MISSION
To inspire young people to be the best they can be through a wide variety of performing arts opportunities.
VISION
Valley Youth Theatre is a safe place where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn and grow as individuals, performers, and leaders through a transformational performing arts experience.
our staff
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MAGIC
Leigh Ann Dolan Managing Director Ext. 304 | Email Me
Leigh Ann has loved VYT ever since she was the Queen of Hearts in VYT’s 1991 production of the musical, “Alice in Wonderland”. Leigh Ann graduated from ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a support in Theatre, and received an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. She is a multiple Emmy-winning television and film producer who started producing station promotions and PSA's at KTVK 3TV before going on to produce both scripted and non-scripted television and working in television development at Original Film in Los Angeles. More recently, she was one of the producers on the E! late- night talk show, Busy Tonight. She has an extensive background in the non-profit arts world, having come to VYT from the Phoenix Film Foundation where she served as Managing Director for 10 years. Leigh Ann lives in Phoenix with her husband, Bob, her son Bob (8), her daughter Josie (13) and her 2 pugs, Noodle and Beans.
“I love VYT for what it has done for the thousands of children that have stepped on its stages – including me! I am so proud to be a part of this Phoenix institution and I am excited to continue the magic.”
Mark Fearey Resident Musical Supervisor Email Me
Mark is in his 26th season with VYT and over those years has garnered numerous awards (ariZoni and NYA) and has music directed the Arizona premiere of a few shows. Some of his favorite shows to have been a part of are West Side Story, Titanic, Aida, Shrek, Legally Blonde and The Little Mermaid. In addition to his work at VYT, he is the full-time faculty accompanist/coach and music director at Grand Canyon University. He came to the world of children’s theatre with a Masters of Music in Piano Performance (with an emphasis in accompanying) from ASU and a degree in Piano Performance from the D’Angelo School of Music at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. He has worked with vocal and instrumental artists in Germany, Austria, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and throughout the Southwest. In addition to all the great kids at VYT he has also worked with opera singer Amber Wagner and country recording artist Chris Young. And if that’s not enough, he spent the last 24 years as music director for Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and is vocal coordinator/pianist for the Arizona Young Artist Competition at the Herberger Theater Center and visiting music director for Quisisana Music on the Lake in Maine. He is married to his wonderful wife Tory and they are the proud parents of veteran stage performer Olivia.
Madolyn Whitmer Education and Outreach Director Ext. 302 | Email Me
Madolyn is thrilled to join the VYT team and further their mission to impart life skills to students through theatre and the arts. An arts enthusiast herself, Madolyn graduated from ASU with a BFA in theatre and a focus in playwriting. Madolyn has had plays produced in Arizona, Colorado and New York and has a passion for creating devised work with her students that explore their experiences. Previously, she worked with ARTS ALIVE! bringing experiential, dramatic arts classes to hundreds of students throughout the Houston area which focused on instilling social and emotional learning skills through the arts. At Playworks Arizona, Madolyn continued to work toward instilling social and emotional learning skills to children through play as a part of their Development team with a focus in volunteer coordination, management of large-scale special events, and marketing. She is excited to bring her years of experience in the arts and non-profits to VYT and help continue to grow the education department to positively impact more lives.
Michele A Meyer Development and Communications Director Ext. 301 | Email Me
Michele, a Phoenix native, brings to Valley Youth Theatre a rich background in the entertainment and sports industries, along with extensive experience working with several non-profit organizations for over two decades. Her diverse expertise includes roles at American Golf, Nike, PetSmart, and Rawhide Wild West Town, Arizona Science Center and her most recent work at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Michele initiated the popular “Science Saturdays” segments in collaboration with FOX10 and has collaborated with various non-profit organizations, including A Ludwig Dance Theatre, A3F/Almost Famous Film Festival, and the Maui Choral Arts Association. An alumna of Arizona State University, Michele holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, with a minor in Music, and a Certificate in Southeast Asian Studies. Passionate about her Arizona roots and the performing arts, Michele dedicates her personal time to family and various conservation initiatives including eradicating invasive plant species at Machu Picchu in Peru and contributing to the restoration of turtle hatcheries in Punta Banco, Costa Rica.
“As someone that has grown up in the Valley, it’s been exciting to see the growth of performing arts opportunities for youth and young adults and to be a part of the VYT’s team is a truly MAGICAL.”
