Board of Directors
Children’s Theatre of Elgin (CTE) was founded in 1988 by brothers Peter and David Akemann in response to a community need for performing arts opportunities that allowed for casting every child who was willing to work hard. Originally partnering with the City of Elgin Recreation Department, CTE soon became an established Elgin-based Illinois 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. The company provides young artists and the community dynamic, family-friendly theatrical experiences.
In 1993, Fox Valley Theatre Company (FVTC) was added for young people ages 14-20 years as an affiliate of CTE to continue services to older participants and provide an advanced acting and vocal focus.
The two theatre companies are governed by a single board of directors, comprised of:
Executive Board – This includes the Board President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Producing Board – At-large members responsible for the governance of the organization and producing shows.
Artistic Board – Board volunteers with a background in music and/or theatre, who serve to guide the artistic direction of the organization.
Technical Board – Volunteers with a background in technical theatre who advise the Board on technical needs and lead tech programs.
Auxiliary members – A non-voting Auxiliary Board which handles publicity, set and costume shops, group sales, and equipment management. The Auxiliary Board members do not attend Board meetings.
Managing Director – CTE staff member who handles the day-to-day management of the organization, and serves to execute the decisions of the Board. The Managing Director attends Board meetings but does not vote.
Duties of the Board
Board members serve as producers for CTE/FVTC’s productions. Each individual is required to complete a Producer Class before accepting a Board position. In this way, they become familiar with the organizational structure and the process of bringing a large-scale production to the stage before embarking as full-fledged producers. Board members meet regularly to discuss and vote upon the operations of the organization. The Board is responsible for the financial, artistic, and overall well-being of the organization.
Producer Job Description
The Producer is ultimately responsible for the entire production, including the financial performance. Producer should ensure that the production breaks even or generates a modest gain as dictated by the Board. Each Board member, except the President and Treasurer, are responsible for acting as Producer for one show every two years. The duties of a Producer include creating a show budget, approving all show expenses, hiring independent contractors for the show (such as Show Director, Choreographer, etc), attending production meetings, serving as the final decision-maker when conflicts arise, and working for the overall success of the show. Each Producer has the chance to shadow another Producer before they produce their first show.
Meet our Board
ANNA ROBERTS
PRESIDENT
Anna Roberts has been with CTE since 2016 after her oldest daughter decided she wanted to give theater a try. Anna quickly found her niche in cast management and enjoyed working with the various cast members. She has been a valued member of School District U-46 since 2004. She has taught kindergarten, third, and fourth grades. She has also taught college level courses at National -Louis University. She is currently transitioning to the role of Rigor Equity Instruction Coach for the school district. With Anna’s organizational, operational, and growth mindset she is a valued member of our team.
BRENT HOULTRAM
VICE PRESIDENT
Brent is excited to be a part of the CTE board and share his lifelong love of theatre with our young performers. Brent has served in a variety of roles during his time with CTE, including Production Coordinator of Annie Jr. and Jack, Producer of Matilda and Director of Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical. Brent has spent the past 26 years working for United Airlines in a variety of roles and is currently the Manager of Harassment and Discrimination Investigations. When not in the theatre, Brent enjoys breathing in the ocean air from onboard a cruise ship or exploring new places with his favorite travel companion, his son Mason.
Larissa Catalano
SECRETARY
Larissa has been a longstanding member of Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company, acting in dozens of shows starting in early elementary school. After graduation from the program, she came back to serve as a Production Coordinator and is thrilled to now be on the Board and producing shows.
Cindy Kline
Treasurer
Cindy Kline started her involvement with Children’s Theatre of Elgin when her child Kevin joined the company, over twelve years ago. Both of her children have been involved throughout their lives, Kevin as an actor Choreographer, and Rachel as an actor, and later as a Production Coordinator. Cindy owns and operates her own wealth advisor and tax firm in Dundee, and has served as Treasurer since 2019.
ALLISON CHERRY
LEAD ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Allison has been a part of Children’s Theater of Elgin since 2nd grade. She grew up in the organization, graduated into FVTC, then began as an intern before moving into the roles of director, writer, teacher and board member. She has led or assisted in every aspect of the process from costumes and makeup, to music direction and choreography, but her favorite role is that of director. When she is not working with CTE, Allison is a 2nd grade teacher for Prairie View Grade School in Elgin. Allison also works with NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association) where they put on musicals for kids and adults who have special needs.
VANESSA KEPP
DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Vanessa Cardona Kepp has spent the past 15 years working in technology and innovation and now works with the nonprofit DonorsChoose, helping bring new ideas to life that support teachers and classrooms across the country. She’s passionate about creating spaces where kids, families, and communities can experience equity, creativity, and empowerment. As the Director of EDI and an Executive Board Member at CTE, Vanessa is proud to champion inclusivity in the performing arts and share her experience to help the CTE community thrive.
Vanessa loves living in Elgin, where she actively supports and partners with local small businesses to help them grow. A lifelong theatre lover, Vanessa is most at home behind the scenes, helping our productions run seamlessly. When she’s not bringing creative projects to life, you’ll likely find her catching a Broadway show in New York City with her two little stars, Jackson and Grey, or curled up with a good book and her dog, Elphaba.
jess yeska
BOARD MEMBER
Jess started her theater journey with CTE/FVTC at the age of 15 and has served on the board for nearly fourteen years. Her tenure with CTE eventually led to a career in theater, and she is now the Technical Coordinator at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, overseeing hundreds of theatrical and musical shows on their stages each year. In addition to her job, Jess is also a freelance photographer, focusing on children and families. She resides in Hampshire with her husband and son.
jen dienelt
board member
Jennifer Dienelt graduated with a B.S. from Illinois State University in child development. She then received her masters in Early Childhood Education and two endorsements (special education and ELL) from National Louis University. For over 15 years she has been teaching in Early Childhood Education (Special Education or At-Risk), and is a Developmental Therapist for the Early Intervention Program. She is married to her amazing husband and they have one daughter who started their CTE journey when she auditioned for A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr. As a family they love to spend time outdoors, taking awesome pictures, listening to music, dancing, being a part of the CTE community, and reading books for their YourTube Channel. Their favorite saying is “knowledge is power”. She is beyond excited to be part of the CTE/FVTC board.
meredith maheu
BOARD MEMBER
Meredith has a long love of theater going all the way back to her high school days when she was both on stage and off stage. She then joined Children’s Theater of Elgin when her daughter, Mara, showed an interest in theater. Seeing her daughter thrive and supported by this organization led her to wanting to be more involved in this wonderful organization. Meredith is a nurse that has specialized in oncology, orthopedics, medical surgical and quality. She has contributed a chapter to a patient’s book about their cancer therapy titled ’26 Points of Light.’ She is the proud mother of her daughter Mara and her son Shawn. She is also a native Texan so you may recognize her by her overuse of the word y’all.
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