Staff & Creative Team

ARTS EXPRESS THEATRE TEAM

ADMINISTRATION, CREATIVE TEAM MEMBERS AND FACULTY

KAREN WIESE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PRODUCER

Karen is a seasoned professional with 38 years’ experience in business management and consulting, successfully opening and serving as president and chief executive officer of five hospitals. She has a bachelor degree in Business Management and an MBA in Statistics

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and has been a featured speaker before Congress as well as at national professional conferences. Serving as the Arts Express Theatre Executive Director since 2008, Karen has demonstrably grown the organization’s market reach 12-fold, produced over 95 shows, and developed collaborative relationships with Broadway in Tucson, Fox Tucson Theatre and others. She has valuable lessons to share, by having “been there - done that” in all stages of company development from start-up to expansion, merger, acquisition and sale. With a specialty in community development, Karen applies her skills to reach all of Southern Arizona with “the Power of the Performing Arts.”

BEN WIESE

MANAGING DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT PRODUCER

Growing up in Tucson, Ben has a love for the community and giving back through a commitment to quality arts. This extends to an artistic passion both on and off the stage: working tirelessly

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in theatre, music, and film as an avid performer, cinematographer, writer, graphic/website designer, technician, creator, producer, etc..

After graduating from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management in 2017, Ben furthered his tenure with Arts Express – having been a core member of the administrative team since 2011. By fusing innovative business practices with creative aspirations; he has always strived to bring new ideas and charisma to the arts - a field necessitating industry change through creativity and strong leadership.

Moreover, Ben hopes to use his artistic involvement to be an inspiration, providing individuals with the tools take in the breadth of human potential. Though art may seem surreal, its powers to stir emotions and provoke thought are very real and motivate humans to act, change, give, hope or love. By unlocking a person’s emotions, the arts act as a highway to the mind, overcoming obstacles and uncovering true opportunities. In this way, art is one of the most powerful change agents available to mankind.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

KIMBERLY BOWIE

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Kimberly was raised in Illinois and received her undergraduate degree in Public Relations with a minor in Public Speaking...

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 from Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She earned her first Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2017, Kimberly completed her second Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Professionally, Kimberly has worked as an educator at 3 major institutions of higher education, as a professional fundraiser for the arts and in medical sales, including pharmaceuticals for Johnson & Johnson. While in medical sales, Kimberly was an award-winning consultant on the local and regional level. She has extensive experience working in challenging areas and bringing them to success.

In the community of Tucson, she is a past board member for the YWCA and Ronald McDonald House and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. While serving on the boards, she has used her voice to raise over $400,000. Kimberly is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.Inc. Kimberly was selected and has served as a Lead Facilitator for LeaderShape – a National Leadership Institute that focuses on leading with integrity. In 2005, Kimberly was given the Young Alumni Merit Award for the College of Liberal Arts from Southeast Missouri State. This award is given to distinguished alumni who have shown distinction and service in their field and community.

Kimberly has a passion for creating and presenting workshops in the area of women, self-value, leadership and friendship. She has presented at local, regional and national conferences and has served as keynote speaker for several organizations.

Her personal philosophy is –To whom much is given, much is required.

SIMONE JOLIVET-MANUEL

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Simone Jolivet-Manuel is a native Arizonan and received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Masters in Education. Simone has worked as an educator...

Read More! ...in Tucson for over 20 years at the elementary and high school levels.  She is currently at Salpointe Catholic High School and has held many roles over the years as an educator, coach/choreographer, head of the fine arts department and financial aid specialist. Teachers and students enjoy collaborating through team building, creative projects and special events. Simone has also been with Arts Express since 2016 as a choreographer, assistant director and director.
 Simone began dancing at the age of seven and continued training over the years participating in dance competitions across the country. She attended workshops with high-end choreographers - Savion Glover, Mandy Moore, Paula Abdul, JT Hornstein, Denise Leitner, and many others.
Simone’s professional achievements include Salpointe Pomline, Arts Express, Pima Community College, Live Theater Workshop, Dance Force-1 Productions, Gaslight Theater, Danswest Productions and the 2001, 2005 and 2009 Links Cotillions. She thanks her husband Scot, children Lincoln and Maxine and her mother, for their support and love.

