Congratulations to the 2026 Student Management Mentor Project Cohort!

The Student Management Mentor Project (SMMP) connects professional stage managers with mentees for a week full of practical training experiences at USITT26's most high-profile events! This group will help run our Annual Conference & Stage Expo and learn the skills they need to build their event management resume.

Each mentee will be paired with a mentor and assigned the role of stage manager or assistant stage manager for up to three events at our 2026 Conference & Stage Expo. Participation in roundtable discussions about stage management and related areas and skills are also part of the agenda.

This one-of-a-kind experience is annually available to students who are USITT Members or will become Members. Learn more about the program here.

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Mentees

Drea Brown

Drea Brown (she/her) is a stage manager and designer with a vested interest in stage combat. She is pursuing her BA in Theatre at Saginaw Valley State University. Recent stage management credits include Newsies, Footloose, A Raisin in the Sun and Next to Normal (Midland Center for the Arts); Betrayal (Santa Cruz Shakespeare); Very Berry Dead, Noises Off, The Night Witches, and Women Who Weave (SVSU). She is an Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, and has a passion for weaving together safety and storytelling with her stage management skills!

"[I would like to thank] every theatre educator that's impacted my life: especially my collegiate professors, who are my daily inspiration and support in ways they don't even know. My parents for everything they do and everything they are!

The USITT Conference is something that was life-changing when I first attended, and I didn't know then how much stage management would come to mean to me. This program was something that seemed so unreachable when I first encountered it, and getting to be part of this program as I am about to graduate feels so special!"

Website

Instagram: @drea.brown.sm

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Ray Buchanan

Ray is a Stage Manager living in New York and graduating in Spring of 2026 with a B.A in Psychology and Theater Arts Design & Tech from SUNY New Paltz. They have always been drawn to stories and the power they hold in bringing people together. Their love for theater comes from the ability to share and experience stories through other peoples eyes, and a wish to share the magic of theatre (and a good scene change) with others. Outside of theatre, they can be found curled up with a good book or focused in on their most recent chainmail or metalworking project.

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Mariana Estrada

Mariana is pursuing a BFA in Theatre and Stage Management at UT El Paso. She is a proud Chicana hoping to help contribute more fine arts resources for her community.

"I would like to thank my partner, who taught me every show is an adventure.

There is a lack of Fine Arts in my community, and a lack of resources in our technical theatre spaces. I truly wish to bring back as many resources as I can back to my peers."

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Hazel Forkner

Hazel is an upcoming graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. Recent credits include: Mary Stuart-Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Stage Manager), La Bohème & My Fair Lady in Concert-Aspen Music Festival and School (Assistant Stage Manager), Left Unheard-The Theatre School at DePaul University (Assistant Stage Manager), Ride the Cyclone-The Theatre School at DePaul University (Stage Manager). Outside of the theatre, she enjoys hiking and eating pho.

"I would like to thank Christine D. Freeburg, stage management and academic advisor, as well as the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and the Theatre School at DePaul University.

This mentorship program is a one-of-a-kind experience for stage managers, who are commonly left in an awkward spot between technical and artistic realms. SMMP is an opportunity to connect and learn from stage managers at different points in their careers, ask questions I have had for years, and widen my view of stage management as an industry. It also provides time to reflect on what being a stage manager means to me so I can distill those ideas into my own style of management, and do so alongside others who are working through the same experience. The hands on professional practice as we stage manage actual USITT26 events is a huge plus! Lastly, I can connect with the USITT community- an unparalleled platform for networking and industry innovations. SMMP is an incredible resource of stage managers starting their careers, and has already proven the care and supportive nature within the theatrical industry."

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Sophie Harris

Sophie Harris is a recent graduate of Tulane University, where she received a BA in Theatre and Communication. As a student, she pursued dramaturgy and independent theatrical research while stage managing department and student-led productions. Since her graduation, she has worked regionally at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater and Music Theater Works, and is now based in Chicago, IL. She is very excited to be a part of this cohort and attend Conference for the first time.

"Thank you to my wonderful family and friends near and far for supporting me as I pursue a less-traditional career path <3.

Having the opportunity to grow my network of peers and mentors(and learn from them!) is very exciting to me. Coming from a small theatre department, I am also eager to gain more exposure to what my career can continue to look like as a young professional."

