The C.R.O.W. Creative Team
C.R.O.W.'s volunteer board, professional instructors, and hard working production team believes in the importance of the highest quality arts education.
Halle Anderson (Summer Camp Director / Dance Instructor):
Halle Anderson was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas and moved to Florence in 2012 and back again in 2014. She graduated from Siuslaw High School in 2020. She has been a part of C.R.O.W. since 2016, participating in shows, classes, and camps. She became a teacher for the Coastal Fitness gymnastics program in January of 2020, and she currently teaches ages 4-15. Halle has played many characters in C.R.O.W. productions; including “Saloon Girl” in The Addams Family, “Kala” in Tarzan, and “Yellow Brick Road/Featured Dancer & Glinda” in The Wiz. She was also in choir classes from first grade to her sophomore year of high school. Halle is excited to teach classes for C.R.O.W!
Maree Beers (Director of Music / Board of Directors):
Maree hails from McMinnville Oregon and relocated to Florence after meeting and marrying her husband, Jesse back in 2007. Between work and raising a family, she still gets involved as much as she can in the performing arts. Maree has been a member of the production team since 2012 beginning with C.R.O.W.'s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. Maree has enjoyed performing throughout her youth and into her adult life including in her wonderful community of Florence. This includes playing “Roxy Hart" in Chicago, and as "Eponine" in Last Resort Players' production of Les Miserables. Maree’s musical background in theater and vocal performance has paved the way for her to teach the students music in every production, summer camp, and showcase she has had the honor to be a part of. She is also officially a C.R.O.W. mom and has enjoyed working with her daughter, Zhade on stage.
Mackenzie Calvert (Dance Instructor)
Mackenzie Calvert was born in Susanville, California where she began studying classical ballet and tap under the direction of Joan Zeuhlke at the age of four. In 2007, she studied with Lauren Baze/Sweet Creek Youth Ballet Co. Since then she has studied modern and interpretive dance and has continued her studies of ballet with Eugene Ballet Academy, Time & Tide Dance Company, Dance & All That Jazz in Newport, and Nevada Dance Academy. Her repertoire with Sweet Creek Youth Ballet Co. included Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, one of Ariel’s Sisters in The Little Mermaid, the "Cat" in Peter and the wolf, the "Sugar Plum Fairy" in a winter collage (excerpts from The Nutcracker), Duets, Solos, and other roles in all of the company's full length ballets and shows. Mackenzie believes dance should be taken seriously, but above all, she believes that it should be fun and accessible to all.
Diane David (Summer Camp Director)
Diane's decades-long career includes touring internationally as a singer, being musical director for a musical theater company including working with Stephen Schwartz on his Children of Eden, appearing as “wife to the man in red” in Disneyland’s Christmas Fantasy Parade, and working throughout Southern California as a stage manager for over 25 years. She continues to perform, music direct and stage manage. She is an advocate for Behind the Scenes, a foundation that supports theater technicians in need.
Kim Erickson (Producer - "The SpongeBob Musical")
Kim is a lifelong resident of Florence, Oregon who graduated from Siuslaw High School in 1996. After graduation she attended Lane Community College in Florence and received her AAS as an Administrative Assistant. Since then, she has worked at Oregon Pacific Bank and worked her way up in the company over the last 24 years. Kim is currently is the SVP; Florence Team Leader and Manager of Residential Lending. Kim is married to her husband Tim, and they have two daughters, Cameron Kentta (18), and Bristol Erickson (11). Kim was President of the Rotary Club of Florence from 2020-2021 and has been a co-chair of the Rotary Auction since 2016. She also sits on the Community Health Board for Peace Health Peace Harbor Medical Center. The introduction of C.R.O.W. came to Kim from fellow team member, Maree Beers, during the 2017 Haunted Maze for her daughter Cameron. Kim quickly became a “C.R.O.W. Mom” and could not be prouder to hold that title. Kim knows firsthand how much C.R.O.W. can affect and change someone's life because it did for her daughter. Kim wants to continue to see that happen for other kids. She is so excited to be able to be part of the team and to make a difference in kids' lives forever.
Lori Grimmett (Board Secretary / Grant Writer)
Lori’s creative spirit of the arts and entertainment industry began over 30 years ago building unique experiences for
software developer conferences worldwide. Taking the knowledge and experience, Lori refocused into distinctive guest
experiences for Casinos in North America building and directing numerous event platforms. Lori has driven multi-channel
event revenue streams as well as managed a substantial event staff for music festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Her true
passion is grassroots and community and is excited to be part of C.R.O.W. team!
