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Our Team

Managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and staffed by a team of professionals, EVCT has grown from one production and one workshop to an award-winning, perennial education-based children’s theatre, bringing exceptional theatre to the community.

Artistic Director, Bryanna Patrick Blanco

Bryanna is an AriZoni Award-winning local director, as well as an adjunct professor of Theatre and Film at South Mountain Community College.

Working with Arizona Theatre Company, MET, Stageworks, Maricopa Community Colleges, and Southwest Shakespeare Company she has been teaching and developing academic, professional and community performing arts classes in Phoenix for over twenty years.

She most recently directed She Kills Monsters and A Doll’s House at SMCC, Circle Mirror Transformation at MET, and Urinetown and Is He Dead? at Arizona Theatre Company. 

She has a Bachelor’s of Art from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Theatre Education and Outreach from The University of Arizona. She is supported by her wonderful husband, Aaron, and kids. 

She is ecstatic to carry on the amazing work done here at EVCT!

Teaching Artists

Breona Conrad

Breona Conrad

Bravo Director
Classroom Instructor
Voice Teacher
Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Aaron Blanco

Aaron Blanco

Main Stage Director
On-the-Spot Improv Troupe Director
Stage Combat Choreographer
Joel Cranson

Joel Cranson

Main Stage Director
Jamie Gilbert

Jamie Gilbert Merrell

EVCT Express Director
Classroom Instructor
Jr. Improv Troupe Director
Literature Alive! Director
Shira

Shira Schwartz

Adaptive Theatre Instructor
Jenna Officer

Jenna Officer

Voice Instructor
Classroom Instructor
Stage Manager
Taylor Stroupe

Taylor Stroupe

Main Stage Director
Classroom Instructor
Costume Designer

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors sets policies and procedures for the operation of the organization, as well as providing fiscal responsibility for the continuing success of EVCT. Board members are volunteers who meet on a monthly basis to complete tasks that are determined by our annual Operational Plan.

Elected officers include President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, all serving two-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms (except for Treasurer, who has unlimited terms). Members-at-Large are elected for one-year, unlimited terms. Board membership is limited to a minimum of five members, maximum of fifteen.

Board members have minimum dues of $175 per year, which can be paid monthly. Each board member is expected to attend all board meetings, fundraisers, and participate on at least one committee. Board members also serve as community advocates, promoting EVCT programs in any way possible.
Lisa Olson

Lisa Olson

President
Billie Schomer

Billie Schomer

Vice President
Billie Schomer

Billie Schomer

Secretary (Acting)

[This position is open. See Board Application below.]

Dan Cortes

Dan Cortes

Treasurer

Members at Large

Ellie Lagergren

Ellie Lagergren

Alumni Association President
Volunteer Coordinator
Rachel Butler

Rachel Butler

Sponsorship Coordinator
Addie Wurster

Addie Wurster

'Fun'Development Chair
Grant Writer
Justin Curtis

Justin Curtis

West Bend Insurance Company, Safety & Risk Management Professional
Jackie Zebell

Jackie Zebell

Retired Office Manager and Bookkeeper for Sheet Metal Workers, Local Union #359
Kathleen Richards

Kathleen Richards

Actor, Teacher, Higley Traditional Academy Drama Club founder

Advisory Board

Kathie McMahon

Kathie McMahon

Alan Crawford

Alan Crawford

Missing Photo

Marvin Brewer

Office Staff

Brenda Cranson

Brenda Cranson

Business/Office Manager
Main Stage Director
Missing Photo

Grace

Office Intern
Missing Photo

Maddie

Office Intern

Interested in being part of our team? Check out our open positions for Teaching Artists and internships on our Careers page.

Want to contribute as a member of our board? Download the application or send resumes to info [at] evct [dot] org.

Bryanna Patrick Blanco

Artistic Producing Director
Main Stage Director

Bryanna is an AriZoni Award-winning local director, as well as an adjunct professor of Theatre and Film at South Mountain Community College. Working with Arizona Theatre Company, MET, Stageworks, Maricopa Community Colleges, and Southwest Shakespeare Company she has been teaching and developing academic, professional and community performing arts classes in Phoenix for over twenty years. She most recently directed She Kills Monsters and A Doll’s House at SMCC, Circle Mirror Transformation at MET, and Urinetown and Is He Dead? at Arizona Theatre Company. She has a Bachelor’s of Art from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Theatre Education and Outreach from The University of Arizona. She is supported by her wonderful husband, Aaron, and kids. She is ecstatic to carry on the amazing work done here at EVCT!

Breona Conrad

Breona Conrad is a multi-faceted theatre artist who can be found onstage throughout the Valley. She serves EVCT in the classroom as a skill building teacher, director of the Bravo troupe, a Summer Camp instructor, choreographer for main stage productions, and teaching voice lessons. She has worked with Ronin Theatre Company, Southwest Shakespeare Company, Flagstaff Shakespeare Company, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, The Bridge Initiative, Stray Cat, Class 6, and BLK BOX PHX. Breona is also a teaching artist for ASU Gammage and an adjudicator for the High School Musical Theatre Awards. She also works as a member of both the Molly Blank Fund Arts Integration Teaching Artist Program, and the Disney Musical in Schools Teaching Artist Program.

