San Diego Junior Theatre: Shows: 2005-2006 Season : Artistic Staff

Our 58th Season of Shows
2005-2006

Junior Theatre Artistic Staff

Walter Allen Walter Allen recently moved to San Diego from the “Deep South,” specifically Northern Louisiana via Alabama. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and a Master’s Degree in Education, Walter taught high school English for two years before moving on to teach theatre arts at Bumpus Middle School in Hoover, Alabama for the past three and a half years. There, he developed a small after-school program of 20 students into an energetic Junior Thespian Troupe involving approximately 100 of the 1200 Bumpus students. While teaching, Walter spent his summers as the artistic director for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Musical Theatre Academy for students age seven to eighteen. At both his middle school program and the academy, he directed and choreographed productions such as Once on this Island, How to Eat Like a Child and Land of the Dragon. In addition, he wrote and directed several children’s shows including Wonderland High, a modern high-school adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice stories. Walter also worked with his students in both programs to co-write several full length productions including Day of Awakening, an Egyptian fable with a Monty Python-esque twist. During the school year, Walter has also been an active participant in community and educational theatres from performances in A Chorus Line and Damn Yankees, to director and choreographer of shows such as Oliver! and No, No, Nanette. Currently, Walter teaches Video Production at Eastlake Middle School. Since his move to San Diego, Walter has worked with Junior Theatre on such productions as To Kill a Mockingbird, Peter Pan, and Grease.

Sherri Allen is a San Diego-based actor, director, and teacher with extensive credits in both local and regional theatre. She holds a BA in Drama from San Diego State University, studied Shakespeare and British Theatre in London, interned as an actor at PCPA Theaterfest, and did graduate work in theatre on a full scholarship at Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Sherri also holds a teaching credential in English from California State University, San Marcos, and is a member of the San Diego Actor's Alliance. As an actor, she has worked with La Jolla Playhouse, Asolo Theatre Company, PCPA Theaterfest, Moonlight Stages, North Coast Repertory Theatre, the Old Globe Theatre's Education Department, Lamb's Players Touring Company, and Summer Repertory Theatre, among others, and was a performer and show captain at Legoland California for over three years. When not working in theatre, Sherri enjoys working with children who share her love for the arts. Besides working with all the wonderful students at San Diego Junior Theatre, Sherri is also a Teaching Artist with Playwrights Project, J*Company Youth Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, the Theatre School at North Coast Rep., and MiraCosta College. Additionally, Sherri has taught in the public school system and with San Diego Lyric Opera.

Steve Anthony has been singing and dancing professionally since he was eight. He's had the opportunity to work with such great director/choreographers as Gower Champion, Hal Prince, Tommy Tune, Peter Gennaro, Martin Scorcese and Graciella Daniel. Steve's most memorable moment was being chosen by Michael Bennet as one of the original 22 dancers to participate in a series of workshops which led to the production of "A Chorus Line". As a result, part of Steve's life story is portrayed in that hit show. Steve's other Broadway credits include SeeSaw, Spotlight, Rockabye Hamlet and The Act starring Liza Minelli. Theater in Old Town audiences will remember Steve as Tony Whitcomb in Shear Madness, Mr. Howell in Gilligan's Island, The Musical, Spike Spaldeen in the West Coast premiere of Song of Singapore and Sylvia St. Croix in Ruthless! Regionally, Steve has been awarded two Dramalogue Awards for Gangster #1 in Kiss Me Kate and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes at The Lawrence Welk Theatre. Other favorite regional theatre roles include: Cocky in The Roar of The Greasepaint, The Smell of The Crowd, The Emcee in Cabaret, the dentist in Little Shop of Horrors and Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Steve is a faculty member at Saddleback College and also teaches for the MFA Musical Theatre program at San Diego State University. He has also directed and choreographed extensively for San Diego Junior Theatre including this past summer's hit, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Bernard Baldan has credits at the Rep that include: A Christmas Carol, Red Noses, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, Tragedy of Tragedies, Scapin, Hold me, The Duchess of Malfi. Regional credits include: Blue in The Unseen Hand, Father Rivard in the west coast premiere of The Runner Stumbles, The Sunshine Boys for The Old Globe Theatre, The Boise Club for The Laguna Playhouse. Original member of the ITP - Improvisational Theatre Project for the Mark Taper Forum. Awards include: Old Globe Atlas Awards for lead and supporting roles, Drama Circle Award. Founding member of The San Diego Repertory Theatre, and Indian Magique. Created the role of Scrooge in the original Rep production. Author of The Boise Club, produced at the Laguna Playhouse and directed by Douglas Jacobs. United States International University School of Performing Arts -Acting/Directing.

