Melanie KirkpatrickMelanie has worked with PAA in various capacities since 2015 and served as producer and director for the Wesley Players since 2013. She has a Bachelors in Theatre from Willamette University in Salem, Ore., and also studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. With a strong background in theatre education, administration and corporate event production, Melanie is thrilled to join the team at PAA. Thank you to the amazing Board, staff, parent and student community.
Madeline ShafferMadeline Shaffer grew up teaching and performing in Southern Illinois. She received a BA in Dance from Jacksonville University
and then moved to NYC. She performed on a national tour, choreographed and directed a new musical, performed in front of the UN, and worked with many high schools and children’s programs, choreographing shows and teaching classes. Since moving to Denver in late 2019, she has directed, choreographed, and performed for many theatres, including the Wesley Players, Thin Air Theatre Company, Town Hall Arts Center, and CenterStage Theatre company. She has over 10 years of choreography and teaching experience, and she is thrilled to be working with the fabulous students and staff at PAA as the Director of Dance.
Katie is thrilled to be returning to her beautiful home state of Colorado after 15 years away performing and teaching professionally in NYC and Chicago. Katie holds a BFA in Musical theatre from The University of Oklahoma. In Chicago, Katie taught and directed in several performing arts programs, directing/music directing over 20 shows with ages K - 12, including multiple pilot productions with MTI and Disney theatricals. She also worked in events and development at American theatre Company and as Production Manager for the award-winning program, BRAVO Performing Arts, in Oak Park. theatre credits include the National Tours of South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), 'S Wonderful (Jane), and Annie (Ronnie Boylan). Regional theatre: Nunsense (Sister Robert Ann), Last Five Years (Cathy), Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy), Princess and the Pea (Queen u/s), Land of Forgotten Toys (Queen), Full Monty (Pam), Ordinary Days (Claire), Broadway: The Big Band Years (featured singer), Sweeney Todd, and The Who's Tommy. She is excited to be a part of the PAA staff!
Andrew Fischer is a Colorado native that grew up in the metro area. He earned his Bachelor’s in music education with an emphasis in choral conducting from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Before that, he graduated from Littleton Public Schools and has now taught high school music in that same district for the past 13 years. Andrew works as a clinician for local choirs and schools, was the assistant conductor and pianist for the Colorado Choir, music directs and conducts for musicals around the metro area, and enjoys playing and singing for cabarets and churches alike. Andrew lives on a small homestead and hobby farm near Elizabeth with a pack of dogs, cats, chickens and geese where they grow lavender, flowers, and vegetables.
Adam is a passionate theatre artist and technician with 15+ years of experience. He graduated with a BA in theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University, where his focuses were on directing, playwriting, and scenic design. Upon graduation he performed improv with the Impulse theatre group in Denver, before moving to Los Angeles where he became the Technical Director for classical repertory theatre, A Noise Within. He built and designed 20+ shows with ANW and garnered critical accolades with his designs for Noises Off, and Joe Tracz’s, Phenomenon of Decline. During his time in California he also wrote and produced the original play, The Ultimo, with The Actor’s Workout Studio. Adam moved back to his hometown of Denver after six years, where he has worked with D’Evelyn High School’s drama program. He began as the technical director but quickly grew into the head of their drama department. He has worked with D’Evelyn for the last ten years as a producer, director, and technical director. As PAA’s Resident Technical Director, Adam enjoys the challenges and opportunities it presents. He teaches both technical theatre subjects such as set design, and construction, as well as directing and improv. He has also directed and helped to develop PAA’s non-musical play program. 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!
Cambel RuleCambel Rule has been with PAA for three years working a assistant technical director in order to help bring imagination to life. Cambel attends Metropolitan State University of Denver. majoring in history and minoring in theatre. he looks forward to working on all of the great shows PAA has lined up this year.
Dr. James RamseyJames Ramsey is Executive Director for the Performing Arts Academy and Director of Music and Arts at St. Luke's UMC. Previous engagements include college instruction positions at the University of Colorado, University of Denver, and Whitman College in Washington. Additionally, Ramsey has also served as Artistic Director for the Wesley Choral Festival and Assistant Conductor of the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus.
James earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Literature and Performance at the University of Colorado, Boulder, a Master of Music degree in Conducting at the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music Education at Middle Tennessee State University. Mentors and teachers include Raphael Bundage, Joan Conlon, Vance George, Donald Neuen, Alfred Mann, and Samuel Adler. Ramsey has served as the American Choral Directors Association’s Repertoire and Standards Chair for Community Choirs for both Colorado and the Southwest Region. James resides in Littleton with his wife, Leigh, and their sons, Jack and Luke.
