OC Theatre Guild
Nurturing, supporting, and promoting live theatre in Greater Orange County
2024 OC THEATRE GUILD BOARD CANDIDATES
Adriana Rodriguez Burciaga
Santa Ana
Adriana is a Southern California-based artist from Torreon Coahuila, Mexico. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Since then, she has performed in various theaters and commercials, and has become a Resident Artist of The Larking House. Her mission is to advocate for safety, diversity, and inclusion in the artistic space.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
I want to serve on the OCTG Board because I hold an immense passion for theatre and a desire to help shape its future in Orange County. Having grown up in Costa Mesa, my exposure to the arts during my youth was very impactful. I was a member of The Cappies OC and later went on to receive recognition from the MACY Awards for various years. This led me to pursue a BFA degree in Musical Theatre from Cal State Fullerton. With my educational background, I provide valuable artistic insight, understanding how to engage audiences and nurture partnerships within our field. My performance experience also enables me to offer mentorship to emerging artists and share my problem-solving skills developed throughout years of navigating the industry. As a first-generation immigrant and Spanish speaker, I bring a diverse perspective and the ability to connect with a wider range of community members. I can advocate for the needs of artists and contribute to our efforts using my expertise. Overall, I’m eager about the opportunity to give back to a community that has supported me and to help foster a vibrant, sustainable arts environment for everyone involved.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
In 2020-2021, I had the honor of being a nominee at the OCTG Theatre Awards for Best Ensemble in, “Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties”, at The Wayward Artist. This experience provided me with a deeper awareness of the Guild's mission to amplify local theatrical works and talents. In addition, my recent involvement as an OCTG Theatre Awards Voter has equipped me with valuable insights into the dynamics of theatre evaluation and decision-making, which I believe would be beneficial in a board role.
Any additional information you would like to share?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Amanda Hallman
Brea
Amanda Hallman (she/her) is a director, educator, producer, theatrical intimacy consultant, and retired actor from Orange County, CA. She earned an AA with honors from Fullerton College, a BA with honors from UC San Diego, both in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting and Directing, and an MFA in Performance Pedagogy from Loyola Marymount University. In 2022, Amanda co-founded ‘Begins and Ends with A’ Productions, a theatrical production company aimed at beautifully presenting meaningful stories of feminism, humanity, art, and equity. ‘Begins and Ends with A’ has partnered with the Curtis Theatre to produce Lauren Gunderson’s The Revolutionists and Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight. Both productions received wonderful responses and feedback, with The Revolutionists receiving multiple award nominations from the OC Theatre Guild and the Orange Curtain Review. Amanda is also a passionate theatre educator. Since receiving her MFA, Amanda has taught theatre at Loyola Marymount University, Golden West College, and Fullerton College. Her interests and research surrounding theatre include consent-based practices, trauma-informed pedagogy, anti-racist education, and theatre for social change.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
The theatre community in Orange County has been so meaningful and generous to me. I would love to be a significant part of its continued development, health, and growth by serving on the OC Theatre Guild board. I strongly believe in the mission of the OC Theatre Guild and would bring a lot to the table. I seek to be an agent for positive change and problem-solving to make our community better. I am able to approach theatre from many perspectives – artistic, business, and interpersonal. I am a strong collaborator who values the input and experience of all of the people in the room. I’ve successfully worked with so many theatre artists in a variety of capacities, and would bring that knowledge and experience to the board.