Sabrina Hand (Dance Instructor)
Sabrina has loved dance nearly all her life, starting at the age of five when she took her first ballet and tap classes. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary throughout her youth and in high school fell in love with Colorguard (a sport that mixes marching band and dance with twirling equipment like flags) and competitive Wintergard (much more demanding then the marching form of colorguard and performed indoors). Her senior year of high school she made the USA All Star Colorguard team which traveled to Paris France to perform in the New Year’s Day parade. In college she danced for a time with the Blue Devils. She also taught Colorguard and Winterguard throughout college at both the middle school, and high school level. Although she stopped teaching for a time when she started her family, she has kept taking a variety of dance classes and even found an outlet for her passions in the form of dance choreography as her own children began dancing, competitively here in Oregon. “Dance is such an amazing outlet to express emotion. I find it particularly healing, especially at times in my life when I’ve had difficulties and hardships. It has given me such great confidence. If I can pass on even a little of that on to others, it’s worth it.”
Melanie Heard (Artistic Director / Founder)
Melanie is a credentialed teacher with a Master's Degree in Education and was former "Teacher of the Year" for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LD3). She began her performance career at the young age 2 ½ when she tap danced with a giant stuffed Raggedy Andy doll. Melanie has played many onstage roles, from "Sally Bowles" in Cabaret to “Lucy” in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, to the title role in Evita. Her professional arts training stems from the genre of classical ballet where she studied dance with the Joffrey Ballet, Kirov Ballet School in DC, and Ballet West in Utah. Ms. Heard has successfully directed and/or choreographed both children and adults in 65+ full-length shows. These productions include: Disney's Frozen Jr, The Wiz, Disney's Tarzan, The Addams Family Musical, Shrek Jr, Once Upon A Mattress, The Little Mermaid Jr, The Music Man Jr, Beauty & the Beast Jr, Honk Jr, Seussical Jr, Lend Me A Tenor, Steel Magnolias, Karaoke Kills Me, and You Dirty Rat! To add to this impressive array, Melanie also managed and produced Poison Pen Players, a professional murder mystery dinner theatre company, for many years with her family. Most importantly, Melanie firmly believes in the power of a high-caliber arts education. Following her passion for the arts, she founded, C.R.O.W. in 2011, because she believes that all youth need and deserve the arts to become responsible, contributing members of society. Melanie knows that "The Arts really DO matter," not only in a child's life, but to provide education, personal fulfillment, and happiness to each and every person impacted.
Alicia Hickson (Board President)
Alicia's introduction to C.R.O.W. began in 2015 through participation in The Holly Jolly Follies. She was invited to play an elf named “Prissy,” who swoons and faints over the elf, Elfis, portrayed by her husband, Ned Hickson. Although Alicia is relatively new to the stage - she has performed in showcases for vocal coach, Jason Wood and in 2019 was in the ensemble for Last Resort's Players production of Mamma Mia - her love and passion for music stems back to her grade school days. Alicia attended a 1st - 8th grade parochial school where music, pageants and recitals were part of the curriculum. Her fondest memory: the school choir. "Choir was composed of 4th to 8th graders and choir selection happened in 3rd grade. To be a part of it was something special so when I was selected, I was so excited!" Alicia appreciates C.R.O.W. and the creative opportunities it provides in the arts. "For the children of our community to have these opportunities, to be a part of something special, to be excited; that is something special."
Ellen Jacobson (Executive Producer):
Ellen studied theatre arts in college in Long Beach, CA. with David Emmes, Director Emeritus of the prestigious South Coast Repertory Theatre Company. She married Michael in 1967. She was fortunate to be able to pursue the other great love of her life as a quarter horse breeder and owner for more than 35 years in Southern CA. You might remember her performance a couple of seasons ago here in Florence as crazy Aunt "Abby Brewster" in Arsenic and Old Lace. She wrote, directed and produced for her family's murder mystery company, Poison Pen Players, and wrote the Holly Jolly Follies central theme each year for C.R.O.W. When she was not working in the arts, you could have found Ellen with her granddaughter, Sabrina. Although Ellen passed away in April, 2023, her sprit and heart will remain at the center of C.R.O.W. forever.
