2023-24 season Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!

McColl Family Theatre

April 6-28, 2024

Photo of ImaginOn courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

BASED ON THE ELEPHANT & PIGGIE BOOKS BY MO WILLEMS

PUBLISHED BY HYPERION BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

SCRIPT AND LYRICS BY MO WILLEMS

MUSIC BY DEBORAH WICKS LA PUMA

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com

This play premiered at the Kennedy Center Family Theater, Washington DC, on November 23, 2013

Director Alicia Tafoya

Assistant Director Holly Nañes

Choreographer Jennifer Poarch

Music Director Charlene Miranda Thomas

Scenic Designer Tim Parati

Costume Designer Yao Chen

Sound Designer Jason Romney

Lighting Designer David M Fillmore, Jr.

Run time approximately 60 minutes

Videotaping, photography and other recording of this production is prohibited.

The Season 2023-24

BALLOONACY

Aug 23-31, 2023

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL

Nov 17 - Dec 22, 2023

DJEMBE FIRE!

Mar 9, 2024

NARNIA THE MUSICAL

Sept 22 - Oct 22, 2023

SCHOOLHOUSE

ROCK LIVE!

Jan 13-28, 2024

DANNY, KING OF THE BASEMENT

Apr 20-28, 2024

TIRED SOULS: THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT

Oct 7-8, 2023

PINOCCHIO

Feb 3-18, 2024

ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!"

Apr 13 - May 5, 2024

LIFE DOESN’T FRIGHTEN ME

Nov 4-19, 2023

CATCHING THE MOON: THE STORY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S BASEBALL DREAM

Mar 9-24, 2024

PIGS IS PIGS

May 29 - June 9, 2024

The Season 2023-24

Today’s celebration is brought to life, in part, by:

Stephanie Couch

Dr. Daniel Donner

Erik & Amelia Peterson

Kristin Tokić

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors. This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

2024 Summer Camps

Experiences for students ages 3 to 18 at ImaginOn I CPCC Matthews I Queens University

• Early Childhood Camps

• Primary Camps

• Performance Camps

• Teen Studios

Thanks to these community partners and businesses for their support of Celebrate!, our annual fundraising gala.

CLT Find

Cynthia Banks

Dandelion Market

Discovery Place

Heist Brewery

Treehouse Vineyards

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Blumenthal Perfoming Arts Center

Kendra Scott

Mac Tabby Cat Cafe

Orrman’s Cheese Shop

R&R Fundraisers

Reids Fine Foods

Sandy Vlahos

Splatter Charlotte

Susan Crosby

Total Wine & More

Veronet Vineyards and Winery

Whitewater Center

Sponsored by amd

MAKING THEATRE MAGIC...

All of the elements of the show from set design to costume design, lighting, props and sound, are created at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte by a talented team of artists.

Together, we bring stories like this one to life through the magic of theatre.

SET DESIGN

Scenic Designer Tim Parati (pictured below) paints the swimming pool. Set pieces in a palette of candy-store colors are built in our Scene Shop.

The Props team works on the ice cream cart (pictured to the left).

COSTUME DESIGN

Costume Designer Yao Chen’s designs burst with bold colors and a circus-like feel. The Squirrelle costumes incorporate movement and an animal-like quality.

Cast & Creative Team

CAST

Logan Cosper.................................................................................................................Piggie

Brandon J Johns.........................................................................................................Elephant

Amanda Becker........................................................................................................Squirrelle

Judy Brown-Steele.....................................................................................................Squirrelle

Melissa Lozada...........................................................................................................Squirrelle

UNDERSTUDIES & SWINGS

Amanda Becker.......................................................................................,.Understudy Piggie

Tommy Foster..................................................................................................Swing Elephant

Maura Grout....................................................................................................Swing Squirrelle

CREATIVE TEAM

Director......................................................................................................Alicia Tafoya

Assistant Director.........................................................................................Holly Nañes

Choreographer....................................................................................Jennifer Poarch

Music Director....................................................................Charlene Miranda Thomas

Scenic Designer..............................................................................................Tim Parati

Costume Designer.........................................................................................Yao Chen

Sound Designer......................................................................................Jason Romney

Lighting Designer...........................................................................David M Fillmore, Jr.

