Who's Who Behind The Scenes

Lisa Mitchell, director. 
An experienced director and educator, Mitchell has spearheaded the effort to create children's theatre for Independence.  Lisa has directed several Neewollah musicals including The King & I; Annie; Wizard of Oz and Brigadoon.  She also directed the William Inge Festival's full production of Dark at the Top of the Stairs and is the coordinator for scenes in the Inge Home during the festival. Lisa has directed, choreographed and acted in over 40 productions. She is a member of the William Inge Steering Committee and will direct the Queen's Pageant for Neewollah in 2005.  Mitchell was recently presented with the Margaret Goheen Award for contributions to theatre in Independence at the 2005 Inge Festival.  Originally from Emporia, Kansas, Lisa is a kindergarten teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School, a member of the Presbyterian Church and a member of the Memorial Hall Task Force.

Stacy Near & Dana Froebe, producers.

Stacy and Dana have been instrumental in bringing the dream of children's theatre to Indepencence.  Dana serves as president of ICST and Stacy is the vice-president.  Both have been active in numerous Neewollah productions, Stacy as a performer and Dana as a children's coordinator.  Dana and Stacy are candidate co chairs for this year's Queen Neelah pageant.
Dana and her husband Doug are the parents of four children, all who have been involved in theatre.  Three are in this year's production.  Dana is an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and serves as the Senior High Youth Leader.
Stacy and her husband Phil are the parents of two children, both of which are in the production of Honk Jr.  Stacy is a kindergarten teacher at St. Andrew's Catholic School in Independence and also serves on the William Inge Steering Committee.  Stacy played the role of "Cora" in an Inge House scene for the 2004 Festival.

Christopher Langsford, music director.
Christopher is the vocal teacher at Independence Community College.  He is an accomplished performer and conductor.  In his brief time in Independence, he has created top quality singing groups.  He coordinated the Mass for the Children, a joint effort between ICC and the Independence Area Children's Choir.  He has also served as music director for the Neewollah production of Meet Me in St Louis and the ICC production of Quilters.  Langsford is originally from Topeka, Kansas.

Cody Uttinger, choreographer.
Cody is choreographing her first show with the ICST production of Honk Jr.  Cody is an experienced dancer and performer.  She was cast in several Neewollah productions as she was growing up and played the role of "Jean" in the Neewollah production of Brigadoon.