First Act Children's Theatre gathers a staff of talented, experienced theatre artists, designers and technicians to assist in teaching our theatre camps. Each of our instructors brings a wide variety of talents to our organization. They all share the love of creativity and the joy of working with youth!
Owner/Artistic Director
Susan Nanning-Sorenson holds an MFA in Acting from UW-Madison and is a Senior Lecturer in Theater Education at Edgewood College. Susan has directed and performed locally at the Overture Center for the Arts, Monroe Theatre Guild, and Edgewood College.
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!
Instructor/Director
Lindsey Hoel-Neds has an MA in Theatre for Youth from UW Madison, and is the newest addition to our First Act staff! More info about Lindsey coming soon!
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.
Choreographer/Instructor
Kenzie Merucci is First Act's first alumnus staff member! In addition to designing and instructing all the choreography for all of First Act's shows, she is also a local actor, dance instructor, and student at Edgewood College.
Costume Designer
Kristin Roling graduated with a BA in theatre performance, with an emphasis in Children's Theatre and Dance, and a Masters in Acting, with an emphasis on costuming. She has costumed for stage shows at Walt Disney World, choreographed musicals for Edgewood College and the Madison Savoyards, and researched historic garments in museum collections in England. She is excited to be part of the First Act family where all of her passions come together.
Technical Director/Sets and Props Designer/Website Designer
Becky Jenn joined First Act in 2010. Professionally a pediatric speech-language pathologist, she combines her developmental expertise, artistic flair, and penchant for turning trash into treasure to inspire kids and guide them through the creative process of building sets and props.
Lucy Sorenson is nothing less than First Act’s Camp Angel and ever-dependable go-to-gal!
