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Don Arnott, Camp Director:
Don has been with StageworX for ten years and was previously Chairman of the Board! His favorite color is blue and retired from Lamb Weston and is currently a substitute teacher! His favorite musical is "Wicked!" 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 after his 40-year career, you can find Don at Walt Disney World or spending time with his family. |
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Jack Kirwan, Assistant to Camp Director:
Jack has been on Staff for nine 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, working out, going to the movies, and drawing! |
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Nicole Scheier, Marketing Manager:
Overland Trail Middle School Teacher - Theatre/Modern Communication Nicole has been with the StageworX family for 25 years. By day, she is the Theatre/Modern Communication teacher at Overland Trail Middle School, runs a photography business, & is the marketing manager for Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice. 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, & hangs out with her family! |
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Heather Heilman, Parent Liaison:
Heather has been on Staff for four years! She works as a Mortgage Underwriter full-time and her favorite color is blue! Her favorite musical is "Wicked" and she likes to read, be outside, & hang with family in her spare time! |
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Pam Arnott, Assistant to Executive Director:
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Lindsay Davis, Director:
Green Springs Elementary School Teacher - Kindergarten - Teacher of the Year 2025 Lindsay has been on Staff for 16 years (she thinks). She has been named Chick-Fil-A’s Teacher of the Year and has received a Teacher of the Year nomination three times. After earning her Elementary Education and Music Education degree at Kansas State University, she has been teaching Kindergarten (and a brief stint in 2nd grade) for 18 years. She has been nominated, and won, this past year as Olathe's Elementary Teacher of the Year. Her favorite colors are purple, yellow, and coral, and her favorite musicals are "Newsies", "Wicked", and "Seussical"! While not at school or Stageworx, she is thankful to co-direct with her husband David a daily dose of chaos and comedy with the cast of our four dramatic daughters. |
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Lindsey Lauterwasser, Director:
InJoy Music Teacher Lindsey has been on Staff for four years! She works for InJoy Music teaching private piano lessons, voice lessons, and early childhood music classes! Her favorite color is pink and her favorite musicals are "Moulin Rouge" and "Waitress!" She has loved theatre since she was young and is excited to share her love for it with her campers! In her free time, Lindsey likes to read, go on walks, sing, and spend time with her family and friends! But most of all, she loves being a wife to her husband, Kyle, and a mom to her almost 1 year old son, Teddy! |
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Curran Mock:
Curran is a second-year Staffer! His favorite musical is Hadestown and he loves Kellogg’s Rice Krispie treats. Curran did theatre throughout middle school and high school, but is now studying Mechanical Engineering at Kansas University! |
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Kelsey Phillips:
K-6 Interventionist Kelsey has been on Staff for three years and was a StageworX camper for four years! She is a graduate of Kansas State University and received her master’s in education from Baker University. She has taught elementary school for 13 years & is currently a K-6 Interventionist for SMSD. She has very 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, 6 and Lucy, 3. |
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Jenna Skov:
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School - 2nd Grade Jenna has been on Staff for two years! Her favorite color is blue and her favorite musicals are "Newsies" and "Hamilton!" Jenna teaches 2nd grade at Pleasant Ridge Elementary and is involved with the kids program at her church. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys reading, playing board games, traveling with her family, and playing volleyball. |
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Michelle Alexander:
Michelle is a first-year staffer and choreographer. Her favorite color is teal and she is a graduate of Illinois State University. Her favorite play is "Arsenic and Old Lace" and she enjoys translating old theatrical works from Spanish to English, as well as dancing to any song she hears. In her spare time, she takes care of her garden and pups. |
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Whitney Beiler Dalton
