*** The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.***

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Jake Andersen’s Director’s Notes

“Oh the thinks you can think! Think and wonder and dream–far and wide as you dare.” Dr. Seuss is arguably one of the most influential authors of the past century. His rhyming phrases about a mischievous cat, an ornery green hater of Christmas, a lovable elephant who hears pleas of help, and many more characters continue to influence and inspire young readers to use their imagination.

In 2006 I first directed this show and came to love every moment and message in it. My thanks to Eric, Sandy, and the OBT board for this opportunity. I also thank my incredible team: Stephen, Jess, Boston, Kaz, Katie, Emily L., Emily M. Cameron, and, of course, Eric. Without them this show would not be. Thank you for your dedication and your work, and for joining me on the journey.

Finally as to the cast: yes, we have three casts. Three casts of talented, bright, and beautiful people inside and out. I want to thank you, but also congratulate you on pushing yourselves, working hard, and creating a beautiful show. The messages contained in this show resonate and are so timely. Through the magic and comedy of “Seussical” may we remember that every Who deserves to be heard and “a person’s a person no matter how small.”

CAST BIOS

Zuma Anderson as Jungle Animal/Featured Dancer/Ensemble

Zuma is so excited to get to work with this fabulous cast and the talented pro team. Zuma loves being on stage and this is her 8th time on this stage. Zuma is the best big sister! Enjoy the show!

Jessica Andrews as Sour Kangaroo

Jessica is so excited to be doing another show at OBT, where she’s been seen recently in The Drowsy Chaperone, Littlest Mermaid, and Cutie and the Beast. She’s always loved singing and making people laugh, and has learned much from the theater. She was involved in several music programs at the University of Utah while studying civil engineering. Her hobbies include karaoke and fire dancing. She has performed at Prohibition, Millcreek Theater, and Sandy Amphitheatre.

Chloe Arnold as Jungle Animal/Featured Dancer/Ensemble

Chloe is excited to debut with the OBT. She is 13 years and in the 7th grade. She played the part of the Ace of Clubs in Alice in Wonderland this last fall.

Connie Beaty as Gertrude McFuzz

Connie has dreamed of playing Gertrude McFuzz for over eight years and is so excited to be a part of this amazing production! She thanks her family and friends for their support, and gives a big shout out to Jake Andersen for always believing in her! She hopes you enjoy the performance because it’s All For You!

Bella Brown as Cadet/Ensemble

Bella is so excited to be in Seussical! She loves to sing and perform! She performed in The Last Dragon in her theater class last year as a river monster and a puppy, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be back onstage!

Cassidy Bullock as Mayzie La Bird

Cassidy is beyond excited to be back on the OBT stage. She recently played Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men. Some of her favorite roles include Kira in Xanadu and Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. She loves to perform with her husband, paint, and play with her dog. As someone who always thinks big thinks, Seussical holds a special place for her, and she hopes that you love the show as much as she does.

Ryan Bullock as The Cat in the Hat

Ryan has been in more than 20 shows including three shows previous to this one with the OBT: Muffets Christmas Carol, The Phantom of the OBT, and The Drowsy Chaperone! He is excited to be in this show and share this amazing experience with all of you! He hopes you enjoy it!

Chip Bunker as Vlad Vladikoff/Ensemble

Chip is making his theatrical debut as Vlad in Seussical. Throughout his childhood he spent time studying choir and watching musical theatre productions. Outside of acting, Chip enjoys all things dinosaurs, teaching, animals, and spending time with loved ones, and hopes to one day join the military or serve as a police officer. Chip thanks his girlfriend, Edlena, for introducing him to the opportunity and the production team for this wonderful production.

Dominick Chisholm as Wickersham #3/Ensemble

Dominick is excited to be performing again. He appeared recently as Hull in Frightmare Before Christmas, a new favorite role for him. Dominick holds a black belt in karate and enjoys writing, drawing, and gaming with friends.

