meet our centerstage SUMMER 2023 faculty
Bridget Burke, Musical Director, Music Man Jr. & Newsies Jr
Since childhood, Bridget has been immersed in the local theatre scene as a performer, director, producer, musical director, and stage manager. In New York, she attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in their conservatory program, studying dance, musical theatre, acting, and voice, and working with Broadway actors like Kyle Gonyea (Phantom), Ray Virta (The Thomas Crown Affair), and Stacy Lee Tilton (Brigadoon) among others. In NYC she regularly performed in an Off-Broadway cabaret and at The Peoples Improv Theatre. While working alongside prominent directors in New York, Bridget was inspired to continue her education at The New School, focusing on the other side of the table for her BFA. There she worked with prominent writers and directors like Loren Paul Caplin and Greg Takoudes. Since graduating with honors in December 2020 she is back in Colorado and excited to return to CenterStage where she was first inspired to make her way in the arts. For CenterStage she recently directed Legally Blonde Jr and Willy Wonka Jr. and has served as Musical Director for Seussical Jr. and Once Upon A Mattress as well as Stage Manager for The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee and Grease. 
John Boggs, DMA - Music Director, Bright Star
John is a pianist, composer and vocalist based currently in Thornton, Colorado. He holds a DMA in Composition from the University of Colorado Boulder, a M.M. in Composition from the University of Michigan and a B.F.A. from Bard College. John is an active performer and music director. He has most recently musically directed Cinderella and Theory of Relativity for CenterStage (among many others). He’s performed as Male Ensemble in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Jamie in The Last Five Years, the Lecturer in Reefer Madness, and El Gallo in The Fantasticks. He music directed productions of Pippin, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Gypsy. His first music director position with Centerstage was the 2017 production of Godspell. He also has experience teaching students with developmental disabilities. He provided accompaniment for Tapestry Theater’s productions of Elf, School House Rocks and Shrek Jr. He was previously employed with Imagine’s CORE day program, where he instructed group music classes using midi over wifi to create the feeling of being in a band and orchestra. 
Erica Chapman, Choreographer, Newsies
Erica is on the newer side of living in Colorado - one of the Covid transplants from Los Angeles - but not new to working in the Arts. Her first artistic pursuits were as a dancer - becoming a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, graduating high school early and moving to NYC to join The Joffrey II Dancers. After dancing, she became a theatre major and went to graduate school at the ART Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard. Favorite regional roles include Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Amy in Tape, Katherine in Taming of the Shrew, and off-Broadway as Pam in If Memory Serves. Erica has appeared in national commercials and TV....even falling to her death off a clock hand in Monk. She segued into her latest role of literacy tutor after discovering her daughter has dyslexia, and is now proud to work with students via her company Colorado Literacy Lab. She was thrilled to be choreographer for Beauty and the Beast, Jr. and The Little Mermaid, Jr. at Eldorado PK-8, and last summer at CTG as choreographer for Matilda, Jr. 
Beth Crosby, Choreographer, Mean Girls Jr.
Beth Crosby is a multi-disciplinary dance teacher and choreographer. Originally from the Toledo, Ohio area, Ms. Crosby trained at On Stage Studio before studying with the University of Akron dance program and the Dance Institute of Akron, Ohio. She continued her dance education in New York with the Paul Taylor School and the Luigi Dance Center. Highlights of her performance career include working with Jennifer Muller of Jennifer Muller/The Works, Ohio Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem and Kalliope Stage. As a choreographer, Ms. Lietaert is known for being able to showcase both trained concert dancers and untrained pedestrian dancers. Her work has been featured by the Off-Broadway School of Fine Arts, Backstory Theatre, CenterStage Theater Company, the University of Akron, Terpsichore Dance, The Dance Institute, Mosaic Arts Program, On Stage Studio, Oregon Community Theater, Springfield High School, Napoleon High School, Ayersville High School, and WCC Children’s Theater. 
Fiona Cubillas, Stage Manager, Music Man Jr, Newsies Jr, Mean Girls Jr
Fiona graduated from Monarch High School in 2021 and currently attends the University of Northern Colorado, where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in cultural linguistic diversity. She has been involved with CenterStage and Tapestry Theatre Company since 2013, mostly onstage, but has been stage managing as of 2019. Her previous stage managing credits include Shrek Jr., Cinderella, Guys & Dolls, Matilda Jr., Be More Chill, and Legally Blonde Jr., all with CenterStage. She is passionate about the creative education of young students and always loves working with all of the talented individuals who come to CenterStage. Fiona is grateful to be back again, alongside so many creative and inspiring staff members this summer! 
Molly Fickes, Choreographer, Music Man Jr.