Glynn Bedington

Cynthia Bloodgood is our new Technical Director. Cynthia enjoys building and designing a multitude of things, including scenery, quilts, and other creative objects. She studied languages and theater, and graduated with a BA in Technical Theater and Design from Brigham Young University. There she directed her theatrical pride and joy: an original script of C.S. Lewis' "The Magician's Nephew" in American Sign Language and spoken English. Her actual pride and joy is a little boy who likes to take her wrenches when she is doing lighting. Cynthia is learning how to juggle.

Lisha Brown

Victor Buono was born February 3, 1938 in San Diego, California, to Victor F. and Myrtle (Keller) Buono. As a child, he studied drama and participated in productions at San Diego Junior Theatre. He began working professionally as an actor in 1956, when he played in Volpone at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. After attending Villanova, he began work in television, where he had guest roles in several detective shows. Buono made a big screen splash in 1962 with his role in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? His performance as the underemployed and drunk musician Edwin Flagg won him an Oscar nomination. He acted in a wide variety of films, plays and television shows, including drama, mysteries, comedy, science fiction, horror, and westerns (spaghetti and otherwise). Buono could steal a scene with just a mischievous smirk, a wave of his hand, or a well-timed sigh. He was sought after for his wonderful voice and diction. He was also known for being large, six-foot four-inches tall and over 300 pounds. Buono wrote a book of poetry on the subject of being fat, and read his poetry on the comedy album Heavy! in 1972. One of his poems, Fat Man's Prayer, was a hit and is still often played on alternative radio. Many people remember him for his appearances on talk shows and the lecture circuit, but he was best known for the roles of "King Tut" in the Batman TV series. His career was short, as health problems stemming from his weight finally caught up with him. Victor Buono died January 1, 1982 at his home in Apple Valley, California.

Dave Carson Mr. Dave Carson was born and raised in beautiful S.D. and was introduced to the world of show business while working at Junior Theater, The J Company, Moonlight Amphitheater, Starlight Theater and other local groups. Dave has studied Shakespeare extensively with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and currently works as a teaching artist at The Old Globe in San Diego. He has studied voice, dance and acting in New Orleans, L.A., New York and London and is extremely excited to be sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of Junior Theater performers.

Becky Cherlin Baird is a native San Diegan who is the founding Artistic Director of The J*Company, an award winning children’s theatre company, at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla, California. Becky is a graduate of the University of Arizona, Theatre Arts Program. She traveled the country with the Broadway National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as the casting and choir director for the Dreamcoat Choirs. She is an alumni of Junior Theatre, 1979-1989, receiving the Bank of America scholarship in 1989. Becky has directed and choreographed several original musicals for youth written by award winning playwrights from across the country including; Number the Stars (based on the book by Lois Lowry), Hello, Tomorrow and Benjamin and Judah. In her spare time, Becky records voice-overs, jingles, performs on stage and freelance directs and choreographs. Becky is known as the 'Pied Piper' of Children’s Theatre.

Jason Connors has been working in theatre for the last ten years, beginning at San Diego Junior Theatre and moving on to the Playwrights Project where his own original plays started being produced. Since then he has worked with the Fritz Theatre, Sledgehammer, Actors Alliance, The Blank Theatre (LA), Planned Parenthood's IMAGES Theatre, Grossmont Stagehouse, Voices of Women, the JCC, and now the wonderful 6@Penn Theatre.

Desha Crownover is the Artistic Director at San Diego Junior Theatre where she has served as general manager, director, musical director, and teaching artist for the past ten years, co-founding SDJT’s Conservatory Program for aspiring high school artists . Desha has had the opportunity to direct, teach, and perform in San Diego for the past fifteen years where her directing work has been commended by such theatre notables as Edward Albee, Ming Cho Lee, and Timothy Near. She holds a Master’s degree in Theatre from SDSU and a B.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in Performing from UCSD. She has served on the teaching faculty of SDSU, Cuyamaca College, and Santa Fe Christian Schools. Some of Desha’s favorite directing credits for JT include The Miracle Worker, Twelfth Night, Our Town, and Blood Wedding. Her work as a playwright has been produced at UCSD, SDSU, and Santa Fe Christian Schools, as well.

Tony Cucuzzella Bio is coming soon.

