Meet The Company

Xander Benton (Ensemble) hails from Nashville, TN, and holds a BFA in musical theatre from Belmont University. In 2022, he won Nashville’s Spotlight Awards Outstanding Lead and Comedic Actor and performed in The Jimmy Awards® at New York’s Minskoff Theatre. Xander was honored to join the 2020 featured ensemble for Sticks & Stones virtual concert premiere benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Born This Way Foundation. His favorite credits include Gomez Addams (The Addams Family), Jean Valjean (Les Misérables), Shakespeare (Something Rotten!) and Agwe (Once on This Island). Beyond theatre, he enjoys weightlifting, dancing, bowling, and spending time with friends and family.

Caroline Bowers (Fiona, Ensemble) is an NYC based actress and is thrilled to be making her Rocky Mountain Rep debut! Favorite credits include, Ado Annie (Oklahoma!), Doralee (9 to 5 The Musical), Fraulein Köst (Cabaret), and Ensemble/ U/S Adelaide (Guys and Dolls). She would like to thank her mom and dad for their endless support, Roberto for being her rock, and her support system back in NYC! Enjoy the show! @carolinebowers___

Kinsey Gray Calderone (Ensemble), is originally from Lexington NC, and is a recent graduate of Otterbein University, earning a BFA in musical theatre with minors in dance & public relations. Favorite credits include Escape to Wonderland (Alice), Dames at Sea (Ruby), Cabaret (Texas), Spring Awakening (Wendla), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Sonya). She recently interned with Wojcik Casting in NYC and is thrilled to be performing with this talented company at RMRT. Instagram: @kinseygray_calderone Website: kinseygraycalderone.com

Sophia Campagna (Ensemble, Hope) is so excited to be returning for her second summer in Grand Lake. After performing in the RMRT ensemble in 2024, she spent 10 months on board Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas as a lead vocalist in three of their mainstage production shows. Sophia holds her BFA in musical theatre from the University of Utah, and is now based in NYC. Some of her favorite roles that she has portrayed are Katherine in Newsies, Kathy in Singin’ in the Rain, and Janis Joplin in Beehive: The 60s Musical. She thanks her family and friends for all of their love and support.

Brandi Campbell (Never Can Say Goodbye) is back – yes, for the third time – at RMRT, because apparently they cannot get rid of her – and honestly she does not want them to. It is always a pleasure to return to this little mountain paradise and act like she is outdoorsy for a few months. Since the last time you saw her, Brandi has been busy writing her own musical and starting her production company, Silly Instinct Studios…so yes, she has been booked, busy, and a little bit delusional, as all great artists are. Now she’s back where it all happens, ready to sing her face off and give you 70s realness. Beehive round two, let’s go! Follow her journey @abrandinewshow”

Jack Cipriani (Ensemble) comes all the way from Pittsburgh, PA, and just graduated as a BFA musical theatre major with a minor in dance performance from Slippery Rock University! Jack was most recently seen as Joseph Garcin in No Exit at Slippery Rock! A few of his other favorite credits include Caterpillar 1 (Alice By Heart), Melchior Gabor (Spring Awakening), Brit (We Will Rock You), and John in the Field (Tragedy: a tragedy)! Jack wants to send a special shout out and thanks to all his friends and to his parents who have always supported him. He also hopes they figure out how to get from Pittsburgh to Colorado to come see him 🙂 “No day but today.” Instagram: @jack.cip

Kristen Das (Never Can Say Goodbye) is a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati with a BFA in musical theatre from CCM. Recent credits include South Pacific (Paramount Theatre), The Rocky Horror Show (The Carnegie), Songs of Light & Joy (Provincetown Playhouse). More information is available on www.kristendas.com. Thank you to Henderson Hogan, and much love to her friends and family for their constant support and encouragement!

Lydia Diekmann (Ensemble, Christine) is thrilled to be returning to her favorite mountain town for her second summer. Originally from Rochester, NY, she recently moved to New York City post-grad to pursue her dreams. Last year you may have seen her on the RMRT stage dancing in the ensemble of all three shows. Other favorite credits include Cinderella (Into the Woods), Elizabeth Bennett (Austen’s Pride), Anne Boleyn (Last Words), Fraulein Kost (Cabaret) and Ensemble/Sylvia u/s (Finding Neverland) at various regional theatres and Rider University. She’d like to say a huge thank you to her family, friends and incredible team at Wolf Talent Group for their love and support. Website: lydiadiekmann.com

Shannon Foley (Never Can Say Goodbye) is thrilled to be part of Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical at RMRT. Recent credits include The Beauty Queen of Leenane and Inventing Van Gogh at Breckenridge Backstage Theatre; Regina in Rock of Ages at Parker Arts, and Rent, The Little Mermaid, and Elf The Musical at The Fine Arts Center. Shannon is deeply grateful to her family for always supporting her and for taking such amazing care of her fluffy companion, Beans.