FELISHA MENA

DRAMA CLUB MANAGER

Felisha Mena is a versatile actor/technician from Tucson, Arizona.
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With over a decade of experience in theatre, Felisha has captivated audiences with a wide range of performances. Her dedication to her craft has been evident since her early roles in local community theatre.
Felisha's notable credits include playing Detective White in "Who Dunnit," and being a Stage Manager/Project Manager for Stories That Soar, The Sleeping Beauty Ballet, and many more. Her dynamic presence and ability to deeply understand and convey a character's emotions have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including gaining superior in Stage Management and Solo Monologues.
In addition to her stage work, Felisha is passionate about theatre education and is frequently seeking opportunities to conduct workshops for aspiring actors. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive theatre community.
When not on stage, Felisha enjoys empowering local youth through community initiatives, cooking latin cuisine and spending time with her family and fur babies. She is thrilled to be part of Art Express Theatre and is looking forward to sharing her love of theatre with audiences old and new.

CAROLINE MURPHY

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

She has performed in several off-off Broadway productions, but her favorite NY moment was...

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... getting to be onstage with the cast of 42nd Street for the Gypsy of the Year Awards at the Palace Theatre. Favorite roles include Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls-Colorado), Valencienne (The Merry Widow—UA Opera) and La Fee/Fairy (Cendrillon—UA Opera). She has always loved the Titanic story and is humbled to be a part of the retelling with AE. She wishes to thank her husband and children for their support and love, and AE for all their amazing productions and programs! She has a Bachelor of Music degree from UA and studied with Professors Hirst, Roe and Swensen, and with Hilda Hirst at the Manhattan School.

KATIE POPIEL

BOX OFFICE MANAGER AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Katie Popiel brings a mixture of corporate and nonprofit experience to her roles as Box Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator...

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... having been a medical software upgrade coordinator, a real estate transaction manager, and the Programs and Volunteer Coordinator at the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA). Her first career aspiration as a child was to be Dorothy Gale so becoming part of the Arts Express family felt like the culmination of a journey. She loves getting onstage in AET productions, typically performing in three to four productions per season and sometimes getting to use some of her performance specialties including clog dancing, Irish dance, and puppetry. Her artistic passions include choreographing and teaching clog dancing and musical theatre routines, directing two clogging exhibition troupes, and costuming. She is thrilled to help support musical theater in Tucson, and grateful to have the opportunity to be both onstage and behind the scenes at Arts Express Theatre.

AMI ROMAN

PRODUCTION & FACILITIES ASSISTANT

Ami is known around Arts Express Theatre as the "Jackie of All Trades."

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It's no wonder since she lends a hand to so many areas of theatre operation, from set building and costume construction to house managing, backstage crew and more!  She started building at age 4 with her dad (ask her about building her own loft bed) and later started sewing clothes for dolls.  Her college years were focused in Interior Design and a chapter of her career was in wedding planning.  FAMILY is a big part of what Ami is all about: it is what brought her to Tucson, it was the link to her work at Arts Express Theatre AND working alongside her daughter, Destiny (AET's Resident Make-Up Designer) and mother, Kandy (Head Volunteer-Concessions) is what keeps her days bright! She thanks her AET family for all their love and support.

PAOLO ZEFFIRELLI

FACILITIES COORDINATOR & SHOP FOREMAN

The man of many hats. Born and raised in Tucson Arizona,

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Paolo grew up working on cars and building all sorts of things in the hot sun. He has a passion for figuring out how things work which led him into the trades from a young age. Much of that time included working as a handyman with a knack for hands-on problem-solving.  This led to professional work in auto shops, concrete, carpentry, and lock smithing. Meanwhile, Paolo discovered his artistic side in music and composition.  Now, he is furthering his creativity and technical expertise in the areas of set construction and sound design.  Paolo is over the moon to be working at AET, combining his trades experience with a love for the arts!

DIRECTORS 2024-25 SEASON

JONATHON CRIDER

RESIDENT DIRECTOR (Rock of Ages & Disney's Beauty and the Beast) and ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (Kinky Boots)

Dr Jonathon Scott Crider is a two-time graduate of the University of Arizona with a BA in Theatre Arts...

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... with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management and an MA in Theatre Studies with an emphasis in Directing.  A long time Southern Arizona resident, he has a passion for the performing arts and the positive impact that it can have on our community.  He currently lives in Oro Valley with his wife and young son, and works hard to support a number of organizations around town.  He serves as the Executive Director of the Tucson Pops Orchestra and the Director of Special Projects for the FOX Tucson Theatre.  As a member of the Emerging Leaders Council through the Tucson Metro Chamber, he’s developed a deep-rooted love and connection with our region.  With Arts Express, he looks forward to continuing to strengthen the organization’s commitment to education and the performing arts for everyone in our community.