Monica Dean Monica Dean is committed to making a difference in the community both on and off the air. Monica joined the NBC 7/39 news team in June 2004. Monica comes to San Diego from Bakersfield, Calif., where she anchored the weeknight 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts for the CBS affiliate KBAK and the news at 10 p.m. for the Fox affiliate KBFX. The Associated Press Television-Radio Association named Monica "The Best Television Spot News Reporter" in 2004. Monica received three Awards of Excellence from the Kern Press Club in 2003 and 2004 for best reporting series, best light feature and best serious feature. Monica Dean has lived and worked all over America, but California has always been her home. Raised in San Diego, she was actively involved in San Diego Junior Theatre and graduated from the University of San Diego High School. Monica earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of California at Los Angeles. She went on to earn her master's degree in journalism from the prestigious Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago where she was awarded that school's highest honor, "The Harrington Award," for excellence in achievement and for highest promise in broadcast journalism. Monica got her first on-air reporting job as the Washington D.C. political correspondent for WCAX, the CBS affiliate in Burlington, Vt. While in the nation's capital, Monica was also the television health reporter for an eight-station news group stretching across the United States. Monica began her news career in Los Angeles as a news desk assistant and production assistant at KTTV Fox 11 News, where she also assisted in the production of several Emmy-nominated half-hour special reports. Her career has included radio reporting for WKVT-AM in Brattleboro, Vt.; newspaper reporting for the daily newspaper of Hilton Head, S.C.; writing and producing for the online broadcast news Web site 1KTV.com. In her free time, Monica loves singing, sewing, exercising, biking and world traveling --- activities she shares with her husband and family members. Drop Monica a line: Monica.Dean@nbc.com.

Randi Driscoll is a professional singer/ songwriter/ pianist and composer who has shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Jason Mraz, Pat Benetar, Rufas Wainwright and numerous others. Her credits include performances at Lincoln Center, The Reagan Center in DC with Key Note Hillary Clinton, Paramount Studios, and the Place’ des Arts in Montreal. She has been awarded Campus Activities Magazine Female Performer of the Year 2004 and her music has been featured in films, commercials and the hit series Dawson’s Creek. The choral version of her anti hate benefit single “What Matters” was performed at Carnegie Hall, and the same piece has was featured in a commercial directed by Spike Lee. Randi tours extensively at colleges, clubs, festivals and corporate events. She has been a devoted teaching artist for ten years, teaching and directing in New York, San Diego and San Francisco. She also coaches over twenty personal piano/voice/ composition students. Randi is thrilled to be back at San Diego Junior Theatre, a place she loves to call home!

Torrie Dunlap Torrie Dunlap holds a degree in Theatre for Young Audiences from San Diego State University and served as Junior Theatre’s Education Director from 1993-2003. While at Junior Theatre she directed a number of productions including How to Eat Like a Child, Miss Nelson is Missing, The Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and Really Rosie and choreographed many others. Torrie spent 6 years on the Executive Board of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and chaired their national conference in 2001. Torrie has taught dance and drama at schools and studios all over San Diego County since 1987. Currently, Torrie is the Director of the National Training Center on Inclusion for Kids Included Together (KIT). She is thrilled to be spending her free time at Junior Theatre and in addition to teaching is directing this season’s production of Busytown.

Todd Durrance holds a BFA in theatre arts with emphasis in directing from Millikin University. Todd has been teaching and directing theatre since 1990 through his small company as well as teaching drama for two private schools. He also teaches adults beginning acting once a week for a program in Poway. Todd specializes in teaching acting, improv, mime & movement, directing and modern puppet techniques. He also has had the privilege to do professional technical work at La Jolla Playhouse, Starlight Theatre and Gas Lamp Quarter Theatre. He has an extensive background working with youth as a counselor for 10 years on a national youth crisis hotline. And enjoys helping youth use theatre to explore creative and innovative ways to share story with an audience. When he is not teaching theatre you might catch him subbing in one of San Diego’s city schools.

Bryn Fillers A graduate in Theatre Arts from Reed College, Bryn is a playwright, director, & actor who has been a member of an improv troupe both in Portland and San Diego. Bryn is currently featured in the short film, "Flamingo Tango," directed by JT’s Leasa Thernes for Persnickety Pictures which was screened at the San Diego Women’s Film Festival. She has written & directed for the Firehouse Theatre in Portland, Theatre Rhino in San Francisco, & the California Center For the Arts in Escondido as well as schools across Los Angeles & San Diego including Warren-Walker, Roosevelt Middle School, & The Gillspie School. Bryn also writes & directs for classes at JT, & she has directed for the mainstage through their Page to Stage program. Bryn has taught playwriting through Playwrights Project & J*Company. Her students have won awards, & she has directed two of her students’ plays in the AASD Actors Festival starring Triple Espresso’s Keith Reay along with some of her most talented students from JT.

Jeannie Galioto earned a degree in costume design from the University of MN - Twin Cities. She has been designing costumes for the last fourteen years. She is currently the costume shop manager at the San Diego Repertory Theatre and has just designed costumes for Bad Dates at the Rep. Other credits include productions for Sledgehammer, The Great American History Theatre, Park Square Theatre, The Guthrie Lab, Mixed Blood Theatre, and Shakespeare in the Park among others. In addition to freelance costume designing, she also does millinery, custom fashion design, sewing and styling on photo and video shoots. Last year she was awarded the Beth Milligan Memorial Fund for emerging women artists.

