Who's Who in TEA?

N Top

Janhabi Nandy marks this as her first production with TEA, although she’s been working in community theatre and school and college drama for many years. Her day job is working as a legal aid attorney in Shiprock. Janhabi comes to he Four Corners after spending time in Canada, California and New York. Past acting credits include The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, and How He Lied to Her Husband. Past directing credits include Black Comedy, Hard what fools and The Pigman.

Anthony Napoleon is 10 years old and in the fourth grade. He is in "Daddy School” at home. He's active in piano, baseball, golf, and soccer, and is a Care-giver at Sacred Heart Church. He played a fish with his sister Alexandria Charles in The Boy Who Fished From the Moon, here in the FA11 of 2000 in his first stage performance. He hopes to be a professional golfer or professional baseball player. Both his mom and his sister are in this production.

Danielle Neergaard is a full time cosmetology student at San Juan College. This is her last semester and I she is excited about getting into the work force. She enjoys meeting and working with new people. She loves anything that lets her be creative. She is excited to be helping with hair and makeup this year.

Patsy Negrate is 19 years old and a student at San Juan College's Cosmetology program. She's excited to be here and is looking forward to making people look good and feel good about themselves.

Alan Nelson could not have made it this far had it not been for that song and dance routine in the one-room school house at Hospah, NM in 1947, followed by a sterling performance as one of the lead reeds in The Nutcracker in 1951. He stage-managed in high school and later played "Mr. Bennett” in Pride and Prejudice. He was seen at Ft. Lewis College in HMS Pinafore and with the San Juan Stage Company in 1776. His most fulfilling roles have been as "Sir Thomas More” in A Man for All Seasons and as "The Don” himself in Man of LaMancha.

Sandy Elam-Nelson has lived in Farmington since 1968 (except for a busy four years in Kansas City).. She was a charter member of the San Juan Stage Company, for which she directed 1776, A Man For All Seasons, Camelot, and The Good Doctor. She appeared in Dracula, The Haunting of Hill House, Look Homeward, Angel, and The Miracle Worker. She directed and performed in Fiddler on the Roof for San Juan College, and re-created the role of "Emily Dickinson” in the one woman show, The Belle of Amhurst. Sandy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ft. Lewis College in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and certification in education and teaching English as a Second Language. In November, 2000, she earned her master’s degree as a Reading Specialist, and works as a Basic Skills Specialist at San Juan College.

Nate Neuenschwander is a 2004 Piedra Vista High School graduate currently attending his 2nd semester of Cosmetology School at San Juan College. Nate is an aspiring singer, dancer, and actor and has worked in such shows for Sandstone Productions as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat as "Zebulun" and Shakespere's Much Ado About Nothing as a "night watchman." In the future, Nate looks forward to owning a salon and day spa as well as acting, singing, and dancing on Broadway.

John "Herb" Nicholson (Backstage Management) is a 73 year old retiree. Herb is glad to work on set construction for TEA's productions. He has appeared in the Passion Play production of He's Alive and for three years has served in various roles for Sandstone Production's summer theater. He also was in Sorry Wrong Number and Too Soon For Daisies for TEA. Herb served as Assistant Stage Manager for Father of The Bride and Stage Manager for Moon Over Buffalo. Most recently he played "a grumpy old man" in the You Gotta Have Heart Follies for the San Juan Medical Foundation. He served as Backstage Manager for All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

Nada Nicholson lives in Aztec with her husband and daughter. She has had experience assisting with costuming, directing and set dressing in drama, pageantry and musical programs with child performers. She has costumed a number of plays for TEA and made her stage debut as "Mrs. Warren" in The Spiral Staircase. She is happy to be working with her husband, Herb, on Backstage Management.

Sarah Nicholson has been in several national pageants. In theater, she played "Penelope" in Little Moon Theater, "Peggy" in Father of the Bride, "Angel" in Black River Traders, "Juanita Gomez" in Dreams and Drill Bits, and Sylvestre" in Scapin. Sarah has worked backstage and on the running crew several times and is happy to serve as a runner for Enter Laughing.

Rick Nielson started his involvement in theater in 1970 while still in high school. In the early 70’s he was a theater major at NMSU and a founding member of the San Juan Stage Company. Although his stage work has been limited for the past 10 years he returned last year to work on the student directed Studio Scenes production of Much Ado About Nothing at SJC. Rick is active in the Society of Creative Anachronisms and the Farmington Renaissance Faire. He and his wife, Mary, make there home in Farmington.

Suzanna Ninichuck, S.A.G., got her start in theater as a stunt rider for Warner Brothers. She was discovered locally teaching a Shakespeare class for the San Juan College Encore program where she admitted to having directed as well as choreographed and acted on the stage in dramas to comedies; musicals to operas; and was roped in! She also conducts workshops in play writing and performance for school children. She works as a singer-bass player in all genres; writes in her spare time; and hopes to some day quit her day job as a waitress and devote her life to art.