RAY DEMATTIS

GUEST DIRECTOR (Grease)

Ray DeMattis has enjoyed a busy and varied career in show business for over 50 years.

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He has performed and directed at regional and stock theaters throughout the U.S., appeared in Off Broadway productions, and made his Broadway debut in the original GREASE. He went on to direct two national tours of the hit musical featuring performers: Frankie Avalon, Bowser from ShaNaNa, and Charo. He also directed 4 regional productions including a production at The St. Louis Municipal Opera featuring 75 local teenagers. His other Broadway credits include CITY OF ANGELS and the revival of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. He performed for U.S. Presidents 4 times, performed in Central America and Mexico for the United States State Department, at The Edinburgh Theater Festival and at The I LOVE NEW YORK Celebration in Amsterdam. His television appearances range from THE COSBY SHOW and THE SOPRANOS to THE GOOD FIGHT, EVIL, and NEW AMSTERDAM, including 9 LAW AND ORDER appearances. He is most proud of his work as FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the first theater workshop for the disabled-the NTWH for which he received The Timmy Award.

BRIAN DOIG

RESIDENT DIRECTOR (Fiddler on the Roof)

Brian Doig has over 40 years of experience in the theatre. Directing, performing and producing shows of all kinds, from Opera to Shakespeare, large scale musicals to intimate stage readings.

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His career has taken him all across the country where he's been involved in virtually every kind of theatre from educational to professional (and everything in between). Now residing in Tucson, he hopes to bring his years of experience to the directors chair once again. Some of his past directorial credits include, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Big River, The Secret Garden, The Boys Next Door and AACT award winning--Forever Plaid.

DANA MILNE

RESIDENT DIRECTOR (9 to 5 and Kinky Boots)

Dana Milne has a BA in acting in from the University of Washington. She performed in numerous productions with the Live Oak Theatre Company in Austin Texas.

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Later, she became the drama teacher at Salpointe Catholic High School; passing her experience in stagecraft to the next generation, directing many popular and critically acclaimed productions along the way. She accrued numerous personal accolades, including Southern Arizona Drama Teacher of the Year in 2012, the National High School Musical Theater Awards Southern Arizona Best Director and Best Show in 2014, and Best Show in 2016. Working with Arts Express, she hopes to move to another stage in her career: broadening her outreach to the larger community, with productions that build bridges, foster empathy, and perhaps create a little magic.

MICKEY NUGENT

RESIDENT DIRECTOR (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)

Mickey Nugent has directed and choreographed over 130 plays and musicals from NY to California in his 40 years of professional and educational service.

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A member of Actor’s Equity Mr Nugent has performed in the National Tours of Cat’s, Grease and Godspell and has played regionally in Forever Plaid,Oklahoma, Anything Goes, 42nd St to name a few. He has starred as Bobby Child In Crazy For you at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Playhouse,George M at the Grandbury Opera House in TX and Bill Snibson in Richmond VA’s The Mill Theater.
He currently resides here in Tucson and is an adjunct Instructor at Pima College Fine Arts Dept teaching Movement and Dance for actors.
Most recently his work was seen in the award winning Cabaret this past Fall at PCC. His next project is directing The Addams Family this Summer at the QJTT in New York’s The Hampton’s.

MICHAEL STEWART

RESIDENT DIRECTOR (Damn Yankees and Side Show)

A veteran of of musicals and comedies, Michael has played roles ranging from...

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 romantic leads to evil assassins and everything in between. A theatre major originally from Ohio, he has worked with a variety of theatres throughout the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Favorite roles include "Chris" in "Miss Saigon", "Stone" in "City of Angels", "Leo Bloom" in "The Producers", and his most recent role of "Sir Robin" in "Monty Python's Spamalot". When not on stage, Michael works in the tech industry and loves gaming, hiking, and traveling.

CHRIS WILL

RESIDENT DIRECTOR (Monte Awards) and ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (Grease)

Chris Will has been directing, teaching and performing musicals all around the world for the past 20 years, including two Off-Broadway shows (Time Being and The Jungle Queen Debutante).

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He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wyoming in Theatre & Dance and continued his education in the United Kingdom, earning his Masters of Performance in Musical Theatre from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and received an MFA in directing form the University of Idaho. Chris Will loves teaching and is a theater professor at Pima Community College. He starred as Neville in the Arts Express production of A Secret Garden and is the resident director for the company's Monte Awards program.