Ginger Harris Lighting Designer. Ms. Harris has brought light to shows in Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and now, San Diego. Her credits include the Houston Grand Opera; Houston Alley Theatre; Theatre Under the Stars in Houston; Houston Gilbert & Sullivan Society; Tower Theatre Project, Houston; Tulsa Spotlight Club; Tulsa Little Theatre; Oklahoma City Lyric; and in San Diego, Starlight; the La Jolla Playhouse; the San Diego Lyric; The Fritz; North Coast Repertory; and San Diego Junior Theatre. She held the position of resident designer at Theatre 1960 in Houston and was a founding member of Stages Theatre in Houston. Ms. Harris' previous designs include: USIU: Sleuth and Gingerbread Lady; for the Fritz, Sight Unseen; Confessions of a Woman from East L.A.; God's Country, Otherwise Engaged to name a few; for NCRT The Deadly Game, Beau Jest, Sylvia and Marry Me A Little; for San Diego Comic Opera, The Mikado; Oh, Coward!; Forum; and Candide among others; San Diego Junior Theatre: Annie Warbucks; Oliver; Pippi Longstocking,Footloose, and others; Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Damn Yankees; Agnes of God and Emergency Room for PaceTheatrical, Tower Theatre Project, Houston, Texas; Starlight, Technical Coordinator for Chess, Camelot, No, No, Nanette; and Paint Your Wagon; Houston Grand Opera, My Fair Lady; and Theatre Under The Stars, Houston, Camelot; Gypsy; Crazy for You; and others. Ms. Harris brings a lifetime of dedication to entertaining audiences as a performer, a director; a choreographer and a lighting designer.

Erin Hatch has a B.A. in theatre from UCSD, where he got into teaching theatre arts through an elementary school outreach program with Artsbridge America. Erin started at Junior Theatre as a student, and performed in both main stage and Conservatory Black Box productions. He has performed in a variety of student and independent projects as well as in shows with the California Playwrights Project, the Fault Line Theatre, and as a zombie at the Del Mar Fair's Screamzone. Erin writes comedy music for Random Gibberish Productions, and wrote most of the original lyrics for their musical comedy When Lightening Strikes, which was performed at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2006. He also contributed to several skits by Random Gibberish that ran on the radio program Whistling in the Dark on KZSC Santa Cruz public radio between 2003 and 2006. Having worked at JT as a student and an aide, Erin is very excited to be returning as a teaching artist.

Christian Hoff began his stage and screen career at age eight. Performing became an instant passion and he began training as an actor, singer and dancer. When he was eleven, he followed his Dad and Brother into music and bought his first guitar. By age twelve he was a member of three professional actors unions: Actors Equity Association, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild. His first break on screen was dancing a pas de deux with Shirley Maclaine in her television special Every Little Movement, then on stage in the original Los Angeles company of Evita under the direction of Harold Prince. Christian balanced a family life in San Diego, California while maintaining his theatrical career in Hollywood, bridging the transitions from child actor to young adult and beyond with unique perspective. During these formidable years he utilized his diverse talent and experience to continue doing what he loved best with guest appearances and regular roles in television and film, commercials and regional stage productions. Notable career highlights over the decades include portraying Walt Disney in One Man’s Dream, providing the voice of Richie Rich in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series of the same name, hosting the cable series Eyes and Ears Inside Disney, playing Shelley Winters bad-boy step-son in her one and only sitcom Shelley, replacing David Arquette as Frank-n-Furter in the Los Angeles production of The Rocky Horror Show at the Tiffany Theater, touring as King Herod with Sebastian Bach in Jesus Christ Superstar, his Broadway debut in The Who’s Tommy (original cast album) with Michael Cerveris and his Broadway return, starring as Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys (original cast album). Christian has always been drawn to “real life” characters both on screen: as Walt Disney in One Man’s Dream, as Kevin Anderson in Just A Regular Kid, An AIDS Story with Florence Henderson and Ronny Cox, as James “Moog” in Honor Thy Mother with Sharon Gless, as Sid Stockdale in In Love and War with James Woods and onstage: as George M. Cohan in George M!, as Will Rogers in The Will Rogers Follies, and Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys. Christian has been a guitarist and singer in a number of bands, sung the national anthem at major sporting events and has performed on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman. Christian is father to the precious Eli, Erika and Baby Elizabeth and husband to actress Melissa Hoff. “Soli Deo Gloria.” http://www.christianhoff.com

Ed Hollingsworth has been a veteran performer in San Diego theatre since 1980. He received his BA in Drama from U.C. Irvine and his MFA in Musical Theatre/Acting from USIU. When Ed graduated from U.C.I. he toured with the Serendipity Singers, the opening act for the 1973 Presidential Inauguration. Since then, Mr. Hollingsworth was the theatre instructor at Grossmont High for 21 years, directing over 70 plays and musicals. He now teaches mathematics which gives him more time for outside performing and directing. On the stage, he has appeared with Starlight, Lyric Opera San Diego, Moonlight, San Diego Reparatory Theater, North Coast Reparatory, 6th@Penn Theatre, La Jolla Stage Company, Theatre in Old Town, Teatro Mascara Magica/Old Globe, and San Diego Opera. Nationally, he has performed in every state except Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Alaska. Ed is married to playwright Marian Blair Hollingsworth. As of 2006, all four of their children, Trevor, Blair, Devon, and Morgan have performed with San Diego Junior Theatre.

