Kith & Kin is proud to announce our directors for the Music & a Movie series this summer!
Anastasia Esther - Beetlejuice
Anastasia Esther is a Milwaukee-based artist and a recent graduate of the UW - Milwaukee department of Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres. This is her theatrical directing debut but her previous work spans across multiple media including film, television, public art, and virtual reality. Esther is also the host of Filmosophy, a podcast dedicated to the discussion and examination of ethics in the film and TV industry. She greatly looks forward to marrying the macabre and the marvelous as Beetlejuice leaps from the screen this May!
Adrianna Jones - Hairspray
Adrianna Jones (Director) is thrilled to be making her directing debut in the Milwaukee area. Adrianna began her career as a performing artist after she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Webster University, located not far from her hometown of Alton, Illinois. After graduating, she performed in Los Angeles for several years before her performance career took her onto the high seas, performing for Norwegian Cruise Lines. A recent graduate of their Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy program, Adrianna currently teaches at Carthage College as adjunct faculty in the Theatre Department. She also teaches private voice lessons at RG Performing Arts Studios in Kenosha. In addition to teaching, Adrianna does occasionally take to the stage. You may have seen her onstage when she recently performed in Carthage College’s production of Frontline, a verbatim play. Recent directing credits include A Raisin in the Sun (Fleeing Artists Theatre), and coming up in Fall 2023, Adrianna will be directing Racine Theatre Guild’s production of Seasonal Allergies. www.adrianna-jones.com
Carmen Castello - La La Land
Carmen is a midwest movement and theatre artist currently studying at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. With a major in theatre and minors in dance and linguistics, she has worked as a choreographer (Lake Country Playhouse, Le Ménage Theatre), assistant director, and dialect coach (LCP). Recently, she has performed with Valleyfair entertainment and been onscreen for the Wisconsin Elections Commission. La La Land will be her directorial debut, and she is delighted to be able to work on such a jazzy show!
Jim Van Deusen - Music Director
Jim Van Deusen has been involved with music theater for the past 47 years as a pit musician, conductor, music director and vocalist. He has performed at just about every theater company in southeastern Wisconsin as a professional and many area high schools. Jim earned his BFA in Music Education and taught band for 30 years. He also received his Master in Music Performance and for the last 5+ years has been the Music Minister at St. Joseph Church in Big Bend. His high school groups have performed all over the world and garnished many state, national and international acclaim. Jim as a perfomer has played with incredible professionals such as Chris Vadala, Doc Sevrinesen, Maynard Ferguson, Frank Mantooth, Steve Wiest and others. His passion for music theater is wonderful and is looking forward to making this project a success.
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