Brecken Hummer (Ensemble, Senator Fipp) is thrilled to be making his RMRT debut this summer season! Originally from Florida, he is now an NYC-based artist. Select theatre credits: CLUE: On Stage (Colonel Mustard), Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), American Psycho (Paul Owen), Footloose (Travis/Willard u/s), Into the Woods (Baker). Training: BFA from Long Island University Post. He’d like to thank this company, creative team, and staff; and FSE, Eric, Dave, James, Tina, his family, and Chloe. He dedicates his work this season to his sister, Jules. @breckenhummer

Logan Johnson (Ensemble) is thrilled to join RMRT’s season for his first trip out to Colorado! A Pennsylvania native and recent graduate from Point Park University’s Musical Theatre Program. Regional: Cedar Summerstock, Front Porch Theatricals, and The Pittsburgh Playhouse with favorite credits Legally Blonde (Emmett) and R+H’s Cinderella (Prince Topher). Special thanks to many mentors, Mom, Dad, and Sydney! @logandanieljohnson

Josh Kellman (Ensemble, Lawrence, Cladwell) is tickled pink to be back for season lucky number 13! Josh was most recently seen as host of RMRT’s first live radio show, Yuletide in the Rockies. He is pleased to be adding to his unique roster of girl dads, villains, and characters with strange accents. He thanks Michael and Jeff, his folks, and his lady love, Tyler!

Tori Kocher (Mama Ogre/Dragon, Ensemble, Pennywise) is excited for her RMRT debut! Her credits include the national tours of Bat Out of Hell (Sloane) and Shrek (Dragon). Regional credits: Legally Blonde (Paulette), The Addams Family (Alice), The Little Mermaid (Ursula). Tori has performed on cruises, at theme parks, and with country music stars at ACM Awards, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from Belmont University and is a big fan of all things colorful, crafty, and kitschy. Endless love to her family and her partner, Hayley! @torikocher

Mitchell Lewis (Ensemble, Freddy, Bobby) is so glad to be back for his fourth season at RMRT! He is a graduate of Wright State University’s BFA program. His favorite RMRT credits include Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys), Frederic (Pirates of Penzance), Charlie Price (Kinky Boots), and Kevin T (Come From Away). Recent credits include Grease! (Ensemble) at North Shore Music Theater and Barnum (Ensemble) at The REV Theatre Company. He is a Colorado Theatre Guild Henry Award recipient for his performances in RMRT’s The Music Man (2024) and Jersey Boys (2022). As always, he would like to thank his parents, friends, and mentors for their constant support!

Wedler Lordeus (Ensemble, Lockstock), a Fort Myers local, is much more than just a Florida man. Wedler recently graduated from the University of Houston as a BFA actor and possesses a unique talent for beatboxing. Wedler has won eight Best Vocal Percussionist awards over his career. In addition, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Straight Play at BroadwayWorlds Fort Myers. Wedler has performed in productions for the Prague Shakespeare Company. He is also a two-time high school state football champion. Wedler is now pursuing his MFA degree at SMU!

George Lorimer (Shrek, Andre, Barrel) is thrilled to make his RMRT debut! Hailing from Milwaukee, he has previously worked with Milwaukee Rep (Titanic, A Christmas Carol, As You Like It), First Stage (Disney’s Frozen), Door Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, Emma), The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio (Ride the Cyclone), Vanguard MKE (LUNGS, All Is Calm), Summit Players Theatre (Much Ado, Macbeth), and the Ohio Light Opera (South Pacific, Pirates of Penzance). His education includes the College of Wooster, The Atlantic Acting School, and Milwaukee Rep’s Emerging Professional Residency Program. George is the founder of Vanguard Milwaukee, a professional non-profit theatre company. insta: @george_lorimer_

Jared Martin (Donkey, Ensemble) is excited to be making his RMRT debut. Credits include Signature Theatre, VA: Play On!, In the Heights (Helen Hayes Award Nominee – Best Ensemble); Virginia Repertory Theatre: 9 to 5 The Musical (Josh/Ensemble); Mac-Haydn Theatre: A Chorus Line (Richie), Kiss Me Kate (Paul), Urinetown; Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre: Holiday Inn (Ted Hanover); Hope Repertory Theatre: The Flick (Avery), A Year With Frog and Toad (Man Bird and others), The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack u/s). Jared holds a BFA in musical theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory, where he appeared in A Chorus Line (Richie), The Apple Tree (Flip), Waitress (Ensemble, Ogie u/s), and Hair.

