The Experts Behind the Curtain

Meet the Directors of PAA’s 2025 Fall Productions

“A good director creates an environment which gives the actor the encouragement to fly” – Kevin Bacon

Behind every PAA Production exists a dedicated and passionate artistic team ready to share their love for theater and years of experience with younger generations.

Today, we shine the spotlight on the 2025 directors of PAA’s Fall Shows. 

PAA’s directors transform creative chaos into polished productions. 

They set the stage for an environment that’s safe and supportive while empowering students to step out of their comfort zone. 

They’re serious about the performing arts but even more serious about making it fun! 

Each artistic member brings their distinct theatrical flair while focusing on PAA’s mission to build character, create community, and inspire excellence. 

Let your student be led by one of these expert artists this Fall in a PAA Production.

Finding Nemo KIDS (Grades 1 – 3) 

Kathleen (Kat) Gabriel – Director

Kat attended Denver School of the Arts and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Drake University, studied acting abroad for three months at the Moscow Art Theatre School through the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute, and spent nearly two years touring the US and Canada with the Missoula Children’s Theatre teaching, directing, and performing. 

“I’m delighted to be teaching with PAA and back in my hometown of Denver, CO.” 

Matilda Jr. (Grades 3-6)

Rebekah Ortiz – Director

Rebekah- aka Miss Bekah- (she/her) has worked in the Denver Metro musical theatre community for 16 years as an actress, teacher, and director. She has worked with many professional theaters in town, including the Denver Center, Arvada Center, BDT Stage, Town Hall Arts Center, Miners Alley, Aurora Fox, Southern Colorado Repertory, and Candlelight Dinner Theatre. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she was fortunate to be shaped by several amazing educators. 

“Thank you to all the dedicated families and staff supporting these students in their success.”

Anastasia Youth Edition (Grades 7-12)

Katie Reid – Director

Musical Theater BFA, University of Oklahoma. Katie has directed and music-directed dozens of shows for grades K-12, including multiple pilot productions with MTI and Disney Theatricals. Performed in: South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), ‘S Wonderful (Jane), Annie (Ronnie Boylan), Footloose (Vi Moore – Henry Nomination for Best Actor), Last Five Years (Cathy), Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy), Princess and the Pea (Queen), Full Monty (Pam), Ordinary Days (Claire), Nunsense (Sister Robert Ann), I Love You… Change (Woman 2), Betty Haynes (White Christmas). Katie believes in the transformative power of theater and loves marrying her professional and educational experiences at PAA!

Peter and the Starcatcher (Grades 9-12)

Adam Lillibridge – Director

Adam has been PAA’s Technical Director for 7 years, with 20 years of professional experience. He has designed and built over 100 PAA shows; close to 300 in his career. He has a theatre degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. As technical director and designer for A Noise Within, a premier repertory company in Los Angeles, he earned accolades for work on Hamlet, Noises Off, and Crime and Punishment. He performed improv with Denver’s Impulse Theater and has run D’Evelyn High School’s theatre department for 9 years. Helping students experience the magic of theater is one of Adam’s greatest passions. Adam loves inspiring creativity in young theatre artists no matter what their chosen medium, and is grateful to be a part of the PAA community!

The director may steer the theatrical ship, but the feat of a successfully staged voyage depends on a collective effort. PAA’s expert crew members include music directors, choreographers, technical directors, costume designers, props masters, sound engineers, lighting designers, and production assistants. 

Learn more about PAA’s dedicated staff for 2025 Fall Productions on our Finding Nemo KIDS, Matilda Jr., Anastasia Youth Edition, and Peter and the Starcatcher pages. 

Do you have a passion for teaching the performing arts? Check out our NEW JOB OPENING for a Fall Teaching Artist.