Dustin Nolen is a 16 year old and attends Farmington High School. He is an intern with the Pocos Pero Locos Theater Company and has done tech work and acted in many plays including previous TEA productions.

Brittany Nothstine is a senior at Piedra Vista High School this year. She plans on majoring in theatre next year either at Texas Tech or UT, Arlington, where she has received theatre scholarships. This past summer she participated in Sandstone Production's Crazy for You and Cyrano. She cannot wait to see where God leads her next.

Jolene Noyes lives in Bloomfield with her 3 children and assorted animals. She is a newcomer to community theatre and looks forward to her debut with TEA. She keeps busy raising her children/ with classes at San Juan College, volunteering at her daughters' school, and meandering through the local libraries.

O Top

P Top

Callie Paulos is a freshman at San Juan College and keeps busy with everything imaginable. When she is not working at Bath & Body Works or umpiring baseball games she’s probably singing in her church choir or studying for a Chemistry exam. This is her fourth season with TEA and debuted in her first acting role as “Helen” in The Spiral Staircase earlier this year. She prefers the stage to her bathroom mirror but loves technical work just as much. She has been given the title of “Commander-in-Chief” for this production, so keep away from all red buttons. Enjoy the show!

Victoria Peck moved to New Mexico from the Denver area 13 years ago with her husband, Gordon, and their three children to teach first grade for Bloomfield Schools.  After 18 years in the classroom, she went back to school, got her Masters in Social Work, and is currently a school social worker at the Bloomfield Family Learning Center.  Although she has always been able to be "dramatic" in front of her classroom or her peers, performing on the stage is not her forte. Victoria is greatly enjoying working behind the scenes as a part of the stage crew.

Amber Pearson has been married for six years and has two children. She always wanted to be a cosmetologist because she likes to help others feel good about themselves. One day she would like to open her very own "Mommies Day Out Spa" !

Ashley Perry is a cosmetology student at San Juan College. She loves to work with hair and apply cosmetics. After school she plans to work and grow in the field, eventually being able to establish her own shop. She is married and has one child. Her family is her support and inspiration for everything that she does.

Brooke Phillips is 24 years old. She moved to Farmington 3 years ago from Harbor Springs, MI. She has been working as a server at Three Rivers Brewery since she moved here, and has been a student at San Juan College Cosmetology since last January. She graduates from school in May, and will begin her career as a Cosmetologist.

Jim W. Phillips has worked in theater for over 25 years as an amateur and professional actor as well as a high school drama teacher in Arizona. He has also worked as an actor, director, and producer in various community theater companies in Tucson and Kayenta. His most memorable roles were as “Bob Cratchit” in a musical version of A Christmas Carol and as “Elwood P. Dowd” in Harvey. Off-stage, Jim is the principal of Newcomb High School.

Shikha Potdar has been at San Juan College for two semesters. She's worked backstage at various theaters doing makeup and costumes for five years now. She's a freelance writer who works part time as a beauty advisor in her spare time. She's in the Creative Arts and Technology program, but plans on transferring to Fashion School, where she plans on being a stylist for a magazine after graduation.

George Powell was co-producer, with his wife, Mona, of the TEA production of The Mousetrap. He has done tech work, directed, and acted in many plays including The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Diary of Anne Frank, Anasazi, The Tempest, The Miracle Worker, South Pacific, Harvey and Mame. He was last seen in Sandstone Production’s Black River Traders. He was the stage manager for Rhinoceros Hides for TEA’s competition in AACTFest in 1999 and directed Tennessee, TEA’s entry in AACTFest in March 2001. He and his wife, Mona, were Artistic Co-Directors for TEA in the 1999-2001 seasons.

Mona Powell worked with TEA as assistant director in Plaza Suite, co-producer of The Mousetrap, and directed the SJC production of Painting Churches. She has acted in numerous plays and musicals including “Charlie” in the TEA production of Rhinoceros Hides, “Veta Louise” in Harvey and she acts in Black River Traders, the Sandstone summer production. She played 2 roles in SJC’s production of Mame, which she says was “nothing but pure fun”. She also played a Nun in the SJC musical Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up. Mona costumed and did props for TEA’s entry, Tennessee, in AACTFest 2001 in Roswell, while playing a very small role and stage managing that show. She and George are TEA’s Artistic Co-Directors for the 1999-2001 seasons.

Sue Powell is fairly new to Community Theater in San Juan County. Recently she was the set dresser for Proposals, and is currently playing “Mary” in the one-act play, Tennessee that TEA is taking to AACTFest in March of this year in Roswell. She is having the time of her life and says the acting bug bit her hard.

