamberlin' award presented by renowned director John McQuilkin, After a truly successful music career in High School, he then went on to begin his career as a professional musician and coach and is already making a name for himself within the industry. He is a valued and much loved member of the Music and Worship department at Rushing Wind Church in Lancaster CA. He has had the opportunity to be a part of UPCI Socal District events and youth conferences. He credits God for the things that he has been able to accomplish, be a part of , and for the things to come.
Andrew loves teaching and is more than ready to share his passion and talent with the new generation of drummers and musicians!
TRIENNA BROWN
ASSISTANT
The original DNA voice and acting student, Trienna Brown began voice and acting lessons with DNA Studios when she was 10 years old. Trienna has been able to perform in all of the DNA shows from the very first show! She has been involved in local theater cast in productions such as: CST Disney's Frozen Jr. (snow chorus/ensemble) , PRT Disney's Mary Poppins (dance corps/ensemble), All Together Now (dance ensemble/vocal ensemble) and more! She has also been training in multiple styles of dance including musical theater since she was 2 years old. She is currently on her 12th year on the competition dance team at AV Dance Studio 81 where she is also an assistant dance teacher. She is currently a high school student and also attends Antelope Valley College (where she is pursuing her AA in Dance). She aspires to be a Broadway performer and hopes to attend AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) to pursue a BFA in Performing Arts with a dance concentration. She is very excited to join the DNA staff as an assistant and impact the lives of young performers.
