Who’s Who at LCT

Larry Snipes serves as Lexington Children’s Theatre’s Producing Director and CEO. After completing his MA in Theatre for Young Audiences at Alabama’s University of Montevallo, Mr. Snipes worked for two years as a professional actor and director in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He has directed a multitude of productions for LCT and written several plays including Jack and the Wonder Beans, Cows Don’t Fly and other known facts, and Old Dry Frye. He is a member of the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) and a past conference chair for SETC, and is a member of TYA‐USA (Theatre for Young Audiences. Along with his wife, Vivian, Mr. Snipes is the winner of the 2010 Sara Spencer Child Drama Award, and 2012 Orlin Corey Medallion winner from the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.

Vivian knew in sixth grade (thanks, Mr. Maas!) she would work in theatre and by ninth grade (thanks Jerry Whiddon and Craig Babcock!) she had decided to specialize in theatre for young audiences. Much to her parents chagrin, as a senior in high school, she announced that she “wasn’t going to college but was going to get a job in theatre!”. And (fortunately) went straight to work for Library Theatre in Washington, DC. Later ‐‐ while teaching elementary school, working toward a degree in Interrelated Arts at the University of Maryland and volunteering at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ‐‐ she married Larry and shortly thereafter moved to Kentucky. She has worked at LCT for over 30 years in multiple capacities including teacher, designer, stage manager, costumer, production manager, director, and writer / rewriter! She loves her job and the challenges that each new day brings … like collaborating with Larry on scripts (though we don’t bicker quite as much as the Fisherman and Isabell). Ms. Vivian and Larry have two grown children. Their daughter Erica (in Auburn, AL) is studying for her PhD in Physics and Mechanical Engineering, while their son Casey (in Chicago, IL) graduated with a BFA in theatre and is working toward travelling the world to gain more life experiences. Viv and Larry also have two furry pound puppy family members, June Bugg, a black labrador mix (with a penchant for chewing), and a boxer mix named Josephine (often called JosieJo, Jo‐jo or Littlest One), but we believe she truly thinks her name is “Come!”.

Rachel Ray began working in development at Lexington Children’s Theatre in January of 2011  As Development Director, she oversees all fundraising initiatives, including grant writing, sponsorships, the annual fund, and events.  Prior to that, she worked at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in a number of positions, most recently as Marketing Manager, for over ten years. She has a BS in Speech Therapy and a BA in English from the University of Kentucky. She is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Lexington and is a member of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where she recently served as National Philanthropy Day Chair.  She also serves on the board of directors for Girls on the Run Central Kentucky and is a founding board member of First Generation Women Achievers of Kentucky, an organization whose goal is to award scholarships for women who are first generation college attendees.

Tiffany Dupont Novak oversees all marketing and branding strategies, serves as lead graphic designer, and manages all public, school, and touring sales goals. She began her journey with LCT as an Arts Administration Intern in 2008, became Group Sales Associate in 2010, and has served as Marketing and Sales Director since 2013.  She is a graduate of the Leadership Lexington class of 2016, a member of the Leadership Lexington Youth Steering Committee, a member of committee for Woodford Theatre’s Girl Project, the co-marketing chair of the Lexington Pride Festival, and a proud participant of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.  Novak is a freelance graphic designer and her website redesign for LCT, and in partnership with Balance Creative, was the recipient of a silver American Advertising Award in 2015. A native of Michigan, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Grand Valley State University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development at the University of Kentucky.

Kathryn joined the LCT family last season as an Arts Administration intern, and loved it so much that she just had to stay! Before coming to Lexington, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration with a minor in Dance at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. She is very excited to be starting her first year as a full-time staff member with Lexington Children’s Theatre!

Originally from Lexington, Erin received her BA in Dramatic Arts from Centre College and her MFA in Dramatic Media from The University of Georgia. She has performed onstage in Lexington and Louisville. Her graduate studies focused on computer animation and she continues to enjoy developing short animated films. She also runs her own art business, Paisley Toad Studio. She first joined the LCT family as the Front of House Manager and is enjoying her new role as Finance & Box Office Manager. When not crunching and allocating all the numbers she enjoys reading, puzzles, video games, and adventuring with her husband.

7Jeremy cherishes the opportunity to create and use his imagination to make art every day. He is celebrating his 15th year at Lexington Children’s Theatre. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for a Youth from the University of Texas at Austin. He hopes to see you at the theatre often!

Rhonda, a Nashville native, is excited to continue her experience at LCT as a Resident Teaching Artist. She holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a BA from Berea College. Although she is a stage manager by trade, Rhonda enjoys teaching and spending time with kids.

Cassady, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BA in Theatre, could not be more excited to join Lexington Children’s Theatre this year! She first walked through LCT’s doors in 2004 and is thankful to have the opportunity to continue learning with this amazing organization.

After graduating with her BA in theatre from Morehead State University, Octavia was one of two actors nationwide accepted to the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City. Since returning to Kentucky, Biggs has worked hard over the last twelve years to bring children’s theatre to eastern Kentucky. In 2004, LCT was able to expand its programming and services to a satellite theatre based in Morehead, KY, which Biggs operates. Since 2004, Elliott and Carter counties have been included into SSYT programming and Biggs oversees all programming and serves these three Appalachian counties. Biggs currently resides in Morehead, Kentucky and serves on the board of directors for the Morehead Theatre Guild. She has been a private speech and theatre coach and developed and ran her own theatrical voice and acting company called TADA Performing Arts Instruction. She is also Lecturer of Theatre at Morehead State University, Music, Theatre and Dance Department (MSU/MTD) and Director for The Little Company, where she prepares college students to perform touring productions and teach drama workshops in middle and high schools across the state of Kentucky. In 2014, Amelia Earhart, which Ms. Biggs directed for the Little Company, was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Albany, Georgia.