For This Production

FOR THIS PRODUCTION

Stage Manager.................................................................................................Steven James

Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain......................................................Maura Grout

Deck Chief......................................................................................................Melissa Mendez

Run Crew................................................................................................................Keith Johns

Wardrobe Supervisor..........................................................................................Loren Moody

Wardrobe Crew...........................................................................................Summer Schroter

Stitchers......................................................................................Angeli Novio, Alyssa Whiting

Wig Stylists....................................................................................Ansley Juan, Jason Estrada

Props Artisans..................................................................................Ansley Juan, Joe Watson

Scenic Carpenters.................................................................Mandy Peeler, Landon Peeler

Electricians.........................................................Maddi Penn, Landon Peeler, Josh Lucero, John Vanderwoude

Assistant Lighting Director...................................................................................Kat Fletcher

Lightboard Operator........................................................................................Amber Bidwell

Lightboard Programmer.......................................................................................Sidney Bing

Sound Mixer..........................................................................................................Maddi Penn

Scenic Artist..........................................................................................Stephen West-Rogers

SPECIAL THANKS

Ron Chisholm

Musical Numbers

Meet the Cast

LOGAN COSPER (Piggie)

is thrilled to join the cast of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE for her debut at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! A Rock Hill native, Winthrop alum, and former Walt Disney World cast member, she works as a performer, director, and instructor in the Charlotte area. She is currently directing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. and THE WIZARD OF OZ at Acting Up Performing Arts Studio in Charlotte, teaching voice lessons, and performing for pleasure between contracts at regional theaters and theme parks around the southeast. She was most recently seen in JMMD’s Prancer’s Dancers at Tryon International Equestrian Center, in concert Animated: Imagination series with Rock Hill Theatre. Her favorite roles include Mary Poppins (MARY POPPINS), Nicely-Nicely Johnson (GUYS AND DOLLS), and Mrs. Lovett (SWEENEY TODD). She would like to thank God and her village for the unwavering support and her younger self for being so Type A to include performing on this stage in her five-year plan. Enjoy!

Meet the Cast

BRANDON J JOHNS (Elephant)

is so happy to be back at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte this Spring! He was last seen on the main stage as Mr. Beaver in NARNIA THE MUSICAL. An actor and musician, Brandon is also excited to be a Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship recipient. Other roles at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte include Oliver Warbucks in ANNIE and Big Bad Wolf in SHREK THE MUSICAL. Brandon has completed several national tours with Virginia Repertory Theatre, performing in many shows including SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, I HAVE A DREAM, and THE SHOEMAKER AND THE CHRISTMAS ELVES. Some favorite roles include Tonton Julian in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, and Monsieur D’Arque in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Virginia Repertory Theatre. Brandon is also an arranger and composer. Some of his original music and arrangements have been featured at Firehouse Theatre and Cedar Fair’s theme park, King’s Dominion. Brandon sends endless thanks to his mother and brother for their constant support and love. For DLJ.

Meet the Cast

AMANDA BECKER

(Squirrelle/Understudy Piggie)

is thrilled to be making her return to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Stage! She could recently be seen in MADAGASCAR: THE MUSICAL and as an understudy in DRAGONS LOVE TACOS. Amanda has performed at regional theaters, theme parks and resorts in Charlotte and other cities around the US! When she is not performing, Amanda enjoys training in various circus arts and spending time with her pups. Amanda wants to thank her parents for their endless support and love.

Meet the Cast

JUDY BROWN-STEELE (Squirrelle)

is new to Charlotte, NC where she is excited to be working with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Selected credits include Great, Great Aunt Rose in ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER, MRS. NEAL IN THE ESCAPE TO FREEDOM, Denise/ Roberta in STRING OF PEARLS, and Miss Jones in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. She is Audra McDonald’s biggest fan and can’t wait to work with her...someday! She enjoys coaching students on scene study, song & monologue prep and is excited for whatever new adventures are next.

Meet the Cast

MELISSA LOZADA (Squirrelle)

is thrilled to join Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s cast of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE. She is excited about this role and to perform again in her hometown. Previously, she has performed with Old Courthouse Theatre in THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy), Matthew’s Playhouse in SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Robert), and Porch Productions in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Belle). She is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she studied Psychology and Musical Theatre. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her dreams and ambitions, never missing a show.