Contact Jim at drjim@paacolorado.org or 303-900-7041 ex.1.
Samantha LeahySamantha serves as Director of Early Childhood Ministry at St. Luke’s UMC and supported Assistant Producer roles with PAA for the last 3 years. Samantha's 16 years of personal and professional experience coupled with her genuine love of children and strong integrity has allowed her to develop her passion for the care and tutelage of children. Samantha joins our team with strong relational skills with the ability to focus on others strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. She is grateful for the opportunity to join our PAA staff as she knows the impact creative outlets have on transforming the lives of children. Samantha resides in Highlands Ranch and leads many volunteer outreach programs through St. Luke’s. She is also the proud mother to two daughters, Keara and Ryann who attend CU Boulder.
You can contact Sam at 303-900-7041 ex.0 or registrar@paacolorado.org
Taletha PoggeTaletha Pogge has been an accountant for over ten years, specializing in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. She graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in accounting. She volunteers in her community for a variety of non-profit organizations and has served on the PTO board at her children's school. Taletha's hobbies include hiking in Colorado's great outdoors, sewing, and knitting. She and her husband have lived in Colorado for 7 years with their two wonderful and energetic boys. She enjoys being active and participating in the community.
You can contact Taletha at 303-900-7041 ex.2.
Jennifer LillibridgeJennifer Lillibridge came to Colorado from Los Angeles where she earned her BA in theatre Arts and Directing at Occidental College. For several years after college she was a proud member of Actors Equity and worked throughout the Greater Los Angeles area as an equity production stage manager and scenic artist for several prominent theatre companies. Since moving to Colorado, Jennifer has been at D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School as their theatre program’s director and costume designer. She and her husband Adam, enjoy creating stories and having wild adventures with their daughter Juniper and two dogs.
Gena DiMuroGena DiMuro comes to PAA with an accomplished advertising and marketing background. She has worked with boutique and corporate advertising agencies, nonprofits, SaaS, home builders, and multiple small businesses. Her unique background blends creative excellence with strategic account management. She values both the big-picture strategy and the finer details that make marketing efforts stand out. Her marketing journey began at the University of Kansas where she earned a BS in Journalism and Strategic Communications.
Gena is a Colorado native and cannot imagine living without four seasons. Her family includes her husband, two daughters, and their golden retriever (Bo). Gena has first-hand experience with PAA as her oldest daughter has been a PAA participant since 2017. She is thrilled to use her professional skills to highlight PAA’s strong foundation in creating community, building character, and inspiring excellence.
Cassy MeierCassy is a dedicated professional with a strong background in business administration, management, and marketing, holding a degree from Western State College. Currently, she serves as the Director of Office Administration at St. Luke's, where she has successfully led and organized various fundraising events, showcasing her leadership skills and passion for community engagement.
Residing in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two young children, she enjoys balancing her professional life with family adventures. Her hobbies include camping, crafting, watercolor painting, and traveling with her family, which reflect her creative and adventurous spirit. As PAA's Development Coordinator, she brings a wealth of organizational expertise, creativity, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections.
Marisa VerSteeghSocial Media Specialist
Marisa is an experienced Social Media Specialist with a proven track record of supporting various theatre and entertainment companies across Colorado. She is excited to bring her expertise in social media to PAA! In addition to her work in social media, Marisa is a talented choreographer and director who works at PAA and several other youth theatre organizations in the region. A passionate member of the Denver theatre community, she actively performs whenever possible and remains engaged in the local arts scene. With a deep passion for both the digital and performing arts, Marisa is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the theatre community both online and on stage.
Jayme CopeJayme Cope is a native New Yorker who has lived in Colorado for the last 17 years. She and her husband have two fun and wonderful daughters, along with one energetic dog. The family loves to travel together. Some of her hobbies include yoga, hiking, skiing, baking and cooking. She is a member of NCL and serves on the board of their local chapter. She and her children love volunteering together and always look for different ways to help out their community.
Heather BauerWebmaster
Heather is a skilled Webmaster with over 15 years of experience in marketing, graphic design, and website development across diverse industries. With a background in graphic design and a love for all things WordPress, she creates websites that look amazing and work even better. Passionate about creativity and innovation, Heather thrives on tackling marketing challenges and helping businesses level up their brand and online presence.
Having participated in many theatre productions in her youth, Heather is devoted to providing all children with the opportunity to experience performing arts.
Heather lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two daughters.
