Meet Our Staff

Shannon Le Grand 
Artistic Director/Director of Drama
slegrand@sbcglobal.net 
   Shannon Le Grand has served the Northland community as an instructor of Creative Drama at Park University, a teacher at Oak Park High School, Park Hill High School, LCA, and Northland Christian High School.  She has a B.A. in English Language and Literature with a minor in Theater and a B.S. in Secondary Education.  She is currently enrolled in Grad School working on a Master's in Christian Counseling.  She has directed over thirty-five dramas and musicals and has performed in numerous shows and has published several scripts.  She is also the 2005 recipient of The Hometown Hero Award.  She has a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters.  Shannon is excited to share her love for Christ and her passion for teaching kids through training in the arts.


Cindy Bollman
Administrative Director
misscbollman@sbcglobal.net
Cindy has been a homeschooling mother from 1994 to 2005 and has always enjoyed the freedom, creativity, the organization that was required and hard work that went with it.  She first became involved with children's theater in 2002.  She says, "It wasn't difficult to be convinced of its importance when you see the results.  I had many opportunities to be involved in what goes on backstage, painted a few sets and even put together some costumes.   I love being involved with ACT One, which gives children a chance to grow spiritually as well as to use the creativity that God has given to us all."


Susan Mason
Managing Director
act1susanmason@sbcglobal.net
Susan Mason grew up on the stage in Excelsior Springs Community Theatre and Excelsior Springs High School productions. She also enjoyed many years of lessons for dance, acrobats, piano and flute. In ACT One, she applauds the collection of talented kids, committed parents and generous community members working together to make Christian children’s theatre the best it can be. Susan graduated from Truman State University with a B.A. in Communications/Journalism, and later earned an M.B.A. from Lindenwood University . After living and working in the suburbs of St. Louis and Chicago , she has returned to Kansas City with her husband and two young sons. The Mason Family is eager to see what God has in store for ACT One.



Sally Boster 
Creative Director
sallyboster@sbcglobal.net 
 Sally has over twenty years of Musical Theater experience (because she started when she  was… uhmm . . .5. . .yeah, that's it).  She graduated with a BA in Vocal Performance and a minor in Biology - yes, it is a strange combination - from Southern IL University at Edwardsville.  Over the years, Sally has taught Kindermusik, directed a number church Children's Musicals, and been involved in the designing and construction of sets, costumes, and props.  She is involved in the children’s ministry at her church, where her husband, Stephen, is a pastor, with kids K-5 as their worship leader. Sally’s involvement with ACT One comes from her desire to share her love of drama and music along with her passion for our Lord in discipleship with children of all ages.  Sally has two red headed boys, Joshua and Jackson, who keep her hopping as well 

 
Laura Cherrito
Director of Dance & Administrative Assistant
lmcherrito05@yahoo.com  
Laura resides in Excelsior Springs with her husband Michael, her daughter Venice, a boxer named Harley, and a miniature long-haired dachshund named Griffon. She has been dancing since the age of five and has studied at the Missouri Fine Arts Academy with a previous additional twelve years of lessons at the Fine-Hammond Dance Studio. Laura has enjoyed choreographing and teaching dance for high school musicals, choir recitals, ACT One, and other organizations. She has studied many different styles of dance including jazz, ballet, Pointe, tap, hip-hop, Irish, modern/contemporary, ballroom and more. In addition to working with ACT One, Laura also works as a librarian at her local Mid-Continent Public Library and as a mystery shopper. In her spare time Laura enjoys reading a good book, spending time with her family, and learning how to cook new things! Laura loves exploring new areas of dance and dancing to glorify God.

 

Amanda Armstrong
Drama Instructor
judygfan1@yahoo.com
Amanda Armstrong has been with ACT One since the beginning and has enjoyed serving in every aspect as a performer, director, and teacher. Theatre is in her blood, and she has performed in over twenty shows. She loves the ministry of theatre and hopes to stay involved with ACT One for a very long time. Amanda graduated from the Disney College Program where she worked at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Walt Disney World making dreams come true! Currently, she is working at Chateau Avalon making dreams come true (again!) and hopes to be a licensed Esthetician by the end of next year.


Danielle Barger
Music Director and Vocal Coach
daniellebarger@gmail.com
Danielle is from the Kansas City area and recently graduated with her Vocal Arts Opera degree from The Juilliard School. Danielle came to ACT One in 2007 to music direct summer camps, and offer private voice lessons. We are excited to welcome her back again as our Music Director. Danielle's passion is to use her wonderful talent for the Lord as she teaches vocal skills and encourages the children to reach for the stars and to use their talents in the same way.


Denise Dodd
Storytelling Instructor
denise71558@kc.rr.com
Denise has enjoyed teaching and telling stories to elementary children for the past 30 years. She has co-sponsored storytelling clubs and family storytelling festivals for grades 3-5. She also enjoys sharing the importance of storytelling as she facilitates workshops for students, parents and educators. Denise has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Instruction.



Jennifer England
Former Managing Director/Consultant
jennifersengland@sbcglobal.net
For Jennifer, finding ACT One was like finding a home. Jennifer has been in theater as long as she can remember. She has tried almost every position both on and off the stage. She’s performed for several local theater groups with her favorite role being Chava in Fiddler on the Roof. She has also been a competitive gymnast, a squad leader for the Eclipse Dance Team, a member of several singing ensembles, a performance swing dancer for the Louis & Company Swingsters, as well as a champion speaker and debater. Jennifer loves teaching and working with kids of all ages. She has spent the last two years directing a competitive gymnastics team. She has also taught acting, dance, debate and public speaking. Every summer she volunteers with a ministry that works with abused and neglected children. Her ultimate goal is to use all of the above to glorify God and to further His Kingdom. In her free time you can find her hanging out with her son and her wonderful husband Jeremiah.