Aaron Blanco

Aaron Blanco

Aaron is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s B.F.A. Acting program with a stage combat certification. He is a professional Phoenix actor and stage combat choreographer. His recent credits include Beau Jest at the Hale (Bob), Peacemaker at Phoenix Theatre (Bluey), and various roles/stage combat work with Southwest Shakespeare. 

Aaron would like to thank Bry and his beloved daughters for their continued support in his acting career.

Jamie Gilbert Merrell

Jamie Gilbert Merrell’s passion for theatre began at a young age. That passion was solidified when she was cast in a production of Seussical, the Musical, Jr. From there, she has participated in and performed in over 30 shows, including classics like A Doll’s House and Tartuffe, as well as shows specifically meant for children like Wizard of OZ and Alice in Wonderland. Her greatest love is improv comedy. She has performed in several improv troupes and even created her own improvised podcast called A Bit of Funny. She is excited to share her knowledge and love with the children at EVCT.

Joel Cranson

Joel Cranson has been serving as one of EVCT’s Main Stage Directors since 2010. He has also served on the Board of Directors. He received ariZoni awards for his direction of The Goat’s Gruff (2010) and Camelot & Camelittle (2019). Joel has fond memories of directing Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, Huff n’ Puff, Charlotte’s Web, Arya’s Rock, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Disney The Lion King, Jr. (ariZoni nomination), The Frog Prince, and other EVCT shows as well. When not directing, he enjoys spending time with his family, cosplaying, playing video games and watching movies.

Shira Schwartz

Shira Schwartz

Shira Schwartz is currently the Theatre Director at Basha High School where she teaches all theatre classes, produces and directs the main stage performances, runs the improv team, and produces four nights of one-acts each school year. She began a Unified Theatre class at Basha High School and has students who work professionally in the theatrical arts; although she retired from performing years ago. Shira’s degrees are a Bachelor in Theatre and a Master in Education.

Business/Studio Manager at EVCT

Title: Business/Studio Manager
Reports to: Artistic Director
Status: Full-time Exempt, Non-benefited
Salary: $40,000
Particulars: Required on-site hours of work: 3-8pm, Mon-Thurs, at the EVCT Studio with the remaining 20 weekly hours to be scheduled onsite. A small number of hours may be remote or at a secondary site at the Artistic Director’s discretion. On-site hours are subject to regular change depending on programming needs, including nights and weekends.

Company Profile
East Valley Children’s Theatre has been an artistic force in the East Valley for 26 years, through many unique theatrical programs for children ages 5-18.

Company Mission
We provide youth a forum for creating confidence, gaining self-esteem, developing character, and building the career and life skills necessary to achieve success and fulfillment in an ever-changing world. We are essential to our community and the success of youth.

Company Vision
East Valley Children’s Theatre is essential to our community and the success of youth.

Company Values
Integrity, Passion for Excellence, Innovation, Respect, Teamwork, Life-long Learning, Stewardship

East Valley Children’s Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Overview
EVCT is looking for a full-time Business/Studio Manager to conduct the day-to-day operations of our studio office. This position supports the Artistic Director, creative and education teams in managing business for both the production and education programs. This position directly reports to the Artistic Director, and is subject to regular review by the Artistic Director.

Essential Functions:

  • Manage and maintain the studio office and the space including providing administrative support for classes, productions, and rehearsals.

  • Oversee the front desk, registration, supplies, attendance, and backup support for classes.

  • Cover the front desk during office hours, greet visitors and ensure the safe check-in/check out of students.

  • Support the Artistic Director in contract creation, contract pay, scheduling, booking and correspondence.

  • Managing various databases and spreadsheets including (but not limited to) donations/donors, contacts, season tickets, class/show participants and budget.

  • Managing primary correspondence between parents, students and education/creative teams.

  • Purchasing, creating administrative materials, and support for classes and productions.

  • Various other administrative duties, including correspondence, communication booking and ticketing.

  • Other assigned duties.

Required Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree, or equivalent work experience.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite

  • Proficiency in Excel and/or Google Sheets

  • Enjoys working with children and families.

  • Has (or will obtain) a valid and current fingerprint card.

  • Available for work in the late afternoon, evenings and weekends.

  • Detail-oriented, organized, and deadline-driven.

  • Clear, precise, and compelling written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

  • Currently working in or have worked in theatre, non-profit, or arts education.

  • Bachelor’s degree in the arts, art management, education or business.

  • Experience working with arts education and/or family centered programs.

  • Familiar with Adobe Photoshop, Canva

  • Familiar with various databases including Network for Good, Sawyer

  • Experience in monitoring a website and online calendar

  • Basic knowledge of accounting and payroll/HR procedures.

  • Must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to lifting (up to 40 pounds), bending, crawling, and climbing ladders.

