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Our Staff
Cyndi Monroe
Executive Director
Hollee Cool
Artistic Director + Director of Education
Sue Green
Production Manager
Sallie Griffin
Assistant Director of Education
Sallie Griffin is an alumnus of Christian Arts and Theatre, and her personal journey attests to the profound impact this theater can have on its students. With a tenure of seven years as one of CAT's dedicated performing arts educators, Sallie brings both her expertise and heartfelt passion for arts education to the forefront of her teaching.
Sallie's enthusiasm is most palpable when she's working with the children of CAT, where she derives immense joy from nurturing their artistic potential. In addition to her time at CAT, Sallie has had the privilege of pursuing an 18-year professional performance career in Southern California. Along the way, she's had the honor of portraying roles such as Little Edie in Riverside Repertory's production of "Grey Gardens" and Rosemary Pilkington in Candlelight Pavilion's "How to Succeed In Business [...]," among others. Her commitment to the craft and her dedication to nurturing young talent are qualities that she brings to the CAT community, hoping to enrich the experience for all involved.
Sallie Griffin is an alumnus of Christian Arts and Theatre, and her personal journey attests to the profound impact this theater can have on its students. With a tenure of seven years as one of CAT's dedicated performing arts educators, Sallie brings both her expertise and heartfelt passion for arts education to the forefront of her teaching.
Sallie's enthusiasm is most palpable when she's working with the children of CAT, where she derives immense joy from nurturing their artistic potential. In addition to her time at CAT, Sallie has had the privilege of pursuing an 18-year professional performance career in Southern California. Along the way, she's had the honor of portraying roles such as Little Edie in Riverside Repertory's production of "Grey Gardens" and Rosemary Pilkington in Candlelight Pavilion's "How to Succeed In Business [...]," among others. Her commitment to the craft and her dedication to nurturing young talent are qualities that she brings to the CAT community, hoping to enrich the experience for all involved.
Heather Reithmeier
Director of Vocal Eductaion + Private Lesson Coordinator
Heather is thrilled to be joining CAT Corona's staff in the roles of Director of Vocal Education, Director of CAT Chorale, and voice teacher. Mrs. Reithmeier brings a long history of experience as an award-winning classical soprano and more than 15-years' experience as a vocal educator in private and public schools, and in higher education. Currently, Heather is on the faculty of the Orange County School of the Arts, Classical Voice Conservatory where she has designed and taught classes for middle school and high school singers and teaches for the Patrick and Mary Dirk Vocal Scholarship Program. Heather continues to nurture her own passion for singing and performance and is the resident soprano at Tustin Presbyterian Church.
Heather is thrilled to be joining CAT Corona's staff in the roles of Director of Vocal Education, Director of CAT Chorale, and voice teacher. Mrs. Reithmeier brings a long history of experience as an award-winning classical soprano and more than 15-years' experience as a vocal educator in private and public schools, and in higher education. Currently, Heather is on the faculty of the Orange County School of the Arts, Classical Voice Conservatory where she has designed and taught classes for middle school and high school singers and teaches for the Patrick and Mary Dirk Vocal Scholarship Program. Heather continues to nurture her own passion for singing and performance and is the resident soprano at Tustin Presbyterian Church.
Shawna Rumbaugh
Operations Manager
Shawna is passionate about the performing arts and has been involved in many productions with various theater companies around the Inland Empire. She is a mother to three girls, whom she is proud to homeschool.
Shawna is passionate about the performing arts and has been involved in many productions with various theater companies around the Inland Empire. She is a mother to three girls, whom she is proud to homeschool.
Mike Mulligan
Technical Director
Mike is THRILLED to join the expanding CAT family as Technical Director! Some past partnerships include designing for Julie Taymor, Tommy Tune, world famous theme parks, multiple CLO’s and regional theaters, commercials, and live events! Entertaining is one of his first loves and every so often, jumps back onstage with his amazing wife Kristin, and maybe someday, his two wonderful children Pepper and Ford!