Brandy Miller (Never Can Say Goodbye) is a Chicago-based actor making her RMRT debut!  Previous theatre credits include Elizabeth Martin in Emma (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Fran in Promises, Promises, and Amalia in She Loves Me (Blank Theatre Company; two Jeff nominations for Best Principal Actor), Kate Monster in Avenue Q (Music Theatre Works), Dyanne U/S in Million Dollar Quartet (Fireside Theatre, Theatre at the Center), and Swing in Oliver and Madagascar (Marriott Theatre). On-camera credits: Chicago Fire (season 12, episode 10); commercials for Ace Hardware, Nebraska Lottery, and Rippling HR Solutions. She is represented by Stewart Talent. Love to Omid and the girl group chat. Enjoy the show!

Rachel Miller (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut at RMRT. She was born and raised in Colorado and is beyond thankful for the opportunity to perform in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Some of Rachel’s favorite credits include Ensemble in Frozen, Once Upon a Mattress, and Cinderella (Arvada Center); Crissy in Hair (American Stage); Annelle in Steel Magnolias (Theatre SilCo); Ensemble in Nice Work If You Can Get It (Lone Tree Arts Center); Leading Player in Pippin (Little Theater of the Rockies). Training: B.F.A University of Northern Colorado. She would like to thank her friends, family, and Pascal for all their love and support!

Yazmine Moore (Ensemble) is a professional theatre artist from Newport News, VA, with a deep love for storytelling, connection, and bold, expressive performance. With a strong foundation in singing, acting, and dance, she brings honesty, heart, and authenticity to every role she takes on. Her recent work has only deepened her passion for meaningful, character-driven storytelling. Yazmine is especially drawn to work that uplifts and resonates with others. She is truly grateful to be part of this production and thanks her friends, family, and mentors for their constant love and support. theyazminemoore.com | @yazziemoore

Megan Opalinski (Queen Lillian, Muriel, Ensemble) is ecstatic to be back for a 3rd summer in the mountains! RMRT: Footloose (Ethel McCormack), Nunsense (Sister Mary Regina), Frozen (Queen Iduna), Guys & Dolls (General Cartwright), Come From Away (Beulah et al), Kinky Boots (Trish), The Music Man (Mrs. Paroo). Other faves: Sister Act (international/national tours plus two regional), The Drowsy Chaperone (Chaperone), Mamma Mia! (Rosie), The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess), White Christmas (Martha), Cinderella (Marie/Fairy Godmother), Menopause the Musical (Earth Mother), Beauty & the Beast (Wardrobe), Urinetown (Penelope Pennywise), Clue (Mrs. Peacock), Beautiful (Genie Klein), Les Miserables. Thanks to her ever-supportive family and friends. Namaste.

Maura Rose Pawelko (Gingy, Jolene, Ensemble) is so excited to be making her RMRT debut! A Chicago native, she has been lucky enough to travel the country performing at places such as The Renaissance Theatre (Mamma Mia! – Sophie Sheridan), The Butte (BEEHIVE!, The 25th…Spelling Bee), Bigfork Summer Playhouse (Grease, The Addams Family, Escape to Margaritaville), and Surging Theatrics (Legally Blonde, A Bronx Tale). Maura holds a BFA in musical theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University (Sunday in the Park With George – Dot/Marie; The Fantasticks – Luisa). She would like to thank Jeff and Michael for this opportunity and her mom for being her best supporter. www.maurapawelko.com

Nicholas A. Petrelli (Pinocchio, Ensemble) is thrilled to be singing and dancing in the mountains this summer! Nick is a Chicago-based actor and Zumba instructor. Some previous credits: Ogie in Waitress (Hangar Theatre), Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys (Farmers Alley Theatre), Dickon in The Secret Garden (Theatre Raleigh), and Harry Finfer/Ensemble in the first national tour of Miracle on 34th Street (Premier Theater Productions). Nick is grateful for his incredible support system consisting of friends, family, and various dogs that he swears smile at him while on walks. Thank you for supporting live theatre :). Let’s party! nickpetrelli.com