Molly is thrilled to return to CenterStage. She is a talented local actress and choreographer. She was recently featured in the Town Hall production of Newsies and played Cinderella in last summer's Tapestry production of Cinderella at the Dairy Center in Boulder. For CenterStage she has choreographed Guys & Dolls Jr and Fame Jr. Her numerous credits at CSTC include Little Red (Into the Woods) and Amy March (Little Women). 
Rachel D. Graham, Assistant Director, Harry Potter 3 & 4. Rachel is thrilled to be back creating theatre with some of her favorite Wizarding World stories! She co-led last summer's wildly popular Harry Potter 1 & 2 with Steve Wilson. She has directed theatre with young actors at Wolf Theatre Academy and other theatres around the state. Other directing credits include The Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden and assistant director of Squirrels at the Aurora Fox. Rachel has a BA in Acting and a passion performing in theatre for young audiences. Credits include title characters in The Little Prince and The Tomato Plant Girl (Denver Children’s Theatre). Fern Charlotte’s Web, Alexander Alexander Who’s Not…Going to Move, and Red Dog Go, Dog, Go (Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities). Rachel is a recipient of True West Awards (2021, 2015), and nominated for the 2013 Henry Award for Best Supporting Actress for Sister James in Doubt with Cherry Creek Theatre. “…Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - Albus Dumbledore.
Cammie Kolber, Director, Music Man Jr
Cammie began performing with CSTC in 2000 and has been involved ever since! She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Music Education (vocal) and currently teaches K-5 general music at Village East Elementary School. She began directing summer camps for CSTC in 2012 - including last summer's Guys & Dolls Jr. - after being involved as a counselor, stage manager, and music director for camps and other CSTC productions in years prior. In 2013, Cammie toured with Up with People, where she performed throughout the US, Mexico, and Europe. Since her return she has performed in many theater productions in the area, continued her work directing CSTC summer camps, and music directed many of the Tapestry Theatre musicals. |
Megan McDonald, Director, Newsies Jr.
Megan is thrilled to be returning to CSTC for another summer show! As a Middle School Counselor at Eldorado PK-8, Megan cherishes her role in helping to support students as they work through life transitions and discover who they are. She is also honored to have directed the annual school musical at Eldorado for the last 22 years and believes that theatre and the arts are integral to our growth and development as humans. Last summer she directed Matilda Jr. and had previously co-directed the popular 13, The Musical for CSTC. Some of her favorite shows to direct have been Seussical, Jr., Lion King, Jr., Mulan, Jr., & Beauty & the Beast, Jr. (many of which starred current and past CSTC students!). While Megan’s time to perform is more limited, she has played the role of Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods with Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and enjoys being able to connect to this creative side of herself. Megan also enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado. Megan looks forward to sharing her passion for theatre and working with our local youth! 
Stefanie Raccuglia, Director of Movement, Bright Star
Stefanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Registered Dance/Movement Psychotherapist, and owns a private psychotherapy and coaching practice in Denver, CO. Stefanie received her BA in Dance and Theatre from Manhattanville College and her MA in Somatic Counseling Psychology and Dance/ Movement Therapy from Naropa University. Stefanie has choreographed and performed in various productions off- Broadway in NYC and has studied theatre dance, choreography, improvisation and physical theatre both nationally and internationally. Stefanie has been inspired by artists who strongly integrate the human and social experience through their art and storytelling. Informed by all of her experiences, Stefanie’s private practice specializes in somatic (body-based) psychotherapy for complex trauma, relationships, body-image, self-esteem, and personal empowerment. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Stefanie also works as a coach supporting women in career development, life purpose, and feeling empowered to effect the change they wish to see in themselves and their communities. Stefanie’s first passion has always been dance and musical theatre, which not only played a hugely healing role in her own life, but fuels her desire to support others in defying limiting expectations and beliefs through creativity and self-expression. Stefanie brings this attitude and passion to all productions and individuals she works with. Stefanie continues to work as choreographer for various theatre companies around the Front Range, teaches private and small group creative dance and movement classes, and continues to perform now and again. Choreography credits as CSTC include 13 (2021), All Together Now (2021), Grease (2022) and Be More Chill (2023). 
Michael Ryterski, Assistant Director, Music Man Jr. Stage Manager, Lion King Jr , Harry Potter 3 & 4
Michael is a first year directing major at Pace University in NYC and is thrilled to be returning to CenterStage Theater Company. Michael has been seen on stage and off behind the scenes as well. He has been working with the CenterStage theater camps for the past five years on shows such as Guys and Dolls Jr., Matilda Jr., Fame Jr. and many more! 
Maggie Tisdale, Director, The Lion King Jr.
