The Secret Garden Digital Playbill
Staff Bios
RHONDA BELL (Education Director) Rhonda is excited to continue her journey at LCT as Education Director. She holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a BA from Berea College. Rhonda enjoys driving her car, watching cartoons, and having lively debates with her students.
OCTAVIA BIGGS (Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre) Tavia has worked hard over the last 19 years to bring children’s theatre to Eastern Kentucky. She believes strongly that all children have the ability to be creative and through that creativity will discover the gifts they possess. She would like to thank LCT and the W. Paul and Lucille C. Little Foundation!
KAITLIN (K.C.) CHEYENNE BOWLING (Education Associate) Kaitlin “K.C” Cheyenne serves as the Education Associate at Lexington Children’s Theatre. They hold a BA in Theatre from Berea College, where they focused on creating inclusive, diverse and accessible spaces. Their passion lies in arts education, and they are thrilled to encourage young peoples’ excitement for storytelling.
HEATHER N. BRANHAM (Resident Director/Company Manager) Heather is overjoyed to be back at LCT after an artistic odyssey spanning from “The Little Apple” of Manhattan, KS to “The Second City” of Chicago. She earned a Master of Arts from University of Kentucky and serves on the KPW board. Heather dedicates this season to Eddy and Huckleberry.
ASHLEE COLLINS (Development Director) Ashlee is a recent graduate of Commerce Lexington’s Leadership Lexington program. Her journey with LCT began in 2013 as a work study with Shooting Stars Youtheatre, LCT’s Satellite Theatre in Morehead, KY. After graduating she completed an Arts Administration internship in 2015 and was part of the Touring Company in the 15/16 season. Ashlee has worked with theatres all over the country, including Chicago Children’s Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and most notably, with Broadway in Chicago as a marketing assistant during the first National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin!
EMILY HAMPTON (Costume Artist) Emily graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Theatre in 2020. She is passionate about costuming and the fiber arts!
MARIE HENDERSON (Costume Director) Marie’s experience with LCT, and theatre altogether, began with a walk on roll at the age of 9. She is delighted to have closed the circle of her theatrical experience by coming “home” to LCT as a staff member.
JAIME HURT (Marketing and Sales Director) With over 20 years in arts marketing; Jaime connects communities through storytelling and creative collaboration. As Marketing and Sales Director at LCT, she captures moments that make theatre magical for children and families, expanding access to engaging, immersive experiences while embracing the joy of bringing stories to life.
JEREMY KISLING (Producing Artistic Director) Welcome to LCT! Jeremy has worked at Lexington Children’s Theatre for over 20 years and is a proud member of its staff. I hope this theatre is a place where you feel empowered, enriched, and emboldened. I am honored and humbled to work with such amazing and talented artists and individuals! Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being a part of the LCT Family.
MADDI KNOETTNER (Communications Manager) Maddi is a recent college graduate from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communication Studies. She is a Double Gold Medalist of The United States Figure Skating Association and is a figure skating instructor over at the Lexington Ice Center. Maddi brings a unique blend of communication expertise and athletic achievements, and she is honored to showcase her diverse skills at Lexington Children’s Theatre!
FORREST LOEFFLER (Technical Associate) Forrest Loeffler is from Lexington, he has a BFA in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University, and is currently Kentucky Chautauqua’s Abraham Lincoln performer. He has worked with Leeds Center for the Arts, Woodford Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Pioneer Playhouse, Athens West, and is happy to have added LCT to that list!
CALEB LUNSFORD (Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director) Caleb is a teacher, painter, and arts education enthusiast from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. A graduate of Morehead State University, he is passionate about children’s theatre; striving to provide an outlet for creative expression. With a history in youth-based creative programs he aims to curate a safe space to learn and grow.
MARY ANN MULLINS (Bookkeeper) Mary Ann joined LCT in March 2024 as the bookkeeper and is delighted to be part of an organization that boosts creativity and imagination in young people. She brings 50+ years of bookkeeping experience with her. In her spare time, she loves adventures with her children and grandchildren and enjoys taking rides with her husband of 42 years with the top off of the Vette!
LAIKA MYERS (Charge Artist/Assistant Technical Director) Laika Myers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bowling Green State University with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre. In her spare time, she loves to read and visit a new coffee shop, while on the clock she loves to use her artistry to share the magic of theatre with young audiences!
LYDIA RICE (Resident Teaching Artist) As a Columbus State University graduate, Lydia has directed, choreographed, and taught all ages by working at Rose Theatre and the Alliance Theatre. She believes theatre inspires creativity, teaches life skills, and helps students reach their fullest potential. She loves connecting with students at LCT and watching them shine.
JEFF SACHS (Managing Director) Jeff Sachs (he/him) is an administrator, educator, and theatre artist dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to expand their horizons and connect with their community through live performance. He is the founding managing director of Kerfuffle, a theatre for the very young company based in Chicago. Originally from Long Island, Jeff has worked as an educator across the country with Chicago Public Schools, Imagination Stage, Childsplay, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. He is the playwright of Bookworms and has directed young people in devising new plays as well as a production of Mamma Mia! that he is particularly proud of. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Northwestern University, a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University, and a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University.