Rebecca Rand (Never Can Say Goodbye) is thrilled to be performing in Colorado for the first time! Rebecca has been on stage since the age of five. A native of Rochester, NY, and a graduate of Kent State University, she now lives in NYC and works as a singing server at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square. Off-Broadway: Threepenny Opera (Swing), Fanny, A Fantasy in G (Lucia/Ensemble) both directed by George Abud. Regional: Shrek (Fiona), Grease (Rizzo), Footloose (Rusty) at MGM’s Beau Rivage. All love and thanks to Mom and Dad, River, Mary and Shrimp. @beccrandx3

Brooklynn Stanley (Teen Fiona, Ensemble, Little Sally) is over the moon to be participating in her second season with RMRT. She received her BFA in musical theater in 2024 from Ohio University. RMRT credits: Disney’s Frozen (Anna), Footloose (Wendi Jo/Rusty u/s), Guys and Dolls (Mission Band/Ensemble). Other credits include Doralee Rhodes (9 to 5 the Musical – Tantrum Theater); Ensemble/Natasha u/s (Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 – Tantrum Theater); Judy Bernley (9 to 5 the Musical – College Light Opera Company); and Pontius Pilate (Jesus Christ Superstar – College Light Opera Company). Here’s to another beautiful summer in Grand Lake!

Tyler Symone (Never Can Say Goodbye) is an NYC-based artist who is thrilled to spend another stunning autumn in Grand Lake after appearing in the 2018 and 2022-24 RMRT summer seasons as well as the Artist Colony and Home for the Holidays 2020 and 2024-25! Select credits: The Music Man (RMRT), Beehive: The 60s Musical (RMRT, Florida Repertory Theatre), R + H’s Cinderella (RMRT), Caroline, Or Change (Actors Playhouse, Firebrand Theatre), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Beautiful (Pioneer Theatre Company), Rent (Capital City Theatre). Find out more about Tyler at tylersymone.com . Many thanks to her wonderful friends, family, and Josh for their support. TikTok/IG: @TheTylerSymone

Noah Warner (Farquaad, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his RMRT debut! A Cincinnati native, Noah studied vocal performance and dance at Northern Kentucky University. Recent credits include Roger in Grease (RB Prod.), Sheldrake/Ezekiel in White Christmas (Green Glass Prod.) and Sancho in Man of La Mancha (Priscilla Beach Theatre). Other credits include Ordinary Days (St. Croix Festival Theatre); Lend Me a Tenor, Sweeney Todd, To Be Heard, and Annie (American Gothic Arts Festival); and Elf, Bright Star, Into the Woods (Northern Lakes Arts Assoc.) to name just a few! Noah gives endless gratitude to his family, friends, mentors, and Kelly for their constant support. @noahwarnerofficial

Ruby Gray (Young Fiona) joyfully returns to the RMRT stage after appearing as Young Anna in Disney’s Frozen last summer. She is a rising 6th grade theatre major at the Denver School of the Arts and has loved performing with theatre programs at The Arvada Center, Lakewood Cultural Center, and the Vintage Reading Room. Ruby has trained with Su Coffey’s Hollywood Showcase and is proudly represented by AEFH Talent Agency.

Kit Michalowski (Young Shrek) is a 7th grader from Granby, CO. She is so excited to be back with RMRT this summer after appearing in The Music Man in 2024 and playing Thad in Detention last year with RMRT’s youth program. Kit sings in her school choir; she also loves cross-country skiing and running, climbing, and gymnastics. Kit thanks her sister, Quinn, for being hilarious. She’s also grateful to her parents and the RMRT staff and cast for being so welcoming and supportive of her dreams.

Lawson Ochocki (Young Shrek) is a rising 4th grader who has participated in the RMRT youth theatre programs for several years and is thrilled to join the company of Shrek this summer! When he’s not performing, Lawson enjoys playing sports, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. He is also an avid crafter, and you can often find him starting small businesses to sell his creations. He would like to thank Topher and the youth theatre staff for being amazing teachers, and his parents and brother and sister for supporting him in everything he does.

Clara Tanase (Young Fiona) is thrilled to return to RMRT for her second season, stepping back into the swamp as Young Fiona in Shrek! Clara has appeared on stages across Colorado, including RMRT, Lone Tree Arts Center, Town Hall Arts Center, American Academy, and Valor High School. Some favorite roles: Young Anna, Young Anastasia, Matilda, Annie, and even Grandma Addams (wig and all!). She has also twirled her way through The Nutcracker and Peter Pan. When not on stage, Clara can be found dancing around the house, knitting something cozy, belting show tunes, or spending time with her family and pets. Clara hopes audiences enjoy the magic, mischief, and heart of Shrek as much as she does!

