Rock Your Audition Masterclass Instructor

Claudia Marsh (she/her) graduated from Central Michigan University, where she received her BFA in Theatre Performance and Directing. Claudia is a strong advocate for theater education. She is a middle school drama teacher, serves as Chairwoman of the Youth Theatre Committee for Midland Center for the Arts, and sits on the education committee for Community Theatre Association of Michigan. She is also frequently found working offstage as well. Her recent credits include lighting design and master electrician for 611 Theatre Company, a performer with the Friction Theatre Company, director for local high and middle schools, and a stage combat choreographer for several local organizations.

Beginning Stages Performance Track Instructor

Kate Fort fell in love with the Beginning Stages program last spring as a volunteer and is excited to be returning as an instructor! Her passion for theatre and theatre education began over two decades ago, in a program not too dissimilar from BeSt. As a twelve-year member of the Center Stage community, Kate has been involved in almost every aspect of theatrical production, from onstage as an actor, to behind the scenes as a stage manager, production coordinator, and director. She is also a long-serving board member for the Volunteer Relations Committee, and currently serves as their chair.

Beginning Stages Performance Track Instructor

Sara Gochenour is a theatre artist, actor, and educator with over fifteen years of experience working in educational and community theatre. She got her BA in Theatre Communication from Grand Valley State University, where she performed in many shows, including touring educational shows both to local Michigan schools and internationally. Recently she was on the Center’s stage as Jo in Little Women, as well as working as production Dramaturg for Little Women and These Shining Lives. After working with the brilliant students of the fall Beginning Stages session, she is excited to play (and learn) with the spring BeSties!

Beginning Stages Technical Track Instructor

Melissa (Melly) Bornemann has been performing in the Great Lakes Bay Region for more than twenty-five years. She has been seen both on stage and backstage here at the Center, most recently in The Sparrow, Stage Managing Little Women, in the Ensemble of RENT, and Directing Seussical. Melly also has been working with the Center's Youth Theatre Program since 2017. She cannot wait to get started with the program she has helped to establish with Center Staff and volunteers. Melly is eager to bring stories to life on the stage with some wonderful young artists.

Beginning Stages Technical Track Instructor

Stephanie (Steph) Wimer (she/her) is a costume and hair/makeup designer who also dabbles in performance. She has worked on several productions at Midland Center for the Arts since 2020, including MLM is for Murder, where she took the stage as Sienna, as well as designed the costumes and created the fashion line used by the show's protagonist. Other notable design work with Center Stage Theatre includes: A Christmas Story: The Musical (costumes) and Little Women (wigs and makeup). She is also a vocalist who placed first at the NATS competition last fall in the adult musical theatre category and regularly sings with the Saginaw Choral Society. Steph has taught several classes for the BeSt program in the past and is looking forward to help guide the next generation of behind the curtain magic makers!