Meet the Cast

TOMMY FOSTER (Swing Elephant)

is a theatre professional with over 30 years in the theatre, working as an actor, director, and teacher. This season he’s appeared as Aslan in NARNIA THE MUSICAL and everyone’s favorite jokester Dad in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Having played Gerald the Elephant the first time CTC did ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!”, he is honored to now cover his good friend Brandon James Johns for his turn in the black-rimmed glasses! Other roles at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte include Miss Trunchbull in ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL, the Cowardly Lion in JOURNEY TO OZ, and a rocker version himself in SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! He directed the substance abuse tour, LIARS; SWEENEY TODD, CHICAGO, EVITA, MACBETH, and THE TEMPEST for the summer teen program; and was the choreographer & fight choreographer for the Onstage production of OKLAHOMA! Tommy has taught for SOTT, Catawba College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and recently opened his own studio in Concord, teaching private acting & singing lessons: The Acting School. He has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting. His favorite roles are playing husband to Wesley; father to sons Parker & Marshall; and dog-dad to Brody, Marlie, Duke, Lucy, Bingo, & Turbo. www.TommyFosterNYC.com

Meet the Cast

MAURA GROUT

(Swing Squirrelle, Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain)

is a passionate performer, educator, and choreographer who is thrilled to return to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC). You may have previously seen Maura on CTC’s Mainstage in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL as Imogene Herdman (2022) or when she performed the role of Betty as a swing (2023). Since the age of four, Maura has been training in nearly every genre of dance, taking on her first role as a choreographer at the age of thirteen. In addition to her work at CTC, Maura has taught and/or choreographed at Matthews Community Center, Dance Fusion of Harrisburg, The Lotus Project, and Rise & Shine Players, as well as offering private dance coaching independently. Maura is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to wear many hats in the process of bringing this production to life.

Creative Team

Alicia Tafoya (Director) is the Artistic and Community Relations Fellow for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. She is passionate about connecting the work on our stages to our community. Prior to working at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte she was the Head of Performance at The University of Central Oklahoma. She is a director, performer, new work dramaturg, and certified Michael Chekhov instructor. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University in acting and directing and a Master of Fine Arts at Texas Tech University in performance and pedagogy of acting and directing. Previous directing projects span multiple genres including Latinx Theatre, Opera, Theatre of Social Change, and Children’s Theatre. While at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Alicia has directed TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY, DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!, and THE LION AND THE LITTLE RED BIRD. Alicia is thankful for the collaborators who help her breathe life into these scripts. She sends love to her wonderful husband, friends, and family.

Holly Nañes (Assistant Director) is a multi-disciplinary Latinx artist from SW Texas. She has a MFA in Directing at Texas State University, and received her BA in theater from Smith College. Holly has been working steadily in the theater field for over fifteen years wearing the many hats in the profession onstage and off, creating new works and old.

As a Director she gets the opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, tolerance, and inclusivity with the many theater makers in the field. “For me, it’s an opportunity to widen my field of perception of the world through the understanding of different points of view and the many ways we can create work. My goal as a director is to create an inclusive, crazy creative environment where artists aren’t afraid to take risks and make mistakes while working together toward a unified vision.” Some of her recent works include: HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN SON at Common Thread Theater Collective, Screaming Into the Void Theater Festival: FACING THE STORM (2023) and #PANDEMIC DIARIES (2022), MAN OF THE FLESH with Teatro Audaz, MOTHER COURAGE, BLU, LYDIA, BEAUTIFUL MONSTERS (playwright/Director)

HOPE IS WANING: LAMENTATIONS FROM SOLITARY at Jump-Start Performance Company, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE HAIKU, a performance art piece (writer/Director) and THE PROMISE (Director) at Palo Alto College, AVALANCHE and CHIMICHANGAS and ZOLOFT with Teatro Audaz. She is a company member and board member at Jump-Start Performance Company in San Antonio, TX where she has performed, written for, and directed on numerous occasions. She would like to thank Children’s

Creative Team Cont’d

Theatre of Charlotte for choosing her as a recipient of the Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship, I am so excited to work with CTC!

Jennifer Poarch (Choreographer)

ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” marks Jennifer’s CTC debut as a choreographer. Favorite national choreography credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, BIG RIVER, BRIGHT STAR, CHICAGO, FIDDLER, HONKY TONK ANGELS, JOSEPH, LITTLE SHOP, OKLAHOMA, SEVEN BRIDES, SHOWBOAT, STATE FAIR, SUGAR, and YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN.

