MEET THE TEAM

Executive Director

(She/her)

Elizabeth graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, the prestigious institution founded by Sir Paul McCartney. With over 15 years experience working internationally in performing arts and arts education as a performer, director, teaching artist and project manager, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to BPA. She believes that theatre arts can be a powerful tool to enrich lives and connect communities, and is committed to building a brave and inclusive space for creative exploration.

Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra Music Director

(He/him)

Ryan is an accomplished conductor and music educator, currently pursuing his doctorate in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Washington, where he leads the Campus Philharmonia and serves as Assistant Conductor of the UW Symphony Orchestra. Ryan has worked with professional orchestras across the country, including the Auburn Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, and Colorado MahlerFest, and has guest conducted with Octava Chamber Orchestra and Lake Union Civic Orchestra. He is passionate about creating performances that are both artistically vibrant and deeply engaging.

Marketing & Communications Manager

(She/her)

Talena is a graduate of the Theatre Arts program at Gonzaga University and boasts over a decade of professional marketing and communications experience. She acts professionally all throughout the greater puget sound area, but her favorite place to perform is right here on the BPA stage! You may have seen her as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, or perhaps as Plankton in The Spongebob Musical. She is overjoyed to spend her working hours spreading the joy and magic of BPA’s mission to as many people in the community as possible.

Operations Director

(She/her)

Christen brings over 20 years of experience in Office Management, Executive Administration and Customer Experience to her role at BPA. She is a professional actor and voice over artist, a former teaching artist at BPA Theatre School, and has performed, co-produced and co-created theatre around the US. Her lifelong dedication to the performing arts brings a passion and understanding to the Operations Director role and a deep connection to the mission of BPA.

Front of House Manager

(She/her)

Nic serves as the Front of House Manager at Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA), where her warmth and wit set the stage for unforgettable experiences. With a background as a visual artist and an innate talent for connecting with people, Nic ensures every guest feels like the star of the show. Whether managing bustling crowds or sharing a laugh at concessions, she blends kindness, efficiency, and a dash of humor to create a welcoming atmosphere. Nic is thrilled to bring her creative spark and organizational savvy to BPA, elevating the magic of every performance.

Outreach Coordinator

(She/her)

Kathleen began hanging around BPA in the early 1990’s when her two sons were hit with the theatre bug. Eventually, BPA offered her a couple of roles that no one else seemed to want - grant writing, donation records, archives, and poster distribution – that, along with the occasional dramaturg gig, she has combined into “Community Outreach Coordinator.” A 2009 Island Treasure in the Humanities, she also coordinates Library U programs for the Bainbridge Public Library and volunteers for several other island nonprofits. You will never see her on the BPA stage!

Production Manager

(She/her)

Deirdre brings decades of extensive experience in theatre production and design to her role at BPA. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts’ Performance Production program, she has worked as a stage manager, designer and producer across the Seattle area and beyond, contributing to both professional and touring productions. She takes enormous pride in BPA’s stellar reputation for producing high-quality shows and providing a supportive, nurturing experience for everyone involved. Deirdre is continually inspired by the collaborative spirit and creative excellence of the BPA community.

Assistant Production Manager

(She/her)

With a background in theater production and a passion for the arts, Eliza brings a wealth of experience and creativity to BPA. Eliza’s dedication to ensuring every performance runs smoothly, and her attention to detail, make her an invaluable member of the BPA team. When she’s not behind the scenes, Eliza enjoys exploring new theatrical techniques and collaborating with local artists to bring fresh ideas to the stage. Her commitment to excellence and innovative spirit continues to enhance BPA’s productions and organizational culture.

Technical Director

(He/him)

David comes to BPA after having lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. Since receiving his BA in Technical Theatre from San Francisco State University he worked in a variety of capacities for companies throughout the region. Most recently he served as Operations Manager for Holzmueller Productions, the west coast’s oldest theatrical services organization.

Theatre School Manager

(She/her)

Amanda is a passionate educator, director, and performer who brings a decade of experience in theatre and film education (and over 20+ years of performance experience) to her role at BPA. A graduate of the University of Washington with a B.A. in Acting, she has performed in numerous film and theatre productions while continuing her own training in the performing arts. Amanda began teaching in 2015 and discovered a deep love for inspiring creativity and authenticity in young artists. As Theatre School Manager, she brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to arts education, fostering inclusive, imaginative, and empowering experiences for every young performer.

Teaching Artist

(She/her)

Tina Guldhammer Frei has been teaching and performing improvisational theatre since 2001, with a deep passion for collaborative storytelling and creative exploration. She joined Bainbridge Performing Arts as a teaching artist in 2022 and is a founding member of Bainbridge Improv Collective. With a background in improv, storytelling, writing, and ensemble-based work, Tina brings over two decades of experience helping students tap into their creative voice. She loves guiding tweens, teens, and adults as they take creative risks, build confidence, and discover the joy of theatre in a supportive, playful environment.

Teaching Artist

(She/her)

Emily Kay is a graduate of AMDA College of the Performing Arts and a Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio, with 20+ years of experience performing both on the stage and on screen as an actor, singer and dancer. She has trained with artists such as Martin Landau, Salome Jens, and Lou Antonio exploring the Strasberg method.
Emily is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience as an artist and encouraging others to find their voice, fine tune their “instruments”, and encourage risk taking on the journey of discovering their artistry. 

Teaching Artist

(She/her)

Laurel trained with notable teachers like Janet Alhanti and Iris Klein in Meisner technique and John Theis in theatrical improvisation. She began her career at twelve and pursued acting professionally in Hollywood, with credits spanning from commercials to roles on CBS, NBC, and HBO. Laurel is passionate about helping students discover their unique voices and thrive in BPA’s inclusive, joy-filled environment, where stories have the power to change lives.

Teaching Artist

(She/her)

Nina is a concert coloratura, actor, and voice teacher with over 20 years of professional experience in performance and administration across a wide range of musical arts organizations, including the Dallas Bach Society, where she served as the Executive Director. Her education includes six years of study in vocal performance at Rollins College and Boston University College of Fine Arts and ongoing doctoral research in the history and philosophy of vocal pedagogy at GCAS College Dublin. She is the owner of Bainbridge Vocal Studio and a co-founder of the Musical Theatre Young Artist Program at Port Gamble Theatre. She is proud to be a part of this talented team of Teaching Artists at BPA.