Chris Pyper is 13 years old he loves acting and skateboarding. He has been working with TEA for the past 4 months and hopes to work with them more in the future. He began acting when he was 11 years old. When he was in 4th grade he signed up for a drama class and right then loved acting. Chris hopes that one day he will work in real Hollywood films and he thanks everyone who supports him.

Q Top

Brette Quickcomes to us from Jonesville, SC, where her parents, sisters and brother still live. She has done high school theater there, although she comes by the "bug" naturally as her Grandma is Margie Yokie. She is now attending San Juan College with her "aunt" Ami and hopes to be a part of the nursing program before too long. She enjoys working in all aspects of theater. We're happy to have her be a part of the TEA family.

R Top

Shannon Rafferty is pleased to make her onstage debut with TEA in A Thousand Clowns. Her past credits include: Black River Traders, Dinner with Friends, Importance of Being Earnest, TheVagina Monologues, The Heidi Chronicles, Lost in Yonkers, Antigone and Arsenic and Old Lace. She calls her day job Drama Teacher at Farmington High School. Shannon would like to wish the entire cast and crew a big thanks and “break a leg.”

Charles, "Chuck" Ramsey made his acting debut at the age of 5 as a mouse in The Wizard of Oz. Since this inauspicious beginning, his career has included a few more acting roles, many directing projects, teaching theatre, and the writing of several one-act plays. His most recent efforts include writing the one-acts: Next of Kin (Country Playhouse, Houston, TX). Inn Keeper and the Star (SJC Contest Finalist), The Case Against Eve, and Bless Me Father (Farmington Armada production). Directing efforts include Smokeless (by Dennis Mathis), and On Golden Pond (TEA production).

Marcie Ramsey dates her involvement with theatre from 1994 with the San Juan College Theatre Department. Since then she has participated both on and off stage with SJC, Fort Lewis College as well as TEA programs. Most recently she did Costume Design for TEA's Marvin's Room and sound design for SJC's The Boy's Next Door. She worked backstage on the TEA production of On Golden Pond. This is her first assignment in set design and set dressing.

Zachary Ramsey, 16 years old, says his involvement with TEA. goes back to his first part, as the young boy in On Golden Pond. Since then he has done a good deal of work behind the scenes, working to move shows into the theater, and building scenery and properties. His interests including playing drums, movies, rough-housing with his dog, and just plain "chillin'" with his friends.

Crystal Lynn Ratica is 15 years old. She was in a play last season.  She helps her mother, Robyn, with props. She loves to skateboard and all her friends call her a “skateboard punk”. Crystal also loves to ride her 4-wheeler. She has a zoo with 6 animals; 1 dog, 2 cats, 1 fish, 1 water frog and a bird named Elvis who is “so cute.” Crystal loves to act, loves animals, and loves to talk on the phone. 

Joe Ratica is in his fourth season with TEA. He has worn several hats, starting on props with his wife, Robyn. He works with the set-up and as Back Stage Manager where he enjoys the successes the productions bring. HE can always be counted upon to do any special electrical work that is required.

Robyn Ratica walked into the wrong building and entered the wonderful world of theater. This being her third season with TEA as Properties Manager, she’s enjoyed every minute. She has three children and four grandchildren and two more on the way. She finds hunting for the Properties a rewarding challenge, especially the hard ones to find.

Drew Reid was born and raised on the coast of Australia. He comes to us as a new addition to the area and as a help with his native tongue. He has spent his time in the production helping the cast master their Australian accents. A local golf professional who has played all over the world, Drew came to settle into this area after marrying his wife, Leslie. He is currently the Head Golf Professional at the Riverview Golf Course, the newest facility in the Four Corners.

Mary Reinhardt earned a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders from the University of South Dakota and practices as a speech-language pathologist in Farmington. A New Mexico native, she was trained as an actress in Albuquerque and has appeared in various roles in numerous theatres across the northern U.S. She is currently developing her moving picture production and editing skills through SJC.

Kat Rhein is fairly new to Farmington, having lived here less than two years. She has, however, a lengthy and varied background in theater. She has performed in over 50 theatrical productions in California and Colorado. She also was a professional actress in Hollywood where she did three films and several commercials. Kat conducted the Rocky Mountain Actor's Workshop for Telluride/Ouray for two years. She is the personal protégé of H. Blaisedell, and also trained in Hollywood at the Actors Workshop, One on One, and the Weist Barron Hill School of Acting for Television and Commercials, among others. Most recently she was seen as “Blanche” in Brighton Beach Memoirs.

Ami Rhodes has returned to TEA after a long absence. Formerly serving as a Young Artist actress and stage manager, she is now playing the roles of young wife and soon-to-be mother of a baby daughter who will be named Alyssa Marie.