Originally from South Dakota, Courtney graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She has worked with many theater companies in Minnesota including The Children’s Theatre Company, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat, and CLIMB Theater. She recently joined LCT after completing a year‐long internship with Omaha Theater Company. She believes that the most powerful theatre “magic” is in the imagination of a child.

Laura Beth holds a BFA in Theatre for Youth from East Carolina University. She taught drama, technical theatre, and speech at Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts. She previously staged managed for The University of Montana Great Falls, Brevard Music Center, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Stagedoor Manor, NY.

Aaron began his theatrical career at the age of 6 with LCT’s performance of Snow White. Aaron is proud to be returning to the city and theatre of his youth after a brief seven-year hiatus in sunny Miami, Florida. Aaron would like to thank his daughter, Roxy, for everything.

Maggie Foley is thrilled to be joining LCT for this exciting season, which includes plays based off some of her favorite childhood books. She grew up and attended college in Chicagoland and has traveled across the country to work in different theatres. She’s glad to make Lexington her new home.

Julie hails from Galena Park, Texas. Julie received her B.F.A. in Theatre from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2010, and her M.F.A. in Costume Production in 2013 from the University of Arizona. Julie is completely enthralled to be joining LCT and looks forward to many successful productions.

Esther holds a BA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Scenic Art from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She previously served as the Charge Artist and Associate Technical Director for LCT’s 2014‐2015 season. Esther loved her time in the scene shop but is looking forward to starting a new adventure as LCT’s Directing Associate.

Emily is excited to return to Lexington after spending her fourth summer in the Outer Banks of North Carolina portraying Queen Elizabeth I in The Lost Colony. Previous LCT credits include Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” (Piggie), The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Lucy, etc.), Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook (Mrs.), and Diary of A Worm, A Spider, and A Fly (Mrs. McBee). Other theatre: A Christmas Carol (Ghost Past) at West Virginia Public Theatre, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Mom) with Two Beans Productions, and three national tours with Chamber Theatre Productions. Emily is certified as an Advanced Actor/Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and a proud graduate of Otterbein University. Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Speck the dog! www.emilyasbury.com.

Thomas is excited to make his debut with Lexington Children’s Theatre this fall. He recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University. Some of his performance highlights include: Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), Othello (Montano), Big Fish (Karl), and Me and My Girl (Lord Battersby). Thomas is thrilled for the opportunity to share his passion and love for theatre with young audiences, and hopes to inspire hearts and minds through the power of the stage.

Jon is proud to join Lexington Children’s Theatre as an Associate Artist this fall performing in their productions of Jack and the Wonder Beans and Amelia Earhart. Jon’s most recent credits include productions of Robin Hood, Deck the Halls, and The Boy Who Liked Pulling Hair in Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre Series. He also appeared on stage in the Glimmerglass Festival’s Oklahoma! and La bohѐme, as well as productions at the Howmet Playhouse, Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids, Calvin Theatre Company, and more. He holds a BA in Theatre and Business from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Check out what he’s up to next at www.jonwdevries.com and @jonwdevries.

Mark is thrilled to return to Lexington Children’s Theatre for his fourth seasonal tour. Audiences may remember him as Jim in The Red Badge of Courage, or a menagerie of creatures in Cows Don’t Fly and other known facts. He performed as Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Hans in The Ugly Duckling last fall at LCT. Mark earned his BFA in Acting from Emory & Henry College. When not performing, Mark enjoys coaching and teaching Shakespeare to students. Mark would like to thank all the staff and crew of LCT for keeping the imagination alive for people of all ages.

Ben is thrilled to join Lexington Children’s Theatre for a second year as a Costume Technology Journeyman for the 2018-2019 season. He recently received his BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Zachary was born and raised in Dry Ridge, KY. He graduated from Morehead State University with a B.A. in Theatre. His credits there include director for The Giver and assistant director for See How They Run. Zack worked as an actor and teaching artist with The Little Company.

Megan is a recent graduate of Lee University with a BA in Theatre. She joined LCT as an education intern for the 2017 summer season; this will be her second opportunity to work with the theatre. She is so excited to be back and can’t wait to learn and grow with the LCT family.

Madison is so excited to begin her first season at LCT. She recently graduated from Regent University with her BFA in acting and BA in strategic communication. Some of her favorite projects include Doctor Faustus, The Seagull, and the Servant of Two Masters. She is so grateful for this opportunity!

Ariel is ecstatic to join LCT as the stage management intern for its 80th season! She recently obtained her B.S. in Child & Family Studies from Freed Hardeman University in Tennessee. Ariel is thrilled to engage and grow her love for theatre and young audiences through this exciting new season!

Kelsey is ecstatic to return to Lexington Children’s Theatre. The last time she was here she appeared on stage in the Summer Family Musical, Shrek the Musical!  She returns this year to work backstage in the costume shop.  Kelsey graduated recently from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BA in Theatre Arts.

Crystal is very excited to join the LCT family for the first time this year. She has a B.A. in Theatre with a minor in Film from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Crystal is an avid Harry Potter fan and has an extensive bowtie collection.