JIM
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I have been involved with Peoria Players for over 35 years. I have been numerous shows, both onstage and backstage working on sets. I have served on the Board of Directors -- as President twice and as Vice President twice. I have served on the play selection committee numerous times; while serving on this committee, I was instrumental in helping to choose show which made the theatre much-needed revenue. I was also proud to be a part of the 100th season planning committee and events.
I have served as Building and Grounds Chairman for over 20 years, and I have built a good relationship with the Peoria Park District while working with them on repairs to the building. I have been in charge of concessions for over 20 years and brought it from a money-losing proposition to what is today a profit-generating part of each show. |
I was part of a concerted effort to build a stronger, positive relationship with Community Children’s Theatre, which is reflected in the close affiliation that we currently have with these folks. We came from a somewhat adversarial situation to a very positive partnership.
There is almost no job that I haven’t done at the theatre, from cleaning the restrooms, mopping the floors and maintaining the marquee to working at and cleaning up after The Rocky Horror Picture Show since its beginning in 1991, along with other fundraisers, and responding to late night alarm system calls.
I have always had a strong love for Peoria Players, and I have tried my best to support this wonderful organization. I still have a lot to give to Peoria Players and would ask that you give me a chance to prove it. I would consider it an honor to serve Peoria Players again as your elected board member. Thank you for your consideration.
There is almost no job that I haven’t done at the theatre, from cleaning the restrooms, mopping the floors and maintaining the marquee to working at and cleaning up after The Rocky Horror Picture Show since its beginning in 1991, along with other fundraisers, and responding to late night alarm system calls.
I have always had a strong love for Peoria Players, and I have tried my best to support this wonderful organization. I still have a lot to give to Peoria Players and would ask that you give me a chance to prove it. I would consider it an honor to serve Peoria Players again as your elected board member. Thank you for your consideration.
AMY DE Trempe-
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I became involved in community theatre some twenty years ago when my daughters decided they wanted to be on the stage. I quickly went from driving to and from rehearsals to volunteering when parents were asked. I never dreamed that I would develop a passion for community theatre. However, you will never find me on stage. I am strictly backstage and have lost count of the number of productions that I’ve chaired hair and makeup. I’ve also had the honor of directing on the Peoria Players stage. The most recent was The Shawshank Redemption last fall.
Theatre is not my only creative outlet. I am also an author. In addition to spending my days writing books, I manage the business of being an author which includes budgets, promotions and advertising—balancing creativity with business daily. What I can bring to the Peoria Players board is twenty years of volunteering behind the scenes, watching, learning, and listening. Learning from the past with an eye on the future to help Peoria Players thrive with an eye on creative opportunities. Thank you for considering me. |
Michelle
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Hello! I'm Michelle Elam and so excited to be running for re-election to the Board of Directors for Peoria Players Theatre. I jumped on board over the last six months when someone sadly could not complete their term and as I am learning the ropes, I will say it feels so amazing to serve this exciting theatre in a different capacity to being backstage or onstage. I remember when I was younger sitting in the audience for my very first production at Peoria Players Titanic the Musical and can still recall how wonderful it was, how lucky I felt to be in a place nestled in our community where talented and gifted artists, technicians, and musicians could practice and showcase their craft.
I soon decided to attend Millikin University and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. It is to this day, having opportunities in the community theatre that Peoria Players offered, that fueled my fire for the performance world. After graduation, I lived in several cities, including Orlando, London, England and Chicago participating in numerous film and stage projects, before returning back to the Central Illinois area where I now reside. |
After settling into the area once again, I revisited the Central Illinois theatre scene as a curious observer and was once again blown away at what I saw. Seeing this theatre community not only still operating, but absolutely thriving gave me so much encouragement and helped me see so many more possibilities. New audiences, new communities getting involved, new lives to impact through theatre, new and interesting productions to bring to Central Illinois.
As a performer, I have participated in numerous Peoria Players productions including Elf the Musical, Matilda and the 2020 cast of Mamma Mia!
My artistic talents have been brought back alive at Peoria Players, as a mom of three children and an owner of several businesses in the Peoria area, I really began to think my time on the stage had ended, but with the encouragement and flexibility of our beloved Peoria Players community theatre, I am renewed in my enthusiasm for the art of theatre and everything that comes with it. It's important we have recognition in our community for the long-standing tradition and value Players has brought to Central Illinois. It's imperative we rally support from everyone we can to continue bringing amazing artistic productions to Peoria Players.