Mike Jacobson (Executive Producer):
A founding member of murder mystery troupe, Poison Pen Players, Mike is also no stranger to children's theater, having portrayed both hero and villain in Aladdin & The Swinging Genies (for which he also wrote the score, directed, and played the title role), The Little Mermaid, and Hercules (in which he portrayed "Cyclops," a one-eyed villain in an enormous prosthetic papier mache headpiece, who chased after Hercules' girl friend, played by his daughter, Melanie Heard.) Having been part of productions involving such diverse talents as Henry Mancini and Jerry Lewis, Mike is happy to work with with Florence's talented youngsters and perhaps Hollywood's future stars.
Angela Johnstone (Dance Instructor):
Angie is originally from Portland, Oregon and relocated to Florence in 2020. She enjoys teaching "Tumble tots" gymnastics at Coastal Fitness (since September, 2021). Angie is eager to share her passion for creative movement and children's arts education by supporting and encouraging our youth through her love of dance and music. Throughout her own youth, she practiced many dance forms with an emphasis on ballet and later jazz. As a young adult Angie was an aerobics instructor for many years. She brings with her a musical background including choir and flute and has remained active throughout her adulthood experimenting with many forms of dance such as swing, salsa and belly dancing. Angie is excited to become a part of the C.R.O.W. team!
Jennifer Marus (Dance Instructor / Board Treasurer):
Jennifer lives in Florence with her partner and their 14-year-old son. During her work days she exercises her left brain
doing taxes and bookkeeping for Buckwald & Hornung. During her free time, she flexes her right brain with all sorts of
creative activities, but most know her as "the belly-dancer." She has been studying Middle Eastern dance for just over a
decade, and has branched into other dance forms such as Bollywood. She has graced the stage as principal
characters in LRP's production of Chicago and most recently, Mamma Mia. Jennifer loves performing, and all aspects
that go into creating theatre magic and hopes to lend her support for the arts in any way she can while serving on the
board for this wonderful organization.
Margaret McDiarmid (Lighting Designer):
Originally from London, Margaret is now happy to call Florence her home, where for the past few years she has worked as stage crew, stage manager, props mistress, lighting designer, and anything else that needed doing. Margaret lists her favorite past productions as Les Miserables, Little Mermaid Jr, Seussical Jr, Steel Magnolias, The Sound of Music, and the Melodramas at the Florence Playhouse. Margaret truly enjoys working with the C.R.O.W. family...."Here's to another great production!"
Robin Mendolia (Summer Camp Director):
Robin Mendolia is a former high school and university instructor with two and a half decades of experience in theatre in addition to teaching English, literature, and writing. She earned a BA in English and an MA in Education. Robin fell in love with theatre at the age of fifteen and has been actively involved in different capacities since that initial spark. This includes running a theatre department, acting, directing, set painting, stage managing, hair & makeup, and more. She is thrilled to be joining C.R.O.W. after a hiatus from the classroom and is looking forward to being a part of the Florence theatre community.
Gennifer Norton (Stage Manager):
Five years ago Gennifer was introduced to C.R.O.W through her daughter's love of performing. It became something the whole family participates in and something they share. Don't tell anyone, but Gennifer's husband, Mike, is a Tutu Dad! She has always loved the arts, dance, and musical theatre, but was never involved in theatre herself. Becoming involved in C.R.O.W combined that interest with being able to play a bigger role in her kids activities and has created lots of wonderful family memories. Gennifer says, "Watching how confident, brave, and hard working all of these kids are, makes you want to be there to support them."
Amy Owens (Board of Directors / Costume Coordinator):
Amy has been involved with C.R.O.W. since the beginning. When her kids were cast in their first C.R.O.W. show in 2011,
she volunteered to help backstage. That ultimately led to her discovering her love for the performing arts. Since then,
she has performed in several shows, learned to make props, helped out with costumes, assisted with microphones, and
has worked backstage filling in whenever there is a need, for every C.R.O.W. show to date. She has treasured the time
she has gotten to spend with her children and getting to know many of the amazing kids in our local community that
have participated in C.R.O.W. In her free time, Amy enjoys taking tap dance classes and spending quality time with her
family.