I strive to stay at the forefront of current and developing theatre practices and works -- constantly reading, learning, and training. I truly believe in creating and supporting more equitable, brave, and safe spaces, and I believe the Guild should have a role in this. I study consent-based and trauma-informed practices and bring them into the work I do with theatre artists in all aspects, from auditions and rehearsals, to meetings and procedures. I believe everyone wanting to be involved in Orange County theatre should have a genuine, respectful, and positive experience, whether they are new actors auditioning or longtime veterans working on a show, and I have effectively made changes to my own practices to reflect these values.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
Before returning to school to get my MFA, I spent 12 years working in Development for The Music Center, the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County. During my tenure I gained extensive experience in non-profit arts management, including donor relations, grant writing, and both annual fund and capital campaign management. My most prominent role was Director of Events and Special Projects. Over many years in this position, I led the planning of hundreds of fundraising events a year, from artist salons and receptions to million-dollar galas. I was responsible for every aspect of these events, including creating and managing budgets and contracts, coordinating vendors and consultants, managing day-of timelines and logistics, determining and adhering to on-brand design aesthetics and event goals, and managing key donors, volunteers, and officials, including communications and reporting.
Any additional information you would like to share?
I'm very excited to contribute to this community!
Claire Pearson
Santa Ana
Claire is an Orange County native who is finishing up her MBA in Business Administration and MFA in Theater Management at Cal State Long Beach. Growing up, Claire did lots of children’s theater; taking acting classes at South Coast Repertory, performing in musicals with Yorba Linda Spotlight, and participating in the MACY Awards. After high school, she attended UC Berkeley studying Theater and Performance Studies and English while working as an actor and theater educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. While she loves performing, she felt that her gifts would be best utilized in a management capacity in the entertainment space. Through her current program, she has been able to work for Lyric Opera of Orange County, South Coast Repertory Theater, Orchestra Santa Monica, and most recently completed a development and fundraising internship with Cornerstone Theatre Company. She is proud to be a resident artist at The Larking House, and is excited to continue working in the Orange County theater scene.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
The Orange County theater scene nurtured me into the artist I am today, to continue to serve that community would be an honor really. I left this area for about six years and came back in January 2021. The time I spent away impressed upon me the value of a global education and I want to bring that sentiment back to my neighborhood. As we all know, there are multiple ways to do anything, and it is fascinating to see how art is being made all over this country, examine those modalities and bring them here. My value add to our artistic community is vision. I know what has been here before and I’m learning how to model what comes next.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
Since starting graduate school I’ve really grown into loving development and fundraising. I work as the Grants Manager for Lyric Opera of Orange County, having been awarded $67,000 in funding from the California Arts Council, City of Santa Ana, and the Orange County Community Foundation. Development and fundraising naturally coincide with event management, so I’ve worked as an event assistant at South Coast Repertory for their Pacific Playwright’s Festival and their annual Gala. I’ve headed opening night receptions for California Repertory Theater at Cal State Long Beach throughout my tenure as a management student. Currently, I’m the General Manager of California Repertory Theater and am a management consultant to The Larking House executive board.
Any additional information you would like to share?
Thank you for your consideration!
Ella Wyatt
Laguna Beach
I am the current artistic director at No Square Theatre in Laguna Beach, where I have been directing for the past 13 years. I am in my 6th year of teaching theatre at San Clemente High School, was the Children’s Program Director at No Square for 8 years and have been directing/teaching theatre for over 20 years. I hold a BA in theatre, with an emphasis on acting and directing, a teaching credential, and a Gold Medal in Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. I also host All the World’s a Stage, a theatre-themed radio show on 104.7 KXFM Laguna Beach on Tuesdays from 1-3pm (switching to 4-6pm in mid-September).
When I'm not directing, I can be found on the stage, and while I have played many wonderful roles, my favorite role is that of mom.
It is my firm belief that acting is an important outlet for adults and children alike to express themselves as individuals in a creative and safe environment. I strive my best to help actors reach their full potential and gain confidence, no matter their age or experience, as well as give audience members new ways to look at the world.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
I want to be a part of a greater theatre community where I can build connections and network and help other groups do the same. I would also like to serve as a resource to all of our Guild members to help promote their shows on the radio. I am passionate about the importance of theatre, and I hope to be involved in helping grow the Orange County theatre community.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
While I am not technically a member of the board at No Square, I do attend and participate in all board meetings and functions as the artistic director.