Kalin Hove received her B.A. in theatre and a minor in studio art from the University of California, at San Diego. At the American Conservatory of Theatre in San Francisco she advanced her theatre studies with classes in clowning, improvisation, voice, and movement. Kalin has performed in such shows as Guy's and Dolls, Company, As You Like It, and How to Succeed in Business... She has also directed her own one-woman show and several puppet shows. Kalin is proud to have been teaching theatre and art in San Diego for the past three years. She currently teaches theatre for the San Diego Unified School District as well as several non-profit organizations.

Mylinda Hull a fourth-generation San Diegan, graduated O’Farrell SCPA and San Diego Junior Theatre, made her professional debut at Starlight Opera, earned her Equity card at Welk Dinner Theater, continued on to San Diego Rep and La Jolla Playhouse. Her most recent SD performances were as Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress (Starlight) and Joan in The Lark (Second Star Productions). Mylinda resides in New York City.

Jesse Johnson just released his first CD, "Cause & Effect". Those who wish to purchase a CD or just listen to the tunes can go to www.jessejohnsononline.com He is on his way to New York to open a production studio with a fellow actor from Hairspray. Jesse is currently one of the touring cast members of Hairspray the Tony-winning musical, and is a San Diego Junior Theatre alum. Jesse, a Helix High School graduate who played the male leads in SDJT's West Side Story in 2000 and Once on This Island in 2002, is part of the touring ensemble for Hairspray, which is directed by another San Diegan, Jack O'Brien, the artistic director of the Old Globe Theatre. Johnson, who plays IQ on the tour, was born and raised in the East County area of San Diego and his family lives in the Del Cerro area.

Joanna Lydersen Joanna grew up here in San Diego and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Dance from UCSD. She is currently dancing and teaching for an outreach program at Eveoke Dance Theatre and is the Dance Director and Choreographer for Park Dale Players Theatre Company in North County. She has also taught dance for the Encinitas Union School District and Class A.C.T. She is so excited to be joining San Diego Junior Theatre and hopes to pass on her love of dance and theatre to the kids!!!

Francine Maigue San Diego’s very own Francine Antoinette Maigue was crowned UCLA’s Homecoming Queen and is now known as the university’s “Royal Bruin.” Proudly representing UCLA’s Office of Residential Life, where she served as President, Resident Assistant (RA) and is now Assistant Resident Director, as its Royal Bruin nominee, Francine submitted an application including essays and lists of her many college achievements and was then invited as a finalist to be interviewed by a panel of judges consisting of UCLA leaders and alumni. After stunning the esteemed panel with her beauty, wit, composure and charm, she took home the beautiful crown sponsored by the renowned Sarah Leonard Jewelers. Francine is being honored for her outstanding service to the UCLA community, academic excellence and other university achievements. This is the first time in several years that such an honor is being awarded. Among Francine’s many college honors, she has been awarded the prestigious UCLA Distinguished Bruin and Woman for Change Awards, numerous scholarships, is a member of eight honor societies and is even on the Dean’s List. As a World Arts & Cultures major, concentrating in Dance Studies, Francine’s artistic achievements include being hand-picked to perform with Mikhail Baryshnikov and the White Oak Dance Project, representing the university and winning at the prestigious American College Dance Festival, held at The John F. Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., choreographing a musical featured at New York’s Lincoln Center and founding her very own dance company, Outta WAC, which toured the Southern California area at charity events and appearances at Downtown Disney and the House of Blues. Francine also developed The Neverland Youth Dance Project (NYDP), a college bound program for aspiring performers who wish to pursue dance at the university level and beyond. In addition, she recently completed work on a DVD documentary entitled "Youth in Studio & Competitive Dance: No Small Act of Heroism," which she produced and directed. San Diegans have had the privilege of watching Francine grow up on local stages as she performed for years with The Ballet Conservatory, San Diego Junior Theatre, Christian Community Theater, Starlight (San Diego Civic Light Opera), Chula Vista High School’s The Main Attraction and The Body Arts Center. The community celebrated her with a grand debutante ball held in 1998 complete with a horse-drawn carriage at our San Diego Convention Center. Francine is perhaps best known as 1999’s Miss Philippines and for having been the eight-time Pacific Coast Talent Champion for her prowess in dance (with consecutive wins from 1992-1999). She now serves as Dance Educator and Public Relations Manager for Theresa Bendorf’s award-winning *Mystic Stepper School of Dance, San Diego’s undisputed Home of Champions located in Allied Gardens. A veteran of stage and screen, Francine can also be seen in commercials and films. As Homecoming Queen, Francine’s main responsibilities included attending her royal coronation as her peers cheered her in the campus’s Bruin Plaza, judging contests included in the festivities, riding in the famous parade and attending the spirit rally. Of course no Homecoming would be complete without a Homecoming football game, which Queen Francine got to watch with her loved ones from the special alumni press box. UCLA’s mighty Bruins were victorious beating Stanford 21 to 0. There was much to be celebrated as the day of the winning game also served as Francine’s birthday! *To make arrangements for appearances, interviews and photo shoots with Francine, call 619.241.1105 or email fmaigue@orl.ucla.edu