Maggie Tisdale holds a BFA in Drama from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, where she studied with the Atlantic Theater Company. She is passionate about arts education, and has worked as a teaching artist and youth theatre director throughout Denver for the last 20 years, at the Denver Center, the Arvada Center, the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, Play On! Performing Arts, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and the Performing Arts Academy. Also an actor, Maggie has appeared in productions at the Denver Center, Arvada Center, Aurora Fox, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Town Hall Arts Center, Denver Children’s Theatre, and Colorado Shakespeare Festival in their violence prevention school tour. Maggie is a proud company member of the Catamounts in Boulder. Maggie is excited to join the CSTC family! 
Leigh Toltz, Musical Director, The Lion King Jr.
Leigh is excited to return to CenterStage after musically directing Matilda last summer. At the age of 14, Leigh began her singing career in musical theater in Denver, Colorado. She channeled her passion and years of performing experience to earn a Master’s of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy at New York University. Leigh began her voice teaching career as an Adjunct Professor at NYU in 2015. Expert in the anatomy and mechanics of voice, Leigh brings a technical approach to vocal production. Her students learn not only to master healthy vocal technique but explore the dramatic circumstances to bring musical selections to life. 
Melissa Williams - Director, Bright Star, Mean Girls Jr.
An active performer and teacher in Colorado, Melissa is at home in front of the footlights as an actor or working backstage as a director, stage manager, set & prop designer. She teaches a busy private vocal studio - South Boulder Vocal Studio and has directed numerous productions and summer camps for CSTC. Some favorite directing projects include Avenue Q, Into the Woods, Miss Nelson is Missing and a filmed version of Annie Kids and She Kills Monsters to name a few. An advocate for arts education, Melissa believes in the power of the performing arts in developing young people's confidence, creativity and sense of community. When not teaching or directing, you can find Melissa performing on the stages around Colorado and beyond. 
Steve Wilson, Director, Harry Potter 3 & 4 (also CSTC Executive Artistic Director)
Steve has been administrating, directing, teaching and performing in Colorado for over 30 years. Deeply dedicated to arts education, he joined the CenterStage/ Tapestry team as Executive Artistic Director in August 2021. He holds an MFA degree in acting from the National Theatre Conservatory (part of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts) and a BFA degree in drama from the University of Southern California. As theatre director recent credits include: Be More Chill, Seussical Jr, Harry Potter 1, Harry Potter 2 (CenterStage), Newsies (Town Hall Arts Center), The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong (Vintage Theatre Company), The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sound of Music (Candlelight Dinner Playhouse), Fiddler on the Roof (Ovation West) and An Ideal Husband (The Naples Players). He garnered awards for “Best Director” from both the Denver Post and Boulder Daily Camera as well as four Henry Awards (Colorado’s Tony Award) for “Best Direction of a Musical” for his productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Urinetown, Man of LaMancha and Beauty & the Beast for PHAMALY Theatre Company. Steve also received a Denver Post Ovation award as “Best Director of a Musical” for PHAMALY’s Joseph... and Side Show as well as a “Best of Westword” award for “Best Direction of a Musical” for PHAMALY’s Beauty and the Beast. In addition, he was the recipient of the 2014 “True West Theatre Person of the Year” award. For 14 years he served as the Artistic Director of PHAMALY where directing credits included Grand Hotel, Damn Yankees, Once Upon a Mattress, The Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls, The Wiz, Our Town, How to Succeed, Little Shop of Horrors, The Elephant Man, Fiddler on the Roof, It’s A Wonderful Life and Annie. Additionally Steve has directed: Poignant Irritations (world premiere and winner of “Best New Play”), The Sisters Rosensweig and The Cradle Will Rock (Mizel Center); over 30 major productions for the Wolf Theatre Academy; Chinglish (Aurora Fox Arts Center); Cyrano de Bergerac (Compass Theatre Company); Androcles and the Lion, The Prince and the Pauper, The Last Paving Stone, Tomato Plant Girl, The Snow Queen, Art Dog, The Jungle Book and Sleeping Beauty (Denver Children’s Theatre); Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Comedy of Errors (Bug Theatre); Oliver! (Town Hall Arts Center) and Twelfth Night (The Theatre Group). As administrator/ educator/ artistic director, Steve has overseen the development of four companies, including the Living Edge Theatre Company in Los Angeles, Compass Theatre Company in Denver, the theatre department of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center and PHAMALY Theatre Company. He also serves as adjunct professor for the Arts and Culture Management program at DU’s University College. He has been a faculty member at the Wolf Theatre Academy, Stage Eleven and St. Mary’s Academy (10 years), as well as an artist-in-residence throughout the Cherry Creek and Denver Public School Districts. |