Mike is THRILLED to join the expanding CAT family as Technical Director! Some past partnerships include designing for Julie Taymor, Tommy Tune, world famous theme parks, multiple CLO’s and regional theaters, commercials, and live events! Entertaining is one of his first loves and every so often, jumps back onstage with his amazing wife Kristin, and maybe someday, his two wonderful children Pepper and Ford!
Kristin Mulligan
Social Media Manager
With more than 20+ years in the professional entertainment industry as an actress and vocalist, Kristin is excited to be joining CAT using her other talents in the world of media and design! Kristin has extensive experience as a graphic designer in the theater world, having created album covers and websites for some of your favorite Broadway artists! Currently, Kristin is a media producer of educational content for the University of Massachusetts Global, where she not only gets to create educational videos, but is able to use her voiceover and on-camera talents as well.
With more than 20+ years in the professional entertainment industry as an actress and vocalist, Kristin is excited to be joining CAT using her other talents in the world of media and design! Kristin has extensive experience as a graphic designer in the theater world, having created album covers and websites for some of your favorite Broadway artists! Currently, Kristin is a media producer of educational content for the University of Massachusetts Global, where she not only gets to create educational videos, but is able to use her voiceover and on-camera talents as well.
Gioia Cali
Office Assistant
Gioia, a proud CAT alum, is excited to now be part of the staff! She cherishes the sense of community and family that CAT brings to musical theatre. Passionate about the technical side of productions, Gioia is looking forward to helping with The Lion Club. During her time as a performer at CAT, she gained invaluable skills from her teachers, and now she's eager to continue learning as she works alongside them. As a musical theater performer, her favorite roles include Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business. When she's not at CAT, you can find her working at her family's restaurant or indulging in her love for crafting!
Gioia, a proud CAT alum, is excited to now be part of the staff! She cherishes the sense of community and family that CAT brings to musical theatre. Passionate about the technical side of productions, Gioia is looking forward to helping with The Lion Club. During her time as a performer at CAT, she gained invaluable skills from her teachers, and now she's eager to continue learning as she works alongside them. As a musical theater performer, her favorite roles include Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business. When she's not at CAT, you can find her working at her family's restaurant or indulging in her love for crafting!
Our Class Instructors
Audrey Birdsall
Acting, Musical Theater, Lions Club Director
Audrey Montague grew up in Seattle, Washington, where she performed in theatres across the Puget Sound for six years before moving to Southern California to pursue acting full time. She graduated from AMDA College of the Performing Arts in May 2020 with a focus in acting for both the stage and screen. Since then, she has been fortunate to work on multiple short films, theatre over Zoom, and voiceover projects, but she’s excited to see theatre happening in person again! This is first semester teaching at CAT, and she is already looking forward to many more.
Audrey Montague grew up in Seattle, Washington, where she performed in theatres across the Puget Sound for six years before moving to Southern California to pursue acting full time. She graduated from AMDA College of the Performing Arts in May 2020 with a focus in acting for both the stage and screen. Since then, she has been fortunate to work on multiple short films, theatre over Zoom, and voiceover projects, but she’s excited to see theatre happening in person again! This is first semester teaching at CAT, and she is already looking forward to many more.
Emilio Pichardo
Voice | Musical Theater
Emilio has been studying under various masters of vocal pedagogy for 7 years now with an Associates Degree in both Music and History. Emilio is a performer with the Westminster Chorus as well as The Seventh Variety quartet with an international 1st place medal and an international 3rd place medal respectively. Emilio’s goal and aspiration is to get your kids singing as calmly and as freely as possible while using your new techniques to enhance the art beneath the surface of the song.
Emilio has been studying under various masters of vocal pedagogy for 7 years now with an Associates Degree in both Music and History. Emilio is a performer with the Westminster Chorus as well as The Seventh Variety quartet with an international 1st place medal and an international 3rd place medal respectively. Emilio’s goal and aspiration is to get your kids singing as calmly and as freely as possible while using your new techniques to enhance the art beneath the surface of the song.
