Chris's love for theater began in 2007 when his youngest daughter got her first part in a play with Curtain Call. He started out mostly working on set construction, but soon discovered his passion for technical theater. In 2013, Chris began volunteering as a sound technician and later as a lighting technician. He quickly became known for his attention to detail and technical expertise, and currently serves as the organization's technical director and as a member of the Kokomo Curtain Call Theater for Children's Executive Board.
In addition to his work in theater, Chris has a background in engineering. He graduated from Purdue University in 1998 with a BS in Electrical Engineering, and currently works as a software engineer for a major US automotive supplier. However, Chris has always had a creative side and is passionate about using his skills to bring theater to life.
Chris is dedicated to the community and enjoys sharing his love of theater with others. He believes that live theater has the power to inspire and bring people together, and is honored to be a part of the Curtain Call family.
Suzie is the Director of Special Education. She has been part of Curtain Call since before we incorporated in 2001. She truly enjoys working with children and watching their creativity. Her goal on the board is to provide opportunities for children to participate, learn, and grow through the Arts.
Eli Cooper is excited to serve on the Curtain Call board and continue supporting the local theatre community. Eli has been involved in theatre since the age of 11, with a strong focus on sound design and the technical side of live performance. His passion for audio and production led him to study audio engineering at Belmont University, further developing his understanding of sound, live events, and the role technical theatre plays in bringing a production to life.
In addition to his theatre background, Eli holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Indiana University. Professionally, he works in property management and currently serves at Havens Auditorium, where he continues to stay connected to live performance and event operations.
Eli hopes to bring both his business background and theatre experience to Curtain Call. He is passionate about helping arts organizations grow in a thoughtful and sustainable way while continuing to create meaningful opportunities for performers, technicians, volunteers, and audiences in the community.
Jamie graduated from Purdue University in 2004 where she went on to teach English to high school and middle school students. Along with teaching, she coached softball and volleyball.
Now Jamie stays at home and runs her 3 young kids around to all of their activities. After her oldest got involved in Kokomo Curtain Call in 2023, she began to volunteer where needed and became the costume, hair & makeup coordinator for the shows.
Her goal is to see Kokomo Curtain Call grow even more in the community and give more kids an opportunity to be involved in the performing arts.
This last two years have been so enjoyable and stressful in a good way! When my son started showing more interest in singing and dancing I searched for an outlet. I told him going into his first audition that, whether he liked it or not, we were proud of him. Well, he loved it! Fast forward and we've met some AMAZING kids and adults! I enjoy helping others, and during Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I worked with Biz and Jeff and learned some helpful tips that got me nominated to help with set and costumes on my first show Wizard of OZ. Now, on to another show leading set! Theater is beautiful and I love teamwork so much. I have learned many theater words now with the help of LB, Chris, and many more and I continue to learn as much as I can to make the best show possible. I love all our new friends and heartfully adopted children who I will love forever. I am forever thankful to the theater community for making us feel so welcome.
Chad McCarter has been involved in theatre for as long as he can remember, stepping onto the stage for the first time at the age of five in "South Pacific." Since then, he has spent a lifetime performing, singing, acting, and embracing the magic that only live theatre can create. Whether under the spotlight or in the audience, Chad believes that theatre is one of the greatest gifts we can share... a place where stories come to life, confidence is built, and lifelong memories are made.
Professionally, Chad spent twenty-two years working as a graphic designer before transitioning into his current role managing the Bulk Department for Coca-Cola of Kokomo. His passion for personal growth and helping others has also led him into the fitness industry, where he earned his Personal Training License and Nutrition Certification and even serves as a fitness instructor.
Chad has been married to his wife, Deanna, for twenty-five years, and together they are the proud parents of their daughter, Brielle. Family, faith, community service, and encouraging others to discover their potential are at the heart of everything he does.
Beyond his professional and artistic endeavors, Chad has dedicated countless hours to serving his community. He has volunteered with numerous boards, committees, and community organizations throughout Howard County and remains actively involved in a variety of local charitable initiatives. Over the years, he has worked alongside organizations focused on youth development, health and wellness, community outreach, education, family services, and the arts. He believes strong communities are built through service and is passionate about giving back to the people and organizations that make Howard County such a special place to call home.
A lifelong advocate for the arts, Chad believes theatre plays a vital role in strengthening communities. Beyond entertainment, theatre teaches creativity, teamwork, empathy, communication, and self-confidence. For children especially, the stage provides a safe place to dream big, find their voice, and discover talents they may never have known they possessed. Theatre creates connections across generations, backgrounds, and experiences, fostering understanding and bringing communities together in a way few other activities can.
When he’s not filling shelves with the most refreshing beverages on the PLANET, teaching fitness classes, volunteering, or supporting local charities, you’ll likely find Chad scoping out his next tropical beach vacation, spending time with his friends and family, cheering on local theatre productions, supporting youth programs, or finding any excuse possible to step back onto a stage. He considers it a privilege to serve his community and to advocate for the arts, ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to experience the joy, growth, and sense of belonging that theatre has provided throughout his life.
Amanda is an English and Journalism teacher at Kokomo High School. She has helped with numerous KHS and Curtain Call productions. She was co-director for Curtain Call's Steel Magnolias and You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. Amanda is a Curtain Call Alumni.
Her mom started taking her to shows when she was a toddler and she has been hooked on theatre ever since. Amanda has been involved with Curtain Call since she was 5 years old. She has loved being a part of Curtain Call's legacy and its growth as a board member.
Rex has had an interest in theater since high school, having been involved backstage and in technical roles for several school productions. His passion for theater rekindled when his children showed interest after watching their first Curtain Call show in winter of 2006. Later that year, one of his children was cast in their first show, “Mr. Toad’s Mad Adventures.” The same year Rex stepped out from backstage and auditioned for Kokomo Civic Theaters “West Side Story” and was cast in a major role. These two events started his family on an adventure in community theater lasting to this day. Rex's children have performed in 20 shows for Curtain Call and other local community theater groups, and he has performed in 19 different productions. Rex designed and built sets for multiple shows and has directed two shows for Curtain Call. He joined the Executive Board for Curtain Call in the summer of 2022 and is proud to be able to serve the theater arts in our community.
Rex has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Purdue University and is a recently retired Chief Engineer who has worked for regional automotive companies working on hybrid and electric components for vehicles. He previously was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts as Den Leader/Cubmaster and then served the district as Training Chairman for a term.