We're so excited to have assembled a talented and experienced production staff for our 2017 show, "The Nifty Fifties!" We're welcoming back some familiar faces, and welcoming some new people to the Kiel Area Youth Theatre. Here's a look at our crew that will be leading the way this coming summer...
Director - Hilary Mayer
Hilary is thrilled to be the Artistic Director of "The Nifty Fifties." Originally from Sheboygan, Hilary has been a part of over 50 productions both on and off the stage, including "Avenue Q," "Bare: A Pop Opera," "Annie," "Seussical," and many more. For the last six years, she has worked with Pankratz Arts Exchange and performed in their summer song and dance revue shows. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston for Music Therapy & Musical Theatre Performance, and is back in her home state and excited to work with the Kiel area youth, their families, and a "nifty" creative team!
Production Stage Manager - Heather Winter
Heather is a graduate of New Holstein High School and recently relocated back to the area after living in Minneapolis and Chicago. She holds a Musical Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rockford College and has experience working with children in the arts with such companies as the YMCA, Northern Lights Playhouse, CLIMB theatre, and more. In Minneapolis & Chicago, Heather performed as an actress, singer, and director for the past 17 years. She’s delighted for the opportunity to play at KAYT and get to develop friendships and establish roots in the community. Heather has one son, a first grader at Zielanis; her husband, Jason, works at Kohler Co.
Music Director - Christine Clements
Christine Clements has been an elementary music specialist for over 13 years. She graduated from Lakeland College in 2003 with a triple degree in General, Choral, and Instrumental Music Education grades kindergarten through high school. Christine has also completed some graduate work through Silver Lake College in their Kodaly Program and hopes to complete her Masters in Music or Ethnomusicology.
Mrs. Clements first began her involvement in theatre and music in high school, participating in musicals as well as joining the Kiel Municipal band. While in college, she continued participating in theatre productions alongside her music studies. She acted played roles in some plays, but also really enjoyed backstage roles.
Besides teaching music at Zielanis Elementary School, Christine enjoys being involved in many areas of the community including Kiel Municipal Band, Kiel Area Youth Theatre, and Girls Ministries at her church. She also enjoys being a mom and helping her husband home-school their three children. In her free time, Christine enjoys reading, walking, swimming, biking, and baking. Above all else, Christine loves working with children. She finds their excitement and energy most contagious!
Choreographer - Jessica Schrage
Jess is excited for the opportunity to again assist in KAYT’s third summer production. The kids did a wonderful job in KAYT’s second production, “A Pirate’s Life for Me!,” which Jess helped choreograph. Jess and her husband have 3 kids, and their oldest much enjoyed participating in KAYT’s first two productions. Jess is a registered dietitian nutritionist, working casually at this time. Most of the time Jess much enjoys being home with their youngest munchkin. Aside from spending precious time with her family, Jess is still an active performer herself, having performed in various music revues and musicals since her college days, as well as assisting choreograph on occasion. Jess was most recently cast as Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, produced by Pankratz Arts Exchange, Inc. during spring of 2016. Jess is looking forward to seeing some familiar, smiling faces, as well as welcoming some new faces to the KAYT family!
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to this talented crew as we look forward to our 2017 production!
Be sure to join us on April 10 and 11 for auditions for our upcoming production, "The Nifty Fifties!" Keep checking back at
kielayt.org for more information regarding our 2017 show.
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