Currently, I am the founder of Inside Practice which is a virtual event production company, I have two other businesses in the fitness and wine industry and I am also a VP of Business Development for a Healthcare Technology company called Centauri. I advocate for inclusivity and diversity in policy, guidelines, and recruitment. I am the founder and leader of my company’s first “Women of Centauri” affinity group where I focus on supporting developing and enhancing careers of female employee and leaders in my organization. I speak regularly about this topic as well as topics on public speaking and presentation. I have served as fundraising chair for community organizations such as CASA and Limestone Soccer Club. I plan to bring my breadth of business knowledge, connections, and passion for the arts to my role as a board member. I will lean heavily on my vast network of artists from previous connections at university and performing arts projects as well as business contacts to further the mission of Peoria Players Theatre. Thank you for your consideration.
As a performer, I have participated in numerous Peoria Players productions including Elf the Musical, Matilda and the 2020 cast of Mamma Mia!
My artistic talents have been brought back alive at Peoria Players, as a mom of three children and an owner of several businesses in the Peoria area, I really began to think my time on the stage had ended, but with the encouragement and flexibility of our beloved Peoria Players community theatre, I am renewed in my enthusiasm for the art of theatre and everything that comes with it. It's important we have recognition in our community for the long-standing tradition and value Players has brought to Central Illinois. It's imperative we rally support from everyone we can to continue bringing amazing artistic productions to Peoria Players.
Currently, I am the founder of Inside Practice which is a virtual event production company, I have two other businesses in the fitness and wine industry and I am also a VP of Business Development for a Healthcare Technology company called Centauri. I advocate for inclusivity and diversity in policy, guidelines, and recruitment. I am the founder and leader of my company’s first “Women of Centauri” affinity group where I focus on supporting developing and enhancing careers of female employee and leaders in my organization. I speak regularly about this topic as well as topics on public speaking and presentation. I have served as fundraising chair for community organizations such as CASA and Limestone Soccer Club. I plan to bring my breadth of business knowledge, connections, and passion for the arts to my role as a board member. I will lean heavily on my vast network of artists from previous connections at university and performing arts projects as well as business contacts to further the mission of Peoria Players Theatre. Thank you for your consideration.
HOWARD GORMAN
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Thank you to everyone for considering me as a member of the Peoria Players Board of Directors. I have been involved with this theatre for 36 years. I have served on the board before twice. In the past, I also built sets, directed and enjoyed time on stage. I am hoping to help the board to work at getting the theatre back to its days before Covid took its toll on our country. I hope you give me this opportunity.
Thank You |
DAmon
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My name is Damon Hackett and I am thrilled to be running for the Peoria Players Theatre Board of Directors. In both my theatre management and school management careers, I have worked with boards and have a solid understanding of how to serve as an effective board member. I believe my unique background of theatre, education and business management would bring a valuable and fresh perspective to a classic organization.
I would be honored to use my thirty-five plus years of theatre experience to serve at Peoria Players. I spent seven years as the Theatre Director for East Peoria Community High School and directed shows including All Shook Up, Chicago, and Beauty and the Beast. Other directing credits include Avenue Q, Legally Blonde, and Sweeney Todd. I have also performed in many shows over the years (Peoria Players, Corn Stock, Eastlight, Prairie Cabaret at The Waterhouse) and am most excited to be playing the role of Sam in PPT's upcoming production of Mamma Mia! |
In addition to my passion for theater, I have worked in the education field for the past twelve years serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at East Peoria Community High School, the Assistant Superintendent at Dunlap Community Unit School District and now the Superintendent of Dee-Mack Community Unit School District.
I am a life-long Central Illinois boy who would love to give back to his community and serve as a member of the Board of Directors at Peoria Players Theatre!
I am a life-long Central Illinois boy who would love to give back to his community and serve as a member of the Board of Directors at Peoria Players Theatre!
BILL
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My name is Bill Kalman, and I am running for re-election the Board of Directors for Peoria Players Theatre. I am honored to have served PPT on the Board since my election in 2019 and as the Secretary for the Board for the past two years. I can honestly say all of this year's candidates can be great assets to the board, and I am proud to know them.