Whitney is joining StageworX for the first time! She holds a BFA in musical theater and has spent nearly a decade in the news industry, earning five Emmy nominations and two wins. Whitney has also worked in educational programming at Deanna Rose, performed with choirs at Carnegie Hall and on tour in Italy, and appeared both onstage and backstage at JCCC. She’s performed with several local theaters, including Theatre in the Park, the JCC, and Theatre for Young America. Whitney got her start at Camp Center Stage and is excited to bring her passion for character work, dialects, and performance to a new generation! |
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Kayla Zartman
Social Worker - Olathe Northwest High School Kayla is thrilled to be joining the team for the first time! She is a proud mom of two wonderful daughters and works as a school social worker at Olathe Northwest High School. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family! |
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Amy Gustin
Amy is a first year staffer and enjoys spending time with her family and being a Mimi. She is just now retired and is looking forward to new adventures! |
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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 27 years! She is the Computer literacy teacher at Odessa Middle School. Her favorite color is all of them and she loves the musical “Wicked.” She is a co-writer of four musicals geared towards 5-8-year-olds. In her free time, she likes to watch Jurassic Park, sing musicals, make shirts, & listen to books. |
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Tori Friedrich, Director:
Fire Prairie Upper Elementary Teacher - Reading Intervention - Teacher of the Year 2025 Tori has been with StageworX for 23 years! She teaches 5th and 6th-grade Reading at Fire Prairie Upper Elementary. She is the 2025 Fort Osage School District Teacher of the Year. She has co-written four musicals for elementary-age actors. Her favorite color is turquoise, and her favorite musical is “SIX.” In her spare time, Tori drives her teenage boys around town, reads, and drinks coffee. StageworX is the best part of her year! |
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McKenzi Hill, Director:
Mission Trail Middle School Teacher - Theatre Kenzi has been a staffer at StageworX for four years. She teaches Theatre and Dance at Mission Trail Middle School. Her favorite color is pink, and her favorite show is "Dreamgirls". In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially at the lake! StageworX is always something she looks forward to during the school year! |
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Megan Schueller, Director:
Miller Marley Dance Teacher Megan has been on Staff for four years! She is a ballet teacher at Miller Marley, where she grew up taking dance, and is looking forward to her new role in the office at Regency Place Elementary. Her favorite color is black and her favorite musicals are "In the Heights" and "Hadestown!" She performed in regional theaters all over the country, danced on a cruise ship, had a brief appearance on Broadway, and danced at Disneyland. She loves to spend time with her family, reading, taking Pilates classes, and shopping! |
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Cy Conaway:
Cy has been on Staff for three years! His favorite color is yellow and favorite musical is "Hadestown!" His resume highlights include: acted in 18 shows, been on an improv team for 2 years (3rd place at state competition), written sketch comedy, wrote lyrics for an original song performed at KMEA, and he had a cameo in the movie "PinPoint!" In his spare time, he reads, works on how to write theatrical works, plays tennis, and has family board game nights. |
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Katelyn Huwe:
Katelyn has been on Staff for three years and her favorite colors are light pinks and purples! Her favorite musicals are "Hadestown" and "Moulin Rouge!" She loves participating in theatre at Olathe East High School! In her free time, she likes to watch movies and hang out with her friends! |
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Morgan Tate:
Morgan is a first-time Staffer & was a StageworX camper for two years! Her favorite color is purple and she is currently studying Theatre at the University of Kansas! Her favorite musical is "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." She likes to read, write, and sing-along to musical theatre karaoke tracks. |
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Caroline Kelley
Caroline is a first-year staffer at StageworX! She will be a freshman at Long Island University this fall! Her favorite color is blue and her favorite musical is Little Women. She has had such a blast with these kids these past 2 weeks!! |
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Delainey Mock
Delainey is a first-time staffer, after one year as a camper! She is a rising senior at Olathe East High School, where she has been involved in Choir, Theatre, and Varsity Dance Team. Her favorite color is periwinkle, and her favorite musical is "Once." She has loved choreographing for Troupe this summer! |
