StageworX
  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Meet the Staff
    • Testimonials
    • Alumni/Show History
  • Grade Level
    • Mini-Troupe (Ages 3-5)
    • Troupe (K-2nd)
    • Company (3rd-5th)
    • Studio (6th-12th)
  • Calendar
  • Register
  • Support Us

Meet the Staff!

Our Staff is comprised of the best our city has to offer with theater professionals, music teachers, theater teachers, educators, and a Grammy Award winner. These professionals are joined at every age level by camp alumni who give back to others in this unusually wonderful experience.

Administration 


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Don Arnott, Camp Director:
Don has been with StageworX for six years and was previously Chairman of the Board! His favorite color is blue and retired from Lamb Weston! He has a long history with theatre in the Kansas City area. He has Stage Managed more than 20 shows with Theatre in the Park (Outdoor and Indoor) and The White Theatre. Since retiring, you can find Don at Walt Disney World or spending time with his family.
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Jack Kirwan, Camp Director Assistant:
​Jack has been on Staff for seven years and was a camper for eight years prior. He is an after-school teacher at the YMCA and his favorite musical is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Jack is a member of the JCCC Theatre Department and his favorite color is red! When not working, Jack enjoys playing video games and singing!
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Nicole McCroskey, Marketing Manager:
Nicole has been with the StageworX family for 23 years. By day, she is a Copywriter on the eMedia team at T-Mobile, runs a photography business, is the marketing manager for Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice, and resident photographer/videographer for Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. Her favorite color is purple & her favorite musical is “Beauty and the Beast!” She danced at Miller Marley for 13 years and has performed with Theatre in the Park, the White Theater, New Dinner Theater, and at Walt Disney World. In her spare time, she reads & creates photo albums! She is also pursuing a degree in American Sign Language - Interpreting at KU.

Mini- Troupe


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Lindsay Davis, Director:
Green Springs Elementary School Teacher - Kindergarten
Lindsay has been on Staff for 11 years. After earning her Elementary Education and Music Education degree at Kansas State University, she has been a Kindergarten teacher for thirteen years and now teaches 2nd grade. She has been named Chick-Fil-A’s Teacher of the Year, Rosehill Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, and received a Teacher of the Year nomination for the Shawnee Mission School District. Her favorite colors are purple, coral, and yellow and her favorite musicals are “Seussical,” “Wicked,” and “Annie!” For fun, Lindsay spends time with her four children, goes on walks, and sleeps!
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Lindsey Hart Lauterwasser, Director:
Lakewood Middle School Teacher - Choir

Lindsey has been on Staff for two years! She is the 
Choir Teacher at Lakewood Middle School and her favorite color is pink! She loves the musicals, "Dear Evan Hansen" and "Waitress!" She grew up doing theatre in the Kansas City area, both professionally and at various community/school theaters. She graduated from Benedictine College with a degree in Music Education in 2021, where she was very involved with the choirs and the a cappella group! Now, she loves sharing her passion for music and theatre with her students! In her free time, Lindsey likes to read, exercise, walk, spend time with family and friends, and make music! 
Nikki Davis:
Nikki is a first-year Staffer!  She has been a Speech Therapist for 6 years. Her favorite musical is "Annie." In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and reading.
Kelsey Phillips: 
K-6 Interventionist SMSD
Kelsey is a first year Staffer! She has taught elementary school for 12 years & is currently a K-6 Interventionist for the SMSD. She grew up in a family who loves musical theater, and has fond memories of her 4 years attending Camp. Her favorite musical is "Les Miserables." Kelsey's favorite roles are wife to husband Ben, and mother to daughters Ava (1st year camper) and Lucy.
Abby Rose:
Abby is a first-year Staffer and is a student at the University of Missouri studying Special Education! Her favorite musical is "Aladdin!" She loves traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
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Megan Schueller: 
Miller Marley Dance Teacher
Megan has been on Staff for two years! She is a Ballet teacher at Miller Marley, where she grew up taking dance, and is a personal chef to her two kiddos! Her favorite color is black and her favorite musical is "In the Heights!" 
She performed in regional theaters all over the country, danced on a cruise ship, had a quick little sighting on Broadway, and danced at Disneyland. She loves to spend time with her family, read, dance, and do a little shopping!