MATT DENNEY

INTIMACY DIRECTOR & CONSULTANT

Matt Denney is a mixed race Filipino-American Intimacy Director, Director, and Educator.

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Matt is a previous High School Drama Teacher currently located in Tucson, AZ and is the Resident Intimacy Director & Consultant for Arts Express Theatre. He has been noted as a “trailblazer” for his work in education and has worked at East West Players, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and was a guest artist at the Ottawa School of Theatre. He currently is a Teaching Artist and Curriculum Developer for Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) while studying for his PhD in Higher Education emphasizing in “Theatre for Social Change” at the University of Arizona where he is also the Recruiter for the College of Fine Arts. Matt also co-founded Consent Creatives of Arizona which works towards safety, consent, and healing for rehearsal rooms and the community all across Arizona. Matt has served as a Grant Committee Member for the National Endowment for the Arts and is also the recipient of The Field NYC’s Fiscal Sponsorship for Social Justice Practitioners.

MAE BERG

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND COSTUME DESIGNER (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)

Mae Berg is a NYC based costume designer and multidisciplinary theatre artist.

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She is excited to be returning to Arts Express, where she served as Resident Costume Designer for seven years. She recently received her MFA in Costume Design from Purdue University, where she designed several shows, including Bright Star, El Mito: Or the Myth of My Pain, and Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play. She also recently worked at American Players Theatre as an Assistant Designer for their 2023 and 2024 seasons. She is especially passionate about research and combining dramaturgy with costume design.

SHELBY FINNE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER  (Rock of Ages)

Shelby Finnie is a New York City based dancer and performer. Shelby just finished touring North America with the first National Tour of Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill,”

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was seen on Broadway in the original company of "The Prom," and has completed 6 seasons as a Radio City Rockette. Some of her other favorite performing credits include, "Cabaret" at the Goodspeed Theater, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live” on NBC, The Today Show, SNL, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Mariah Carey LIVE at MSG, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and was a company member with the Sarasota Ballet. She has also been cast in multiple Broadway Developmental Labs and Workshops getting to work with Tony winning choreographers like Susan Stroman, Christopher Gattelli and Casey Nicholaw. She received her training from University of NC School of the Arts where she graduated high-school with a ballet concentration. She then continued to dance professionally with the Sarasota Ballet before starting her career in New York City. Shelby choreographed "A Chorus Line" here at Arts Express back in 2021.

MUSIC DIRECTORS 2024-25 SEASON

ANNE GRIMES

RESIDENT MUSIC DIRECTOR

Dr. Anne Grimes has enjoyed music-making with Arts Express for several years as both a pianist and music director. Her full-time work is teaching

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music theory at Pima College and directing the Pima College Orchestra. Musical experiences include leading choirs, bands, and orchestras for TUSD, Desert Christian High School, and Sahuarita Public Schools, and playing piano for Gaslight Theatre and Tucson Boys Chorus. Anne has served as music director for four local churches. She has earned three degrees from the University of Arizona, including the Bachelor’s in Piano Performance and Music Education, and the Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Choral Conducting. Anne and her husband Jonathan have four grown children and enjoy outdoor activities and home improvement projects.

LINDA ACKERMANN

MUSIC DIRECTOR

A Tucson native, Linda has a Master of Music degree from the University of Arizona.

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She recently retired from over 27 years as Music Director/Pianist at the Gaslight Theatre where she performed in thousands of shows in over 130 productions. Since 2001, Linda has been Music Director at Unity of Tucson.

LIZ SPENCER

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Originally from Chicago, Illinois (BS in Music Education from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana),

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she spent 30 years in Tucson (working at the University of Arizona - ART, the Arizona Theatre Company (“Emma”, “Xanadu”, “The Music Man” and music directing many productions for SOS – their summer youth theatre program), Arizona Onstage Productions and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, among others) before moving to Phoenix 5 years ago. While in Phoenix, she performed with Arizona Broadway Theatre, Phoenix Theatre and other area theatre companies, as well as music directing productions at the Hale Theatre, Desert Stages Theatre and the Black Theatre Troupe. She has played for the National Tours of “Wicked”, “West Side Story”, “Legally Blonde”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Annie”, “Beautiful”, “An American In Paris” and “The Little Mermaid”. She is very excited to be returning to the Tucson theatre community.