All programs rehearse at the EVCT Rehearsal Studio, 4501 East Main St, in Mesa. Questions about the positions can be answered by emailing: [email protected]. Application for the position is available by clicking on the link below.

EVCT Online Application

Interested parties should submit the application, and additionally submit a letter of intent, resume and references to: [email protected].

For more information or questions call EVCT at 480-756-3828.

Teaching Artists Positions at EVCT

EVCT is looking for teaching artists in the fields of theatre and musical theatre to teach its classes and direct its performance troupes.  

Requirements for the jobs:

  • Have a degree (either 2-4 years) in theatre or musical theatre.  
  • Be working in or have worked in theatre or musical theatre in the past.  
  • Enjoy working with children.
  • Have a valid and current fingerprint card.  
  • Are available for work in the late afternoon or evening.
  • Fill out application for a teaching position at EVCT
  • Submit an application along with a current resume and headshot (or photo)

Our teaching artists at EVCT are our instructors for our 7-week classes that meet late afternoons and evenings Monday through Thursday. We also hire them to direct our EVCT Express Troupe (acting troupe for kids age 8-16), our On The Spot Teen Improv Troupe (improv troupe for kids age 12-18), our EVCT Bravo, (musical theatre troupe for kids age 12-18), Our Literature Alive Program, (a homeschooled troupe) that performs in the schools, and/or an EVCT Company Troupe (a group of selected EVCT participants) who learn a show at the beginning of the season and are available to perform on short notice or for special fund-raising events.

All programs rehearse at the EVCT Rehearsal Studio, 4501 East Main St., in Mesa.

Questions about the positions can be answered by emailing [email protected]. 

Apply for the position by clicking on the link below
or send resumes to:

East Valley Children’s Theatre
P.O. Box 20514
Mesa, AZ 85277-0514

For more information or questions, call EVCT at 480-756-3828.

Production Designers and Directors at EVCT

EVCT is looking for Production Designers in Lighting, Sound, Set, Costumes, Props, Choreography and Makeup & Hair, as well as Music Directors, Stage Managers and Directors for our main stage productions. 

Requirements for the jobs:

  • Have a degree in theatre or technical theatre or equivalent experience
  • Be working in or have worked in theatre or musical theatre in the past.  
  • Enjoy working with children.
  • Have a valid and current fingerprint card.
  • Are available for work in the late afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays
  • Fill out an application for a teaching position at EVCT
  • Submit an application along with a current resume and headshot or photo

Our design team members and directors at EVCT work on our four main stage productions and our junior main stage show. Typical time line includes a production meeting about 1 month from auditions, a meeting at the Mesa Arts Center a couple weeks later, Two days of auditions and a call back audition, about 4 weeks of rehearsals and a three days of tech rehearsal and two weekends of shows (Thursday-Sunday). All productions rehearse at the EVCT Rehearsal Studio, 4501 East Main St., in Mesa.

Specific questions about the positions can be answered by emailing [email protected]. 

Apply for the position by clicking on the link below
and send resumes to:

East Valley Children’s Theatre
P.O. Box 20514
Mesa, AZ 85277-0514

For more information or questions call EVCT at 480-756-3828.

Studio Assistant at EVCT

Title: Studio Assistant
Reports to: Business Manager and Artistic Director Status: Part-time Hourly
Salary: $15 an hour

Company Profile

East Valley Children’s Theatre has been an artistic force in the East Valley for 26 years, through many unique theatrical programs for children of all ages. East Valley Children’s Theatre provides a safe environment for children to gain self-esteem, explore creative outlets and grow and mature into community-minded young adults.

East Valley Children’s Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Overview

EVCT is looking for a Studio Assistant to oversee the day-to-day operations of our studio office. This position supports the Business Manager, Artistic Director, creative and education teams in managing the front desk for both the production and education departments.

Essential Functions:

  • Manage and maintain the studio office, and space including providing on-site support for classes, productions and rehearsals.
  • Oversee the front desk, phones, registration, supplies, attendance, and backup support for classes.
  • Cover the front desk during office hours, greet visitors and ensure the safe check-in/check out of students.
  • Handle communication and correspondence with parents, including explaining and passing out registration and promotional materials.
  • On-site support for creative and education teams allowing business access. Qualifications
  • Proficiency in Google Suite
  • Proficiency in Excel and/or Google Sheets
  • Experience working in theatre.
  • Enjoys working with children and families.
  • Comfortable corresponding with parents and teachers.
  • Has (or will obtain) a valid and current fingerprint card.
  • Available for work in the late afternoon, evenings and weekends.
  • High School students will be considered for this position if they are of age to work legally.

Preferred Skills:

  • Must be able to lift and move items weighing 40 pounds.
  • Must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to lifting, bending, crawling, and climbing ladders.

All programs rehearse at the EVCT Rehearsal Studio, 4501 East Main St, in Mesa.

Questions about the positions can be answered by emailing: [email protected].  

Apply for the position by clicking on the link below
or send resumes to:

East Valley Children’s Theatre
P.O. Box 20514
Mesa, AZ 85277-0514

For more information or questions call EVCT at 480-756-3828.

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