Hannah Ruston
Lion Club
Hannah Ruston is a Vocal Performance major at California Baptist University. She is classically trained in voice with musical theater as her emphasis. Although her primary instrument is voice, Hannah also has experience in teaching and playing piano, woodwinds, strings, and brass instruments. Ruston has performed in multiple musicals such as Addams Family, Grease, Hairspray, and has performed in Donizetti’s opera, L’elisir d’amore as “Gianetta”. She is also a session singer in LA and has recorded soundtracks for companies such as Disney’s Pixar. Hannah is excited to teach, guide, and share her musical experiences with her students, and looks forward to working with them.
Hannah Ruston is a Vocal Performance major at California Baptist University. She is classically trained in voice with musical theater as her emphasis. Although her primary instrument is voice, Hannah also has experience in teaching and playing piano, woodwinds, strings, and brass instruments. Ruston has performed in multiple musicals such as Addams Family, Grease, Hairspray, and has performed in Donizetti’s opera, L’elisir d’amore as “Gianetta”. She is also a session singer in LA and has recorded soundtracks for companies such as Disney’s Pixar. Hannah is excited to teach, guide, and share her musical experiences with her students, and looks forward to working with them.
Mario Adurias
Acting, Improv + Sketch Comedy
Mario is an actor, filmmaker, director, and teacher who studied Theatre and Film at University. He works for the Riverside Unified School District and has been teaching at CAT for a few years. He believes instilling children with a passion for the arts and education can help make them confident, well-rounded people. His favorite acting credits include Chris in All My Sons, and Ferdinand in The Tempest. His favorite directing credits include West Side Story and Peter and the Starcatcher. Outside of teaching he enjoys new experiences and making art.
Mario is an actor, filmmaker, director, and teacher who studied Theatre and Film at University. He works for the Riverside Unified School District and has been teaching at CAT for a few years. He believes instilling children with a passion for the arts and education can help make them confident, well-rounded people. His favorite acting credits include Chris in All My Sons, and Ferdinand in The Tempest. His favorite directing credits include West Side Story and Peter and the Starcatcher. Outside of teaching he enjoys new experiences and making art.
Rachel Solorio
Musical Theater
Rachel feels blessed to work with the kids and staff at CAT! She earned a bachelor's degree in theatre arts at Cal State Fullerton and then participated in a work study program through Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has performed in shows throughout Southern California, and danced at the Disneyland Resort in many parades, special events and Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular. She also performed in the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular! Rachel has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is currently working towards combining her passions of the arts and mental health.
Rachel feels blessed to work with the kids and staff at CAT! She earned a bachelor's degree in theatre arts at Cal State Fullerton and then participated in a work study program through Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has performed in shows throughout Southern California, and danced at the Disneyland Resort in many parades, special events and Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular. She also performed in the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular! Rachel has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is currently working towards combining her passions of the arts and mental health.
Rebekah Mitchell
Tap
Rebekah grew up in Southern California and began dancing at the age of 3. She started teaching dance at the age of 14 and has over 26 years of teaching experience at multiple studios in Southern California and master classes throughout the United States and Australia.
Rebekah was a member of Riverside Children’s Theater. After graduating from RCT, she served as a tech and the Saturday class dance aide until she was hired as the Saturday class dance teacher. Over her time on staff with RCT, she choreographed three plays (Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland).
In 2001, Rebekah auditioned and was hired for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. She danced with The Rockettes for 15 years, 5 of those years as a Swing. She had the privilege of performing in the original cast of the New York Spring Spectacular choreographed by Tony Award Winning Director/Choreographer Warren Carlyle and Mia Michaels. Other performances include America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, Rachael Ray, The Today Show, and Live with Kelly.
After retiring from the Rockettes in 2015, Rebekah now lives in Riverside, California with her husband Steven and two children Storyanne and Marvel. They are in the process of adopting their foster baby who they have had since birth later this year. Rebekah recently choreographed “Grease” at Martin Luther King High School and very proud of the cast for a job well done.