I wanted to introduce myself to those of you who may not know me very well. I was born in Rock Island, IL, and grew up in a small town outside of the Quad Cities named Orion. In high school, I developed a love for theater when I participated in three plays and three musicals and attended many shows at Circa 21 Dinner Theatre. After high school I attended the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. My love for theatre and the arts grew in college with season tickets every year to Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City. In 1990 I moved to Peoria and worked for SuperX Pharmacy/Revco/CVS as a pharmacist-in-charge. While at CVS I met Monica Kube and we were married in 2002. In 2003 we had our first child, Helaina. I left CVS in 2003 to work for Hometown Pharmacy in Creve Coeur and Chillicothe for 6 years as a pharmacist-in-charge. We had our second child, Hunter, in 2005. After Hometown Pharmacy had to close in 2010, I returned to CVS for three years before joining Essential Wellness Pharmacy in 2013. In 2015, Monica and I purchased Essential Wellness Pharmacy. |
My years of being a pharmacist-in-charge and being an owner of a small business have given me management skills and increased business sense, combined with my love of theater and involvement in multiple areas for several shows brings a varied skillset to the Peoria Players Theatre Board.
In 2017, I had the joy of being in my first community theatre production, Bye Bye Birdie, at Corn Stock Theatre with my daughter. I was also in their production of Shrek the Musical with my entire family. I also have been in the Peoria Players’ productions of The Wizard of Oz and Elf. I have helped behind the scenes with set construction on multiple productions at both Corn Stock and Players as well as stage crew or assistant stage manager on several other productions. Through our pharmacy we have also helped underwrite several PPT productions. In 2018, Monica and I were shocked and honored when we received the Golden Mask Award at the Normies for outstanding service in various areas during the 2017 to 2018 season.
Through my varied involvement in community theatre the past five years, I have come to appreciate the passion everyone involved has for Peoria theatre, including all the candidates running this year for the board. My desire is to continue to serve Peoria Players for another three years as a member of the Board of Directors.
If I am re-elected I will continue to work to further the success and promote the growth of Peoria Players Theatre during the coming years, and I would appreciate your vote. You must be a member of Peoria Players to vote, and you can still join in time to vote. Thank you for your continued support.
In 2017, I had the joy of being in my first community theatre production, Bye Bye Birdie, at Corn Stock Theatre with my daughter. I was also in their production of Shrek the Musical with my entire family. I also have been in the Peoria Players’ productions of The Wizard of Oz and Elf. I have helped behind the scenes with set construction on multiple productions at both Corn Stock and Players as well as stage crew or assistant stage manager on several other productions. Through our pharmacy we have also helped underwrite several PPT productions. In 2018, Monica and I were shocked and honored when we received the Golden Mask Award at the Normies for outstanding service in various areas during the 2017 to 2018 season.
Through my varied involvement in community theatre the past five years, I have come to appreciate the passion everyone involved has for Peoria theatre, including all the candidates running this year for the board. My desire is to continue to serve Peoria Players for another three years as a member of the Board of Directors.
If I am re-elected I will continue to work to further the success and promote the growth of Peoria Players Theatre during the coming years, and I would appreciate your vote. You must be a member of Peoria Players to vote, and you can still join in time to vote. Thank you for your continued support.
ERIKA
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I have been involved with community theatre since she was sixteen years old. During that time, I have considered Peoria Players one of her homes. I have worked on numerous shows both on stage and off. My passion is raising funds for the theatre. I currently serve on the fundraising committee where I have worked tirelessly to help offset the cost of the current season. Fundraising and underwriting are two areas of expertise that I plan to focus my efforts on if I am elected. I have many great ideas to share and can’t wait to get started.
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Ayana
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I got my start at Peoria Players at the age of six when I was first on stage with my mom, Bonnie Thompson, and sister, Peggy Hupp. My passion for community theatre grew over the years. In addition, I've not only been seen on stage, but have served backstage in a number of capacities. With that said, my work as a makeup and hair designer for Peoria Players led me to the career path of becoming business owner and designer of Blending Textures and Salon in Peoria.
Furthermore, 15 years ago, I met Bryan Blanks and together a strong mission developed to promote diversity within our theatre arts community. I truly hope to see this mission fulfilled. I will be a dedicated board member who will actively help the theatre grow as a business and ensure communities of color are represented in all areas of the theatre. I'm so thankful theatre has been a part of my family's life. It has helped shape who I've become today, and I feel passionate about giving back to this community. |