Patrick Marion first joined SDJT for their production of Into The Woods. Since then, he has been chosen as musical director for Joseph And The Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Richard Scarry's Busytown, and Dear Edwina. He is an associate artist for Lamb's Players Theatre, and has also performed shows with North Coast Repertory Theatre and JCC's J-Company. Patrick has taught private and group music classes around San Diego County for the last seven years, and is thrilled to be joining the teaching staff at Junior Theatre!

David McBean is a local actor turned teacher. San Diego theatrical audiences may remember him from such shows as "Fully Committed" where he played 40 characters and earned a San Diego Craig Noel Theater Critics Circle Award and a Pattie Award. He attended the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts, has a B.A. in Theater Arts from the University of San Diego, and has been the Director of Music Ministries for many years at the Mission Hills United Methodist Church. He brings a lot of hands on experience as a singer, having won the National Association for Teachers of Singing competitions for Classical Music and for Musical Theater.

Gordon McLachlan Gordo McLachlan no longer attends UCLA, half by choice of his and half by choice of UCLA administrators. After returning home to San Diego he designed the set for Junior Theatre's production of "Zombie Prom." Currently he divides his time working for "the man" and operation his found art group "The Merry Art Pranksters" and his performance troupe "$.02 Canary", both of which are filled to the brim with members from Junior Theatre, both past, present, and future. He is currently a carnie/performer with downtown's irrereverent and ultraviolet Technomania Circus. www.technomaniacircus.com

Lynn Mendoza-Khan has worked as an opera singer, composer, music arranger, musical director, choir director and private voice teacher over the last 20 years. She has performed throughout California and Europe. She is very enthusiastic about showing others how to sing with a healthy beautiful tone. To find out more about her go to www.sandiegovoiceteacher.com

Brian Stokes Mitchell Brian Stokes Mitchell was born on Halloween in Seattle, Washington. Since his father was a civilian electronics engineer working for the Navy, his family traveled throughout the Far East, living for several years in the Philippines and Guam. At age 14, Mitchell's family moved to San Diego where he began appearing in plays in high school. He began his studies at the San Diego Junior Theatre and performed at the San Diego Civic Light Opera and the Old Globe Theatre. It was the Twelfth Night Repertory Company, an Emmy-Award winning, multicultural improvisational group, which brought Stokes to Los Angeles in 1977. Stokes' television career took off with a memorable role on the critically acclaimed series, "Roots: The Next Generations." Additional television credits include recurring roles on "Frasier," "Trapper John, MD," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Mitchell won a Tony award for his starring performance in a revival of Cole Porter's musical Kiss Me Kate! in its first Broadway revival. Stokes currently divides his time between New York and Los Angeles with his wife, actress Allyson Tucker. For more info, go to brianstokes.com.

Richard Morrison holds a BFA in theater from Webster Conservatory, and has been a professional musician and stage manager since he was in high school. He is overjoyed to return to his native San Diego after spending the last several years working in New York City and around the country. Richard loves sharing his experience and enthusiasm with the next generation of artists.

Marina Morrow is happy to return to San Diego where she is an alumna of the acting and movement programs at SDSCPA, Scripps Ranch High School and San Diego Junior Theatre. Marina started facilitating theatre outreach classes as an undergraduate at Sarah Lawrence College. Since then, she has taught theatre in San Diego, New York City and western Massachusetts. Marina is classicly trained in acting, voice and movement and holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the University of California, Irvine. She practices yoga and enjoys helping children explore their passion for theatre.

Will Neblett has been Junior Theatre's Executive Director for the past seven years. In this capacity he has helped strengthen the organization, both financially and artistically. Previously, Will has successfully led Carlsbad Youth Theatre, both as a director and president of the board of trustees. Will has directed and musically directed many productions including And the World Goes ’Round (with Torrie Dunlap), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Annie Warbucks, Great Expectations, James and the Giant Peach, Oliver, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, The Witches, The Secret Garden (with Michael Anthony) and Nancy Drew, Girl Detective. Will has also sound designed many productions. Will's acting career includes many roles in collegiate and community productions; Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (4 times), Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, Senex in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Barnaby in Babes in Toyland and John Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Casey Nicholaw Casey Nicholaw was heavily involved in Jr Theatre productions in the late 70's before he went off to UCLA and New York. Having just been nominated for a Tony award for best choreographer for SPAMALOT, SDJT congratulates him!