Holly Chisholm as Cindy Lou Who/Cadet

Holly began acting at age seven, first appearing in It’s a Wondrous Life as Zuzu–one of her favorite roles. Holly loves performing and is excited to be back on stage. She is always smiling and enjoys singing, dancing, bike riding, baking, and painting.

McKay Cotterell as Wickersham #2/Ensemble

This is McKay’s debut with the Off Broadway Theatre, and we are excited for you to see his performance! 

Robert Dalley as Cadet/Ensemble

Robert is excited to be performing again with the OBT and back on stage with his mom! You may have seen him as “Zippo” in Frightmare Before Christmas!

Tiffany Davis as Gertrude McFuzz

Tiffany is thrilled to be playing Gertrude! She is an experienced actor, director, and educator. Recent credits include Elondria, The Moon Witch (Headphone Theatre); Rose, A Krampus Karol (Great Hall Theatrical); and Eve, Take my Death Away (Great Hall Theatrical). She is also a singer/songwriter with music on all streaming services. Her favorite role is being Mom to her beautiful baby, Charlotte. Huge thanks to her amazing husband, Michael, for his unbelievable patience and support!

Madison Easton as Wickersham #1/Ensemble

This is Madison’s 5th OBT show! She debuted with The Grouch Who Stole Christmas, and her most recent musical was Frightmare Before Christmas. She’s stoked to do Seussical with her brother, Robbie Easton, and her friends. She hopes you have a spectacular time at the show!

Robbie Easton as Wickersham #3/Ensemble

Robbie is excited to perform in Seussical the Musical. This is his 4th OBT play, and he’s so happy to perform with his sister, Madison Easton. Robbie is going to show you what it means to be on the land of Seuss, as he dances and sings during this incredible spectacle. He just can’t wait to monkey around as a Wickersham Brother! Without further ado, he hopes you enjoy this rendition of Seussical the Musical.

Ava Farmer as Wickersham #1/Ensemble

Ava is in seventh grade and is used to working backstage with stage crew. This is her first show at the OBT! She is thrilled to be showing off her natural monkey skills.

Caroline Farmer as JoJo 

This is Caroline’s first show at the OBT! She is your typical bubbly 5th grader. She is so excited to be on stage with her family. Anything is possible!

Kate Farmer as Cadet/Ensemble

This is Kate’s first show ever! She is five, and in kindergarten. She is so excited to be on stage with her mom and sisters.

Zoie Farmer as Gertrude McFuzz

It has been 20 years since Zoie has been on stage. She’s so grateful that her kids encouraged her to try out. It’s been fun making memories. Many thanks to her supportive husband.

Kyra Furman as Mayzie La Bird

Lights. Glamour. Kyra. Trained diva, Kyra graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s in vocal performance. She performed as Trix the Aviatrix in Drowsy Chaperone, Veronica/Lucy in The Greatest Snowman, Christine in The Phantom of the OBT, Flora in Phantom, and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni. Popsicle addict, nap enthusiast, and cat mom, you can be certain that this is not the last time you’ll see her in the limelight.

Emma Gilmore as Sour Kangaroo

After years of OBT audience participation, Emma is thrilled to be making her OBT stage debut! She recently graduated with her BFA in theatre performance from Westminster College and likes to spend her days with Taylor Swift’s discography and a large Diet Coke in her hand. Shout out to Spencer, Mom and Dad, Beth, Jane, Charlotte, and Elsa for the support throughout the years!!

Viveann Godwin as Mrs. Mayor/Ensemble 

Viveann is happy to be back on stage with the OBT family in another fun production, and thrilled to have her son on stage with her once again! She was last seen as Bride of Frankie in Frightmare Before Christmas and enjoyed playing Crocky and Dr. Hamblin in previous OBT productions.

