John Rea (Artistic Director and Writer/Director) graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and a Teaching Certificate (K-12). He also received an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. He was the director of Discovery Division for youth at the Walnut Street Theatre from 1995-99. He was the Literary Manager/Dramaturg for Philadelphia Theatre Company from 1997-99. For the past 26 years he has overseen all MacGuffin productions and teaches a variety of classes there. He has directed several film projects for MacGuffin including: More Than Anything (2018), Clueless, After Midnight Scream for Monty Python’s Ghostbusting Brother, Getting Out and Chasing the MacGuffin (documentary), Happy Birthday and A Real Kiss. He has composed music for many shows including Arcadia and The Women of Argos. As a playwright/composer/lyricist he has written The Skeleton Woman, Mak and the Shepherds, Cinderella Story, More Than Anything, The Three Trees, As I Do (Playwriting Award, Cleveland Public Theatre), The Lost, The Cruel Sister, A Place Called Up, The Tale of Orpheus, Mischief Manor,Dodger, The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, The Fiery Furnace, Eden, The Witches, Wendy’s Story,Jonah and the Big Fish and Vito, The Snakes of Fangore (Jackie White Memorial Prize, 3rd place), The 13 Clocks, The Bees, The Dog Pound, The Troll Bridge, and Sorceress. He has taught music and drama in the Philadelphia School District and the Delaware County School District. Next up: developing his new horror musical, A Pocket Full of Posies.
Liz Fredette (Director in Residence, Choreographer) has been involved in theatre, in some way or another, since 1986 when she had the leading role in her 1st grade play. Liz attended Sarah Lawrence College where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Science in Education, with a focus on theatre education and acting. She has worked in myriad capacities on more than 30 productions with MacGuffin – some of her favorite MTF directing credits include: The Odyssey, Seussical the Musical, Romeo + Juliet (2022), The Brutus Files, Much Ado About Nothing (2020), Hamlet, A Year with Frog and Toad, Metamorphoses, As You Like It, Honk!, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo + Juliet (2015), The Lion King (2014), Much Ado About Nothing (2011), and Twelfth Night (2009). Liz is the Director in Residence at MacGuffin where she has functioned as: Associate Artistic Director; Director; Assistant Director; Choreographer; Stage Manager; Costume, Set, and Props Designer; Company Manager; and Instructor. Outside of her work at MacGuffin, Liz is also the Creator and Director of Poolside Players, a theatre group for kids ages 5-13 at Lombard Swim Club. She has taught and directed theatre at various schools in the Philadelphia area, including Friends Select School, The Philadelphia School, Germantown Friends School, and Schwartz Preschool. Over the years, she has worked with several theatre companies and programs in Philadelphia and New York, including Arden Theatre Company and Lunchbox Theatre Outreach. A huge thanks to all her students, past and present, for their dedication and inspiration, and their families for the unwavering support. This and everything is for Bex. Next up? Directing As You Like It!
Taylor Molt (she/her) (Director's Assistant) is a Philadelphia based singer, actor, writer, and theatre educator. She is a resident vocal coach at MacGuffin and has worked on various summer camp productions as a choreographer. Taylor holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Washburn University and an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. Taylor is a repertoire company member of Without A Cue Productions, and Assistant Program Director of Rutgers University–Camden Department of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts. As an actor, she has worked with various companies in the South Jersey/Philly area. She wants to thank the students for all the hard work they consistently have put into this show from the beginning, and John and Liz for welcoming her into their rehearsal space and first main stage show!