Ashley Rhodes is a senior at Piedra Vista High School and has been involved with theater for four years. Some of her past roles include “Erna Schmidt” in Letters to Lucerne, “Mistress Page” in Merry Wives of Windsor, and “Emily Webb” in Our Town. She is an Honor Thespian and has competed in numerous theater competitions. Ashley has participated in the SJC Theater Festival for the past three years and several Speech and Debate tournaments. Bebe’s Birds is her first experience with TEA and she has thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

Daniel Rhoades is an Australian by birth who was delivered by his grandfather and who lived on an island in the South Pacific before emigrating to the US. He continues to be an SJC honor student after having earned an Associate of Arts degree. Dan has worked in many areas of back-stage assistance both with SJC and TEA productions. He did lighting and sound execution for TEA's Bell, Book and Candle and Wait Until Dark, and stage managed The Wizard of Oz for San Juan College. Most recently he designed Act II of The Pirates of Penzance. For him every theater experience is fascinating.

Francis Ridgley is a hairstylist who works at Charlie’s Clips and Cuts. She has worked with TEA on many occasions in the past.

Terry Ritchey moved to Farmington in the summer of 1991. He is a student at San Juan College where he has taken a variety of photography courses. He also has had the pleasure of being a part of photographing a number of TEA performances and Greater Tuna. Terry had two shows exhibited in the San Juan College library over the past two years. He’s also involved in the International Passion Play and is a member of the board for F.S.C. Teen Center, a nonprofit organization currently trying to provide alternate activities for at-risk teenagers.

Tony Lane Rivas is 6 year old kindergartner who has 2 younger brothers. This is Tony's first time acting and he thinks he's been "Bitten by the acting bug". He likes outdoor sports such as baseball, football, riding his bike and loves dirt bikes.

Darrin Rivers prefers to be called “Deaper”. He enjoys playing guitar (but is not good at it) and is currently looking for a job. His memory isn’t the best, but is good at anything if he is taught first. He doesn’t care about anything, doesn’t have a good personality, but can get along with anyone. He hasn’t had much experience in theatre but hopes to learn more.

Lynda Rodriguez is technically still on sabbatical from working in the performing arts. She was the producer of the Fort Worth Theatre for several years. While working with FWT she, along with actor/director/playwright Alex Sandoval, helped create the ongoing Hispanic Playwright's Festival. She directed the Regional Premieres' of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Ray Bradbury's The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit. Lynda has a B.A. in Theatre, an M. A. in Performing Arts and a M. Ed. in Educational Research.

Curtis Rogers is 21 years old and began working as a sound engineer for San Juan College’s Country Company. He has also performed engineering duties for various other local performing groups in the Farmington area. Curtis is planning to attend recording engineering school in the Fall of 1999.

John Rogers is 34 years old and was born in Bangkok, Thailand. His dad was in the Air Force so he grew up in numerous places around the world; his favorite of which was Germany. He lived there for five years and learned the German language before learning English. He moved to Phoenix, where he went to high school, and after graduation relocated in Farmington where he went to college. John studied Computer Science and Criminal Justice here. He was employed by the Bloomfield Police Department for a number of years and recently accepted a position will Dell Computers as a Service Technician. John is single and still takes classes at the college.

Jymi (as in James) Rogers began her community theater career nearly 23 years ago with a stellar performance as “Mary, Mary Quite Contrary” in the Girl Scout production of Babes in Toyland. She has since been seen in performance with FHS, San Juan Stage Company, San Juan College, and TEA. She has worked both backstage and onstage with her last onstage performance being “Delilah” in TEA’s production of Father of the Bride. She won the award for Outstanding Production Stage Manager for the production of Black Comedy. In the real world she is an accountant at Solga & Jacino and the proud mother of a 10 year old daughter.

Steve Ross took up acting in local theater when in his late thirties, and has primarily done only musicals until last spring when he took a role in the dinner theater murder mystery production of Dedicated to the End at San Juan College. He enjoys Agatha Christie mysteries and was most anxious to do The Mousetrap. Steve has performed key roles in musicals such as South Pacific, Oliver, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. He has a master's degree in management and is the Executive Director of the San Juan College Foundation. Steve enjoys playing the guitar and weightlifting, is married and has two sons.

Sara Rue is currently enrolled in the Esthetics Program here at San Juan College. Her main goal is to get her degree in Archeology, but San Juan doesn't offer the entire degree. So, until she transfers, Esthetics will be her starting career. She works at Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio and enjoys giving women the confidence and security of bringing art to both their inner and outer beauty.

Doris Ruth is a student of Fine Arts at San Juan College. She has been doing Box Office Management for San Juan College for the past two years and for TEA since its inception. Her daughter and son-in-law, Chimene and Scott Burns, have worked with TEA.