Rebekah grew up in Southern California and began dancing at the age of 3. She started teaching dance at the age of 14 and has over 26 years of teaching experience at multiple studios in Southern California and master classes throughout the United States and Australia.
Rebekah was a member of Riverside Children’s Theater. After graduating from RCT, she served as a tech and the Saturday class dance aide until she was hired as the Saturday class dance teacher. Over her time on staff with RCT, she choreographed three plays (Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland).
In 2001, Rebekah auditioned and was hired for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. She danced with The Rockettes for 15 years, 5 of those years as a Swing. She had the privilege of performing in the original cast of the New York Spring Spectacular choreographed by Tony Award Winning Director/Choreographer Warren Carlyle and Mia Michaels. Other performances include America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, Rachael Ray, The Today Show, and Live with Kelly.
After retiring from the Rockettes in 2015, Rebekah now lives in Riverside, California with her husband Steven and two children Storyanne and Marvel. They are in the process of adopting their foster baby who they have had since birth later this year. Rebekah recently choreographed “Grease” at Martin Luther King High School and very proud of the cast for a job well done.
Sallie Griffin
Play Production Class
Sallie Griffin is an alumnus of Christian Arts and Theatre, and her personal journey attests to the profound impact this theater can have on its students. With a tenure of seven years as one of CAT's dedicated performing arts educators, Sallie brings both her expertise and heartfelt passion for arts education to the forefront of her teaching.
Sallie's enthusiasm is most palpable when she's working with the children of CAT, where she derives immense joy from nurturing their artistic potential. In addition to her time at CAT, Sallie has had the privilege of pursuing an 18-year professional performance career in Southern California. Along the way, she's had the honor of portraying roles such as Little Edie in Riverside Repertory's production of "Grey Gardens" and Rosemary Pilkington in Candlelight Pavilion's "How to Succeed In Business [...]," among others. Her commitment to the craft and her dedication to nurturing young talent are qualities that she brings to the CAT community, hoping to enrich the experience for all involved.
Sallie Griffin is an alumnus of Christian Arts and Theatre, and her personal journey attests to the profound impact this theater can have on its students. With a tenure of seven years as one of CAT's dedicated performing arts educators, Sallie brings both her expertise and heartfelt passion for arts education to the forefront of her teaching.
Sallie's enthusiasm is most palpable when she's working with the children of CAT, where she derives immense joy from nurturing their artistic potential. In addition to her time at CAT, Sallie has had the privilege of pursuing an 18-year professional performance career in Southern California. Along the way, she's had the honor of portraying roles such as Little Edie in Riverside Repertory's production of "Grey Gardens" and Rosemary Pilkington in Candlelight Pavilion's "How to Succeed In Business [...]," among others. Her commitment to the craft and her dedication to nurturing young talent are qualities that she brings to the CAT community, hoping to enrich the experience for all involved.
Sarah Babakhani
Theatrical Makeup + Lion Club Stage Manager
Sarah Babakhani is so excited to be at CAT and working with such talented youth and dedicated parents! Sarah is a California Baptist University alum who has worked with local companies as a stage manager, designer, and makeup artist for over 10 years. She is also a House Manager and Technician at The Box Theater in downtown Riverside. Her favorite shows she’s worked on (so far) have been stage managing Oklahoma! At the Redland’s Bowl; Hair & Makeup designing for Courtyard Shakespeare Festival’s productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest; and working as a local crew member on the Riverside stop for the Broadway Tour of Beautiful, The Carol King Musical.
Sarah Babakhani is so excited to be at CAT and working with such talented youth and dedicated parents! Sarah is a California Baptist University alum who has worked with local companies as a stage manager, designer, and makeup artist for over 10 years. She is also a House Manager and Technician at The Box Theater in downtown Riverside. Her favorite shows she’s worked on (so far) have been stage managing Oklahoma! At the Redland’s Bowl; Hair & Makeup designing for Courtyard Shakespeare Festival’s productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest; and working as a local crew member on the Riverside stop for the Broadway Tour of Beautiful, The Carol King Musical.