Matthew Novotny Matthew went to Point Loma High School, where he was taught by one of San Diego's best, Priscilla Allen. Priscilla gave Matthew the guidance to pursue lighting design as well as acting. He attended San Diego Junior Theatre, where he was part of over 50 productions, including Bye Bye Birdie (Mr. Macafee), Peter Pan (Mr. Darling), as well as The Crucible (Judge Danforth), The Miser (Harpagon), and Antigone (Kreon). Matthew then went to San Diego State University, wanting to continue in acting, but not ignoring lighting design. That summer Matthew designed the lights for a critically acclaimed hit production of Godspell, and the following year was hired by San Diego Junior Theatre to become their master electrician, as well as joining the San Diego Comic Opera, now Lyric Opera San Diego, as their master electrician. In Spring of 2000, Matthew decided to put acting on the back burner and focus on design. His design career took off with Somewhere Over the Rainbow for SDSU, Really Rosie for San Diego Junior Theatre, The Bad Boy Next Door and Street Theatre for the Quentin Crisp Theater, and the 40th annual production of MADCAPS. He became the lighting designer in residence for San Diego Comic Opera, designing productions of The Gondoliers, The Gypsy Princess and The Boyfriend. He also designed productions like O' What Precious Nonsense for the SDSU Opera, and The Magical Ms. Piggle Wiggle for Junior Theatre. In 2002 he designed productions of HMS Pinafore, The Barber of Seville, and Babes in Arms for San Diego Comic Opera/Lyric Opera San Diego, How to Eat Like a Child for Junior Theatre, and Rumors for Scripps Ranch Theatre. In 2003, Matthew worked on Lyric Opera's Abduction From the Seraglio, Junior Theatre's production of The Secret Garden, (2003 Billie Award winner), and Super Bowl XXXVII. Currently, Matthew is attending Boston University for graduate school in Lighting Design.

Katie Rodda holds a Ph.D. in Dramatic Arts from University of California-Santa Barbara, and is on faculty at San Diego City College and California State University, San Marcos. Ms. Rodda has been directing around San Diego since 1999, her recent projects include: The Dining Room, The Boys Next Door, Viburnum, Damn Yankees, Side by Side by Sondheim, Bobby Gould in Hell, and The Flower of Dubuque, along with numerous original plays. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Fritz Theatre and Actors Alliance of San Diego, CA. This production marks her directorial debut with San Diego Junior Theatre.

Shalico Sain Leaverton Shalico holds a BA in English from Michigan State University and a teaching credential and MA in Theatre from San Diego State University. Shalico has been involved in the performing arts as a singer, actor, and director for the past 30 years and has been a Theater Arts Educator for over 12 years. While at SDSU, she worked as a Teaching Associate and was involved in many directing projects and productions. Shalico also worked as a teaching artist for both the Globe Theater and La Jolla Playhouse. Most recently, she ran the Drama Department at Aliso Niguel High School in Orange County. Shalico is excited to join the team at San Diego Junior Theatre.

Alyssa Schechter

Angie Serrano has taught music classes at Junior Theatre for several years. She holds a B.A. from CSU San Marcos. Angie enjoys working and singing with kids of all ages, and has many years experience directing children and youth choirs. For over 10 years, she combined her love for children and performing by hosting a weekly Kid’s Club program. Angie continues to sing professionally in a women’s trio and performs with her husband, John, who is also a musician.

Emily Shackelford is a San Diego native, and a proud San Diego Junior Theatre Alum! She developed her love for theatre through SDJT's educational program, and is overjoyed to work with the new generations of SDJT students! In May of 2009 she recieved her B.F.A. in Theatre from Stephens College, in Columbia, Missouri. While studying with Stephens, she spent a summer at the Okoboji Summer Theatre, in Okoboji Iowa, where she performed in 3 of the 9 mainstage productions, and worked in the scene shop, costume shop, light shop, box office, house management, and even dappled in sound design. Also at Stephens, she spent a year working as the Public Relations Director for The Warehouse Theatre Company, the student-run theatre on campus. She started as a teaching artist at San Diego Junior Theatre the summer of 2009, and will be directing Lyle Lye the Crocodile in September!

