Ben is thrilled to return to the director’s chair for STAGES where he previously directed YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN which received the 2007 Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences.  Other directing assignments include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and …CHARLIE BROWN for Saint Louis University and THE SECRET GARDEN and INTO THE WOODS for Villa Duchesne.  Ben is very active in St. Louis as an actor and coach.  Holding a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory, he has worked with many of St. Louis’ theatres as well as regional theatres around the country and Off-Broadway.  Many thanks and much love to Jack, Michael, and Ron—and of course to Kristen and Samuel. [TOP]

Ellen is excited to be a part of the creative team for Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND.  This marks her 4th show for STAGES Theatre for Young Audiences having previously choreographed SNOOPY!!! (2007 Kevin Kline Award Winner), Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK (2008 Kevin Kline Award Nominee), and FREE TO BE...YOU AND ME.  This past year, Ellen has also choreographed productions of JACQUES BREL…, THE BOYFRIEND, and CABARET.  She considers herself blessed to have worked with choreographer Dana Lewis who continues to be an invaluable mentor and friend.  Ellen thanks Michael and Jack for giving her this artistic opportunity.  She dedicates her work on ALICE to her most wonderful daughter, Abigail, and she thanks you for bringing young people to the theatre. [TOP]

Lisa joins the full-time staff at STAGES in the new position of Music Supervisor where previous credits include LITTLE WOMEN, JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE FULL MONTY (Kevin Kline Award–Best Musical), SNOOPY!!! (Kevin Kline Award Best TYA), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Kevin Kline Award nominee Best Musical Direction), GYPSY, BIG, and 1776.  Lisa is also the very proud musical director for TeamSTAGES and on the teaching staff for the STAGES Academy.  Originally from Belleville, IL, she received her Bachelor of Music from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and her Master of Music from Webster University.  Lisa has worked as Guest Music Director at The Rep (AVENUE X), Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, vocal instructor for Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ A.I.T. Spring Training program, and been a faculty member in the theater department at Washington University.  Lisa was also an original member of the a cappella ensemble “Pieces of  8” and lead singer/keyboardist with the St. Louis based blues band, Uncle Albert.  Thanks to Michael, Jack, the whole STAGES family, and her wonderful husband, Tim, for the years of support.  [TOP]

James returns to STAGES for a 3rd season where previous design credits include LITTLE WOMEN, JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, and Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK.  Other local design credits include RICHARD III for the Shakespeare Festival of St Louis, THIS WONDERFUL LIFE at The Rep, THE GRAND DUCHESS OF GEROLSTEIN for Opera Theatre, and Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS at The Muny.  Splitting time between St Louis and New York City, James has designed from Seattle to Vienna, Austria. [TOP]

John is appropriately celebrating his silk/linen anniversary with STAGES this season where he has headed the costume/crafts department since 1997.  He has also served as Costume Designer for all five of STAGES Theatre for Young Audiences productions including last season’s Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK.  Other theatrical experience includes countless high school, university, and community theatre productions serving as actor, costume designer, crafts artist, and director. [TOP]

Matthew returns for his 18th season at STAGES.  He has received three Kevin Kline Award nominations for his design work on A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, MAN OF LA MANCHA, and HELLO, DOLLY!  Other representative STAGES designs include JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT, CRAZY FOR YOU, and CABARET.  Matthew has long been affiliated with the Off-Broadway company BLUE MAN GROUP, designing for its various companies in Boston, Chicago, and New York.  Opera credits include Arizona Opera, Julliard Opera Company, Curtis Institute of Music, Connecticut Opera, and Opera Columbus. Matthew’s work has also been seen at Florida Repertory Theatre, New Harmony Theatre, Contemporary Stage Company, Abingdon Theatre Company, Cumberland County Playhouse, Willow Cabin Theatre Company, and through extensive tours of Poland and Brazil.  A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Matthew is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. [TOP]

Stuart returns for his 21st season to STAGES where he is responsible for the electronic reproduction and orchestral realization of the music.  Stuart has spent most of his professional life creating and enjoying music for the theatre and is excited to continue his relationship with STAGES.  He is married to the lovely and enormously talented Michele Burdette Elmore and is the proud father of Madison Marie and Colby James. [TOP]