Our Private Lesson Instructors
Bryan Richardson
Private Vocal Instructor
Bryan Richardson is a professional actor, musician, director, and vocal coach who studied Music and Theatre Arts at California Baptist University. He is a Christian Arts and Theatre alumni, serves as the music director of the CAT Ambassadors, teaches performance classes and private voice lessons, and is the Director of Performing Arts at Crossroads Christian School in Corona. He believes that all children and young adults should have the opportunity to experience the performing arts in a healthy and nurturing environment. In his off-time, Bryan loves to hike, cook, play video games, and catch up on the latest show with his wife, Gabrielle Richardson. He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support and love. Philippians 4:6-9
Bryan Richardson is a professional actor, musician, director, and vocal coach who studied Music and Theatre Arts at California Baptist University. He is a Christian Arts and Theatre alumni, serves as the music director of the CAT Ambassadors, teaches performance classes and private voice lessons, and is the Director of Performing Arts at Crossroads Christian School in Corona. He believes that all children and young adults should have the opportunity to experience the performing arts in a healthy and nurturing environment. In his off-time, Bryan loves to hike, cook, play video games, and catch up on the latest show with his wife, Gabrielle Richardson. He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support and love. Philippians 4:6-9
Courtney Ladd
Private Vocal Instructor
Courtney is an alumni of CAT who has been teaching vocal lessons for over 8 years. She received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from California Baptist University, where she is now Director of Academic Operations in the School of Music. Courtney enjoys hiking and karaoke on her days off. Some of her favorite roles include Sour Kangaroo (Seussical), Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray), and Rusty (Footloose).
Courtney is an alumni of CAT who has been teaching vocal lessons for over 8 years. She received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from California Baptist University, where she is now Director of Academic Operations in the School of Music. Courtney enjoys hiking and karaoke on her days off. Some of her favorite roles include Sour Kangaroo (Seussical), Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray), and Rusty (Footloose).
Gabrielle Richardson
Private Acting Instructor
Gabrielle Richardson is a professional actor, designer, teacher and director. She holds a degree in Theatre with a concentration in both performance and technical elements from California Baptist University and is currently an adjunct professor with the CBU Theatre department. Gabrielle served as the secretary for the Inland Theatre League for two years and has taught private acting lessons with CAT since 2016. She has a passion for teaching students of all ages about the magic of creating a character, and telling memorable stories. For fun she enjoys trips to the farmers market, playing with her nephews, cuddling with her two cats Milo and Izzy, and cooking with her wonderfully talented husband, Bryan. 1 Cor. 13:7."
Gabrielle Richardson is a professional actor, designer, teacher and director. She holds a degree in Theatre with a concentration in both performance and technical elements from California Baptist University and is currently an adjunct professor with the CBU Theatre department. Gabrielle served as the secretary for the Inland Theatre League for two years and has taught private acting lessons with CAT since 2016. She has a passion for teaching students of all ages about the magic of creating a character, and telling memorable stories. For fun she enjoys trips to the farmers market, playing with her nephews, cuddling with her two cats Milo and Izzy, and cooking with her wonderfully talented husband, Bryan. 1 Cor. 13:7."
Hannah Ruston
Private Vocal + Piano Instructor
Hannah Ruston is a Vocal Performance major at California Baptist University. She is classically trained in voice with musical theater as her emphasis. Although her primary instrument is voice, Hannah also has experience in teaching and playing piano, woodwinds, strings, and brass instruments. Ruston has performed in multiple musicals such as Addams Family, Grease, Hairspray, and has performed in Donizetti’s opera, L’elisir d’amore as “Gianetta”. She is also a session singer in LA and has recorded soundtracks for companies such as Disney’s Pixar. Hannah is excited to teach, guide, and share her musical experiences with her students, and looks forward to working with them.