DELANEY SALLEE (Sales Associate – Onsite) Delaney’s (she/they) love of theatre began as a child and carried her through many productions as both a student and professional. She has worked with the Singletary Center for the Arts and Pioneer Playhouse as a stage manager, and she is very excited to work with LCT! She has also worked in local libraries and loves a good book!
GABRIEL SLUSSER (Technical Director) Gabriel has worked throughout the southeast in positions ranging from sound engineer to lead electrician to shop foreman at theatres including Titusville Playhouse, Inc., Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Buford Community Center. As LCT’s Technical Director, he facilitates the implementation of all scenic, lighting, audio, and projection elements for their season.
CHRIS SWANSON (Senior Sales Associate) Chris Swanson has been a theatre professional for the past 25 years. She is very excited to be joining the staff at LCT. She earned her MA and BA in Theatre and Communications from Morehead State. Her past credits include Bat Boy the musical and Book of Days.
KATE TAYLER (Resident Stage Manager) Kate Tayler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree from Bowling Green State University in Design & Technical Theatre. She is originally from Monroe, Michigan. Kate loves spending time with her cats and her partner, keeping up on all things Taylor Swift, and working with young people.
LCT Professional Staff
- Kylie Adams, Development Operations Intern
- Rhonda Bell, Education Director
- Octavia Biggs, Program Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre
- Katilin (K.C.) Cheyenne Bowling, Education Associate
- Heather N. Branham, Resident Director / Company Manager
- Ashlee Collins, Development Director
- Emily Hampton, Costume Artist
- Marie Henderson, Costume Director
- Jaime Hurt, Marketing and Sales Director
- Jeremy Kisling, Producing Artistic Director
- Maddi Knoettner, Communications Manager
- Forest Loeffler, Technical Associate
- Caleb Lunsford, Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director
- Mary Ann Mullins, Bookkeeper
- Laika Myers, Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director
- Lydia Rice, Resident Teaching Artist
- Haberlin Roberts, Costume Artist
- Jeff Sachs, Managing Director
- Delaney Sallee, Sales Associate – Onsite
- Gabriel Slusser, Technical Director
- Chris Swanson, Senior Sales Associate – Outreach
- Kate Tayler, Resident Stage Manager
Indigenous peoples have lived on the land now called Kentucky for at least 12,000 years. Every community owes its existence and heritage to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and stories to making the history that led to this moment. Indigenous peoples have always lived on the land that is now called Kentucky and continue to live here today. The place we now call Kentucky is primarily Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Osage land.
A commonly cited claim many of us heard in history class growing up is that this region was merely a hunting ground. This claim is a myth, perpetuated at first by land speculators who wished to improve land sales, and still today to absolve settler colonists and their descendants from grappling with their history of land theft, genocide, and white supremacy. The continuation of this myth is harmful for all of us.
Lexington Children’s Theatre is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the magic of theatre. Learn more about Audio Description, ASL Interpretation, Sensory Friendly Performance, and Pre-Visit Resources by following the link below.
LCT’s Annual Campaign
Imagine if all 100,000+ people LCT serves a year made a $10 donation every year. That would cover more than 95% of LCT’s operating expenses and bring the cost of our classes and shows WAY down. If you share our passion for arts education and want to support our mission, please consider making a donation of any size to our Annual Campaign. Learn more about LCT’s Annual Campaign by visiting https://www.lctonstage.org/support-us/give-online/ or by emailing our Development Director, Ashlee Collins, at acollins@lctonstage.org.
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Donors
Artistic Circle ($2,500+)
Stephen B. and Kelly G. Noel in memory of Shirley Noel
Lori and Mike Halligan
Producer’s Circle ($1,000-2,499)
Benevity American Online Giving Foundation
Ball Homes
LCT Show Button Reward Program
Jim Richardson
Director’s Circle ($500-$999)
Joseph-Beth Booksellers Gives Back Rewards Program
Beth Anne Akers
Erin Bylund
Fayette County Regional Collaborative
Jennifer Hays
Jordan Miller
David Cardwell & Carrie Thayer-Cardwell
Spotlight Circle ($250-$499)
Bill and Carol Kelsey
Laura Hayden and John Van Nagell II
Rector Hayden Realtors
I.A.T.S.E. Local #346
Unison Insurance Group
Ashley James
Bryan Reid
Margaret Ridley
Anonymous
Ensemble Circle ($100-$249)
Matthew Hemenway
Rosie Ballinger
Kristin Clark
Brad Clark
Daneille Clore
Lenore & Vincent J. Cole Foundation
Gloria Crabtree
Charles E. Duncan
J. Steven and Deborah Glaza
Kim Glenney
Jane Hayes
Tami Melrose
Whitney Mendiondo
Lori Milner
Tony Raimondo
Mary Robbins Duncan
Chrystal Schoeder
Buttons Show
Ame and Dave Sweetall
Katie Vieth in honor of Addy Vieth
Steve Wrightson
Kroger Community Rewards
Our sincere thanks to these wonderful people for their stellar support of LCT’s Membership Program!
Galaxy Supporter:
Amy Stout
Supernova Supporters:
Elizabeth Barrera
Charlotte Lewis
Taylor Milburn
Maegan Nicholson
Ruth and Don Willoughby
Our Major Contributors