Instagram: @sophieraeharris

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Andi Harvey

Andi Harvey (he/they) is a transgender Stage Manager born and based in Northeast Ohio. He is currently earning a BA in Communications and Theater at the College of Wooster, where they regularly serve as a student Stage Manager for both departmental and student-run productions. Notable credits at the college include An Iliad (SM), Importance of Being Ernest (ASM), and Stop Kiss (ASM). Within Northeast Ohio, Andi has also Stage Managed in Akron with the Millennial Theatre Project and Cleveland at the Cleveland Public Theatre. More recently, Andi has expanded their work into the field of events management; the past two years, he has served as the PSM for the burgeoning 24-hour theatre event at ACTF region 2. As a double major in Communications, Andi is interested in navigating the interaction between organizational structures and art to maximize equitable outcomes. Overall, they seek to cultivate a calm and measured environment where art, and artists, can flourish.

"[I would like to thank] my mentors, Professor Naoko Skala and Professor Kerstin Vaughn, for always believing in me and pushing me out of my comfort zone.

SMMP presents a rare opportunity to simultaneously cultivate my hard skills in event coordination and management while making important personal and industry connections. The network of peers and mentors within SMMP is unparalleled, and represents a deep trove of industry expertise. I am excited to learn from and add to this wealth of knowledge as I cement myself in my career."

Website

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Kaylee La Pean

Kaylee is a student at UNC Greensboro getting her BFA in Design and Technical Production. Some of her favorite works she's done are The Lincoln Sisters of Deckawoo Drive (Production Stage Manager) and Sweeney Todd (Hair and Makeup Designer). When she's not stage managing, she loves building and styling wigs, playing games, and hanging out with her community!

"I am overflowing with gratitude for my community, but I would love to highlight a few. Thank you to God for giving me endless strength and grace. Thank you to my family for always encouraging me and supporting my dreams! Thank you to my friends for making sure I take breaks and have a life outside of the theatre. Finally, thank you to UNC Greensboro for their guidance and teachings. They have been crucial to my development as a theatrical artist, and they gave me the courage to even apply for this!

Getting accepted into the Stage Management Mentor Project has been monumental, and I have not even been fully immersed in it yet. Not only am I now surrounded by a group of amazing professional stage managers, but I'm also surrounded by such a great group of stage managers at the same stage of their career as I am. The community that comes with this program is key and definitely a highlight of this project. Getting accepted also means I am on the right track in my career, which is a great reminder that dedication gets you far, but it is also so important to stop, breathe, and look at your achievements. It all really makes me feel grateful for this opportunity."

Website

Instagram: @kayleedoeswigs

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Diego Lara

Diego Lara is a graduating senior at New Mexico State University, studying Computer Science and Theatre Arts. He has been stage managing for just over one year. He’s very excited to attend USITT26 for the first time and to meet so many of his fellow stage managers.

"I would like to thank my personal mentor and professor, Bobbi Masters. Her support and sense of humor have meant the world to me.

I love improving, and I feel this mentorship is the next step in that process. I am so honored to be a part of this program and to get to learn from so many exceptional artists from all over the country. I’ll do my best!"

Instagram: @liegodara

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Simon Luckow

Simon Luckow is a multifaceted theatrical technician. While his primary body of work is in Stage Management, he is also a lighting designer, a fight choreographer, and a trained stagehand as well. He graduated from the University of Northwestern - Saint Paul in May of 2025 with his degree in Theater, with a minor in Marketing. He largely stage manages for the theater, but has many credits in the dance world as well.  Selected Credits: Macbeth, Cabaret - Guthrie Theater; Kinky Boots National Tour - Crossroads Live.

"[I would like to thank] Iris Dodge, Nancy Pittelmen, Nykol Dedreu, and my family!

Being a party of the SMMP is everything an early career stage manager could ask for. Thanks to this program, I have connections, access, and confidence in taking the next steps of being a professional stage manager. The opportunity to engage in community with other stage managers in the most special thing I've experienced, and to do so at USITT26 with the SMMP is the epitome of that experience."

Website

Instagram: @simonluckow

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Isaiah Maldonado

Isaiah (not pictured) will be a SMMP mentee for the 2026 cohort.

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Ty Richardson

Ty Richardson is a current junior at the College of William and Mary, studying Theatre and Public Policy. Ty specializes in stage management but is knowledgeable in many types of theatre, including lighting, scenic carpentry, and publicity. Outside of stage management, he is President of WM's chapter of Alpha Psi Omega and Secretary of WM's Theatre Student Association. Ty has stage managed since high school and has had the privilege of continuing to grow both in collegiate and professional settings. Favorites of his include The Scarlet Pimpernel (William and Mary Theatre and Performance), Zombie Life (Aura Curiatlis), Much Ado About Nothing (Endstation Theatre Company), and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (William and Mary Theatre and Performance). He would like to thank Matthew Allar, Chuck Bayang, David Garrett, William and Mary Theatre and Performance, USITT, and his family for their support.