SUSAN STOKES

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Versatile, joyful, multi-talented Susan Lane Stokes brings enthusiasm and expertise to her performing, teaching and directing careers.

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As a singer, Susan’s appearances in over 40 opera, operetta, musical theater and orchestral works across the US have garnered both critical acclaim and popular appeal for her warm, lovely voice, effortless singing and immediate believability. Favorite roles include Violeta in La Traviata, Mim in La Boheme , Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Lady Shayne in Noel Coward’s Bittersweet, and Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus. One highlight among many was her appearance as a part of San Francisco Opera’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations. She brings this extensive experience to her voice studio, imparting solid vocal technique, dramatic ability, languages, and musical skills. Susan works with students of all levels. Locally, Susan directed the successful Opera on the Streetcar for the Opera Guild of Southern Arizona, including a popular first time flash mob opera chorus on Tucson’s Streetcar. She has written, produced, and directed several children’s shows. She also produced ‘Sounds of hope, a benefit concert boasting over 140 musicians from The University of Arizona, Tucson Boys Chorus, members of the Tucson Symphony and chorus which benefited Habitat for Humanity‘s work in Sri Lanka after the tsunami of 2004.

AUBRY WILKES

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Bio Coming Soon!

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Bio Coming Soon!

CHOREOGRAPHERS 2024-25 SEASON

SIMONE JOLIVET-MANUEL

CHOREOGRAPHER

Simone Jolivet-Manuel, a member of that rare breed of Tucsonans actually born in Tucson. She received her BA from Northern Arizona University and her M.Ed in Elementary Education.

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Simone began dancing at the age of 7, she continued training over the years with workshops and conventions across the country with high-end choreographers - Savion Glover, Mandy Moore, Paula Abdul, JT Hornstein, Denise Leitner and many others. Currently Simone is in her 13th year at Salpointe Catholic High School and 5th year choreographing for Arts Express. Simone’s professional achievements include work with Salpointe Pomline, Dance Force-1 Productions, Gaslight Theater and Danswest Productions and the 2001, 2005 and 2009 Link Cotillions. She thanks her husband Scot, children Lincoln and Maxine and her mother, for their support and love.

MICKEY NUGENT

CHOREOGRAPHER

Mickey Nugent has directed and choreographed over 130 plays and musicals from NY to California in his 40 years of professional and educational service.

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A member of Actor’s Equity Mr Nugent has performed in the National Tours of Cat’s, Grease and Godspell and has played regionally in Forever Plaid,Oklahoma, Anything Goes, 42nd St to name a few. He has starred as Bobby Child In Crazy For you at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Playhouse,George M at the Grandbury Opera House in TX and Bill Snibson in Richmond VA’s The Mill Theater.
He currently resides here in Tucson and is an adjunct Instructor at Pima College Fine Arts Dept teaching Movement and Dance for actors.
Most recently his work was seen in the award winning Cabaret this past Fall at PCC. His next project will be directing Into The Woods this coming Summer at the QJTT in New York’s The Hampton’s.

ROBIN VOGEL

CHOREOGRAPHER

Robin made her Broadway debut at the age of 19 in the original incarnation of “Grease” as Cha-Cha DiGregorio.

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She was also the show’s Dance Queen. From the age of 8 when she starred as Dorothy in her 3rd grade production of “The Wizard of Oz,” Robin was sure she wanted to be an actress and singer. Growing up she took advantage of living close to Broadway and saw many shows on the Great White Way. After “Grease” closed she went on to choreograph many national and regional companies of the show, staying true to Pat Birch’s vision of the 50’s. Robin went on to do a cabaret act, regional and summer stock shows, commercials, voice-overs and industrials. Robin changed in careers in the 90’s however she never lost her love of performing.

SHELBY FINNIE

CHOREOGRAPHER

Shelby is a New York City based dancer and performer. She has been seen on Broadway in the original company of The Prom, and has completed three seasons with the Radio City Rockettes.

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She was also seen on Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE on NBC and has been cast in multiple Broadway Developmental Labs and Workshops getting to work with Tony winning choreographers like Susan Stroman, Christopher Gattelli and Casey Nicholaw. She received her training from University of NC School of the Arts where she graduated high-school with a ballet concentration. She then continued to dance professionally with the Sarasota Ballet before starting her career in New York City.

STEVIE JOHNSON

CHOREOGRAPHER

Bio Coming Soon!

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Bio Coming Soon!

