Theatre Staff
Mattie Washburn
Mattie Washburn is a junior Theatre Education major at Winthrop University. She is positively overjoyed to be a part of LCT’s 2025 Summer Teaching Artists! Mattie has always adored teaching young theatre students ever since her first teaching position at Pied Piper Youth Theater South, her favorite thing is watching young people succeed in an art form that is so near and dear to her…
Natalie Shoemaker
Natalie Shoemaker is a Theatre Education major at Morehead State University, originally from Winchester, KY. Growing up, she always dreamed of working with Lexington Children’s Theatre, and she’s so excited that this summer, that dream is finally coming true. She has worked as a Teaching Artist with Shooting Stars YouTheatre, a Touring Actor and Workshop Designer with The Little Company, and served as Assistant Director…
Jaden Napier
Jaden Napier (He/Him)-He is a Senior Theatre Major studying at the University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken South Carolina. This is his second year at LCT as a summer teaching artist and he is super excited to continue to spread joy and the love of theatre with the youth.
J.D. Lovell
Gracie Guess
Gracie is so thrilled to have this opportunity working at LCT! She is a rising sophomore at Elon University studying Theatrical Design and Technology on the prestigious Leadership Fellow scholarship. Based in Knoxville, she has worked extensively as a Stage-Manager and Lighting Designer in the community, but has especially loved student directing children’s shows. So thankful to everyone who has helped her get here!
Jeff Sachs
Jeff Sachs (he/him) is the founding managing director of Kerfuffle, a theatre for the very young in Chicago. Originally from Long Island, NY, Sachs taught and made theatre with young people at Actors Theatre of Louisville; Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD; and the Chicago Public Schools. He has a bachelor’s in Theatre from Northwestern University, a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University, and a…
Finn Hutto
After an extra credit of Crumpled Classics in middle school English, Finn (he/they) fell in love with the art and magic of theatre. He has since dedicated his time, energy, and passion to spreading its joys and its triumphs with everyone around them. A teacher, a writer, a technician, and a performer, Finn strives to soak up every bit of information and experience they can…
Aslyn Goodwin
Aslyn Goodwin (she/her) is currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts at Catawba College. She is thrilled to return for her second summer as one of the Summer Teaching Artists. Aslyn is eager to share her passion and experiences with students. Having grown up performing at LCT, the opportunity to come back and inspire young minds in the same way she…
Dani Garner
Dani’s journey with LCT started in the education department in 2015 and has continued through various roles over the years. Dani is immensely grateful to have the opportunity to serve the incredible young people in this community. Their ultimate goal as an artist is to inspire young people to be the best artists and humans they can be.