Charlene Miranda Thomas (Music Director) is blessed and honored to return to Children’s Theatre once again as Music Director for ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S !WE ARE IN A PLAY!” Prior to this production, she has been the Music Director at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for SHREK THE MUSICAL, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL (2018 and 2019), BOB MARLEY’S THREE LITTLE BIRDS, MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, and THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! Her recent credits include Music Director for the premiere of THE LIGHTNING THIEF at Community School of Davidson. She was also the Music Director for VIOLET THE MUSICAL produced by Common Thread Theatre Collective, a collaboration between

Davidson College and North Carolina A&T University. “It is such a thrill to be a part of this production again. I love this show and working with this wonderfully talented cast! I love this story because it is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, the power of love, and how empathy strengthens the human spirit.” Charlene is an arts educator and advocate for arts education. She has worked with and continues to work with various organizations such as Children’s Theatre School of Theatre Training, Theatre Gap Initiative, and Mooresville Children’s Theatre, just to name a few. She also teaches private lessons in voice and piano. She is passionate about inspiring exceptionally talented young artists from all walks of life to develop their artistic gifts and pursue careers in the arts. When Charlene is not teaching or in the “pit” you can find her playing the keys and singing some funky tunes with her band – MarvelUs. Charlene would like give a special shout out and thanks to her family and MarvelUs band members for their love and support.

Tim Parati (Scenic Designer) is an artist, actor and designer and has been the resident Scenic Artist at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for almost 20 years. For CTC, he has designed close to 30 productions including THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, ACCIDENTAL FRIENDS, NEW KID, DANNY, KING OF THE BASEMENT, AESOP’S FABLES and TRUE STORY

Creative Team Cont’d

OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! and co-designed PETITE ROUGE and LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. He has also designed for Theatre Charlotte, Opera Carolina, On Q Productions and Queen City Quiz Show. Visit timparati.com to see his work! As an actor, Parati’s credits include recurring roles on “Army Wives” and “The Walking Dead” and in “A Time to Kill”, “From the Earth to the Moon”, and “John Adams”. He sends all his love and thanks to his wife and muse, Kim, for her support and inspiration, their amazing daughter Ava Luna and their spirited pup, Zydeco. Family is strength.

Yao Chen (Costume Designer) Originally from China, Yao Chen is a costume designer and Illustrator with international design credits. Her designs can be seen in the United States, China and Costa Rica. She has been designed costume professionally over a decade and has been active collaborator with Seattle Children’s Theatre (LITTLE PRINCE), Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, TITUS ANDRONICUS), Berkshire Theatre Group (THE MUSIC MAN) Trinity Repertory Company ( RADIO GOLF), Indiana Repertory Theatre ( PAPER DREAM OF HARRY CHIN, DIARY OF ANNE FRANK), THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT), Merrimack Repertory Theatre (UNTIL THE FLOOD, HOLY FUDGE, MACBETH, THE LETTER FROM HOME), Contemporary American Theatre Festival (BABEL, USHUAIA BLUE), Orlando Repertory Theatre (SKIPPY JONE, DIARY OF WORMS, NANCY

DREW AND HER BIGGEST CASE EVER, PETE THE CAT) , Orlando Shakespeare Theatre (ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE), TheatreSquared (MISS YOU LIKE HELL), Lyric Company of Boston, Boston Playwright Theatre, and Espresso Theatre (AMADEUS) in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her recent projects are executive costume designer for Mozart l’opera rock produced by Seven Ages, Ltd, Beijing China, Mid-Winter Nights Dream at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Folks at home at Indiana Repertory Theatre and Mr. Parents at Boston playwright theatre and Geva Theatre. www.yao-chen.com

Jason Romney (Sound Designer) is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate once again with the team at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. A few of his favorite projects at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte include ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL, CAT IN THE HAT, THE SECRET GARDEN, and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL. He has also designed sound for productions at Triad Stage, Alliance Theatre, Piedmont Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, Imagination Stage, No Rules Theatre, Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy, Playmakers Repertory, Weston Playhouse, Lyric Repertory Company, Ravinia Festival, Utah Festival Opera, Unicorn Pillow Theatre, Elon University, and oth-

Creative Team Cont’d

ers. He is a Professor of Sound Design at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem North Carolina. He is a proud member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association.