Scarlett Hall as Wickersham #1/Ensemble

Scarlett is a freshman at Skyline High and is excited to perform in Seussical. She has performed in several community and school productions, including Willy Wonka, Into the Woods, Descendants, Frozen Jr., and Cinderella. She was also the assistant director for Skyline’s spring play, Baskerville. She wants to give a huge thanks to her family, teachers, fellow theater friends, and Seussical staff for making this an amazing experience!

Brandon Halley as Horton

Brandon has worked with and supported OBT for almost two years. He hopes to work with them for many more. He was assistant stage manager for Peta Pun and performed in Jurassic Park City and Frightmare Before Christmas. He loves the family atmosphere. He thanks his wife, family, and friends for their support.

Alina Hartvigsen as Cindy Lou Who/Cadet

Alina loves acting! She has played a zombie, a leprechaun, a cat, a toy doll, and small Alice. She is thrilled to add Cindy Lou to her list! She thanks OBT and her dad, who helps her to be brave and to love the arts.

Kate Haymond as Bird Girl #3

Kate is excited to be in the OBT production of Seussical! Kate was recently seen in the OBT production Frightmare Before Christmas, and has also loved being in OBT’s Henry Botter and The Littlest Mermaid. She has also performed in many shows with the Draper Historic Theater. Kate studies ballet, tap, and bass at the Utah Dance Center, and is a member of the On Stage Choir at the Hale Centre Theatre. 

Janae Hoggins as Mrs. Umbroso/Ensemble

Janae was bitten by the acting bug at age five and hasn’t ever recovered. She’s been having ‘ALL THE FUN’ doing as much film and theater as she possibly can. Her most recent role was in Twelve Dancing Princesses. She is so lucky to have the most amazing and supportive people all around her in her life—she couldn’t have done it without them. She is especially thankful for her family!!! You’re all the bestest!!!

Tonya Huso as Jungle Animal/Featured Dancer/Ensemble

Tonya is very excited to be back on stage with the Off Broadway Theatre. She was last seen on stage at Off Broadway as Amy Spettigue in Eric Jensen’s Charlie’s Aunt. Most recently she played the Worst Witch in Titus Productions’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardhouse. She thanks her family and friends for their continued support through the years. A special thank you goes to her husband, Nels, for his love and cheerleading.

Clara Johnson as JoJo

Clara is so excited to make her Off Broadway Theatre debut as JoJo. She has previously been in Newsies at Union Middle School and the Up With Kids performance of Raya and the Last Dragon. Clara loves to perform and play softball on the side. She’s so grateful for this opportunity to be on stage, and is grateful to her amazing parents for all of their love and support.

Kendra Jones as Bird Girl #3

Kendra has loved being in such a wonderful production and getting to know these incredible actors. She has been with OBT for eight years and is always excited to do more shows. She thanks her friends and family for their support.

Pierce Jones as Wickersham #2/Ensemble

Pierce is thrilled to be in his 10th play! He loves the OBT and has made some amazing friends here. When he’s not acting he likes to skateboard, draw, and play with his dog. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Kaylynn Kirk as Cadet/Ensemble

I am so excited to be a part of this show. This is my first time being in a play, and I am having a blast! I want to thank my mom and dad for supporting me!

Parker Lewis as The Cat in the Hat

Parker Lewis is so excited to be back on stage playing one of his dream roles. He has been performing since he was little and looks for every opportunity to perform again. He is currently at the University of Utah. Some of his favorite roles have been John Brooks in Little Women, Curly in Oklahoma!, and Flounder in The Little Mermaid. He would love to thank his friends and family for their support! Anything’s possible!

Charlie Lord as Cadet/Ensemble

Although she’s performed before, this is Charlie’s debut with the OBT, and she’s excited for this amazing opportunity! Charlie enjoys dancing, playing with friends, reading, and exploring her community.

Ever Lord as Bird Girl #1 

Ever has been doing theater for years. Some of their favorite shows have been Jurassic Park City, Much Ado About Nothing, and Peta Pun. They are super excited to be a part of this production!