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR & DESIGNERS

MICHAEL DUNN

RESIDENT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND SOUND DESIGNER

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TIFF JENSEN

RESIDENT SCENIC DESIGNER

Tiffany Jensen was grateful to be cast as Mrs. Lovett in her first performance experience for Arts Express in October 2020 and as Mrs. Smythe the same Christmas.

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She is excited to return to the musical theater realm where she has portrayed the roles of Ariel (Footloose), Winnifred (Once Upon A Mattress), Sandy (Grease), and the Wicked Witch (Wizard of Oz). As former Entertainment Theatrical Manager & Wardrobe Manager of Old Tucson, she has written, directed, and designed 17 original musical productions as well as performed over 50 musical and stunt roles during her time there. Tiffany would like to express her gratitude to Karen for her artistic perseverance during this pandemic. She would like to dedicate this performance to her husband and family, and to anyone who has experienced any type of loss this year. May your emptiness be filled with love, creativity, and may we all forge a new path together.

KATHY ODENKIRK

RESIDENT COSTUME DESIGNER

Kathy has been designing costumes for theatrical productions in Southern Arizona for almost 20 years,

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STACEY POSEY

RESIDENT PROPERTY MANAGER

Stacey Posey is a native Tucsonan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts

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and a minor in English from The University Of Arizona. She started acting her sophomore year at Marana High School (2014-2017). Her favorite productions from Marana include Oliver! (Ensb), Treasure Island (Grandma Hawkins) and Les Miserables (Ensb). Since then her love for theatre arts has grown. In 2020 she received her Associate’s Degree in Visual Arts-Theatre at Pima Community College. At Pima she performed in Tartuffe (Madame Pernelle) and in Singin’ In The Rain (Ensb). She has since performed with Arts Express in Oliver! (Strawberry Seller), The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas (Ensemble), Winding Road Theatre in A Shot Away (Panayiota) & Girl Scout Cookies (Girl Scout), Borderlands Theatre in Cycles (Alexie Ruiz) and Stage Foundation Community Theatre in The Man of La Mancha (Fermina). When not on stage you’d likely to find her backstage as part of the Tech Crew.

STAGE MANAGEMENT

MIKE SAXON

RESIDENT STAGE MANAGER

Mike Saxon is a native Tucsonan who majored in Theatre Education at the University of Arizona.

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By day, Mike teaches Computer Science and Theatre at the Academy of Tucson High School; by evening, Mike continues to stay involved with various theaters around town including Winding Road, Unscrewed Theater and Old Pueblo Playwrights. As always, he wishes to thank his family for their unconditional love and support.

JESSICA ARMISTEAD

STAGE MANAGER

Jessica Armistead is excited to work on her second show with Arts Express Theatre!  Her alter-ego and day job is being an award winning Theater Director...

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... at Cienega High School. She is so proud of all her Cienega students, past and present, as they pursue their passions, find their voice, and grace Broadway stages. She sends all her love to her three "kids"- her Mom Rosario, her Tia Mary, and her pup Drogo.  A huge thank you to my life long friends, and the CHS besties!  You are the best part of my life!  Also, thank you to the cast, Jonathan, Shelby, Linda, and all the AE staff for making me feel like family. Such a joy to be here! Enjoy the show!

DIANA KNOEPFLE

STAGE MANAGER

Diana is the Production Stage Manager at Invisible Theatre, celebrating its 52nd season in Tucson, Arizona.

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She is also the Production Stage Manager for Ballet Rincon and has just completed her latest freelance project, the musical Mean Girls, as Production Stage Manager. Past positions include Technical Director and freelance light and sound designs. Additional examples of freelance work includes the stage management of and calling of multi-media theatrical productions, ballet and other dance genres, musicals, and stage plays as well as the light design for the premier of a new production, and running rails. Diana is also an independent technical theater consultant for venues.

DEBBIE MACKINNEY

STAGE MANAGER

Debbie MacKinney is thrilled to be back in the booth. Her first experience as stage manager...

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 was with "Crazy for You" at Pima Community College. She has had a few roles on stage but loves the role of being behind the scenes. She earned her BFA in Theatre Education from the University of Arizona and followed her passion for working with high school students for over a decade (mostly at Tanque Verde High School). She has directed over 40 productions, including the first musical at TVHS, earning the "Up and Coming" award from Arts Express. Debbie has thoroughly enjoyed her first experience here and being part of the theatre community again.