Hannah Ruston is a Vocal Performance major at California Baptist University. She is classically trained in voice with musical theater as her emphasis. Although her primary instrument is voice, Hannah also has experience in teaching and playing piano, woodwinds, strings, and brass instruments. Ruston has performed in multiple musicals such as Addams Family, Grease, Hairspray, and has performed in Donizetti’s opera, L’elisir d’amore as “Gianetta”. She is also a session singer in LA and has recorded soundtracks for companies such as Disney’s Pixar. Hannah is excited to teach, guide, and share her musical experiences with her students, and looks forward to working with them.
Rachel Solorio
Private Dancer Instructor
Rachel feels blessed to work with the kids and staff at CAT! She earned a bachelor's degree in theatre arts at Cal State Fullerton and then participated in a work study program through Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has performed in shows throughout Southern California, and danced at the Disneyland Resort in many parades, special events and Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular. She also performed in the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular! Rachel has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is currently working towards combining her passions of the arts and mental health.
Rachel feels blessed to work with the kids and staff at CAT! She earned a bachelor's degree in theatre arts at Cal State Fullerton and then participated in a work study program through Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has performed in shows throughout Southern California, and danced at the Disneyland Resort in many parades, special events and Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular. She also performed in the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular! Rachel has a master's degree in counseling psychology and is currently working towards combining her passions of the arts and mental health.
Sanlyn Carter
Private Dance + Voice Instructor
Sanlyn is so excited to start working with you on your dance journey. Sanlyn has choreographed several shows and has taught dance all over the Inland Empire. She has worked at the Disneyland Resort in Mickey and The Magical Map as Princess Tiana. Sanlyn also appeared Off Broadway in Revelation the Musical directed by Dustin Ceithamer and produced by Melissa Mollner. She has also worked at Legoland, CA as a performer as well. Sanlyn has been in several musical theatre productions as well, her favorite roles include Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie. Dynamite/Dancer in Hairspray, and Narrator in Joseph…. Dreamcoat. She also runs a successful voice studio. And she is currently working towards her voice teacher certification through the Institute of Vocal Advancement.
Sanlyn is so excited to start working with you on your dance journey. Sanlyn has choreographed several shows and has taught dance all over the Inland Empire. She has worked at the Disneyland Resort in Mickey and The Magical Map as Princess Tiana. Sanlyn also appeared Off Broadway in Revelation the Musical directed by Dustin Ceithamer and produced by Melissa Mollner. She has also worked at Legoland, CA as a performer as well. Sanlyn has been in several musical theatre productions as well, her favorite roles include Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie. Dynamite/Dancer in Hairspray, and Narrator in Joseph…. Dreamcoat. She also runs a successful voice studio. And she is currently working towards her voice teacher certification through the Institute of Vocal Advancement.
Tayler Mettra
Private Acting Instructor
Tayler is thrilled to be joining CAT Corona! She grew up in Orange County, CA where she attended and later taught at the Orange County School of the Arts. She then received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the esteemed Elon University, NC. Tayler has been seen performing all over the country and at the Disneyland Resort/California Adventure as a principal vocalist. Notably, Tayler has performed with Tony Award Winners Lindsay Mendez and Alice Ripley as well as Tony Nominee Susan Egan. She also lends her voice talents to Beat by Beat press and recently recorded the audio book “Just A Name” by Becky Manson. You can also hear her on the “Sining in the Rain Jr.” album. Tayler is passionate about the art of storytelling and loves teaching and encouraging students of all ages!!
Tayler is thrilled to be joining CAT Corona! She grew up in Orange County, CA where she attended and later taught at the Orange County School of the Arts. She then received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the esteemed Elon University, NC. Tayler has been seen performing all over the country and at the Disneyland Resort/California Adventure as a principal vocalist. Notably, Tayler has performed with Tony Award Winners Lindsay Mendez and Alice Ripley as well as Tony Nominee Susan Egan. She also lends her voice talents to Beat by Beat press and recently recorded the audio book “Just A Name” by Becky Manson. You can also hear her on the “Sining in the Rain Jr.” album. Tayler is passionate about the art of storytelling and loves teaching and encouraging students of all ages!!
Madisen F., Teacher
CAT is for kids with dreams who want to express themselves and be who they are
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