Ian Rutter is 18 years old and was a home-schooled student through his senior year. He enjoys rock climbing, rappelling, and practicing the guitar. He is also a volunteer fire-fighter. Ian has had various backstage duties for TEA for the past few years.

Kensey Ruybalid is a fourteen-year old freshman at Aztec High School.  She is actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and her church youth group.  Acting has been her favorite thing to do since she could talk.  She has performed in numerous school, church productions and now in happy to be with TEA.  One day Kensey hopes to act in movies.

Amanda Ryan is a student at Aztec High School. She is active in choir and dance team. She is also affiliated with Student Council and Key Club. Loving the Arts, she also plays guitar and piano along with acting.

S Top

Jeanette Sanchez-Churchill is a 1995 graduate of the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She was active in UNM Theatre Productions including Secrets, The Grapes of Wrath, A Wrinkle in Time, and Marisol. She is currently a member on the local theatre fraternity, Delta Psi Omega and works in the Public Events Office at San Juan College. This is her first production with TEA. She would like to thank God for opening windows, her parents and family for letting her be the black sheep, and the cast and crew for their support.

Alex Sandoval is a Texas native who has been in the Four Corners area for five years. His career in local theatre includes working with TEA, Sandstone Productions and San Juan College. He is pleased to be working with the Theater Ensemble Arts group again. Alex's future plans include a BFA in writing and publishing a collection of short stories. His last appearance for TEA was in Crossing Delancey.

Jaime Scanlon is a sixteen year old junior at Farmington High School, and is making her acting debut with TEA in this production. She enjoys drama and hopes to further her career in this area. Jamie is currently in church choir and on the drama team and recently was seen in Exciting Tabernacle's production of A Dickens Christmas. She also participates in community service organizations and other extra curricular activities. She would especially like to thank her family for being so understanding during rehearsals for this play and wants to tell the cast that “they're swell...”

Caleb Scheffing is 16 years old and a junior at Farmington High School. This is his first time performing with TEA but not on stage. He was in SJC’s production of Oliver and the San Juan Stage Company productions of The Homecoming and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. He is active with FHS's Student Senate, St. Mary's Church youth group and is an Eagle Scout with Venture Crew 179. He enjoys skiing, hiking and computer games.

Regina Scheffing is old enough to know better but young enough to have fun. She is married and has three teenagers. Regina works for Farmington Municipal Schools as a Physical Therapist Assistant; she gets to play with kids all day. She has been in several plays with SJC and with the San Juan Stage Company. Her favorite part was as “Annie Quakenbush” in Face on the Barroom Floor. That might change after this play! She is active in her church, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. And, in her spare time (ha, ha) she enjoys reading, quilting and being her children's private cheering section.

Randi Scoville is 13 and lives in Aztec with her family. She has no theatre experience but is anxious to learn. She is excited to serve on the running crew for Run for Your Wife.

D.J. Scully began sewing Barbie clothes with a needle and thread when I was six years old. She was making her own patterns and sometimes sewing the clothes right on the doll, only to have to cut them off later. She made her first outfit with a sewing machine at 13, and was an accomplished seamstress before she turned 18! D.J. learned alterations from one of the best seamstress's in Farmington.  And, for a brief time she had my own Custom Sewing and Alterations shop. Now she sew for my grandkids, myself and a few friends, or just for fun.

Ashley Shaffer is a freshman at Tibbetts Junior High. Her passion is speech and drama. She has participated is speech tournaments for the past two years presenting dramatic interpretations. Her leading role in Inside the Outside Inn, a Christmas pageant for children, when she was nine years old, was her first acting assignment. Since then she played the title role in The Diary of Anne Frank and as “Helen Keller” in The Miracle Worker. She plays soccer and is a distance runner in track at school. She loves to travel and spent five months this past year attending school in Hamburg, Germany.

Jason Shaffer is a junior at Farmington High School. This is his third performance in community theater, having performed in The Miracle Worker and in TEA's Young Artists performances of The Mousetrap. He is Vice-President of his Junior Class, active in Junior Civitans and the San Juan County Youth Community Action Team. Jason is an avid skier and plays on the Farmington High Soccer Team.

Becky Shallenberger has been a graphic designer since she graduated from San Juan College in 1990 with an Associate of Arts degree. She was the principal of Prism Graphiks and has now retired. She has worked with TEA since its inception.

Melanie Shallenberger is sixteen years old, and a sophomore at Farmington High School. Her first performance was in A Man Called Jesus, at age seven. Her most recent role was as “Mimsey” in Plaza Suite. She has been in the drama club for over two years, and is still having a great time with theater. She is an active participant in JROTC Drill Team. Melanie loves poetry and Shakespeare, and hopes, someday, to be a famous author.

Judy Shoemaker is a senior and Communications major at Fort Lewis College where she is the Production Director for KDUR--Fort Lewis College's radio station. She has experience in audio and visual editing and is doing this as a volunteer for a orientated communications class in which she is currently involved.