Francis Gacad
Brea
Francis Gacad is a long time theater professional based in Orange County. Having graduated from Cal State Fullerton in Stage Management, their work is diverse, excelling both backstage as well as onstage, many of which are in OCTG recognized spaces. Francis truly shines behind the camera, as one of their many contributions to the Orange County theater world is taking production photos. You have likely already seen their work across Orange County, from John Wayne airport to the side of the Brea Civic & Cultural Arts Center. Onstage accomplishments involve countless productions from the Cabrillo Playhouse to The Curtis Theater. Backstage accomplishments include audio design & programming, assistant stage managing, and most recently projections programming for The Cher Show national tour.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
Photography, marketing, database & spreadsheet management.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
In the last 2 years, I have recently joined the Camp Bravo Alumni staff, which is a theatre organization committed to elevating theatre skills to high schoolers across the nation. Responsibilities for this also include marketing, activity planning and organization, and photography.
Jonathon Lamer
Anaheim
I have a BA in Theater Performance from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. I have worked onstage at professional and independent theaters in St. Louis, Little Rock, Memphis, New England, and Southern California. I moved to Long Beach in 2006 and became a company member at The Chance shortly after. SoCal credits include A Noise Within, Antaeus, and was a company member and served 3 years on the artistic management committee at Theatre of note. Although no longer a company member at The Chance I have appeared in a few shows there. I am also a theater adjudicator; most notably for the Lanaea high school theater festival in Fulsom, CA, the ESU Shakespeare competition both in L.A. and the Bay Area, and the US Army Tournament of Plays in Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Turkey.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
My first theater home in California was an OC theater. I have over 30 years of experience as a performer, adjudicator, and acting coach. I’ve worked front of house, facilitated relationships between producers and directors and performers. I have taught youth and adult acting classes and workshops. I believe communication is key to a successful theater community. We are at our best when working together for a common goal, no matter the size of each individual member theater.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
3 years of service as a member of the artistic management committee at Theater of Note, in Hollywood.
Any additional information you would like to share?
I have a worked in everything from large professional houses to storefront stages. My experience as an OCTG judge and trainer has deepened my respect and love of this community. Thanks for your consideration.
Kathy Harris
Laguna Hills/Alicia Viejo/Mission Viejo Area
Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to advancing theater, fostering creativity, and artistic expression. I hold a B.A. in Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University, an M.A. from Penn State, and a fellowship at Northwestern University focused on improvisational acting and children’s theater.
As the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for Saddleback Valley Unified School District from 2014 to 2022, I led professional development, planned district-wide concerts and theater festivals. From 1992 -2022 I chaired the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Mission Viejo High School, taught theatre, dance, and directed countless plays and musicals.
From 1978-1991 I taught theatre, dance and directed productions in Erie, PA. at Mercyhurst Prep, Mercyhurst U, Gannon U. and co-founded SUMMERSTAGE, a summer stock rep theatre at Gannon University.
I’ve directed over 200 productions across educational, community, and professional theaters. A highlight was founding The Children’s Theatre Ensemble (1978-1991), which devised socially conscious musicals for children. I co-created the RoleAbout Theater Festival and the Orange County Cappies (2003-2022),
In addition, I’ve taught at Cal State Fullerton, UCI and Saddleback College.. I’ve received numerous awards, including two California Educational Theater Association Leadership Awards, ARTS Orange County Educator of the Year, Finalist for the LA Music Center BRAVO Arts Education Award and Orange County Woman of Distinction
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
After retiring from 40 years in education, I am eager to continue supporting the theater community by serving on the board of OCTG. Theater plays a significant role in enriching our cultural and emotional lives. It fosters creativity, amplifies diverse stories, and provides a safe space for personal growth.
