Joe Holdman, Lighting Designer.

I love the way lighting combines technology with visual arts to facilitate storytelling, and that it cannot be done effectively without willing collaboration.  I am flexible and love to help others – so ask questions, I’m happy to answer anything! I also greatly appreciate reliability, hard work, and focus.

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I have worked as a venue lighting technician for tours of Styx, America, Foreigner, Steve Miller Band, and Cloud Cult.

b) In my spare time I like to escape to the woods with my brother.

c) I have a secret love for 80’s music – the more awful synths, the better.

(b is the lie–I do love camping and other assorted outdoor activities, but I am an only child.)

Brent Comeau, ERHS Band Director & Pit Orchestra Conductor

What do I like best about my job?  Making music, of course!  I love working with students to realize their full potential and create awesome music together.  Professional Broadway musical books include challenging music (to say the least).  We read the same music the professionals do on Broadway!  That said, with some hard work and dedication…we can rule this music and make it our own!

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I’ve played tuba with the United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band in Washington, DC.

b) I’ve performed live on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado with The Moody Blues and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

c) I’ve conducted the pit orchestra for Singin’ in the Rain, Suessical, Anything Goes, Honk!, & My Fair Lady.

(b is the lie:  I’ve never seen the Moody Blues, but playing at Red Rocks would be amazing. 🙂 )

Elizabeth Gullick, Vocal Music Director

I love musicals, so I’m very excited to get to be part of one at East Ridge! I am passionate about making sure young singers continue to advance their vocal technique in a healthy way.  I expect students to work hard, and come ready to learn. I also think singing is the most fun thing in the world. 🙂

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I have lived in 6 states: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Washington.

b) While on a choir tour in high school, I climbed a mountain in British Columbia with well-known Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield.

c) My first role in a theatrical production was in 6th grade.  I played a penguin, and everything I said started with the letter “P”.

(a is the lie—I have never lived in Wisconsin.)

Jessica Sebeck Lugo, Costume Design

Making costumes is one of my passions.  I really look forward to working with the students to help them get into character.  Even if you don’t know how to sew a stitch, you can still help with costumes.  (A little hot glue, fusible web and velcro go a long way.)

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) My husband was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

b) In college my professors included a former C.I.A. Agent, a Chinese Qigong Master and a Riot Grrrl.

c) I speak four languages (some more fluently than others).

(a is the lie—My husband was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.)

Julia Schmitt, Choreographer

The best part about my job as a choreographer is getting to meet and work with such talented cast and crew members. I’m excited to get to meet the family at the Loft Stage!  Everyone involved in a project like putting on a musical is working towards a common goal: To put on the best show possible. I’m going to push for each of my actors to be their best; everyone is cast in the show for a reason, I want to constantly be reminded of why you were cast.

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I’ve had a TV show tweet me back more than once.

b) I joined Facebook within one year of its launch.

c) I have traveled to Spain twice.

(c is the lie—I’ve been to Spain only once while I was in Europe for a month. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel to India and Korea!)