Arielle Kaplan is a New England-based theatre artist and Jewish educator with deep roots in her Manchester, NH congregation.
She earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Brandeis University and went on
to a 15-year career in musical theatre.
She is currently pursuing her cantorial ordination and MA in Sacred Music
at Hebrew Union College’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music.
She originated the title role in Miriam, co-written by her father Alan D. Kaplan,
Tom Anastasi, and Debbie Friedman z”l.
Arielle has served as a cantorial soloist at BJEP, Temple Adath Yeshurun, and
Codman Community Farm’s High Holiday services, and most recently worked
as the Mikveh Manager at
Mayyim Hayyim in Newton, MA.
She has taught Hebrew and music
in multiple settings and brings
to her cantorial studies a love of sacred ritual, performance, and education.
Arielle is an award-winning costumer,
sewist, Dungeons & Dragons player, and creator of the Jewish history video
series Spite! (and History).
She can often be found trooping as
Princess Leia with the Rebel Legion,
a charity costuming group of
Star Wars fans.
Education
Hebrew Union College: Expected Ordination 2030, Master’s of Sacred Music Expected 2029
Brandeis University: BA in Theatre Arts, Cum Laude, Dean’s List, Department Honors, 2010
National Honor Society, 2006
Tri-M Music Honor Society, 2006
Relevant Work Experience
Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh, January 2025-July 2025, Newton, MA
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As Mikveh Manager, run daily operations and functions of the mikveh
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Guide guests through their experiences at Mayyim Hayyim, including witnessing and sitting on the Bet Din for conversions
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Schedule guides for morning, afternoon, and evening shifts
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Work with the Programming Director to create, implement, and train guides on the new Calendly system
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Clean, restock, and supervise prep rooms and storage
Cantorial Soloist 2004-Present, Boston and North Shore Area, MA
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Provide vocal and guitar liturgical music to enhance Jewish life cycle events
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Teach Bar/Bat Mitzvah students prayers and melodies
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Create specialized services for Bar/Bat Mitzvot and their families
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Lead Erev Rosh Hashanah services in Concord, MA (Codman Community Farm) and Manchester, NH (Temple Adath Yeshurun’s family service).
Cohen Camp Pembroke, Summer 2009, Pembroke, MA
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Run dance department
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Choreograph and oversee the Jewish Arts Festival program
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Work as a bunk counselor and role model for eighth graders
Boston Area Jewish Education Program (BJEP) 2006-2015, Waltham, MA
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Teach contemporary and traditional Jewish music for grades one through seven
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Develop lesson plans for each grade
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Accompany the singing by playing the guitar
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Lead High Holiday services for families and students
Union for Reform Judaism Eisner Camp 2005-2007, Great Barrington, MA
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Work as a bunk counselor and unit songleader for grades 2-10
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Act as a role model for children
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Teach campers to play guitar
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Lead camp in nightly t’fillah
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Direct and choreograph camp musicals
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Part of the Olim Fellowship leadership, help create staff social justice programs
Manchester Jewish Community School 2001-2012, Manchester, NH
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Teach Jewish music to students grades one through six
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Educate fourth graders (2001-2002) in Jewish History
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Develop lesson plans appropriate for each age group
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Educate fifth and sixth graders (2011-2012) in T’fillah and Hebrew
Selected Professional Performance
Witness for the Prosecution...... Greta.................The Barnstormers
Babes in Arms.................................. Miriam ...............Berkshire Theatre Festival
Fiddler on the Roof......................... Hodel................. MCTP, NH
Comedy of Errors............................ Adriana............ Advice to the Players
Julius Caesar..................................... Portia................ Advice to the Players
Old Jews Telling Jokes.................. Debbi................ Regent Theatre, New England Premiere
Il Bastardo da Vinci........................ Albiera............... Firehouse Center for the Arts, World Premiere
The Last Five Years........................ Catherine......... Second Stage, NH
Miriam.................................................. Miriam................. MCTP, NH World Premiere
T: An MBTA Musical....................... Alice...................... The Rockwell
A Chorus Line................................... Val.......................... Tympanium Euphorium
Gypsy.................................................... Louise.................. Tympanium Euphorium
Internships and Leadership Positions
Olim Fellowship- URJ Eisner Camp- 2006-2007
501st Legion New England Garrison - Diversity and Inclusion Officer 2019-2024
Rebel Legion Alderaan Base - Executive Officer 2021-2022
Jewish Brigade of the Legion - 2018-Present
Published Work and Reviews
Article of a solo concert of the music of Debbie Friedman at Temple Beth Abraham, Nashua
(includes full length recording)
https://www.tbanashua.org/2023/12/an-evening-of-debbie-friedman-songs-performed-by-arielle-kaplan/
​
Spite! (and History): an educational series about Jewish history researched, written, and filmed by Arielle
https://www.tiktok.com/@inevitablebetrayal/playlist/Spite!%20(and%20history)-7111273429638105902
Awards
Costuming and Theatre
Best in Class Novice for original costume design, King George III, 2020
Honorable Mention in Performance, King George III, 2020
Best Recreation, Hannah Alexander Designs’ Fire Lord Azula, 2023
Best Use of Materials, Hannah Alexander Designs’ Fire Lord Azula, 2023
Judge’s Choice in Performance, Baroness Vex’ahlia, 2023
Judge’s Choice, Journeyman, Baroness Vex’ahlia, 2023
Top Three Finalist New Hampshire Theatre Awards, Cathy in The Last Five Years, 2011
Finalist New Hampshire Theatre Awards, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, 2012
Shem Tov Award, Temple Adath Yeshurun, 2004
References available upon request.