Theater educators often face isolation and challenges with fundraising, building audiences, and managing production logistics. My goal has been to build a strong theater community by creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. I’ve spearheaded initiatives to publicize shows, offer affordable ticket incentives, organize theater festivals, joint productions, and fundraising efforts, all designed to support theatre. I created the Facebook group “The Real Theatre Teachers of OC” as a resource for educators and built the website occappies.com to further community connection.
My experience includes grant writing, training at the LA Grantsmanship Center, and securing grants at the local, state, and NEA levels. I've led fundraising, branding, and community-building efforts through social events, joint productions, and workshops. As Chairperson of OC Cappies, I directed large-scale events like the Cappies Gala for 1,800 attendees, coordinating every detail. Additionally, as the Pennsylvania State Thespian Director, I coordinated four state festivals and produced an All-State Show. I look forward to bringing these skills to the board.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
I have previous experience serving on a variety of boards in various capacities.
Center for Excellence in Education -treasurer (2003-2022)
National Board of Cappies, INC (2014-2022)
Chairperson of Orange County Cappies (2003-2022)
Education Board South Coast Repertory (2002 - 2024)
Vice - President (Productions) Erie Civic Ballet (1982-1988)
National Playwrights Showcase (1980-1982)
State Director of Pennsylvania for International Thespians (1988 -1990)
Producer of "Summerstage" summer stock rep company (1985-1988)
Starbright House (co-founder)- acting studio and production company for Mayhem, Inc ( a murder mystery dinner theatre) (1992 -) including productions on the Queen Mary for Bank of America, USC Alumni Assoc., OC Girl Scouts, Mission Viejo Country Club
Any additional information you would like to share?
I grew up in Erie, PA, a city rich with community theater. The Erie Playhouse, the 12th oldest community theater in the country, became my second home. My first show was Pinocchio at age five, where I played Cleo the goldfish and said my first line, “Blub, blub,” and I was hooked (pun intended). From that moment on, I immersed myself in both school and community theater, taking Saturday acting classes and being fortunate enough to attend a school with a strong arts program.
I performed in many of the classic children’s shows and, as I grew older, I graduated to more mature roles in productions such as Crimes of the Heart, Sherlock’s Last Case, Barefoot in the Park, Marat/Sade, and Romeo and Juliet. The Playhouse also gave me opportunities to direct shows such as Waiting for the Parade, Mame, Once Upon a Mattress, and Little Mary Sunshine. I even sang show tunes with the Playhouse Minstrels, played piano in the orchestra pit, and performed with the murder mystery troupe, Mayhem, Inc.
Community theater wasn’t just a place to perform; it was my safe space, where I formed lifelong friendships. In fact, I met my husband when we were cast in a benefit production of Everybody Loves Opal to raise money for abused children, and we married a year later. When we moved to California, he pursued acting while I continued in theater education. Together, we organized and performed in benefit productions for causes like the Alzheimer’s Foundation and Hurricane Katrina Relief.
Katie Grace Hennen
Costa Mesa, CA
Katie Grace Hennen is a seasoned professional with a background in education, performing arts, and nonprofit administration. She graduated from Augsburg University in her hometown of Minneapolis, MN with a BA in English Literature & Criticism, specializing in Elizabethan Drama and Theatre.
With a lifelong passion for acting, singing, and dance, Katie Grace has performed throughout the Midwest, collaborating with Cedar Fair, Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, Performance Anxiety Inc., and various local theatres.
Katie Grace has over 5 years of experience teaching elementary and middle school students, along with curriculum development for multiple school districts. Her commitment to educational equity and excellence led her to nonprofit administration. She served as Executive Fellow at The Association for Recovery in Higher Education and as Admissions Coordinator at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. Her contributions included the development of multiple collegiate recovery programs, reflecting her dedication to supporting students' well-being and academic success.