Andrew Barnett (Assistant Music Director / Second Keyboard) is a pianist, conductor, and composer from Baltimore, MD, and is excited to be making his RMRT debut. He holds a BM in music composition from Syracuse University and his master’s from the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program. Andrew has worked as a show conductor for Royal Caribbean International, conducting and playing Keyboard 1 for Grease aboard Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, and as a reading pianist on the Marella Discovery for TUI. He recently music- directed A Christmas Carol at the North Country Center for the Arts in Lincoln, NH, and has worked as a rehearsal pianist and keyboardist for Tri-Town Theater in Sidney, NY.

Daniel Crisp (Drums/Percussion) is thrilled to be back in Grand Lake for his second season with RMRT!  His most recent musicals include Footloose, Rock of Ages, Cabaret, A Christmas Carol, and The Bodyguard with the Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. Daniel would like to thank his girlfriend Molly, his parents, and Michael and Jeff!

Todd Hale (Bass) is elated to be back in Grand Lake! Special thanks to his family. A big thank you to Michael and Jeff. Todd can’t say thank you enough to Brian Hutch Malone. Todd would not be here today without Brian’s encouragement and telling everyone about Todd’s accomplishments.

Lukas Helwig (Woodwinds) is grateful to honk, chirp, hoot, and make various other sounds in his RMRT debut! Hailing from Cleveland Ohio, Lukas is a graduate of the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory. As a woodwind doubler, Lukas has carved out a reputation among Northeast Ohio theatres for his energy and versatility and he is thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate and perform with the lovely humans of RMRT. You can find Lukas on Instagram @lukashelwigmusic or visit www.lukashelwig.com

Michael Jordan (Music Director: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; First Keyboard/Conductor) is thrilled to return to RMRT for his seventh season. He recently completed his M.S. in audio engineering at the University of York and has returned stateside, where he serves as associate technical director and house audio engineer at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Tennessee. MJ would like to thank Michael and Jeff for graciously welcoming him back to Grand Lake for this fantastic season.

Connor E. Life (Trumpet) couldn’t be more thrilled to return to RMRT for his second season! He returned to Grand Lake after receiving his bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Denver in 2024. Connor has played trumpet for more than twelve years and has made appearances playing with various regional ensembles, including the Denver Brass. Thanks to his wonderful wife Kelsey, the GL community, and his many trumpet teachers for all of their support!

Amy Radebaugh (Stage Manager / Company Manager) is delighted to be returning to RMRT for her thirteenth season. Favorite RMRT shows include Beehive, Joseph, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Titanic, Million Dollar Quartet, Rock of Ages, Hands on a Hardbody, and A Chorus Line. Amy has been extremely lucky to have spent the last six years living in the beautiful town of Grand Lake. Amy would like to thank her parents for all their continued love and support. She would also like to thank Michael and Jeff for allowing her to continue filling her life with a company and town she holds close to her heart.

Maria Vargas Atencio (Assistant Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of Univ. of Houston School of Theatre & Dance stage management program. She is also a production manager, lighting designer, electrician, and carpenter. She was part of the RMRT 2023 and 2024 seasons, but this will be her first year as an ASM. In 2025, she was the production manager of Theatre L’ Homme Dieu in Alexandria, MN. Select credits: Frankenstein (Stage Manager), Urinetown (ASM), By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (ASM), The Moors (Lighting Designer). This summer has further taught her how to support a production with grace, resilience, and compassion, and she is grateful for the opportunity.. Maria would like to thank everyone who has supported her! Enjoy the show!

Alexis Flaten (Wardrobe Manager) is thrilled to return to RMRT for her third season! She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a BFA in theatre design and technology and a BA in arts management. Recently, she has been the wardrobe supervisor for Skylight Music Theatre’s 2025-26 season in Milwaukee WI. She would like to thank her family for their continued love and support!

Maru Garcia (Props Manager) has been acting and directing for over 40 years now. She has a Bachelor’s in Art from UNAM in Mexico City, specializing in directing. Maru has participated in more than 100 plays as actor and/or director. She has also participated in a few films and some TV. During her artistic career, she has had the opportunity to lead and manage three theater companies: Grupo Bochinche in Mexico City and The 73rd. Avenue Theatre Company and Wheat Ridge Theatre Company, both in Colorado. She is the president of a non-profit in Mexico, Escena Abierta Teatro Inclusivo, dedicated to teaching acting to young people with Down Syndrome and disabilities (www.escenaabiertateatroinclusivo.com) . She has worked as prop master for different companies in Colorado since 2009. www.marugarciaactor.com

Elisa Glavin (Follow Spot Operator) is thrilled and thankful to be back for year number thirteen. Thank you to Michael and Jeff for having her back year after year, her parents for their unwavering support, and Dave and Ana for making it so she can be at the theater. Favorite credits include A Chorus Line, Come From Away, Desperate Measures, and Beautiful.