Roya Shanks is currently performing in “The Quotable Assassin” at Altered Stages, 212 West 29th Street, Chelsea, through Nov. 18; (212) 352-3101. Following is the New York Times review by Miriam Horn,Published: November 6, 2006. Find out more about Roya at www.royashanks.com This pairing of one-acts by 24-year-old Keith Boynton makes a perplexing evening: the first play seems the work of a callow youth, but the second reveals a strong talent with a blossoming mastery of his craft. “Walls,” about a grieving young woman unsettled by the reappearance of the lover who abandoned her, is a shambles. The story and characters never fully cohere, remaining patchworks of a few trite revelations; the deficiencies are only made worse by monochromatic performances and by Mr. Boynton’s own meandering direction. Then “The Quotable Assassin” begins. Directed by his mother, Sandra Boynton (best known for her children’s books and the Grammy-nominated CD “Philadelphia Chickens”), Mr. Boynton delivers a fierce, articulate performance as Simon Dubanev, a revolutionary awaiting execution for murdering his king. (Though his country remains unnamed, the historical parallels and music from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers suggest Russia.) He is visited in prison by a beautiful writer of society novels, Lucia Noss (Roya Shanks). Dressed in finely wrought taffetas and millinery by the costume designer Rachel Ford, Ms. Shanks finds in this heroine depths of vulnerability and moral courage beneath the polished manners and wit. Lucia has used her influence at court to keep Simon alive long enough for her to research her next novel. By turns contemptuous, flirtatious, vengeful and tender, they argue about politics and morality with a fire that makes it believable that men would surrender to either of them, even to their doom. Impassioned debates between radicals and reformers have a long literary lineage that includes Turgenev’s “Fathers and Sons,” Camus’s “Just Assassins” and Tom Stoppard’s “Coast of Utopia” (soon to open in New York). Mr. Boynton’s language is sufficiently vigorous and fresh (in this second play at least) to make him a talent worth watching. The major flaw of “The Quotable Assassin” is the jarring fast forward of plot in the final scenes. Mr. Boynton might consider ditching “Walls” and writing a true second act for his far more fascinating heroes.

Sarah Siegel holds a B.A. in theatre from San Diego State University. She began her theatre career in the San Francisco area performing and directing for several years before moving to New York City where she started two theatre companies and continued her work in both theatre and film. While in New York City she continued her training studying under Milan Stitt and Lanford Wilson at the Circle Repertory Company and worked as a private audition coach and acting instructor helping her students land roles on both stage and screen. In San Diego Sarah has worked as an assistant casting director at Stu Segall Productions and has produced The Fritz Theatre’s Fritz Blitz for the past two years.

Leasa Thernes teaches dance at the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet where she has directed and choreographed several full-length ballet productions including Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. She also teaches at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla and recently was a guest choreographer for the dance department at Coronado School of the Arts High School. Leasa is an alumnus of San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Currently, a student at San Diego City College and Mesa College she is studying dance, theatre, art and film. Leasa is pursuing a degree in fine art and film.

Diana Valero-Olivier holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre Dance from the United States International University of the Performing and Visual Arts, San Diego. Diana has an extensive and diverse professional background in in the many styles and venues of dance performance including Ballroom, ethnic dance, and magic! Diana created, directed, choreographed, and performed in dance shows that combined music, magic, and mime which toured the Las Vegas circuit and Mexico. She also produced her own dance company "Dansation" which performed for Southern California audience's as well as abroad in Italy and Egypt. For the last few years Diana has been teaching in the San Diego elementary schools enrichment programs for non-dancers and G.A.T.E. kids with her "Dancing Thru The Decades" , and bringing her DVO Dance Project company to school theatre's performing "Jazzed", jazz dance and the story behind it. Diana brings out the best in her students and is always teaching that dance is more than just steps.

Robin Whitehouse is totally enthralled with his work as a Sound Designer and Musical Director, and many smaller things too, for Junior Theatre. He has also Sound Designed and operated shows at the San Diego Rep., Southwestern College, and the Old Globe. Robin is currently studying music theory and composition as a full-time student. Some of the JT shows he is most pleased to have designed to date include Zombie Prom, The Wiz, Aladdin Jr., The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (for which he also orchestrated and composed music), Sideways Stories at Wayside School, Peter Pan, and Grease. JT is his favorite place to work, EVER.

Jennifer Winspear holds degrees in both theatre and elementary education from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. She has taught in San Diego City Schools, and is the Drama Specialist for the ESS programs in the Poway Unified School District. Jennifer has directed and performed with many theatre and dance groups both in Hawaii and California. Ms. Winspear is also the Artistic Director of her own Children's Show Choir, Vocal Motion and she runs her own Children's Theatre Company in North County, in which, she has directed school-wide productions including: Aladdin, Seusscial, Bye,Bye Birdie, and The Lion King. Jennifer has taught drama and dance to all ages at San Diego Junior Theatre and has served as a main-stage Choreographer for San Diego Junior Theatre's productions of Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business and My Emperor's New Clothes. Jennifer is married to her high school sweetheart, Josh and together they are the proud parents of three active boys. Jennifer makes her directorial debut with Junior Theatre with A Charlie Brown Christmas for the holiday season.

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