Marie McNeill as Bird Girl #3

Marie is used to more of the ‘park & bark’ style of performing, having mostly done operettas during her undergrad years, but is loving the chance to learn some great dancing skills this time! Marie graduated from Weber State University in vocal performance in 2010 where she performed in Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart as Fiordiligi, The Gondoliers and Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan as Gianetta and Mabel, and Jane Eyre by Paul Gordon as Blanche Ingram.

Eden Mecham as Cadet/Ensemble

This is Eden’s debut with the OBT and first show. She loves to be funny, has recently discovered the fun of makeup, and loves the color green. She’s excited to perform with her sisters.

Lizzie Mecham as Cadet/Ensemble

This is Lizzie’s second play with OBT. She is energetic and loves using that energy on stage. Enjoy the show!

Violet Mecham as the Grinch/Ensemble

Violet is happy to be back with OBT for her second play. She’s excited to be playing the Grinch, even though usually she is not Grinch-like. Her favorite song is “Havin’ a Hunch.”

Edlena Mitchell as General Schmitz/Ensemble 

Of all the shows Edlena has been in, Seussical is one of her favorites. Some of her favorite past roles have been The Night of Ni (Spamalot), Principal Clark (Footloose), and Gravedigger 1 (Hamleton). Outside of theatre Edlena has a lot of hobbies including aviation, history, and teaching. She thanks her boyfriend, Chip, for joining her, the production team for this opportunity, and her friends, family, and fans for all the support. 

Crystal Myler as Bird Girl #2

Crystal is thrilled to be back onstage after nearly a decade behind the scenes. Previous performances include Into the Woods (Jack’s Mother), The Odd Couple female version (Olive), The Secret Garden (Mrs. Medlock), BYU’s The Count of Monte Cristo (stage crew), BYU’s 24-Hour Theatre Project (director), Savior of the World (stage manager), Joseph Smith the Prophet Oratorio (chorus and soloist), The Lamb of God (chorus), and Creekside Theatre Fest’s Steel Magnolias (director).

Erin Orr as the Grinch/Jungle Animal/Featured Dancer/Ensemble

Erin has been a fixture at the OBT since 2010. She started out doing tech and stage managing, but has been polishing her acting skills and enjoying every minute of being on the stage! Erin loves the OBT onstage and off, and thanks Tanya and Mark for inspiring her!

Justin Ortiz as Mr. Mayor/Ensemble

Justin was recently seen in The Secret Garden at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in the ensemble section. Justin is happy you are able to be here today to watch the show. He thanks his family, girlfriend, and friend Aaron for support. “This show is for you, Dad. Rest in peace.”

Gemma Palmieri as Young Kangaroo/Cadet

Gemma is 10 years old and her birthday is the 17th of June. This is her 11th show. She attends an arts academy for school and loves theatre. Gemma thinks being in this show is really fun, and she can’t wait to perform as Young Kangaroo!

Michelle Papaycik as Mayzie La Bird

Michelle J. Papaycik is this fine-feathered bird, or “Chelle,” if you please, and you might have heard, of her singing and dancing and acting galore, most recently in Lost Works, the Aquarium, and Evermore. Or in Pirates of Penzance as a fearsome Queen, or writer/director of Spectral Soiree last Halloween! Surely with your many thinks, you can guess, that Chelle counts herself incredibly blessed! With friends by the dozens, loved ones abounding, she owes it to YOU for these arts so astounding!

Lex Parrish as Jungle Animal/Featured Dancer/Ensemble

Hi! I am so glad to be in my second OBT show. I have been doing theatre for as long as I can remember. I love performing on stage with my big sister. I hope you enjoy the show!