Chris Hillhouse (Assistant Tech Director / Stage Supervisor) is thrilled to be returning to Grand Lake for his second season. His background includes work with Blue Man Group NYC and Ogunquit Playhouse. In his free time, he enjoys kayaking, performing stand-up comedy, and talking with friends. Chris sends a special thanks to his friends, family, and, most importantly, the power tools for staying sharp all season long.

Naila Martinez (Scenic Charge Artist) is an aspiring scenic artist who strives to be part of larger-than-life art. She is a DU alum and a current student at Cobalt Studios, a residency training program in New York state. Naila has freelanced in Denver and worked as a charge and designer for multiple community theaters. She enjoys making things for local weddings, bridal showers, Kiki balls, and community gatherings. Naila is also very passionate about art education and teaches in schools and early childhood centers. She enjoys balancing all her passions and continuously explores color, creation, and creative problem solving. This mentality has Naila ready and excited for the opportunity to serve her community.

Madison Musgrove (Stitcher) spent many summers growing up in Grand Lake visiting her godmother, “Kiki,” and watching each RMRT performance with stars in her eyes. She dreamed of the day she would have the opportunity to participate in creating the magic – and 15 years later she manifested that dream into reality. Madison started her costume career by designing the costumes for Theatre Denton and then taking it abroad to the 2024 Daegu International Theatre Festival in South Korea. She has worked for the last three years as a stitcher for cruise lines Holland America and MSC and in regional theaters such as the Art Center Theatre of Connecticut, the Ogunquit Playhouse, and now RMRT!!

Althea Pearson (A1 / Mixer) is an audio engineer and sound designer based in Chicago, IL. This is her second year at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, and she’s glad to be back!

Jesse Wade (Technical Director) is back for a second year at RMRT. He is the technical director/production manager for the theatre program at Mississippi State University. His professional work has been seen all over the country at theatre companies such as Creede Repertory Theatre, The Huron Playhouse, and Georgia College & State University. He is very passionate about sandwiches.

Ethan West (Assistant Stage Manager / Stage Manager: Urinetown) is a graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in stage and production management. Past RMRT credits include Kinky Boots, The Music Man, Come From Away, Disney’s Frozen, Guys & Dolls, and Footloose (ASM). Select Emerson Stage credits: Amour (Stage Manager); BONNETS: How Ladies of Good Breeding Are Induced to Murder (1st ASM); Into the Woods (PA). Emerson College credits: emShakes’ No Exit (Stage Manager); MTS’ Dogfight (Stage Manager); emShakes’ Death of a Salesman (Stage Manager); EVVY43 (Stage Manager). Ethan is excited to be returning to RMRT for his third season! Big thanks to all his friends and family for their support and to Michael and Jeff for having him back! @ethanwest721

Michael Querio (Executive Artistic Director; Music Director – Shrek, Urinetown; Director – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) has happily called RMRT his artistic home for over 30 years. He first arrived in 1995 as pianist and music director for Nunsense in the old Community House. Since then, Michael has helped bring more than 100 productions to the RMRT stage and has seen that stage from just about every angle — from the orchestra pit as music director and pianist, under the lights as an actor (Forever Plaid 2000, West Side Story 1998 and 2017, Titanic), and from the front of the house as Artistic Director (where the view is excellent and the budget spreadsheets are less glamorous). This season he continues his long tradition as an RMRT understudy, always prepared and quietly grateful that he has only rarely had to prove it. Last year, Michael was honored with a Henry Award for Outstanding Music Director, as RMRT also celebrated a remarkable year, taking home an armful of Henry Awards across multiple productions. Favorite productions over the years include Hands on a Hardbody, Desperate Measures, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Titanic. Along the way, Michael has worked as a conductor, teacher, arranger, and pianist, and has spent more than 25 years bringing music and theatre into schools and classrooms. Michael holds degrees from the University of Illinois and Illinois Wesleyan University and remains grateful to spend his summers making theatre in Grand Lake.