Miguel Silva has been involved in theatre for about five years. He has acted in The Taming of the Shrew, Blithe Spirit, Slaughterhouse and Sneaky Pete Underhand's Devious Dealing at Aztec High School. He also acted in The Miser, Sleeping Beauty, Jack's Last Supper, and Guys and Dolls at San Juan College. Miguel enjoys all aspect of theatre and has designed make-up, hair, and publicity for many shows. He has learned a great deal about theatre and owes it all to his training as an Aztec High School Playmaker.

Steve Simmons has been active in amateur theater for over 30 years, in professional dinner theater, and improvisational comedy. He worked as a director and actor with the San Juan Stage Company, and as actor and stage manager for the Anasazi Pageant, and most recently directed the TEA production of Life With Father. Professionally, Steve has been a broadcaster since high school. His first job was for Jim Gober at Basin Broadcasting's KWYK-AM here in Farmington. After working in Colorado, North Carolina, and Oregon, Steve came back home to work for Jim at KWYK-FM. He is half of the morning broadcast team of Steve and Harley, heard daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Nancy Slade is a native of San Juan County. She has had on stage experience in theatre since High School. This is her first attempt working behind the scenes. She lives in Aztec with her husband and is employed in Advertising Administration at the Daily Times.

Kazhia Small is eight years old and in the second grade. She enjoys playing soccer, ballet, hip-hop, school, and school related activities. She is excited to be on stage in her first play.

Laura Stackhouse is 18-years-old and this is her sixth production with TEA. Most recently she played "Annelle" in Steel Magnolias and "Shirley Searle" in Little Nell. She has also done backstage work on numerous shows. Laura is an aspiring singer/actress and spends most of her time writing music and playing with her band, "Zero Remorse". She hopes all of you enjoy the show.

Ellen Stauffer is a relative newcomer to stage theatricals who has the worst case of theater “bug bite” of anyone she knows. She began her career playing “Tortellini Fusilli”, a mob moll, in the SJC Murder Mystery production of Dedicated to the End a role that was totally unlike her true personality. She ran the sound board for Brighton Beach Memoirs and is now making her debut with TEA doing her first stint in the major task of co-producing.

Morianne Stauffer has been involved in theater for the last five years. She has served as a hostess for TEA for three seasons and enjoys being a part of the production team. She has participated in Farmington Recreation's Summer Drama program and the San Juan College Kids Kollege Program in drama since she was seven years old. She plays volleyball, piano, and enjoys movies, shopping, and being with her friends as well as doing speech and debate at Piedra Vista High School.

Samuel B. Stauffer enjoys theater. He had an excellent time performing in Brighton Beach Memoirs in which he played the lead role, but also enjoys having smaller roles. Sam started in theater in May, 1997 with a small role in Zorro's Back in Town, and recently completed a lead role in Run, Robber Run. He played “Major Metcalf” in TEA's Young Artists performance of The Mousetrap and “John” in Life With Father. In his spare time he enjoys snowboarding, skateboarding and going to the mall. He loves going to the movies and hopes, someday, to be in one.

Laura Stackhouse is 17-years-old and this is her fourth show with TEA. She started working with TEA back in 2002, acting in her first show, Scapin, and then went on to act in Sorry, Wrong Number and Enter Laughing. Laura has also done backstage work as a member of the running crew for numerous TEA shows. She is an aspiring singer/actress and loves being involved in theater more than anything. Being a part of the cast for Steel Magnolias has been a wonderful experience for her and she is very proud to be part of such an amazing show.

Claudette Marie Standing Rock comes to TEA by way of Window Rock, Arizona. She is a singer and a musician; clarinet player, an artist, a writer, and is a proud member of the powwow circle in which she dances "Old Style Jingle". Claudette has worked as a disc jockey for Native Broadcast Enterprise KTNN AM 660 for five years, and as a Speech Language Tech for Window Rock Schools. Most recently she worked as an Associate Producer for an independent film company out of Mesa, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California. Claudette is employed locally in Farmington in the education field. Theatre has been her passion for many years and she is honored to be a part of this company in another production and hopes to be in many more.

Kayleigh Ann Steinbach is 20 years old and has lived in the Four Corners area her whole life. She has acted in two Sandstone Productions; Anasazi, the Ancient Ones in 1996 playing the part of a child and in Black River Traders in 2003 as "Daughter of Blackhoof."  This is her ninth show with TEA as a theatre tech. She attends San Juan College as a freshman working towards her degree in technical theatre.