Morgan McCall Production Stage Manager Ext. 308 | Email Me
Originally from a small farming town in New Mexico, Morgan came to Phoenix, and to become a theatre professional, through Grand Canyon University where she received her B.A. in Theatre and Drama. With experience in and a passion for stage management, directing, acting, writing, and teaching, Morgan is proud to serve young people in their artistic and personal development. Some of her favorite projects include stage managing A Year with Frog and Toad (GCU’s Ethington Theatre) and producing radio theatre with other students, including an original musical. She is thankful for her friends, family, and her Creator that inspires her to create in His likeness.
Skeet Schmella, EdD Technical Director Email Me
Skeet is excited to join Valley Youth Theatre as the company Technical Director. He retired to the valley of the sun in 2013 and has never missed the rains of Washington State. He graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Theatre Arts and Anthropology and attended the Professional Theatre Training Program at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he studied stage management. Skeet finished his postgraduate studies at Grand Canyon University in education. He has numerus credits in Production Stage Management, Directing and Design, however he developed a fondness for Technical Direction during his tenure as a high school Theatre Arts and Drama teacher. When not working in the theatre, he and his wife enjoy watching their daughter perform and watching their son play baseball.
Sivine Lupia Finance Director Ext. 303 | Email Me
Sivine has been an accounting professional since 2014. Her first non-profit position was at the historic Rialto Theatre in Tucson, AZ. During her tenure at Rialto Theatre, she aided in the “comeback” era of the theatre that resulted in the foundation’s financial capacity to purchase the theatre from Rio Nuevo who had owned the building since 2004. The 1.3 million dollar purchase was a milestone in the theatre’s history and the catalyst for a capital campaign to renovate the aging structure originally built in 1920. She later served as Treasurer and Secretary on the board of directors for Downtown Radio LPFM 99.1 She pioneered her position as the first female and person of Hispanic descent to serve. She aided in the organization’s restructuring to create more inclusion and diversity along with collaborating with the organization's former president on an arts grant that kept the station running through the economic uncertainty of COVID-19. Her only child was hospitalized during her tenure at Downtown Radio and passed after losing a battle against NEC. Sivine’s passion for the arts and honoring the memory of her son have driven her to a dedicated purpose at Valley Youth Theatre. In her downtime, she aids others in their grief with coaching, workshops, and inspirational speeches.
Maya Whitaker Guest Services Manager Ext. 307 | Email Me
Maya has had a love of theatre since she was 15 at Perry High School in Gilbert. Being raised in the theater and arts community right here in Arizona, she knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She went on to major in Theatrical Design and Technology with an emphasis in Stage and Production Management from the State University of New York Purchase College where she worked on and off Broadway for 4 years. She has worked all over the world from Croatia to Tennessee in all aspects of entertainment including theater, music, events, and TV. She is honored to be a part of fostering a love for theatre and stage works in young people just like she did right here in Arizona.
Gina Love Costume Director Email Me
Gina is a versatile costume and makeup designer with experience in theatre, dance, ballet, opera, film, and television. She is excited to collaborate with VYT, aligning with their mission of fostering youth development through performance opportunities. Gina transitioned to VYT after a twelve-year academic career teaching costuming and makeup. She holds an MFA in Theatre Arts Costume Design from the University of Oregon, a BFA in Fashion Design from Woodbury University, and an AAS in Business Management. Gina’s passion for fashion began with doll collecting, a hobby shared with her daughter, mother, and grandmother. This early interest led her to a career in costume design, where she enjoys fitting performers to enhance their character development. With over twenty years of experience, Gina has designed costumes for more than one hundred theatre and opera productions, also serving as a costume shop manager and hair and makeup designer. Her recent collaborations include work with the University of Oregon Opera, Northern Lights Music Festival Opera, Eugene Ballet, and Eugene Opera. Some of her most memorable productions are La Boheme, Acis & Galatea, Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Christmas Carol, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
THEATRE
525 North First Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
OFFICE
1001 North Central Avenue
Suite 700
Phoenix, AZ 85004
boxoffice@vyt.com
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Valley Youth Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3).
Since 1989, we have inspired children to be the best they can be through the magic of the performing arts. Our alumni include Oscar® winners, Grammy® award-nominees, Broadway stars, rocket scientists, doctors, lawyers, parents, and community leaders from all walks of life.
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