Troupe


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Allison Friedrich, Director:
Odessa Middle School Teacher - Computer Literacy
Allison was a camper for one year before being a Staffer for 25 years! She is the Computer literacy teacher at Odessa Middle School. Her favorite color is all of them and she loves the musical “Aida.” She is a co-writer of four musicals geared towards 5-8-year-olds. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her family, cook, and design shirts! (If she ever has any free time!)
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Tori Friedrich, Director:
Fire Prairie Upper Elementary Teacher - Reading Intervention 
Tori has been with StageworX for 19 years! She teaches Reading and has co-written four musicals! Her favorite color is turquoise and her favorite musical is “SIX.” She loves to hang out with her husband and kids, read, and narrate her life in song!
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Ashton Barlow:
Ashton
has been on Staff for two years, his favorite color is yellow, and he is a full-time college student! His favorite musical is "Come From Away!" He has participated in "A Midsummers Night" improv comedy show at Renfest, "Love of Three Oranges" at BVHS, and "Curse of the Starving Class" under Jeff Yarnell. In his spare time, he plays board games, listens to podcasts, and hangs out with "the boys!"
Risa Brekken:
Risa is a first-time Staffer!
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Cy Conaway:
Cy
has been on Staff for two years! His favorite color is yellow and favorite musical is "Wicked!" He's been involved in theatre for nearly six years - taking classes, been involved in many high school plays and musicals, cast for four of them and crew for two, he had a cameo in the movie "PinPoint" created by senior Nathan Staley and got to see how films can be recorded and created. In his spare time, he hangs out with friends or family and likes to read fiction novels!
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Kenzi Crossman: 
Mission Trail Middle School Teacher - Theatre

Kenzi has been on Staff for two years! Her favorite color is pink & her favorite show is "West Side Story!" By day, she is a teacher! She taught dance for six years at Dance Images in Liberal, Kansas and Tip Toz in Council Grove Kansas. She graduated from Emporia State University and was very involved with her sorority Chi Omega and the Theatre Department. In her free time, she likes to read and watch movies!
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Kyle Feather: 
Denton High School Teacher - Choir

Kyle is a returning Staffer, making this his fifth year on Staff after four years as a camper! His favorite color is purple and he is the Assistant Choir Director at Denton High School. His favorite musical is "Thoroughly Modern Millie!" He graduated from the University of North Texas with a double major in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
Kennison Friedrich:
Kennison is a first-time Staffer!
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Katelyn Huwe: 
Katelyn
has been on Staff for two years and her favorite color is blue! Her favorite musical is "The Last Five Years."She loves being enthusiastic about everything and bringing a lot of energy to the table. In her free time, she likes to paint, draw, and practice softball.