David Stockmar has an impressive performing resume which includes parts in Look Homeward, Angel, Arsenic and Old Lace, Dark of the Moon, LUV, Man of La Mancha, Finian's Rainbow, Tomb with a View, The Potting Shed, Give My Regards to Broadway, Egad What a Cad, Bad Day at Gophers Breath, The Odd Couple, Operetta and previous productions of The Mousetrap. He is a sculptor, artist and photographer, and moved from Chicago to Farmington, which he considers his home, some 24 years ago.

James A. "Jim" Stroud began his acting experience in grade school, being cast as “William Tell”. As a junior in high school, he won both district and state best Actor awards for his role as an addict robbing a doctor's office in search of drugs. After serving in the Air Force, he settled in New Jersey, where he married and was blessed with 1 daughter. He retired from the Essex County (NJ) Police Dept. in 1986, and returned to his home state of North Carolina where he was cast in In My Father's House as a rouge preacher. His hobbies are Jazz, Cooking & writing. He has been a weekly editorial columnist for newspapers in Baltimore, Md. And Wilmington, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

T Top

U Top

Alexis Uhl is 18 years old. This is her first show with TEA. She is a frshman at San Juan College who plans top get a business and photography degree. I her spare time she spends time with her friends and family. She also enjoys her fuzzy dogs, Sadie and Scarlett.

Chelsie Utrup is 19 and originally from Grants, NM. She graduated from Farmington High in 2006 and is now attending the San Juan College Cosmetology Program. Her future goals are to get an Associates Degree in Cosmetology and a minor in Theatre. After completing these goals, she hopes to move to Denver, CO.

V Top

Lionel S. Valdez, Jr. has acted on and off for nearly ten years- After being active with the drama club throughout high school, he acted with TEA for three seasons from 1998-2000 performing in Harvey, The Odd Couple-Female Version, Bell, Book and Candle, and Marvin's Room. Needless to say, TEA is happy to have this very talented man back on its stage and Lionel takes this moment to thank everyone for their tremendous support, especially during this production.

Angel Van Der Wyk recently relocated from Portland, Oregon. She has sung professionally in the San Francisco Bay Area and performed musical theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. Angel worked as an extra in Touchstone Production’s TV series Nowhere Man and most recently was seen in Sandstone Production’s Black River Traders and San Juan College’s Man of La Mancha.

Lisa Van Hook started acting in a Home School drama group. Her first SJC role was as “Julie Pinkbottom” in Dedicated to the End and her second was as the Queen in DPO's production of Sleeping Beauty. Lisa is taking Acting I and Acting II at San Juan College where she is working on her voice and diction and her movement skills. She is very much enjoying her role as “Renee”.

Lizette Vannest is a single mom with three daughters. She is a registered nurse and works for the University of New Mexico’s Medically Fragile Program. The Cat’s Away is her first TEA play, but she hopes t continue acting and participate in many TEA productions.

Sarah Vannest is a junior at Farmington High School.  She is in the Advanced Acting Class, and has participated in many plays there, including Witness for the Prosecution, Night of January 16th, Radio TBS, Chicago Gypsies and recently starred as “Tracy Lord” in The Philadelphia Story.  Sarah took first in the serious monologue category at the New Mexico Theater Conference, and also acted in last years TEA play Bus Stop.

David Vaughan owns and operates Vaughan’s Video. He has been in business ten years in the Four Corners area. He video tapes the Connie Mack World Series, graduations, weddings, plays, musical performances and various other events. David is employed by Emmanuel Baptist Church as their Audio/Video technician.

Nancy Vaughn is a native of San Juan County, having been born in Farmington and raised in Aztec. She developed an interest in the Arts in her early teens and began developing her skill in music-playing the piano and taking voice lessons. Her interest in drama developed when she auditioned for and was cast in her Junior Class Play. When her children left home, she again found herself drawn to the theater and performed as the “Baroness Greta von Keepumfromfloppin'” in Murder at Rutherford House and as the matchmaker, “Frosine”, in The Mise. She works as an Administrative Assistant at San Juan Country Club and teaches piano lessons from her home.

Amanda M. Wallace is a 19 year old student at SJC. She is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Social Work. She plans on continuing her education and securing an undergraduate degree in counseling of “at-risk” youth. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys reading, performing music, and nurturing an on-going interest in body modification.

Ron Walton was raised in South Fork, Colorado, and spent nineteen years working in and around the ski resort industry. He has been a resident of San Juan County for the past twelve years where he is presently shop supervisor for an antenna manufacturing firm. His love of photography began during his childhood. Over the years he has refined not only his equipment, but also his knowledge and skills. Ron currently specializes in family and pet portraiture and has a special interest in macro and landscape photography.  This is his second year as TEA still photographer.

Brian Waltz is an 18 year old senior at Farmington High School. He has acted in thirteen productions and is eligible to be an Honor Thespian. Most recently Brian has performed in Audience, directed by Gail Dixon-Willden. He was voted “hardest working sophomore”, “best sophomore performer”, “best junior actor”, and “best senior actor”. In college, he plans to study Theater and Law.