Karlie Parrish as Bird Girl #2

Karlie feels like a real theatre kid now that she has Seussical under her belt and couldn’t be more thrilled it’s with OBT. Other credits include Alice in Wonderland (Alice), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Legally Blonde (Kate), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin), Miracle Worker (Helen Keller), and Princess Academy (Liana). She is currently pursuing a BA in theatre arts at UVU.

Ethan Ramirez as Wickersham #3/Ensemble

This is Ethan’s debut with the Off Broadway Theatre. He’s excited to perform with this great cast and crew.

Tyson Russell as JoJo

Tyson loves performing with the OBT. This is his fifth show in two years. He recently finished A Christmas Story at Pioneer Theater. Tyson is in 4th grade and loves all things theater, singing, and dance! He is most excited to be in the tub on stage: he hopes you love it too!

Kaz Sandberg as Yertle the Turtle/Ensemble

Kaz is so excited to be on the OBT stage again. She has been focusing a lot recently on the tech side of shows and she is so excited to be back. She would love to give a shout out to her daughter Emily, who always believes in her, and her Auntie Yvette who gave her the courage to get back into acting.

Carl Smith as Horton

Carl is returning to the stage after Covid turned a short break into a long one. He graduated from Southern Utah University’s theater program, but eventually became an HR nerd. It’s very good to come back to the first job he ever wanted to do. “You can dance forever, you’ve got a fire in your feet. But will it ever be enough? You know that it’ll never be enough.” – Original Sin, Meatloaf

Jillian Smith as Bird Girl #1

Jillian is ecstatic to be joining the cast of Seussical with the OBT. She found her love of musicals when she was cast in Seussical Jr. in middle school and is excited to spread the magic of Seuss again. This is her first show with the OBT and her second on the Draper Historic Playhouse stage, her first being Pippin in 2020. She thanks her family and friends for always being so supportive of her creative endeavors!

Clark Thompson as Cadet/Ensemble

Favorite parts include Tiny Tim in Christmas Carol, a Lollipop Guild member and flying monkey in Wizard of Oz, and Happy the Dwarf in Shrek. And he got the platinum trophy for Hollow Knight.

Elizabeth Thompson as Mrs. Mayor/Ensemble

Liz is delighted to be performing with her two youngest children, Clark and Ivy. Favorite credits include Irma in Anything Goes; Kim in Bye Bye Birdie, and Tessie in White Christmas. She is an in-house lawyer and is going to be very happy when Q1 is over.

Ivy Thompson as Cadet/Ensemble

Ivy is five and performing with her mom and brother. This is Ivy’s second stage show. Her debut was as Dopey the Dwarf in Shrek. She never stops doing cartwheels.

Aurora Thrall as Young Kangaroo/Cadet

Aurora is so excited to join the OBT family! Some of her favorite shows include Sleeping Beauty and Arachnokid. When she’s not doing musicals with her family, she is a full time dancer at Classical Ballet Conservatory.

Matthias Thrall as Cadet/Ensemble

Matthias is so happy he chose to join his family on this awesome adventure! When he is not on stage, he is working toward his blue advanced belt in karate with TruMotion Martial Arts.

Michael Thrall as General Schmitz/Ensemble

Michael Thrall is excited to be back at the Draper Historic Playhouse performing with OBT in a first-time show performance of Seussical! He has been in more than 30 productions with many different companies and at many theaters and hopes you will enjoy his happily whimsical and dastardly crazy portrayal of the General Genghis Khan Schmitz!

Rossy Thrall as The Cat in the Hat

Rossy is so excited to be back on stage! She first learned of Seussical 15 years ago and listened to the soundtrack on repeat non-stop for a whole summer! But would never in a million years imagine that she would be portraying the Cat in the Hat! She thanks Jake and the rest of the production team for giving her this chance! She dedicates her performance to her favorite Whos!

Melanie Turner as Mrs. Umbroso/Ensemble

Melanie is excited to return to the OBT for her second show! Last seen as Lucia D’ Alvadores in Eric Jensen’s Charlie’s Aunt. She has enjoyed performing at the Empress Theatre as well as with Titus Production Company. Now she is excited to have her granddaughter and daughter-in-law in the same show!