Company


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Jessica McCarty, Director:
Forest View Elementary School Teacher - 2nd Grade
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Jessica has been a part of the StageworX family for 26 summers. As a camper, her favorite role she played was "Winnifred" in "Once Upon a Mattress." In addition to working at StageworX, Jessica is an elementary teacher in Olathe. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young children, playing piano, doing puzzles, and reading!
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Adam Segura, Director:
Ray-Pec East Middle School Teacher - Theatre
Adam has been on Staff for five years! He works as the Theatre teacher at Ray-Pec East Middle School during the school year. His favorite color is orange and favorite musical is “Into the Woods!” He has played “Emmett” in “Legally Blonde,” is a Copeland Theatre kid, and had a successful first forensics and debate season. In his spare time,  Adam plays with his dog, Sawyer, plays his PS4 and Switch, walks, and annoys Madison Plouvier.
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Paula Brekken, Vocal Director:
Paula has been on Staff since 2000! She is a vocal music teacher and church music director and her favorite color is orange! Paula has been with the Grammy award winning KC Chorale for 23 years, Carnegie Hall premiere by audition in 2007, won the MCDA Prelude 1st Year Teacher Award, and was Prince Orlofsky in “Die Fledermaus.”
Ethan Crapser: 
Ethan has been on Staff for 7 years and was a camper for 10 years prior! He works as the building substitute teacher at Shawnee Mission West high school. He also works as a technician for a theatre company based out of KC. 
Mary Fabac: 
Mary is a first-time Staffer after being at camp for two years! Her favorite musical is "Once Upon a Matteress" and her favorite colors are pink, blue, and glitter. She goes to Grand Canyon University majoring in Theatre for Secondary Education. 
Trevor Harrison: 
Olathe North High School Teacher - Video Production 
Trevor has been on Staff for three years and was a camper for 12 years prior! His favorite color is turquoise and his favorite show is “Legally Blonde."  Outside of camp, he will be the Video Production teacher at Olathe North.
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Jackson Huwe: 
Jackson is a first-time Staffer! His favorite color could be a shade of green, red, or blue. He just remembered purple exists and now that may be his favorite color. His favorite musical is either "Hadestown" or "Kimberly Akimbo," but bias may play in there. 
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Scott Ladish: 
Piper High School Teacher - Theatre
Scott has been on Staff for two years! Scott is the Speech & Theatre teacher at Piper High School and his favorite color is green! He loves the musical, "Little Shop of Horrors!" Along with being a Front-of-House employee at Theatre in the Park and a member of the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society, he has numerous awards and accolades from the Pitt State Theatre program including the 2021 award for “Outstanding Overall Theatre Student.” In his free time, he reads and spends time with his family and friends.
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Ann McCroskey, Choreographer: 
Miller Marley Dance Teacher

Ann is a returning Staffer, making this her 12th year at camp! Her favorite color is red and she is a dance instructor at Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice. Her favorite musical is "Newsies!" She danced at Worlds of Fun and for the KC Chiefs. She started the Rock Chalk Dancers (Pom Squad) at the University of Kansas, and now choreographs for many venues around KC. In her spare time, she enjoys going to Walt Disney World!
Bri Ockinga: 
Bri is a first-time Staffer! She is going into her second year as a Theatre Tech and Design major at Nebraska Wesleyan. She surrounds her personality around the color orange. This Nebraskan's favorite show traces back to her roots… it’s "Bright Star!" Outside of camp she likes to rock climb and crochet.
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Spencer Armentrout: 
Spencer has been on Staff for two years and his favorite color is red! His favorite show he's gotten to work on so far would have to be "The Love of Three Oranges." He was involved in his school’s Theatre and Choir Departments and has worked on both the acting and tech side of theatre! During his free time, he likes to hangout with his friends, sing and dance with his school show choir, and play DnD.

Studio D


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John Mulvey, Director:
Theatre for Young America Teacher - Acting
John has taught acting classes at Longview Community College and KC Young Audience’s Community School of the Arts, and currently teaches acting classes for Theatre for Young America. He is a professional actor, appearing at such venues as Theatre for Young America and also performing with the improvisational and sketch comedy groups Out on a Limb, The Argon Ship, and also at Comedy Sportz. He attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas where he received a Bachelor of Theatre Arts degree.
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Jeff Yarnell, Director:
Blue Valley High School Teacher - Theatre
Jeff has been with StageworX for 28 years! By day, he is a Drama teacher to the stars! He likes jewel tones of cool colors and the show “Noises Off.” A personal accomplishment of his is his principal no longer walking past him and saying, “Hey Reggie.” When he’s not teaching the stars, Jeff enjoys spending time with his bride, Hottie McApplesauce.
Chase Ellis:
Chase is a first-time Staffer after being a StageworX camper for six years!

