Teaching Artist Bios

Mike Ricci has been teaching and directing for over thirty years, and has directed over 120 productions in his career, including big and small cast musicals, dramas, comedies, youth theatre, devised theatre, and theatre for the incarcerated. He has served on the theatre faculty of Florida State, Penn State, Univ. of Louisville, Winthrop Univ., and many others. He most recently held the position of Director of Theatre at North Hennepin Community College. He has studied acting in New York at HB Studios, Stella Adler and American Academy of Dramatic Arts and holds an MFA in Directing from Florida State University. He continues to teach acting and directing workshops as well as mentor high school and college students.

Nathaniel is a sound designer who works all over the Twin Cities area, with past credits including Lyric Arts, the Old Log, the Chan, Park Square, and Children's Theatre, among others. During his (fleeting) spare time, he enjoys swing dancing, tabletop games, playing the piano, and serving his cat. Carpe diem!

Jason is currently a Lighting Technician at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and has been for over 13 years.  He previously led the theatre program at Champlin Park High School, serving as Director and Lighting Designer/Set Designer for over 18 years.  As a freelance lighting designer, Jason has collaborated with a variety of theatre organizations, including GREAT Theatre, Cedar Summerstock Theatre, Bunce Performing Arts, Young Artists Initiative and Champlin Park High School.  He holds a Minnesota K-12 Theatre Arts Teaching License and a Master of Arts degree in Education.