David M Fillmore, Jr. (Lighting Designer) is Professor of Lighting Design at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Designing mostly for dance and theatre, Fillmore’s regional design credits include American Stage (FL), Tuacahn Outdoor Amphitheatre (UT), North Carolina Museum of Art, The Tennessee Repertory Theatre (TN), Cartage Theatre (NC), Imagination Stage (MD/Washington), The Straw Hat Players (MN), and The Hudson Theatre Works (NJ/New York).

Highlights include the world premieres of MY WAY (2000), THE CHRISTMAS DOLL (2007), SURVIVING THE APPLEWHITE’S (2008), THE DRAMA CLUB (2009), 101 DALMATIANS (2014/tour), ELLA’S BIG CHANCE: A JAZZ AGE MUSICAL (2015), THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL (201619), AN HOMAGE TO ANCIENT EGYPT (2021), ALPHONSE MUCHA: ART NOUVEAU VISIONARY (2021), and the international debuts of THE LARAMIE PROJECT (2006), in Tours, France and LULLABY – THE STORIES WE TELL (2018), in Pietrasanta, Italy. The first show with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte was MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW (2006) and a

few of David’s other favorite shows include DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, PETER PAN, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE RELUCTANT DRAGON, TALES OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, SCROOGE!, ALADDIN, and TREASURE ISLAND. His kids, currently 8, 12, and 16, all started enjoying CTC productions at 3 months old and are excited to be seeing theatre in person again. David is a member of the United Scenic Artists local 829. He holds an M.F.A. in Scenic and Lighting Design from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in Theatre from The University of Minnesota, Moorhead.

Kat Fletcher (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a lighting design student at UNC Charlotte and is beyond excited to make her debut at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! Past credits include SWEAT, THE CALIGARI PROJECT, and CHICAGO. She would like to thank Professor Fillmore and her friends at Charlotte for their support and mentorship.

Meet the Author MO WILLEMS

Mo Willems is an author, illustrator, animator, and playwright. He was the inaugural Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence (2019-2022), and he continues to collaborate in creating fun new stuff involving classical music, opera, comedy concerts, dance, painting and digital works with the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, Ben Folds, Yo-Yo Ma, and others.

Willems is best known for his #1 New York Times bestselling picture books, which have been awarded three Caldecott Honors (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!; Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale; Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity), and his celebrated Elephant and Piggie early reader series, which has been awarded two Theodor Geisel Medals and five Geisel Honors.

Mo’s art has been exhibited around the world, including major solo retrospectives at the High Museum (Atlanta) and the New-York Historical Society (NYC). Over the last decade, Willems has become the most produced playwright of Theater for Young Audiences in America, having written or co-written four musicals based on his books.

Photo by Trix Willems

CUTENESS IS ON OVERLOAD IN THIS HUMOROUS STORY WHERE GUINEA PIGS STEAL THE SHOW.

Staff & Board of Directors

CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE

LEADERSHIP

Artistic Director - Adam Burke

Managing Director - Nao Tsurumaki

Administration

Human Resources Manager - Carolyn Lugo-Allred

Business Manager - Alex Doxey

Senior Accountant - Crystal Johnson

ImaginOn Partnership Coordinator - Maryann O’Keeffe

ImaginOn Administrative Support - Casey Kaufmann

Artistic & Production

Director of Production - Steven Levine

Artistic & Community Relations Fellow - Alicia Tafoya

Costume Shop Manager - Anna Klinger

Resident Designer & Crafts Specialist - Magda Guichard

Cutter/Draper - Emily Heilig

Technical Director - Andrew Gibbon

Resident Stage Manager - Steven James

Resident Sound Designer/AV Supervisor - Tyler Knowles

Charge Scenic Artist - Tim Parati

Master Carpenter - John Slechta

Deck Chief/House Carpenter - Shane Burgett

Properties Manager - Cassie Ward

Lead Electrician - Amber Bidwell

Education

Director of Education - EG Engle

Camps & Community Programs Manager - Mary Katherine Smith

Education Program Manager - Morgan Southard

Education Operations & Administrative Manager - Cat Koski

Resident Teaching Artists - Karen Steele & Breana Venablé

Education Assistant - Katie Kinser

Development

Director of Development – Emily J. Chuma

Associate Director of Development - Scott Tynes-Miller

Special Events & Individual Giving Manager - Kenneth Rosander

Development Coordinator - Jean Edwards

Touring Coordinator, Front & Center Series - Madia Medico

Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing & Communications - Cindy Taylor