Website

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Carly Tamborello

Carly Tamborello (she/her) is a stage manager, production manager, and writer from Orlando, Florida. She is currently a senior at Carnegie Mellon pursuing her BFA in Stage & Production Management. Recent credits include Arcadia (Stage Manager), Playground: A Festival of Student Work (Co-Festival Manager), Matt & Ben (Production Manager), Antigone (Production Manager), and The Grown-Ups (Stage Manager). She is a hard worker drawn to fast-paced projects, and loves being ingrained in the creative process and rehearsal room.

"[I would like to thank] my stage management advisors Tina Shackleford and Miso Wei for shaping my management journey, and the other stage managers in my cohort at CMU for all the lessons they teach me every day.

Management is an art, not a science, so the best way to learn is by building a collaborative network and seeking out diverse and varied perspectives. To me, SMMP is all about creating that network, and gaining both hands-on and discussion-based learning. I look forward to getting to know the other members of my cohort and building skills and experiences that I will reference throughout my career."

Website

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Juno Tejchman

"I would like to thank my faculty mentors and peers at Willamette University for continuously building me up and supporting my journey in stage management! Also, my cat, Mister, for being the friendliest face to come home to.

Instagram: @jun0ez

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Mentors

estrellita beatriz

estrellita beatriz (pronouns: starr/ e) is a poly-disciplinary artist, producer, writer, facilitator, liberation and pleasure activist. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, e started a remarkable theatrical management and arts career in 2010. Since then e has worked nationwide in New Mexico, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington DC, and Baltimore. To date, starr facilitated over 200 theatrical productions, publish an article in American Theatre Magazine and is currently devising e’s first theatrical script THE FIELD GUIDE. E is a proud alumni of the Steppenwolf Leadership program, USITT Stage Management Mentorship program and Going With Grace Death Doula Training.

Travis Blackwell

Travis Blackwell has stage managed for theater, opera, and special events across the globe. Tours: Hamilton (across North America, Asia, Middle East, Australia), The Outsiders, A Beautiful Noise, The Bodyguard, and The Color Purple. NYC/Regional: St. Ann’s Warehouse, BAM, Bang on a Can, Park Avenue Armory, Weston Playhouse, Glimmerglass Festival, Orpheum Memphis, Lost National Theater. BFA University of Memphis. MFA CCM.

"Serving as an SMMP mentor is such an honor. This program acted as a springboard for me when I was first setting out on my professional career. The folks (both mentors and fellow mentees) that I met as a young professional have shaped me into the stage manager (and person!) I am today. I am delighted to play a small role in the program's legacy continuing."

Website

Instagram: @travisblackwell

Christine D. Freeburg

Christine D. Freeburg (Production Stage Manager) Broadway credits: Manhattan Theatre Club. Regional credits include Marriott Lincolnshire, Chicago Shakespeare, The Court Theatre, lookingglass theatre, Northlight Theatre, McCarter Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, seven summers at The Weston Playhouse and 19 seasons at Steppenwolf Theatre. Ms. Freeburg is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Stage Management Department at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. She is the wife to Thom and proud mother of Joan Marie. For Malcolm, always.

Instagram: @freeburg5626

Natalie Day

Natalie Day is a fourth year mentor for the stage management mentorship program. She is currently a corporate event stage manager and assistant stage manager, but comes from a background of show calling for Cirque du Soleil. She has loved being a mentor for young stage managers and enjoys showing them other types of stage management that exist outside of the traditional theatre world.

Anne Jude

Anne Jude (she/her) is a Denver based Stage Manager with over twenty years of professional experience facilitating productions across national tours, major regional theaters, and classical repertory companies.  Anne’s credits include the national tours of Elf (Stage Manager) and Mary Poppins (Assistant Stage Manager) with Networks Presentations, along with extensive regional work at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Maine State Music Theatre, Fulton Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theater, and A Noise Within as well as the Hollywood immersive production of Rock of Ages. At the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, she has stage managed productions including Emma, Little Red, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

Currently serving as the Stage Management Supervisor for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Anne supervises all AEA stage managers and assistant stage managers for the organization’s produced works, as well as administering the SM Apprentice program, an early career opportunity for aspiring stage managers.  Anne holds a BFA in Arts Administration with a minor in Theatre from Viterbo University and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association. Anne is passionate about mentorship, workforce development, and building sustainable, inclusive theatrical communities. Outside of the theatrical world, she is mom to three rambunctious kiddos and lives with her husband in Louisville, Colorado.