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Rachel Marlow
Central Elementary School Teacher - Music Rachel is a first-time staffer! Her favorite color is green and she is an Elementary Music Teacher at Central Elementary (Olathe, KS). Her favorite musical is The Phantom of the Opera! She has performed in multiple a cappella singing groups and has contributed vocals to several group worship albums. In her spare time, she enjoys playing instruments and putting on living room performances with her daughter! |
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Paula Brekken, Director/Vocal Director:
Olathe Northwest High School Teacher - Vocal Music Paula has been on Staff since 2000! She is a vocal music teacher and church music director, her favorite color is pink, and her favorite musical is "Spamalot!" Paula's resume highlights include: Grammy award winning KC Chorale for 24 years, Carnegie Hall premiere by audition in 2007, Crossroads Church music director for 30 years, won the MCDA Prelude 1st Year Teacher Award, and was Prince Orlofsky in “Die Fledermaus.” In her free time, you can find her cheering on her girls, walking her dog, Bindi, and lifting weights! |
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Scott Ladish, Director:
Piper High School Teacher - Theatre/Speech/English Scott has been on Staff for four years! Scott is an educator at Piper High School in Kansas City, Kansas where he teaches Theatre, Speech, and English-Language Arts. Outside of the classroom, he is Piper High School's Director of Theatre and works with 9-12th grade students. Scott is currently earning his master's degree in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. In his free time, Scott enjoys reading new scripts and books, listening to music, and spending time with his family, friends, and two dogs! |
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Jessica McCarty, Director
Forest View Elementary School - Library Media Specialist Jessica has been part of the Camp Center Stage and now Stageworx family since 1998, and this is her 14th summer directing at the Company level! After 11 years spent in the general education classroom teaching 5th and 2nd grade, Jessica is now the Library Media Specialist at Forest View Elementary in the Olathe school district. Throughout her teaching career, she has been Forest View's nominee for both Kansas Teacher of the Year and Emporia State Master Teacher, and has received the Educator Excellence Award from the Olathe Public Schools Foundation. When she is not teaching or directing, Jessica loves to play piano, bake, and explore new playgrounds with her family! |
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Adam Segura, Director:
Ray-Pec East Middle School Teacher - Technical Director Adam has been on Staff for six years! He works as the Technical Director at Ray-Pec East Middle School during the school year. His favorite color is orange and favorite musical is “Into the Woods!” His resume highlights include: Teaching 4 years at Raymore-Peculiar East Middle School, receiving the Outstanding New Teacher Award from the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri, continuing his education at Southern Oregon University with a Masters in Theatrical Production and Design. and being selected to bring our Fall 2023 production of "Romeo and Juliet" to the Missouri State Thespian Festival! In his spare time, Adam plays with his dog, Sawyer, plays disc golf, plays video games, binges movies and tv shows, reads, & plays with friends! |
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Ethan Crapser:
Shawnee Mission West High School Teacher Ethan has been on Staff for 8 years and was a camper for 10 years prior! He works as a teacher at Shawnee Mission West high school and his favorite color is grey. He also works as a technician for a theatre company based out of KC. His resume highlights include: Intern at Glimmerglass Opera Festival & taking a group of students to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. His favorite musical is "Something Rotten!" In his spare time, Ethan enjoys playing video games and 3D printing. |
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Trevor Harrison:
Olathe North High School Teacher - Video Production Trevor has been on Staff for seven years and was a camper for 11 years prior! His favorite color is blue and his favorite show is “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind." Outside of camp, he is the Video Production teacher at Olathe North. He loves to read and make art! Currently, he is into printmaking and drawing. |
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Jackson Huwe:
Jackson has been on Staff for two years! His favorite color could be a shade of green, red, or blue. His favorite musicals are "Hadestown" or "Big Fish!" His resume highlights include: "I can make a mean bowl of cereal (profession)." In his free time, he enjoys going on play dates with his friends. |
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Ann McCroskey, Choreographer:
