MyStage is a 501(c)3 nonprofit performing arts studio dedicated to broadening the reach and impact of theatre for students of all abilities and skills. Our goal is to empower youth by building confidence and igniting creativity through performance.
Board Members:
Founder & Artistic Director: Connie Flores
President: Samantha Jens
Secretary: Open
Treasurer: Dawn Andry
Fundraising Chair: Julia Kelly
Michelle Das
Allison O'Donnell
Katerina Phillips
Donna Stockman
Rafael Villagomez
Committees:
Event Planning & Logistics: Holly Lewis
Event Planning: Amy Burley
Founder & Artistic Director: Connie Flores
President: Samantha Jens
Secretary: Open
Treasurer: Dawn Andry
Fundraising Chair: Julia Kelly
Michelle Das
Allison O'Donnell
Katerina Phillips
Donna Stockman
Rafael Villagomez
Committees:
Event Planning & Logistics: Holly Lewis
Event Planning: Amy Burley
Meet the staff...
Connie Flores (Founder & Artistic Director)
Since graduating from Elmhurst with a B.A. in Theatre Education in 2003, her beginnings in teaching the mainstream youth of Kane and DuPage County public schools have led to her vision for MYS. During her teaching at the public schools, she saw first-hand how beneficial performing arts is to all kids. Whether working with aspiring or shy performers, she has always been moved by the transformative power of performing arts. This impact became her catalyst for creating accessible opportunities open to the whole community. In January of 2011 Marquee Youth Stage was incorporated and registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since 2011, Connie has directed over one hundred productions while wearing many hats to keep the Marquee mission strong. Most recently, with the tremendous support of the community, staff and families, Connie has been fortunate to help lead the build-out and move efforts for the expanded new venue at 220 N. Randall Road.
Her thoughts on youth theatre...
“The stage is a creative platform where kids come together and become equals, rooting for each other. There is something so refreshing and amazing about believing in kids and watching them grow and rise beyond the expectations set for them. They are the reason for every production choice we've made, and they are the vision behind MyStage. MyStage is their stage; it reflects the pride, purpose, and energy that make each of them unique.”
Andrew Schneider (Music Director & Vocal Coach)
Andrew Schneider has a Master of Music degree from Northern Illinois University (2017) and earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University (2013). He has been teaching voice and piano lessons throughout the Chicago suburbs for the last ten years, in addition to playing in numerous bands. After graduate school, he was a bass II in the professional choir Cor Cantiamo before going on the road with his band and teaching full time. He brings his years of experience in singing and teaching, jazz, classical, rock, pop, country, and musical theater to people of all ages and experience levels. A favorite role he played was Tony in West Side Story! He also has years of experience doing audition prep for musicals, ILMEA choir and vocal jazz and many other kinds of auditions. Andrew is currently coaching private voice lessons at Marquee Youth Stage and is excited to be Music Directing.
Andrew Schneider has a Master of Music degree from Northern Illinois University (2017) and earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University (2013). He has been teaching voice and piano lessons throughout the Chicago suburbs for the last ten years, in addition to playing in numerous bands. After graduate school, he was a bass II in the professional choir Cor Cantiamo before going on the road with his band and teaching full time. He brings his years of experience in singing and teaching, jazz, classical, rock, pop, country, and musical theater to people of all ages and experience levels. A favorite role he played was Tony in West Side Story! He also has years of experience doing audition prep for musicals, ILMEA choir and vocal jazz and many other kinds of auditions. Andrew is currently coaching private voice lessons at Marquee Youth Stage and is excited to be Music Directing.
Colin Bokowy (Conservatory Instructor)
Colin leads the Conservatory Ensemble program in the summer. He has Directed and Music Directing several productions at Marquee Youth (some credits include: Disney's The Little Mermaid, Frozen Jr., Seussical Jr.). He is also the resident Director of Marquee Mainstage's professional summer productions, and head instructor of the Youth Conservatory Ensemble. Colin is a professional performer recognized throughout the state of Illinois. He has been seen in multiple regional productions throughout the Northwest suburbs. Recent acting credits include: Dr. Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, and Tony in West Side Story. Colin has over a decade of experience playing piano and studying classical, theatrical and contemporary voice. He studied acting, dance and trained briefly in New York City with Broadway actors and actresses.
Colin leads the Conservatory Ensemble program in the summer. He has Directed and Music Directing several productions at Marquee Youth (some credits include: Disney's The Little Mermaid, Frozen Jr., Seussical Jr.). He is also the resident Director of Marquee Mainstage's professional summer productions, and head instructor of the Youth Conservatory Ensemble. Colin is a professional performer recognized throughout the state of Illinois. He has been seen in multiple regional productions throughout the Northwest suburbs. Recent acting credits include: Dr. Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, and Tony in West Side Story. Colin has over a decade of experience playing piano and studying classical, theatrical and contemporary voice. He studied acting, dance and trained briefly in New York City with Broadway actors and actresses.
Ariel Buck Dooley (Costumer/Props Master)
Based in the Chicagoland area, Ariel Buck Dooley is an actor, singer, vocal and dialect coach. She has been seen in theatrical productions around the globe and was the co-founder of Spotlight Stage, a youth theatre company based in Santa Cruz, CA, and served as the company's Executive Director until 2014. In addition to producing, teaching and coaching, Ariel managed the company's costume, prop and scenic design departments.
Based in the Chicagoland area, Ariel Buck Dooley is an actor, singer, vocal and dialect coach. She has been seen in theatrical productions around the globe and was the co-founder of Spotlight Stage, a youth theatre company based in Santa Cruz, CA, and served as the company's Executive Director until 2014. In addition to producing, teaching and coaching, Ariel managed the company's costume, prop and scenic design departments.
Konnie Kay Sherry (Conservatory Dance Teaching Artist)
Konnie has been the Theatre Dance Instructor at Elgin Community College for 20 years and directed and choreographed for ECCMT for 17 years. She is also the director/choreographer for St. Charles North High School and is the choreographer for Maine South and East High Schools. Konnie has
choreographed and performed in numerous shows across the country with such performers as Donald O'Connor, Ben Vereen, Morgan Fairchild, Bill Hayes,Susan Seaforth Hayes, and David Letterman and the musical theatre department at UCLA. She had the honor last year tochoreograph for the Musical Theatre department at UCLA. She has done many roles that she is fond of, but none
compare to her favorite role as the wife to actor William Sherry and mother to Michael Gideon, and Taylor Marie.
Konnie has been the Theatre Dance Instructor at Elgin Community College for 20 years and directed and choreographed for ECCMT for 17 years. She is also the director/choreographer for St. Charles North High School and is the choreographer for Maine South and East High Schools. Konnie has
choreographed and performed in numerous shows across the country with such performers as Donald O'Connor, Ben Vereen, Morgan Fairchild, Bill Hayes,Susan Seaforth Hayes, and David Letterman and the musical theatre department at UCLA. She had the honor last year tochoreograph for the Musical Theatre department at UCLA. She has done many roles that she is fond of, but none
compare to her favorite role as the wife to actor William Sherry and mother to Michael Gideon, and Taylor Marie.