Associate Director of Marketing - Rob Odum

Customer Experience Manager - Ashley Hughes

PR & Social Media Mananger – Alex Aguilar

Touring Performance Coordinator - Margot Parrott

School Group Sales & Performance Coordinator - Chris Stonnell

IT Manager - Claire Whitworth-Helm

Audience Service Coordinator - Louise Lawson

Marketing Assistant - Aaron Bunzey

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mitchell Kelling - Chair

Sallie Beason - Chair-Elect

Stephanie Isham - Treasurer

Maddie Myers - Secretary

Cynthia Banks

Veronica Bell

Mary Alice Boyd

Mike Burgess

Stephanie Couch

Caryn Craige

Charlitta Hatch

Leigh Hickman

Ben Hume

Tim James

Rebecca Lindahl

Brian Litwak

Mitzi Lynch

Jennifer Madara

Scott Manning

Salem McMullan

Lisa Miller

Rosemary Morgan

Mallory Navin

Michael Tarwater, Jr.

Kristin Tokić

Rosa Vega-Vazquez

Nichelle Weintraub

April Whitlock

Honorary Lifetime Members

Robin Branstrom

Carla DuPuy

Peter Flur

Cynthia Lank

Linda Lockman-Brooks

ENCORE! President

Sandy Vlahos

Advisory Board

Robin Branstrom

Tom Eiselt

Jami Farris

Peter Flur

Gina Lawrence

Our Supporters

EXECUTIVE PRODUCING PARTNERS ($50,000 and more)

Bank of America

North Carolina Arts Council

PNC Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

The Infusion Fund and its generous donors

PRODUCING PARTNERS ($25,000 to $49,999)

C.D. Spangler Foundation, Inc.

First Horizon

National Endowment for the Arts

DIRECTING PARTNERS ($10,000 to $24,999)

Autism Strong Foundation

Clear Blue Insurance Group

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

Cornwell Foundation

Paige Johnston Thomas Giving Tree

SPX Corporation

Triad Foundation

STANDING OVATION PARTNERS ($5,000 to $9,999)

Carolina Panthers

The Daniel, Edward, Cora & Strickland Foundation

The Dickson Foundation, Inc.

LendingTree

Offit Kurman

Parker Poe

Publix Super Markets Charities

South Arts

Wells Fargo

CENTER STAGE PARTNERS ($3,000 to $4,999)

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Gerrard Builders

QRCA

Social Venture Partners

LEADING ROLE PARTNER ($1,000 to $2,999)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Dickens-Mitchener & Associates

Our Supporters cont’d

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY DONORS

We recognize and thank our generous donors who gave as of March 18, 2024. Our annual donors are recognized at the most current giving level.

LEADING PLAYERS SOCIETY

($10,000 - $24,999)

Dorlisa & Peter Flur

Mitchell Kelling

Linda Reynolds

Tammy Stringer & Richard Viola

($5,000 - $9,999)

Omid & Julie Ahdieh

Dr. Daniel Donner

Andrew and Stephanie Fulford

Travis & Lise Hain

The Hensley Family

David Holland

Bruce & Anita LaRowe

Brian Litwak

Jennifer & Eric Madara

Ann & Scott Manning

Arrington Mixon

Brian & Laura Murdock

Jennifer & Jack Ross

Sandy & Greg Vlahos

April & Thomas Whitlock

($3,000 - $4,999)

Herb & Gina Clegg

Rob & Caryn Craige

Stephanie Couch

John & Nancy Dickson

Ben & Christy Hume

LaKeisha & William Jefferson

Pat Burgess & Joan Martin

Heather & Scott McAllister

Ken & Lisa Miller

Rosemary Morgan & Fielding Huseth

Maddie & Brian Myers

Stacia & Charlie Neugent

Stephen & Stephanie Sorenson

Erik & Amelia Peterson

Kristin Tokić

Rosa Maria Vega

Lauren & William Voorhees

Nichelle & Sasha Weintraub

Judith & Matthew Whelan

($1,000 - $2,999)