Miller Marley Dance Teacher & Harmony Middle School Paraprofessional Ann is a returning Staffer, making this her 15th 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, choreographs for many venues around KC (~141 shows so far), & is the Director of the Miller Marley Entertainers, a performing group of 51 7th-12th graders. In her spare time, she enjoys going to Walt Disney World! This summer she is choreographing "Anastasia" at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. |
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Risa Brekken:
Risa has been on Staff for three years and was a StageworX camper for 14 years prior! Her favorite color is pink and she is a full-time attending student at Missouri State University. Her favorite musical is Fiddler on the Roof! Risa loves spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Bindi! |
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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. |
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Ella Amos:
Ella is a first-time Staffer and was a StageworX camper for eight years! Her favorite play is "Chrys De Lautis" by Jeff Yarnell and her favorite color is green. By day, she is a college student and lifeguard. She has been involved in theatre for the last ten years at StageworX and her alma mater. She enjoys exercising, being outside on a walk or at the pool, and spending time with friends and family! |
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Chase Ellis:
Chase is excited to be back on staff at StageworX this year. This is his tenth year being involved with StageworX. Chase is currently pursuing a degree in theatre performance and pre-law at the University of Kansas. While at the University of Kansas Chase is the coach of the improv team Sunny Side. Chase is honored to be in the presence of these two aforementioned wise men. |
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Sarah Peterson, Director:
Harmony Middle School Teacher - Theatre/Modern Communication & Miller Marley Dance Teacher Sarah has been on Staff for 20 years! She is the Theatre/Modern Communication 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 24 years, has directed or choreographed over 100 productions around KC, is the Assistant Director of the Miller Marley Entertainers, teaches Teen Broadway Jazz at Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice, and is married to Mike (22 years) and a Mom to Luke, Ryan and Abby! When not working, Sarah likes to hang out with family and friends, go to see shows, read, and eat chips and salsa! |
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Amy Alderman, Choreographer:
Lakewood Middle School Teacher - FACS & Miller Marley Dance Teacher Amy has been on Staff for 13 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 close to 60 shows in 13 years around the Metro. She has a top five when it comes to musicals, but two of them are "In the Heights" & "Come From Away!" She has a wonderful husband, Curt, of 9 years and two little gals, Serenity and Georgia! She could not be happier that we get to share our love of musical theatre with them! "Family is one of the most important things to me and I'm so happy that I get to share StageworX with so many of my family members! Every Key!" |
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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 Ringmaster (Choir Teacher) at Harmony Middle School. His favorite color is blue and he loves “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:
Rockhurst High School - Collaborative Pianist Kym has been on Staff for 12 years and her favorite color is charcoal grey! She is the collaborative pianist at Rockhurst High School. 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! |
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Hanna Stevens:
Harmony Middle School Teacher - Social Studies/English This is Hanna's second year on Staff! Her favorite colors are pink & purple! Hanna is a Social Studies and English teacher at Harmony Middle School. Her favorite musicals are "SIX" the musical & "Little Shop of Horrors." In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family as much as possible. |
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Tracey Andreasen
Harmony Middle School Paraprofessional Tracey is a first time staffer! She works at Harmony Middle School as a paraprofessional. Her favorite color is black and her favorite musical is Newsies. Tracey and her husband, Lincoln, have three awesome kids! In her spare time she enjoys sewing, baking, reading and spending time with friends. |
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Kyle Feather:
Ranchview High School Teacher - Choir Kyle is a returning Staffer, making this his seventh year on Staff after four years as a camper! His favorite color is purple and he is the Choir Director at Ranchview High School (Carrollton, TX). His favorite musical is "Anastasia!" He sings in professional choirs in Kansas and Dallas. In his spare time, he enjoys music directing community theater and children’s theater! |