Studio M


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Sarah Peterson, Director:
Harmony Middle School Teacher - Theatre
Sarah has been on Staff for 17 years! She is the
Theater/Modern Communications teacher at Harmony Middle School and her favorite color is green! It’s tough to pick just one musical but, she loves “Newsies!” Sarah has been an educator for 17 years, has directed and choreographed shows in several schools and camps around KC, is the Assistant Director of the Miller Marley Entertainers, teaches Teen Theater Jazz at Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice, and is a Wife and Mom! When not working, Sarah taxi her children around, watch their events, see a lot of productions around the KC area, hang with her family and friends, and read.
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Amy Alderman, Choreographer:
Lakewood Middle School Teacher - FACS
Amy has been on Staff for 12 years! She the Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Lakewood Middle School and her favorite color is purple! Amy has her Masters of Arts in Education - Speech and Drama, is a dance teacher at Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice, performed at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and has choreographed several shows around the Metro. Her favorite musical changes daily but some of her top choices are “Les Miserables,” “Waitress,” and “In the Heights!” When she is not working, she enjoys reading, sewing, hanging out with her family, and playing with her kids.
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Dave Davis, Vocal Director:
Harmony Middle School Teacher - Choir
Dave has been on Staff for 21 years! While not at camp, he is the Zookeeper (Choir Teacher) at Harmony Middle School. His favorite color is blue and he loves “Bright Star” and “Million Dollar Quartet.” He won the 2009 Horizon Award, was a Finalist for the 2013 Grammy Teacher of the Year, and the 2018 Ignatius Award Recipient. While not taming the animals or at camp, he enjoys watching sports, playing music, and listening to podcasts!
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Kym Gibbs, Accompanist:
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Middle/High School - Accompanist
Kym has been on Staff for 12 years and her favorite color is charcoal grey! She is the accompanist at local schools by day. She loves getting to work with and teach the kids over the years. Her favorite musical is “Godspell!” When she isn’t working, she enjoys painting, singing and playing in a community choir, and practicing skeet shooting!
Hanna Stevens:
Harmony Middle School Teacher - 7th Grade Social Studies/English

Hanna is a first-time Staffer! Her favorite color... all of them! It's too hard to choose! Hanna will be a first-year teacher at Harmony Middle School this fall, teaching 7th-grade Social Studies and English. Her favorite show changes daily, but right now it is "SIX" the musical. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family as much as possible.

Studio T


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Skip Gordon, Director:
Shawnee Mission South High School - Theatre Technical Director
Skip has been on staff for StageworX 18 years.  He is currently the Technical Director for Shawnee Mission South High School.  He has worked for Rockhurst University, Chestnut Fine Arts, Theatre in the Park, Blue Valley West High School, StoneLion Puppets, Kansas City Fringe Festival, and WaterFire KC. In his spare time he likes to be outdoors, on his kayak, camping, or out in the woods.
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Rylee Carney:
Rylee has been on Staff for two years! Her favorite color is maroon and her favorite show is "Newsies!" She was the freshmen painting crew head at her school. In her free time, she enjoys long boarding and climbing. 
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Cassandra Mojica:
Cassandra has been on Staff for two years​ and her favorite color is purple! Her favorite musical is "Mamma Mia!" She was awarded "Best Backstage Technician" for her Fall stage play, "No Signs of Intelligent Life." She is the Technical Director for our children’s theatre show, "Goldilocks on Trial." In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her friends and helping out her family.
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David Munzell-Johnson:
David has been on Staff for two years! His favorite color is yellow and his favorite musical is "Anastasia!" When not working at StageworX, he is working in lawn care! Whenever he has free time, he finds himself rock climbing!
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Doug Peterson:
Doug has been on Staff for two years, his favorite color is blue, and by day... He is retired! His favorite musical is "Les Miserables." He is excited to be at StageworX for the second time this Summer and he enjoys golfing in his spare time!
Sandi Peterson, Camp Nurse:
Sandi has been on Staff for two years and her favorite color is coral! She was a registered nurse for 34 years! Now, she is retired and her favorite activities include reading and cruising! Her favorite musical is "Wicked!"

    CONTACT US

Submit
email

stageworXcamp@gmail.com

address
​

P.O. Box 3963
Olathe, KS 66063-9998
Photos by Nicole McCroskey Photography
  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Meet the Staff
    • Testimonials
    • Alumni/Show History
  • Grade Level
    • Mini-Troupe (Ages 3-5)
    • Troupe (K-2nd)
    • Company (3rd-5th)
    • Studio (6th-12th)
  • Calendar
  • Register
  • Support Us