Melodee Turner as Young Kangaroo/Cadet

This is Melodee’s debut with the OBT. Her favorite role was with Draper Historic Theater as Gretl in The Sound of Music. She is so excited to play Young Kangaroo and to get to do a production with her mom and grandma.

Shaunti Turner as Who Ensemble

Shaunti is excited to be back on the stage after a ten-year hiatus. This is her first production with OBT. She has been in the ensemble with Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Peter Pan, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is grateful for the opportunity to get to be on the stage with her daughter and mother-in-law in this production.

Keely Walsh as Jungle Animal/Featured Dancer/Ensemble

Keely is a multi-talented singer and musician known for her roles in Frozen (Anna), Part of Your World (Moana), Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, and more. With a love for singing and acting, she also plays multiple instruments and performs in a youth band.

Sadie Wendels as the Grinch/Ensemble

Sadie is excited to return to another OBT production. She is a 13 year old who enjoys being involved in theater any time she can. She has been in multiple plays at Draper Historic Playhouse, including Peta Pun as a mermaid (OBT), Peter Pan Jr. as an Indian (DHT), a school child in A Christmas Carol (DHT), and in the ensemble for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (DHT).

Heather Whiteley as Cindy Lou Who/Cadet

Heather is excited to be in her second OBT show. You may have seen her previously in Frightmare Before Christmas and in RAC’s Beauty and the Beast and DHT’s A Christmas Carol. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Spencer Whiteley as Wickersham #2/Ensemble

Spencer is excited to be in his second OBT show. You may have seen him in DHT’s Lion King Jr. as Ed, and A Christmas Carol. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Sarah Wilde as Bird Girl #2

Sarah Wilde is thrilled to take on the role of Bird Girl 2 in Seussical the Musical. With a newfound passion for theater after performing in A Christmas Carol this winter, Sarah is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from the talented performers at Off Broadway Theatre. As a registered nurse, wife, and mother of four, Sarah also loves writing and recording original music with her husband, Justin. She hopes to inspire and uplift audiences with Dr. Seuss’s timeless and inspiring lyrics, leaving them feeling energized and hopeful long after the show ends.

CREW BIOS

Boston Smith, Assistant Director

Since birth it seems, Boston has always been a performer. He’s very excited to be taking a different approach to theatre this time around as an assistant director with a show he holds dear to his heart, as Seussical was the second show he ever did way back in middle school, performing as Wickersham #1. You may have recently seen him in such classic roles at the OBT as George in The Drowsy Chaperone and Mayor Renfield in Frightmare Before Christmas. He dedicates this show to his family and friends for their incredible love and support. And viewers like you. Thank you.

Stephen Chucay, Vocal Director

Stephen is very grateful for this chance to work with such a dedicated production team and wonderful cast. With 18 years of experience in vocal performance on and off stage, he has greatly enjoyed his first experience vocal directing and is glad to have the support of family and friends who encouraged him to take on this responsibility. Stephen loves spending his free time with his son, Chandler, and pursuing hobbies in film production and audio engineering when he isn’t working in broadcasting or performing on stage.

Emily Landeen, Choreographer

Emily is thrilled to have worked with the wonderful crew and cast(s) of Seussical at OBT. Dance is her entire life, and she loves sharing it with the world (especially newbies)! A special thanks to her three-year-old son, Kaladin, for all his “help.” SHMILY!

Cameron Christensen, Sound & Light Tech

Cameron is excited to participate in his fourth show with the Off Broadway Theatre. He has previously played Judd Fry in Oklahoma! and Sheriff Earl in All Shook Up at West Jordan High School, but his real passion is doing tech.