Currently, Katie Grace serves as the Director of Education at Arts and Learning Conservatory, where she has made strides enhancing and expanding program management, employee development, and program offerings. She is also actively engaged in her community, participating in initiatives with the Santa Ana and Inland Empire Chambers of Commerce and the NMUSD Arts Commission.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
I would be honored to serve on the board and work with other leaders in the Orange County theatre community. Theatre was a passion of mine from a young age, and I have worked in professional theatre since 2015. After nearly 10 years working in multiple capacities in the field, I feel that I am well equipped to share my experiences and knowledge to benefit other artists and administrators. My work history includes acting and musical theatre contracts, voiceover, directing, teaching, curriculum development, and administration/program management. I also have a background in dance and play several instruments. The exposure to these different disciplines in the field has shaped me into a well-rounded artist with a comprehensive understanding of the broader professional field. I also believe that my communication, organization, and leadership skills could greatly benefit the board in their endeavors. Theatre is a crucial component of my creative and personal life, and it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to share its joys with others.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
I presently work as the Director of Education at Arts & Learning Conservatory in Costa Mesa, CA. I have held this position for nearly a year, and I served as the Theatre Programs Manager and a teaching artist before being offered my current role. In my time with ALC, I have diligently worked on improving program and employee management, staff retention, and organizational expansion. I have had the pleasure of connecting and working with multiple school districts and their leadership in this position, as well. Before moving to California in 2022, I worked for 3 years with the Eden Prairie School District in Minnesota as an educator and curriculum specialist. I also am involved with the Santa Ana and Inland Empire Chambers of Commerce as well as the Newport Mesa Unified School District Arts Commission.
Any additional information you would like to share?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Michael Lopez
San Clemente/South Orange County
Michael has been directing and choreographing in Orange County for over 40 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from CSU Fullerton where he has also been on faculty. Some of his professional credits include-Tour Director for DanceMakers, Inc., assistant choreographer for Elvira’s Halloween Haunt at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Michael was the Artistic Director of the Curtain Call and Encore Dinner Theater in Tustin and Michael is currently the Producing Artistic Director at the Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
I have been involved in all aspects of theater in Orange County for over 40 years. From performing, to directing and choreographing, to prop design. I've worked in a theater producing shows 52 weeks a year as well as an office manager for a youth theater.
I would love to represent South Orange County, we are thriving and need our voices heard.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
I am currently on the OCTG board in charge of membership and I have served on boards previously for 2 theaters as well as working with my own board of directors in my current position.
Any additional information you would like to share?
Having represented the OCTG members for the past 2 years I think that I have done a good job in keeping members informed and helping them find answers to any questions that they have had.
My relationships with many organization members of the OCTG is an asset to this board as well.
Paige Taylor
Anaheim
Paige Taylor(she/her) is a director, actor, and youth educator currently working at theater companies and school districts throughout Orange County. Since graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in direction, she has partnered with Free To Be Me Performing Arts Academy directing youth troupes, developed and implemented after-school theatre programs in the Los Alamitos School District, and produced plays and musicals for Canyon High School’s drama department. Some other recent credits include Tamar (a Two-Gated City) Empty Room Radio (a spectral playhouse), Of Murder and Madness at the Curtis (Page to Stage), The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn), and Abyss at the Larking House Theatre.
Why do you want to serve on the board, and what skills, knowledge, or abilities do you feel you could offer in this role?
The opportunities provided by the theater community in Orange County has been invaluable to me since my youth. Since becoming an educator, it has become a mission of mine to preserve and expand on those opportunities for my students and others like them. To be a part of this organization means a chance to support and feed this community that has given so much to me. My skills acquired from working in education are project management, curriculum development, and communication/conflict resolution skills. My time spent in a low budget high school theater program allowed me to step into various theater roles, both design & construction. This experience has allowed me to develop strong design skills and decent technical skills along with a better understanding of the production side of theater.
Do you have any previous experience that would be relevant to serving on this board?
Drama Director - Canyon High School (2021-2024)
Director of After School Enrichment - Free To Be Me (2017-2024)
Summer Camp Program Director - Free To Be Me (2017-2024)