MyStage is a 501(c)3 performing arts education organization dedicated to broadening the reach and impact of theatre so that students of all abilities and skills may benefit. Our goal is to increase performing arts opportunities in order to build confidence, enrich minds, ignite creativity, and ultimately empower youth with the skills and knowledge of how theater can serve and benefit the community at large.
As we count down to 2025, we'll share each season’s show highlights along with photos and acknowledgements in the making of our new home. We hope to see you all at the theatre soon! From all of us at Marquee- have a safe, healthy and happy new year full of light, love and blessings! ENDLESS THANKS!
Board Members
Founder & Artistic Director: Connie Flores
President: Samantha Jens
Secretary: Kelsey Rubin
Treasurer: Dawn Andry
Board Members:
Gina Cerrone
Michelle Das
Joyce Florio
Donna Stockman
Julie Zimmermann
President: Samantha Jens
Secretary: Kelsey Rubin
Treasurer: Dawn Andry
Board Members:
Gina Cerrone
Michelle Das
Joyce Florio
Donna Stockman
Julie Zimmermann
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 amazed by the transforming impact that performing arts has on all young performers. It was this powerful impact that inspired her to create opportunities that would be open to the whole community. In January, 2011 Marquee Youth Stage was incorporated and registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since 2011, Connie directed over a 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.”
Colin Bokowy (Director, Music Director, & Vocal Coach)
In addition to teaching private voice at Marquee, Colin has been seen Directing 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 been playing piano and studying classical, theatrical and contemporary voice for over 10 years. He studied acting, dance and trained briefly in New York City under the instruction of many Broadway actors and actresses.
In addition to teaching private voice at Marquee, Colin has been seen Directing 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 been playing piano and studying classical, theatrical and contemporary voice for over 10 years. He studied acting, dance and trained briefly in New York City under the instruction of many Broadway actors and actresses.
Ariel Buck Dooley (Teaching Artist, Stage Manager & Costumer/Props Master
Based in Chicago, IL, 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 Chicago, IL, 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.