Jeremiah England
Director and Instructor
mere_reality@hotmail.com
Jeremiah has a passion for using his creative talents to bring glory and honor to God. He began studying acting at Heart Speech and Theatre as a freshman in high school and continued throughout college. He performed in dozens of plays from musicals to the classic works of Shakespeare and Sophocles. His favorite roles include Motel (Fiddler on the Roof), Mysterious Man (Into the Woods), Creon (Antigone), Valentine (Two Gentleman of Verona) and Christian (Quiet in the Land). Jeremiah graduated from College of the Ozarks with a B.A. in Electronic Media Production and a Minor in Theater. He also has written and directed many video productions including the full length movie "Roommates". This film played at Branson Movie theaters to sold-out crowds. He has worked for The Vacation Channel, Outpost Productions, ABC’s Extreme Makeover, Fireside Productions and as a Producer and Cameraman for Proffer Productions in Kansas City. 



Becky Everly
Storytelling Instructor
beckyeverly@gmail.com 
As an educator/storyteller/presenter, Becky Everly demonstrates the joys and benefits of effective oral language and exciting oral tradition. She facilitates the development of language skills necessary for oral presentations and stories through workshops and clubs with children, parents, and teachers. She has told stories for school assemblies and literacy nights, as part of church worship services, at banquets, during festivals, and at other gatherings. Her wonderful experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, classroom teacher, and nurse are carried with her wherever she ventures!


  
Alicia Ewing 
Dance Instructor and Choreographer
  teamewing4him@att.net
Alicia is a familiar face around Kansas City theater as a veteran of several performances at The Coterie, The Missouri Rep, Starlight, The New Theater, and other venues including television commercials.  Alicia holds a degree in Vocal Performance and Theater from William Jewell College and teaches private voice. She has taught voice lessons for the William Jewell College Community School of Music and drama camps for the Coterie Theater. She is also an accomplished dance instructor and has taught for Shirley's School of Dance and Dance City. She has directed several youth productions in the past. Alicia appeared as "Christian" in ACT One's 2006 and 2007 productions of Pilgrims and a "Narrator" in ACT One's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.



Lillian Francis
Choreographer/Dance Instructor & PR/Marketing Director
grandejete@yahoo.com
Lillian studied dance at the Frank Rey School in Tampa, Florida for 9 years. She was a dancer with the Florida Ballet Theatre for 2 years, and at Busch Garden theme park for 3 seasons. She continued her dance studies at The University of Illinois while majoring in Business Administration. She is a member of The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters and holds teaching certifications in ballet, jazz and tap. Lillian is also certified in Pilates matwork. Upon moving to Kansas City in 1993 she built a ballet program at JoCinda’s School of Dance and taught there for 9 years. She also has taught at Eagles Gymnastics & Dance and currently for City in Motion. She has recently choreographed for the Childrens Dance Theatre as well as the KC Fringe Festival where she also performs. Lillian loves working with kids and adults both and wants to share her love of dance with other for God’s glory.


Nick Perry
Music Director
nick.perryhome@sbcglobal.net
Nick Perry joined the ACT One staff in Fall 2011. He is a current college student studying Business Management and Music Education. He has a love for music and has been performing since he could pick up a microphone. He has performed in several musicals, plays, and a couple Operas in Kansas City’s equity and non-equity theatres. He has been trained vocally as well as in dance and acting. Other than ACT One he holds jobs at SeaLife Aquarium as a Photographer/Til Operator and a caterer at Lon Lanes Inspired Occasions. He is very excited to be on staff with ACT One and loves helping train and develop ACT One’s youth.



Karla Snow
Juniors Director
ksnow343@yahoo.com
Karla has always had a love for theater and ballet as far back as she can remember. She has had several years of ballet and tap lessons since before she was “JUNIOR” age. She has served with ACT One’s Juniors since 2008 and truly loves working with this age group as they discover their love for the stage as well! Karla is a mother of three who loves raising up Disciples of Christ, homeschooling, art, and ALL things creative!



Brent Turner
Drama Instructor
brent.a.turner@sbcglobal.net
Brent has been involved with ACT One since they started in 2005, and has been involved with musical theater, film production and improvisation for roughly eleven years now. He has been an actor, creative director, drama coach and instructor, not to mention a mean smoke machine handler! He has a strong adoration for the performing arts of all kinds. Brent has a passion for using his talents and knowledge for the glory of God and intends to do so here at ACT One. His area of expertise has always been in improvisation and his ability to lighten situations. Brent hopes he can make students smile for eleven more years to come!



Lindsey Wolters
Choreographer
woo_hoo_linz@yahoo.com
Lindsey is excited to become more involved with ACT 1. She enjoyed working with the Juniors for Beauty and the Beast and as Juniors Director for Seussical Camp. She grew up in St. Louis and was always very active dancing and playing sports. She danced and competed with Studio C until high school when she was on the dance team and also took lessons and taught beginning ballet, tap, and jazz at CODA, a Christian arts studio. While earning her BS in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at Mizzou she became AFAA certified and taught aerobics all 4 years of college. Since moving to Kansas City in 2006 she enjoys taking zumba classes at the Y and is ready to make dance a bigger part of her life again! She has been married for 6 years and has a 3.5 year old, Sadie, and 18 month old, Asher, who keep her moving!

 

 

If you have education, experience, and expertise in the areas of theater, acting, dance, music, or other areas of the arts, please contact Shannon Le Grand, slegrand@sbcglobal.net for open positions.