Janet Maack
President
The extent of my theater experience is: Several years of row 7 season tickets to Broadway San Jose and before that, several years of Dorothy Chandler season tickets in LA. I literally have crippling stage fright due to some unfortunate experiences in 9th grade drama class with actress Christine Lahti when she was a Senior and I was the only Freshman in the class (that’s a story for another day).
I do, however have years of technical and administrative experience. I came into the Presidency feeling green, out of my league, inadequate for the job, shell shocked, I could go on… but after attending a few meetings, participating in the 24-25 planning session, and attending both a Storyteller rehearsal and a Taiko drum session, I feel something that I believe is the primary requirement for a job well done, and that is enthusiasm. Between running the gamut from laughter to tears watching the Storytelling rehearsal and experiencing pure joy in the Taiko drum class, I’m hooked.
Justine Lagerwey
Vice President
I am a Santa Cruz native raised in Aptos. I've worked in the travel industry and law enforcement. I am an active single parent. We love to camp and travel. I am currently enrolled full time at Cabrillo College in the Human Services Program focusing on wrap around services for seniors. Newly senior myself (wink), I feel it is important to stay active in body and mind, engaged and in community with others. I am excited to have joined the Next Stage Productions team as our board vice president. I am passionate about senior advocacy and looking forward to being a part of and supporting Next Stage Productions. I believe that engagement in the arts and literature is the best way to enrich and fill the soul. I look forward to serving the Next Stage Productions Community to the best of my ability.
Board Members at Large Maggie Pierce
Nancy Samsel
Christa Taylor
Sally Bookman
Risa Lower
Chair of Health & Wellness
Coming from both a theatre and corporate background, I hope my skills will enrich the opportunities that NextStage offers to the community.
While many people know NextStage for its musical and dramatic programs, less are aware of our educational and health care initiatives.
I am committed to bringing more creative aging to Santa Cruz County while expanding our programs for people living with Parkinson’s,
We welcome your participation. I invite you to get to know us better through volunteerism, joining our Board, and being a donor. Come have fun with us while making a difference.
Kathryn Adkins
Chair of Education & Performance
Kathryn Adkins has taught acting and voice at Cabrillo College in Aptos for 20 years. She is known for her creative interpretations of musicals including The Mikado, Seussical and Joseph and the Technicolored Dreamcoat. Her work has included teaching stage combat, voice and diction, stage movement, beginning acting technique, and private and class voice. Kathryn has performed many lead roles for Cabrillo Stage and has directed and performed for South Bay Musical Theater and Lyric Theater of San Jose. She sang with Cabrillo Music Festival, Santa Cruz Symphony, and toured with the Tandy Beal dance company.
Supporting Cast
Phyllis Petrocelli
Bookkeeper
Christa Taylor
Media Team
Claire Paul
Venue Coordinator
Sally Bookman
Reader’s Theater
Faith Zack
Newsletter & Web Master
Carole English
Historian Emeritus
Ellen Mazaika
Taiko Teacher & Assistant
Colleen Stobbe
Secretary
I’m so happy to be Secretary for NextStage Productions! I’ve been aware of NextStage Productions for years and have enjoyed seeing many friends in shows.
The arts reside in our family. I’ve written poetry all my life. My husband is an artist whose focus is life drawing. Our older son is a bass player living with his family in Capitola and our second son is a full time musician living in New Orleans. We are so lucky to have house concerts at least once a year!
What a fantastic group of people on the Board. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this valuable non-profit in our community.
Wade Terry
Treasurer
Wade is widowed and lives in Santa Cruz close to his daughter and her family. He is active in Osher Life Long Learning, Sirs, and enjoys hiking, golfing, and activities with friends and family.
Other volunteer experiences:
Vice President, Sun City Anthem Board of Directors 2010 - 2012
Director, American Honda Foundation -1995 - 1999
Chairman of the Board, Georgia Youth, Science, and Technology Foundation 1997 – 2000
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity 1992 – 1995
Work Experience:
Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division
Director, Sales, Marketing, and Service, The Toro Company, Irrigation Division
Lynn Knudsen
Executive Director Emeritus
Lynn enjoyed a twelve year professional career in Broadway Theatre, after which she moved to Los Angeles to have a family. She retired to Santa Cruz in 2004 to be closer to her granddaughters and reacquainted herself with her love of theatre and performance. Over the past several years she has been a Santa Cruz Follies performer, assistant director, and director of productions at the Market Street Theater. At Cabrillo Stage, a professional theatre, Lynn helped develop the Cabrillo Theatre Guild. In 2012 she brought a replication of the renowned Stagebridge Senior Theatre to Santa Cruz, which has now become Next Stage Productions. Lynn is an artist, teacher, business professional and creative aging advocate.