Jeff Duke (Director/Co-Choreographer – Shrek; Director – Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical) feels fortunate to be part of this extraordinary company. He has directed and choreographed more than 40 productions at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, including Come From Away, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, A Chorus Line, Titanic, West Side Story, Almost Heaven: The Music of John Denver, among others. This year Jeff received the Henry Award for Best Director for Come From Away, which was also honored with Best Musical by the Colorado Theatre Guild. He is also a five-time Henry Award nominee and a Denver Post Ovation Award recipient for All Shook Up, shared with Jennifer Lupp. As a performer, Jeff has appeared in numerous professional theatrical productions in Chicago. He has been a featured vocalist with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Chicago Symphony Chorus on the Grammy Award-winning recording of Verdi’s Requiem. He is also featured on the Grammy-nominated score for Steven Spielberg’s movie Lincoln.  Jeff conceived and directed the acclaimed concert series Second City Divas and has recorded and toured with the vocal ensemble Table for 5. A member of Actors’ Equity Association and the American Guild of Musical Artists, Jeff is grateful to the RMRT Board of Trustees, the Town of Grand Lake, and the audiences who make this work possible. Enjoy the shows!

Suzanna Champion (Director – Urinetown) has a long history with RMRT, starting as an actor in 2014. She’s been on stage for 13 musicals, 8 Home for the Holidays concerts, and the 2021 New Year’s Eve Special. Most notably, she earned a Colorado Henry nomination for her portrayal of Carole King in Beautiful during the 2023 season. Last year, she made her RMRT directorial debut with Footloose, and she is thrilled to return for Urinetown. She has directed Little Women, Songs for a New World, Godspell, 25th… Spelling Bee, Hadestown Teen Edition, The Wizard of Oz, and Newsies Jr. and she has music directed Bright Star, Amelie, and The Hello Girls. Endless thanks to Michael and Jeff for all they have done and continue to do for this special place!

Lili Federico (Projections Designer) is a video designer and engineer based in Seattle, Washington. She has had the pleasure of working in a wide variety of industries from theatre and opera to escape rooms and immersive exhibits. Her most recent work includes Die Zauberflöte (Media Designer, Montclair State University), La Cadena de las Américas (Video Engineer & Programmer, UC-Irvine), Orfeo (Media Designer, Lyric Theatre @ Illinois), Oklahoma! (Media Designer, Lyric Theatre @ Illinois), I Wish (Video Engineer, CU Adventures in Time and Space), Airness (Media Designer, Illinois Theatre), and Rent (Media Designer, Illinois Theatre). Lili holds an MFA in media design for live entertainment from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and she currently serves as the sound & video director at Seattle Rep.

Stephanie Hansen (Choreographer – Urinetown) is thrilled to return to the mountains for her 15th season. RMRT choreo credits include Kinky Boots (Henry Award–nominated), The Little Mermaid (Henry nomination), Guys and Dolls, Footloose, Sister Act, Beehive, and Something Rotten! She is co-founder of Bright Lights Theatre outside Chicago, where she works as a vocal coach, music director, and choreographer, and also teaches at Sunshine Dance Studio. Stephanie loves inspiring her students through the arts and thanks Jeff and Michael, the Grand Lake community, her family, and her husband, Caleb, for their continued support.

Jennifer Lupp (Choreographer – Shrek, Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical) is so grateful to “get” to return to Grand Lake and work alongside these creative and passionate artists at RMRT! She has choreographed several shows for the RMRT stage. Among those are just a few personal favorites: Come From Away, Beautiful, Jersey Boys, Little Shop of Horrors and Chess! Jen lives in Oklahoma with her husband, K.C., and their two furry babies, Poppy and Luna. Many thanks to her family, Jeff, Michael, and the community of Grand Lake for another magical season at RMRT!

Lindsay McDonald (Costume Designer – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Urinetown) is thrilled to be making her debut here at RMRT. Recent design credits include Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt 2B (Arizona Theater Company); Legally Blonde, Three Sisters, and A Simple Herstory (Arizona Repertory Theatre); It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Show, Matilda, Little Shop of Horrors (Saguaro City Music Theater); and Dracula (Pima Community College). She earned her MFA in costume design and technology at the University of Arizona. She is currently the resident assistant costume designer at Arizona Theatre Company. Thank you to Jason, Rocky, Charlotte, and Henry for your love and support!

Ethan Newman (Production Manager / Lighting Designer) is excited to be returning for yet another season with RMRT. He brings over a decade of professional experience in theatrical lighting and production, developed during ten years working in New York City. During that time, Ethan designed lighting for more than one hundred musicals and plays, as well as numerous ballets, magic shows, and large-scale entertainment productions, including cruise ship shows. He is now based in Denver, where he lives with his wife, Suzanna Champion, and continues to work as a freelance designer while supporting Rocky Mountain Rep’s productions as both production manager and lighting designer. Learn more about Ethan’s work at eanewmandesigns.com.