Kim Webster is a local artist who has shown his works all over the United States. He has a BFA degree in drawing and painting from Kansas University. Currently he is illustrating fairytales for his website a www.ezoneproductions.com

Rachael A. Weinstein has appeared previously in a number of SJC and TEA productions including The Mousetrap, Harvey, Crimes of the Heart, Don't Drink the Water, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and Face on the Barroom Floor. She served as a Young Artist Representative to the TEA Board of Directors from 1998 to 2000. Her technical credits include Properties Mistress for Marvin’s Room and Stage Manager for Wait Until Dark and Proposals, On Golden Pond and Sandstone’s summer production of Dreams and Drill Bits and SJC’s Gingerbread Lady. Rachael is overjoyed to appear on stage once again with a fun group of talent.

Heidi Wells is currently enrolled in the San Juan College Cosmetology program. She has a passion for this field of work and has always known that she wanted to have this kind of career. She looks forward to the many options that she has in the future by attending this program. Heidi is excited to learn up to date techniques and build and keep a clientele.

Shondine Werito is currently a student at Farmington High School and is part of the Drama Club there. She played "Luella" in The Diviners. She enjoys theatre very much and looks forward to pursuing a career involved with drama. Her other hobbies are writing poetry and short stories. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Liana Wild was born in Farmington as has lived here for sixteen years. She is a junior at Piedra Vista High School and has one brother. She enjoys working with TEA and hopes to continue her involvement their productions and with everyone that she has met through this program.

Crystal R. Williams was last seen in TEA's productions of Harvey and Crimes of the Heart. She's recently returned from earning her B.A. in English and is currently seeking her teacher's certification through UNM. When Crystal isn't performing or reading numerous books, she's actively playing with the Society of Creative Anachronisms.

Andrew L. Wilson is a student at San Juan College majoring in Technical Theater. He has had two years involved in theater, starting in the fall of 1999 when he played the “Father of Barry” in The Boys Next Door. The next spring he played several roles in SJC’s Mame as well as the title role in The Dweller in the Ravine, a husband in The Other Other Woman, and army personnel in a staged reading of Patrol in Studio Scenes. Since the Fall of 2000 he has involved himself in the technical aspects of theater that include hanging and working on lighting for the TEA production of Proposals and the SJC production of Matchmaker. Currently he is a work study student for Patrick Cheney, Technical Director of theater for San Juan College and is working on designing the lighting for a production of Catfish Moon to be produced and presented later this summer. Andrew did Lighting and Sound Execution for TEA's Bebe's Birds.

Taylor Woodard is 11 years old and a native of Farmington. He is in the 6th grade at Tibbetts Middle School. Taylor's passion is music and singing with an interest in a variety of music. He has been in school choirs for three years and is currently trying out for the All-State Choir. Taylor is anxious to get involved with drama and acting. He hopes to learn more about it through working behind the scenes as a stage hand or in any capacity until he is old enough to take drama classes at school.

Zachary S. Wooten is a freshman at San Juan College and is studying for a degree in Internet Technology. . He played “Mr. Bumble” in Oliver and was sound and lighting technician and helped design and build the set for it and Lost in Yonkers for Bloomfield High School before he graduated in 2001. He also played clarinet in the Bloomfield Bobcat Band where he held first chair for six years. Zack is an active member of his church, where he plays bass guitar for Sunday morning worship and also plays electric guitar for the youth praise band.

X Top

Y Top

Cheryl L. Yazzie just recently found an interest in theater. Her first experience was with Sandstone Productions, acting in South Pacific and working on the sound crew for Anasazi, The Ancient Ones. Cheryl works at ABC Canvas and attends SJC part time, majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Music. She expects to be married in May, at which time she will probably leave the area and continue her studies full time.

Ami Yokie, a 9th grader at Hermosa Junior High, has been developing her theatrical skills since 1993. She has appeared in SJC's productions of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Little Shop of Horrors, James and the Giant Peach, The Miracle Worker, and Sleeping Beauty. She has also assisted back stage on costume and props crews. Most recently, she served as Stage Manager for TEA's Young Artists performances of The Mousetrap. This talented and versatile young lady represents a bright future for theater in San Juan County.

Margie Yokie is a co-founder of Theater Ensemble Arts and has served as board secretary, grant writer, inventories, and advertising manager since its inception in 1997. She has worked on all but very few TEA productions either on-, above-, or back-stage for which she has won several awards for acting and/or technical work. Her latest activities include playing "Amanda Tillinghast" in Little Nell, the Orphan Girl, and costuming TEA's entry for the AACTFest Competition, The Author's Voice, for which she won an award at the regional competition in Alexandria, Louisiana, in March.