Theatre Guild of Simsbury "The Wizard of Oz" Creative Team Announced

CREATIVE TEAM

As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of TGS, we are thrilled to announce the Creative Team for The Wizard of Oz!

DOREEN COHN (Director)
Doreen Cohn has been involved with TGS for over 40 years, onstage, as well as behind the scenes. From dancer, actor, director and set designer to board member, TGS has always been her “theater home.” Retired from Avon Public Schools, Doreen is now Executive Director for the Farmington Valley Stage Company in Collinsville. In addition, she has taught theater and directed productions for numerous school systems, organizations, and community theater groups. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to celebrate TGS’s 50th anniversary with a reimagining of the classic THE WIZARD OF OZ. This is truly a ‘full circle’ opportunity having directed the 2007 TGS production.”

KATIE STODD KNAPP (Music Director)
Katie Stodd Knapp is thrilled to be behind the table as part of the creative team for The Wizard of Oz! Since earning her BA in music (emphasis in vocal performance) from Luther College, she has worked with theatres across the country and in New York City as an actor, music director, director, and Teaching artist. Music direction credits include the Youth Performance Company (MN), TADA! Youth Theatre (NYC), Stagedoor Manor (NY), The National Theatre for Children, Troupe America, The Theatre at Monmouth, and the Roundbarn Theatre. She earned a Master’s Degree in Theatre Education and English Education from NYU, and took her talents to CT, where she served as music director for multiple shows with the Newington Children’s Theatre Company, and her “home base,” South Windsor High School, where she teaches English and Theatre and serves as assistant director of the show choir.

MATT GUERRERA (Choreographer)
Matt Guerrera is a graduate of Muhlenberg College where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Theatre with concentrations in education, choreography, performance studies, and stage management. Matt has studied dance for over twenty years and teaches at various private dance studios and community centers throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. He is a Certified Personal Trainer and works at The Bushnell Performing Arts Center as a Front of House Associate. Throughout Connecticut, Matt has choreographed a multitude of shows for various ages and theatre programs. Matt most recently choreographed Theatre Guild of Simsbury’s production of Shrek the Musical and is in the midst of choreographing Matilda Jr. at South Windsor Middle School and Fiddler on the Roof at Greenwich High School. He is looking forward to choreographing Newsies this summer with the East Hartford Summer Youth Festival before returning as choreographer forThe Wizard of Oz. He has performed professionally with the Muhlenberg Summer Theatre in My Fair Lady (Dance Ensemble) and Anything Goes (Dance Captain). During the spring of 2018 Matt studied dance in Arezzo, Italy at the Accademia Dell’Arte.

Stay Tuned for audition dates and ticket information!
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We look forward to those who will audition for the show. However please reach out to us if you would like to assist with backstage crew. We'd love to have you!!

Kind regards,
Theatre Guild of Simsbury