Joshua Nguyen (Sound Designer) is excited to join RMRT.. Selected works: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Denver Center for the Performing Arts); Broke-ology (Kansas City Repertory Theatre); Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (Dallas Theater Center); Great Expectations and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Acting Company); Diary of a Tap Dancer (American Rep.); In the Heights (Cleveland Playhouse); Side by Side by Sondheim (Associate at RepSTL). Based in Charlotte, NC, Joshua holds a BFA in theatre design & technology from Baylor University and is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association, the Consortium of Asian American Theaters & Artists, and Actors’ Equity. joshuanguyen.net @jashngooyen

Jesus Perez (Costume Designer – Shrek The Musical) was the RMRT resident costume designer for many years starting in 2005 and is excited to be back after designing for Disney’s Frozen in 2025. As the artistic director at Chicago Kids Company, he has produced professional live theater for young audiences for 32 seasons. His costume designs have won awards, including for two other Disney shows at RMRT: The Little Mermaid (Colorado Theatre Guild Henry) and Beauty and the Beast (Denver Post’s Ovation). Chicago Jeff Awards: Mack and Mabel, Urinetown. Chicago theatre design credits: Circle, Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Porchlight, Light Opera Works, Elgin Community College, and Beverly Arts Center. National credits: The Polar Express. Thanks to Michael and Jeff, the CKC team, and his supportive family for making this trip back possible.

Christopher Rice-Thomson (Choreographer – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) was introduced to many of his favorite musicals in the audience of RMRT as a young man visiting family in Grand Lake. He is honored to be here! On stage Broadway/tour: Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, West Side Story, White Christmas. Director/choreographer credits: Matilda; Tick,Tick, Boom!; The Little Mermaid; Cinderella; Grease, #TAPPY Series (20M+ views), NY Fashion Week, Atlantis Resort (Bahamas), and more. Love to Clay, Cooper, & Carter.  ChristopherRiceThomson.com @ChrisRiceNY

Cody Tellis Rutledge (Scenic Designer) is originally from McMinnville, TN, and is a recent MFA lighting/scenic graduate from UCONN. He also graduated from the University of Memphis with a BFA in theatre with a double emphasis in musical theatre and technical production. Cody is back in Grand Lake for his 8th season. He thanks the whole team as well as his ride-or-die lighting partner, Ethan Newman, and Tucker for all of the work they have put into this season. Shout out to Jeff and Michael for continuing to ask him back. Feel free to follow him on insta @rutledgescenicdesign and @rutledgelightingdesign to see more of his work across the country or visit his website rutledgescenicdesign.com for more.

Tucker Topel (Scenic Designer – Urinetown) is originally from Janesville, Wisconsin and is currently an MFA candidate in scenic design at the University of Connecticut. He earned his BFA in scenic design from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Tucker spent the past decade working throughout the Pittsburgh region, where he has designed, built, and painted over 100 productions. He frequently collaborates with Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Mercyhurst University, PICT, and FUSION Theatre Company.

Christopher Lengerich (Education Director) is ecstatic to be returning to RMRT for his 8th summer! His choreographic work will be presented at the 2026 International Theatre Festival with Fossil Ridge’s pilot production of Kimberly Akimbo The Musical: High School Version. He’s also a resident director at PAA Colorado and vocal director for Royal Caribbean. Follow his travels: @calengerich #tophythewallcatcher.  Other selected credits: Choreography: Crazy for You (Tent Theatre) Performance: Big Band Beat at Tokyo DisneySea, Nat’l Tour: The Will Rogers Follies. NYC: [title of show]. Regional: Crazy for You (Bobby), Showboat (IRNE Award). Artistic director of Songful Artists, Gsus Band.  Thanks to Michael, Christal, Jennifer, the youth staff, and the RMRT board for continued support in engaging the youth of Grand County!

Kelsey Life (Associate House Manager) is a Grand Lake local and is excited to join RMRT alongside her husband, Connor, who’s celebrating his second season as a musician here. In middle and high school, she participated in theatre programs and feels honored to be a part of the front-of-house team this summer.

Kristi Neilson (Associate House Manager / Box Office Staff) is happy to work with RMRT for a fifth year. She’s excited about the upcoming shows, and is looking forward to working with wonderful coworkers, cast, and crew again.