Instructor/Assistant Director/Assistant Technical Director
Mark Kennedy joined First Act in 2014. He holds a BA in psychology and theatre, with a double emphasis in performance and technical design from Edgewood College. He has a special interest in props, having won regional awards for his work, and loves being able to share this excitement and creativity with kids.
Instructor/Director
Clarice Lafayette is a recent graduate of Edgewood College and holds a BA in Theatre with a performance emphasis. Through her work on stage she has been nominated twice to compete for the Irene Ryan Award at the KCACTF Region III American College Theatre Festival. Having done theatre camps when she was a kid, she loves seeing the strides young actors make every time she goes to work!
Costume Designer
Aidan Bobo holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Edgewood College. Aidan excels in costume design and construction and has received awards for her artistry in sound design at state-level competitions.
Instructor/Director
Emily Morrison Weeks is a teaching artist, early childhood educator, actress, and playwright. She holds a degree in theatre from Edgewood College. Morrison Weeks is program director as well as lead teaching artist for First Act's Storytime Theatre and Yes And... improv class and touring group. In addition to working with First Act Children's Theatre, she teaches at Maven Vocal Arts and Preschool of the Arts. She has also been a 4K/K lead teaching artist at CTM and a lead instructor at UW Madison College for Kids.
Instructor/Director
Francisco Torres
More info coming soon about Francisco!
More info coming soon about Francisco!
Instructor/Director
Saritah Helms is a U.S. Army Veteran with a BA in Theatre Arts from Edgewood College experienced in stage managing, directing, acting, and costume design. She is excited that she gets to merge her passions in theatre and child development in a creative learning environment.
Director/PR/Marketing/Stage Manager
Terry Kerr is an actress, director, educator and arts administrator. A graduate of the UW-Madison in Theater, she performed as a member of the inaugural acting company at American Players Theater in Spring Green, WI for twelve seasons, taught with a mime troupe, voiced many roles in educational radio productions, and managed a Wisconsin Arts Board program that provided public art and performances around the state. Terry was Education Coordinator, director, and faculty member of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Director of Education for the Children’s Theater of Madison, and is an Overture Center for the Arts Teaching Artist.
Actor/Instructor/Camp Manager/Props Designer
Rita Ann Jana received her BFA in Theatre Arts from Stephens College. Rita Ann has worked at Omaha Theatre Company, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Stages.
Actor/Instructor
Pete Bissen is an actor in the Madison area. While pursuing his BA degree in Theater at UW-Madison, Pete has performed for the Madison Repertory Theatre, Children's Theater of Madison, and University Theatre.
Business Manager (& Go-To Gal) Jane Schroeder joined First Act in 2009. A Madison native and graduate of UW- Madison, Jane holds degrees in English and Arts Education, enjoying an eclectic and adventurous career as a middle school teacher, Schools & Community Engagement Coordinator for Children's Theater of Madison, and an array of behind-the-scenes assists for several area community and theater productions. Jane is thrilled to share the magic of theater with you and her beautiful kids, Grace & Sam.
Archivist/Photographer Sharon White adds her excellent skills in photography and props creation to First Act! Sharon owns and operates her business Camera Creations based in Madison.
Archivist/Photographer Sharon White adds her excellent skills in photography and props creation to First Act! Sharon owns and operates her business Camera Creations based in Madison.