Chris Owens (Technical Director & Sound Engineer and Designer):
Chris has provided sound for many shows, including Holly Jolly Follies, Shrek Jr, Once Upon A Mattress, The Little Mermaid Jr, The Music Man Jr. and Beauty and the Beast Jr. He was also "Sound Tech" for LRP's Angry Housewives. Chris's favorite play to date is Lend Me a Tenor, in which he had a backstage role blowing bubbles amidst slamming doors. Chris is a proud C.R.O.W. parent. He has been volunteering for the program for many years now; most of them in the sound booth. In his "spare" time, he may be found doing construction, traveling with the Poison Pen Players, or fixing something for friends. If you ask anyone on the production team, they will tell you that Chris is an invaluable asset to the C.R.O.W. family.
Cara Richter (Dance Instructor):
Cara is from Pennsylvania and relocated to Oregon in 2017. She has been working with C.R.O.W. since she first moved to Florence, and has created several beautiful choreography pieces and taught several classes and workshops. She received her dance training from Pennsylvania Regional Ballet and continued her passion for dance on the InMotion Dance Team at Temple University in Philadelphia. Cara and her husband Josh welcomed their first child, Moses, in 2021 and spend most of their time doing activities with him. Cara is thrilled to be working with C.R.O.W. and she says "I love to share my love of dance with the kids!"
Brian D. Sandahl (Scenic Artist & Designer):
Brian was born and raised in Southern California where, in the 4th grade he performed in his first theatrical production and was bitten by the "theater bug", portraying Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. The rest, as they say is history.....he went on to perform in over 150 musical productions, design over 150 theatrical productions and direct for many family theater and Civic Light Opera organizations. His design career eventually led him to his career fulfillment as a Senior Art Director for the Walt Disney Creative Entertainment Team. During that 25 year career with Disney, he designed The Haunted Mansion Holiday, The Christmas Fantasy Parade and It's a Small World Holiday, to mention a few highlights. Brian, now retired, resides in Florence with his two best canine buddies; Scruffers and Scrappy.
Genevieve Shahan (Associate Director / Summer Camp Director/ Board Vice President):
Genevieve has been with C.R.O.W. since its inception. She started out as "Hair /Makeup Designer" for Beauty and the Beast Jr., and moved up to "Assistant Director" shortly after. In 2014, she began co-directing summer camps and also joined the C.R.O.W. Board. Genevieve is a long time resident of Florence. She loves her community and is so glad she has found a way to give back, by being a part of the C.R.O.W. family. Before her days with C.R.O.W. she worked at the local Head Start and found that she had a passion for teaching and working with children. With C.R.O.W. she gets to combine that with her love of theatre. Genevieve does enjoy being on stage herself from time to time, playing roles such as “Liz” in Chicago, and "Edith Fleisher" and her brother "Al Fleisher" in Poison Pen Player’s You Dirty Rat! and her favorite role, "Truvy" in Steel Magnolias. "That was one of the best experiences of my life!" she says. But C.R.O.W. is truly where her heart is.
Karen Trujillo (Board of Directors / Scenic Artist / Creative Consultant):
Karen is originally from Marinette, Wisconsin where she became involved in the local theatre in college. Although she has never had any "formal" art training of any kind, she has worked on set and lighting design for about 7 shows. Karen lived in the Las Vegas area for about 25 years where she did a variety of jobs and was very active in the Elks Lodge. She moved to Florence in 2012, and "loves living here and being involved in the local theatre productions." Karen's talents are "in demand," and she helped with sets and costumes and also worked backstage for The Holly Jolly Follies and other productions. She looks forward to many more projects within the local theatre scene.
Jason Wood (Musical Director / Summer Camp Director)
Jason is proud to be able to share the gift of performing arts with young people through C.R.O.W.! No stranger to the stage himself, Jason performed as "Mama Morton" in Chicago, "Captain Von Trapp" in The Sound of Music, "Cliff" in Cabaret and as "Horton" in Seussical Jr. He is the proud owner of drag alter ego, "Fanny Rugburn," and has performed several regional shows in her bedazzled heels. He has also starred as "Jack" in Into The Woods, and has played several roles for Poison Pen Players, including "Winston Montague," an English Detective in So Long Saloon: How The West Got Dead. Originally from Los Angeles, Jason studied with the Groundlings School of Improv and performed with The Imagination Machine, a children's theatre improv troupe. Jason teaches voice and piano lessons privately to many of Florence's talented young people and adults - he currently has over 25 students!