Jessica Price, Stage Manager

Jessica is excited to be back at the Off Broadway Theatre, and doubly excited that it’s for a fun and amazing show like Suessical! She last performed at OBT in their 2022 production of Eric Jensen’s Charlie’s Aunt, and most recently stage managed for Sanctuary Theater’s Barefoot in the Park earlier this year. She thanks her partner, Colin, for always being her rock and helping her be her best. Please enjoy the show!

March 31 – April 29

June 2 – June 24

August 4 – August 26

October 6 – October 30

November 3 – November 25

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Bing Fang, trustee and chair
Janet Gonzalez, trustee, secretary, and vice chair
Jim Morgan, trustee and past chair
Christopher Cheeney, trustee
Jeff Driggs, trustee
Ben Eddington, trustee
Sandy Hubble Jensen, trustee
Clarence Strohn, trustee
Kelly Wideman, trustee

OFFICERS

Eric R. Jensen, Co-Founder / Artistic & Technical Director
Sandy Hubble Jensen, Co-Founder / Executive Director
Bing Fang, Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Hicks, Treasurer
Kelly Wideman, Marketing Director

CONSULTANTS

Aaron Bellis, consultant
Nic Brown, consultant
Austinn Jensen, consultant
Scott Hansen, consultant
Jeff Hunsaker, consultant
Daniel Gillette, consultat

ERIC R. AND SANDY HUBBLE JENSEN’S BIOS

Eric and Sandy are co-founders of the Off Broadway Theatre and Laughing Stock improv comedy troupe. They have worked closely over the past 26 years, dedicating much of their time to building and growing the Off Broadway Theatre. They have been married for 30 years and have one son, Austinn, who has grown up acting in numerous OBT and other productions.

Eric, the artistic and technical director for the OBT, grew up in Murray, Utah. He received his bachelor’s degree in theater arts at the University of Utah and his master’s degree in secondary education at the University of Phoenix. As executive producer and lead playwright, director, set designer, costumer, actor, and improviser, he guides many aspiring talents at the OBT. He teaches improv classes while mentoring up-and-coming playwrights, directors, stage managers, and set designers. His acting, writing, and directing experience has also been featured at Desert Star, Centre Point Legacy, Hale (both Orem and West Valley), and Egyptian theaters. He has taught and performed high school workshops and elementary school assemblies, as well as for some after school programs. Eric also teaches K – 6 as a fine arts specialist  in the Davis School District, inspiring children to love theatre, music, dance, and all things art. Under Eric’s leadership, OBT won the Best Community Theatre award from the Utah Theatre Association in 2000, recognizing the quality of the theatre and Eric’s work with high schools and the community.

Sandy serves as the executive director of the theatre, as well as executive producer, box office manager, and social media specialist, with more than 30 years of experience in small business management. She has an extensive acting background, including the OBT, Hale Centre Theatre WVC, The Grand Theatre, Sundance Theatre, Salt Lake Acting Company, Pages Lane, and Stage Right Theater. Sandy continues to work tirelessly to grow volunteer opportunities at the OBT. She was born in Vietnam and has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with endorsements in ESL, STEM, and Gifted. She teaches 1st grade in the Davis School District. She has earned two Presidential Awards for Volunteering and has been recognized in Who’s Who of America.   

The Off Broadway Theatre has been said to have a feel of “family,” and that’s because it is. Eric and Sandy’s mission has always been to provide a place where people can come together and make laughter ring true and provide a safe place to hone skills and develop friendships. Through the art of live performances, the theatre has reached many new friends, and its charitable outreach program has provided wonderful opportunities to serve our community. 

Eric and Sandy also co-founded Laughing Stock Improv and have performed together on the OBT stage as well as at corporate and  school events. They are proud to have such a long-running improv show with some amazingly talented improvisers who have been with the company for a long time.

Thank you for your many years of support and patronage at the Salt Lake downtown location, and for following us here to Draper. Please continue to donate to help us forge another 25+ years of spreading laughter in Utah! Go to www.theOBT.org to donate today.