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Director
Skyler Erickson
Skyler is a 2009 Sparta graduate and a 2013 graduate from Viterbo University with a BFA Musical Theatre degree. Skyler is now the K-12 Choral Director at Cashton Elementary/Middle and High School. Throughout his high school, college, and professional career he has been in over 45 productions and has also directed and choreographed numerous show choirs and musicals. After graduating college, he moved to Las Vegas and worked for many show and talent agencies on and off the strip. He's performed shows through hotel/casinos such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Venetian, and Planet Hollywood. He was in a national commercial for Johnny Appleseed, a tour Motown show, and most recently can be seen in the movie, "Show Dogs" with Will Arnett. This is the 3rd musical Skyler has directed for Sparta High School. He recently directed the musical, Cinderella, for Sparta High School which was nominated for 14 awards through the Jerry Awards program based out of Madison. Skyler is now enjoying his time directing and adjudicating for WSMA festivals and solo ensembles, and being a teacher.
Choreographer
Jen TeBeest
Jen has taught and choreographed in La Crosse, Winona, and surrounding areas since 1999. She has choreographed over 20 musicals; working with area high schools, community theaters, dance schools, non-profit organizations, and universities. Jen has participated in numerous dance festivals and intensive workshops and was fortunate to work with Broadway tap legend, Ted Levy. Jen holds a B.A. in English from Viterbo University with studies in Dance and Art, and is presently pursuing an M. A. in Licensed Mental Health counseling with a Specialty in Dance Movement Therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Jen currently serves as a dance instructor at UW-La Crosse, Winona State University, St. Mary's University, and La Crosse Dance Centre, LLC.
Tech Director
Matt Rightmire
Matt is a lecturer and the Scene Shop Supervisor at Gustavus College in St. Peter, MN. He has worked with regional theatres such as Opera Omaha and the Alpine Theatre Project (Whitefish, MT), and served as the Technical Director for the Eau Claire Children's Theatre. He earned his MFA in Theatre Design and Production from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In his free time, he enjoys performing as a magician and juggler.
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Music Director / Assistant Director
Camie Schneider
Ms. Schneider is a graduate from Winona State University where she received her Bachelors in Music Education with an emphasis in voice and piano. She is the director of the vocal music program at Sparta High School, and also directs the show choir, musical, and is the advisor for drama club. She has directed over 25 productions at a variety of venues in the surrounding area. She was nominated for Outstanding Musical Direction throught he Madison Overture Center's Jerry Awards in 2016. She won this award in 2017 (Holmen High School's production of 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee) and 2018 (Sparta High School's production of Cinderella). Ms. Schneider continues performing on stage each summer. She also makes several trips to New York City every year to discover new Broadway shows, as well as participate in Broadway workshops and classes. She has had the opportunity to take workshops from performers such as: Jason Robert Brown (composer), Natalie Weiss (performer), Leo Ash Evens (performer), Lynn Ahrens (composer), David Yazbeck (composer), Susan Blackwell (performer), Kimberly Grigsby (music director of Spring Awakening), and Ian Weinberger (music director of Hamilton).
Orchestra Director
Ellen Hemstock
Currently the choir director at the United Methodist Church in Sparta, Ellen has degrees in piano performance and music education from UW-Madison and a master's in choral conducting from Boston University. A retired music teacher, Ellen has been involved in music in Sparta since 1980. Ellen has directed over 25 musicals over the years and directed the orchestra for the past few SHS shows including last year's musical, Cinderella. It has been a pleasure to work with such a wonderful group of expert musicians. Our live music adds so much to the show. We hope you enjoy our sound as much as we enjoy playing these songs.
Costume Designer
Irina Christel
Originally from Kazakhstan, Irina trained at the Technical College of Textile and Sewing Industries and worked for many years as a technical engineer and fashion designer at the Regional Fashion House, Kazakhstan. She graduated from Light Industry College with an engineering degree at the sewing and textile industries and Shakerims University, Kazakhstan with degree in Art Teaching. After moving to the US, she worked at the Company Store as a technician at the Product Development Department. Irina graduated from Viterbo University with a BFA degree specializing in theatrical costume design. She currently works at Viterbo University as a Costume Shop Technician. She also enjoys working at La Crosse Community Theatre as a costume designer for many of their productions. she is currently working on Fantastic Folklore and Elf at LCT.