"Having started my career as an apprentice at the Walnut Street Theater, supporting early career stage managers has become a passion of mine. I am thrilled to join this years cohort of mentors to continue to connect with and support a new generation of stage managers."

Instagram: @Amjude

Nancy Pittelman

Nancy has been involved in the SMMP for over 25 years. Throughout her career as a stage manager and producer, the SMMP continues to be an invaluable touch point in her journey.

Casey Sammarco

Casey is an AEA stage manager and collaborator who has experience in theatre, dance, opera, and events. As a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, Casey has managed a variety of productions in New York City and across the country. Her expertise is rooted in resident production stage management positions, world premiere plays and musicals, and outdoor repertory. Casey is the Associate Teaching Professor of Stage Management at Florida State University and the author of Communication for Effective Stage Management: A Collaborative Production Tool, published by Routledge in 2025. In addition to holding multiple different board positions with the SMA over the years, Casey frequently serves as a Mentor for the Stage Management Mentor Project (SMMP) at USITT and currently serves as Chair of Stage Management for Southeastern Theatre Conference. She is the Stage Management Advisor for the Roger Rees Award in Stage Management and the co-creator of SETC's Theatrical Edge Academy.

"To me, being a SMMP Mentor is about elevating the next group of stage managers in this industry. Through connection, community, and mentorship, we are able to provide a unique and special experience for our mentees. SMMP not only gives students a chance to flex their skills and manage conference events; it also provides them with a roadmap to a sustainable career in the industry. SMMP means a lot to me as an artist, manager, educator, and human because it reminds me why we are in this industry in the first place."

Instagram: @casey.sammarco

Juan Torres

With extensive experience in live entertainment and large-scale theatrical productions and events, Juan is excited to return to USITT26 for his eighth year. He is a strong advocate for the Stage Management Mentor Project and the Production Manager Mentorship Program. Juan currently supports Show Production with Disney Live Entertainment, where he has contributed to the development and execution of entertainment offerings and special events for several years.

Outside of Disney, Juan serves as Production Director for Central Florida Community Arts, overseeing technical operations and collaborating with artists and volunteers to bring ambitious productions to life within the local community — ensuring everyone has a place both onstage and backstage. He is passionate about storytelling, teamwork, and creating meaningful, memorable experiences for audiences and the artists and technicians who make them possible.

Instagram: @juanderfultheatre

Nancy Uffner

Nancy Uffner is a proud, 45-year member of Actors Equity Association.  She has worked at many regional theatres, most recently Detroit Public Theatre, The Lexington Theatre Co., The Muny in St. Louis, and Weston Playhouse in Vermont.   The last three years she’s also been stage managing with Grand Rapids Ballet.  Once upon a time, she did some national tours, additional dance, and a bit of opera.  Nancy led the stage management program at the University of Michigan from 1995 - 2024.

"I am excited for and inspired by the next generation of stage management artist managers and thrilled to be part of the USITT Mentorship program with them."

Instagram: @nancyuffnersm

Evangeline Whitlock

Evangeline has worked on and Off-Broadway, in regional theatres across the country, on international and national tours, with ballet and contemporary dance companies, and with large-scale corporate and industrial events. Evangeline’s stage management credits include: Farinelli and the King (Broadway) and many shows Off-Broadway including the way she spoke (Audible Theater); Pass Over (LCT3/Lincoln Center); Nice Fish (Co-Production A.R.T/ St. Ann’s Warehouse); Lost Girls (MCC); Twelfth Night, The Odyssey, The Winter’s Tale, and The Tempest (The Public Theater), among many others. Regionally she has worked at the Repertory Theatre St. Louis, The Muny, Dallas Theater Center, La Jolla Playhouse, Center Theatre Group, and the Old Globe. She is the head of stage management at Webster University and enjoys figure skating, cycling, hiking, and spending time with her family!

Instagram: @evangelinerose1

The following people will also be Mentors in the 2026 SMMP cohort:

Kristen Burke

Lionel Christian

Nykol DeDreu

John Gruber

Suzi Kilbourne