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Mary Fabac:
Mary has been on Staff for two years & was a camper for two years! Her favorite musical is "Mamma Mia" and her favorite color is pink. She goes to Grand Canyon University majoring in Theatre for Secondary Education. Her theatre highlights include: "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Fools," "Anything Goes," "Drowsy Chaperone," "Once Upon a Mattress," & "Willy Wonka." In her free time, Mary likes to write musicals and watch tv. |
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Skip Gordon, Director:
Shawnee Mission South High School - Theatre Technical Director Skip has been on staff for StageworX 20 years. He is currently the Technical Director for Shawnee Mission South High School and works for UPS. 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. His favorite musical is "Sweeney Todd!" In his spare time, he likes to be camping, fishing, or kayaking! |
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Rylee Carney:
Rylee has been on Staff for three years! Her favorite color is dark green and her favorite show is "Come From Away!" Her resume highlights include: being a two-time Blue Star Nominee for Scenic Painting and Design. In her free time, she enjoys painting, rock climbing, & paddle boarding. |
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Lexi King:
Lexi is a 2nd year staffer. Her favorite show is “Anastasia.” She is an upcoming senior at Piper High School. At Piper she is a stage manager and a part of set crew. Outside of school she likes to crochet and powerlift. |
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Doug Peterson:
Doug has been on Staff for three years, his favorite color is blue, and by day... He is retired! His favorite musical is "Les Miserables." He & his wife are excited to be in KC to spend time with family and friends and to be involved with StageworX. While never on-stage, he has worked backstage at a number of shows at Theater in the Park and the Jewish Community Center. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and going on Disney Cruises. |
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Sandi Peterson, Camp Nurse:
Sandi has been on Staff for three 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!" |
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Jose Manuel Sorto-Salinas:
Jose is a 3rd year staffer. His favorite color is red and his favorite show is "Mamma Mia." In his free time he co-owns a business with his Father called "Tres Tigres." He is going into his second year as an architecture student at Kansas State University. |
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Kennison Friedrich:
Kennison has been on Staff for three years and was a StageworX camper for 14 years prior! Her favorite color is pink, and she is a full-time student studying accounting at Missouri State University. Her favorite musical is "Hamilton" and in her free time she likes to go to the gym, read, & hang out with friends! |
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Jackson Janeway:
Jackson is a first-time Staffer! He was a StageworX Camper for 13 years and his favorite color is red! By day, you can find Jackson at Paws at Play helping with dogs! His favorite musical is "Newsies" and some resume highlights include: "Newsies" - Race; "All Shook Up" - Jim; "Spongebob" - Larry the Lobster! In his free time, Jackson likes to play sports like tennis and basketball. |
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Josie O'Keefe:
Josie is a first-time Staffer and was a StageworX camper for five years! Her favorite color is blue and her favorite musical is "Cats!" Her highlights include: "Spongebob" - Squidward (Stageworx 2021); Pearl (Barstow 2023) "All Shook Up" - Natalie/Ed (Stageworx 2023); Miller Marley Entertainers 2021-2024 (3 years). In her spare time, she dances at Miller Marley and assists in multiple classes! |
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Luke Peterson:
Luke is a first-time Staffer and was a StageworX camper for 13 years! His favorite color is blue and his favorite musical is "Footloose!" Hie resume highlights include: Olathe East: "Sister Act" - Joey; "Rock of Ages" - Dennis Dupree; "Newsies" - Romeo; StageworX: "All Shook Up" - Chad; "Newsies" - Davey; "SpongeBob" - Mr. Krabs. In his free time, Luke enjoys running and hanging out with friends! |
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Ruby Ricker:
Ruby is a first-time Staffer after being a Camper for two years! Her favorite color is dark green and her favorite musical is "Bright Star." She will be a Senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School this coming school year & will be mentoring with BVNW Choir and Orchestra teachers during the 2024-25 school year. Her resume highlights include: "Addams Family" Ancestor (BVNW ‘23-24), Sylvia in "All Shook Up" (StageworX ‘23), Miller Marley Entertainer, and member of International Thespian Society Troupe 5222. In her spare time, Ruby enjoys to sing, dance, paint, & play the cello! |