Stephen & Carolyn Allred

Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Babcock

Cynthia Banks

Sallie & Gary Beason

Veronica Bell

Robin & Bill Branstrom

Susan & Richard Buckley

Craig & Mary Bunzey

Mike & Katie Burgess

Julie & Stoke Caldwell

Zoe & Lewis Chandry

Spencer Clair & Chris Loyd

Amy & Alfred Dawson

Tom & Julie Eiselt

Christi Farr

Bryan & Jami Farris

Beth & Gaston Gage

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Gonzalez

Watts & Carol Hamrick

Brad & Karen Harris

Scott & Claire Helm

Anne Henderson*

Lesley Herrera

Leigh Hickman

Ryan & Danielle Hutcheson

Timothy James

Tonya Jesso

Laurie Johnston*

Ashley & Matthew Joseph

Jeff & Deborah Long, In Honor of Miss Penelope Long

Bruce & Michelle Long

Seah & Robert McCammon

Salem & Sean McMullan

Gary Monie

Mallory Navin & Joe Shreve

Anna & Tom Nelson

John & Suzy Nurkin

Ed & Tari Schutzman

Janet & Joshua Smith

Michael Tarwater

Patrick & Elizabeth Vaughn

Laura & Brian Walger

Katie & Jason Weeks

Our Supporters cont’d

SUPPORTING PLAYERS SOCIETY ($500 - $999)

Dora Abraham

Sylvia Bartee

The Staub Family

Marian Clark

Veruska & Julio Colmenares

Rachel & Michael Coyne

Dallas & Kathy Craven

Ina DeRochi

Dr. Ann Evans

Bryan & Jamie Gerrard

John & Mara Gose

Sally & Drew Harriss

Soraja Helac

Mr. Frank Hruby & Mrs. Tatyana Rector

Kate Land

Cynthia & Dave Lank

Catherine LeCompte

Louis Leone

Craig & Mitzi Lynch

Michele & Steve Mangan

Jennie McGuire

Megan McKeever

Renee Miller

Elizabeth Murphy

Eileen Manlove O’Brien

Jerry & Cookie Parnell

Christian & Denise Pineno

Allison & Thad Reece

Benjamin & Rebecca Schultz

Kindra Shah

Nedra Tawwab

Cindy & Rob Taylor

Carrie & J.T. Teixeira

Robert & Leslie Tesch

Brandon Williams

*Indicates those who support the Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship.

Our Supporters cont’d

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte receives support from the Infusion Fund, a partnership between the City of Charlotte, Foundation for The Carolinas and generous donors to support the arts and cultural sector. Contributors to the fund include:

Multimillion Dollar Commitment

City of Charlotte

$1.5 million and above

Bank of America

C.D. Spangler Foundation / National Gypsum

Company

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Trane Technologies

$600,000 - $1 million

Albemarle Foundation

Atrium Health

Barings

Duke Energy

Honeywell

JELD-WEN, Inc.

LendingTree Foundation

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Novant Health

Red Ventures

Truist

$300,000-$600,000

Ally Financial

The Centene Charitable Foundation

Childress Klein Properties

Coca-Cola Consolidated

Deloitte

EY

The Gambrell Foundation

Moore & Van Allen

PwC

Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.

Rodgers Builders

Wells Fargo

Up to $300,000

Fifth Third Bank

Foundation For The Carolinas

Deidre and Clay Grubb

Leslie and Michael Marsicano

Jane and Hugh McColl

Nucor Corporation

PNC Bank

Premier, Inc.

Jane and Nelson Schwab

ENCORE! Our Volunteer Community

Be a part of the wonder. Volunteers help in many areas across the Theatre from Production to Education to Development to Outreach.

JOIN US

Opportunities like...

• Ushering public performances and school shows

• Delivering thousands of holiday gifts to Charlotte children through The Winter Wonderland Shop

• Inventorying costumes with our Production team

• Hanging artwork created by school children attending our shows

• Checking in guests at our annual gala

• Selling concessions during OnStage weekend with our Education team

Charlotte Latin’s Middle School Spring 2023 production of Disney’s Newsies, Jr. included a cast and crew of more than 50 students.

Charlotte Latin School is an independent, non-sectarian, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

September 7

Audition for the 2024 - 2025 season of Charlotte Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker and the spring show

For details, scan the QR code or visit CharlotteYouthBallet.org

SAVE THE DATE

The Nutcracker

DECEMBER 6 - 8, 2024