McKenzie Gerstenberger - Director
This is Mrs. Gerstenberger’s first year teaching and directing! Mrs. G graduated from CMU in May of 2025 and is thrilled to stay in the wonderful Mount Pleasant community. Shrek is the second show that Mrs. G has directed, after the fall play Clue. While directing MPHS shows, Mrs. G teaches 10th grade English, Drama I, and Drama IIA/B. She didn’t get involved in theater until high school, but her first role was an ancestor in The Addams Family Musical. Mrs. G can often be spotted hiking around the beautiful Mount Pleasant parks with her husband.
Mitchell Augenstein – Vocal Director
Mr. Augenstein is currently in his first year of teaching at Mt. Pleasant Middle School and High School as the Choir Teacher and the Vocal Director for the Musical. Throughout Mr. Augenstein's time in middle school and high school, he performed on stage in many productions including , The Adams Family, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Annie Jr., Bye Bye Birdie, Once Upon A Mattress, Lion King Jr., and The Music Man Jr.. Mr. Augenstein is excited to be back in the world of theater teaching our students the parts they sing and playing trombone in the pit! He would like to thank his family for continuously supporting his music endeavors, Ms. Emma Longoria for the mentorship, Mr. Matt Taton for the support he has given, and the talented students for working hard to perform their best and the lessons they have taught him along the way!
Emma Longoria – Pit Orchestra Director
Ms. Longoria is currently in her fourth year of teaching at Mt. Pleasant Middle School and High School where she teaches band, orchestra, jazz band, and is the associate director of the MPHS Marching Band. This is her third time conducting the pit orchestra and it continues to be a rewarding experience each year! Throughout Ms. Longoria's time in high school and college, she performed on stage in many productions including Into the Woods, The Phantom of the Opera, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, High School Musical, and The Little Mermaid. Ms. Longoria is excited to be back in the world of theater conducting the musicians in the pit! She would like to thank her family for continuously supporting her music endeavors, Mr. Matt Taton for the mentorship, and the talented students for working hard to perform their best!
John Klak – Scenic & Lighting Designer, Technical Director
Mr. Klak is in his second year of enjoying semi-retirement in his position as the MPPS Performing Arts Center Auditorium Manager and also as designer, technical director for this year’s productions of Clue and Shrek The Musical. Starting at MPHS in the fall of 1995, Mr. Klak taught English and drama, directed after-school productions in the Fall and Spring, and worked as the Stage Director, Producer, and Technical Director for the musical. Over his 29 year career at MPHS, Mr. Klak oversaw 118 productions at MPHS. He has been delighted to be able to continue working with the students and volunteers involved in this year’s terrific production of Shrek The Musical.
Travis Hunt - Choreographer
Travis is so excited to be choreographing his first show at MPHS. During his time at CMU, Travis served as Assistant Choreographer for Little Shop of Horrors (2021), and Kinky Boots (2022), and as Dance Captain in Cabaret (2023). He was a two year member of the CMU Dance Team, winning a National Title in 2023. Travis is the Studio Manager at Mt. Pleasant School of Dance, directing the annual production of Nutcracker Reimagined! production, Spring Concert, and serving as Lead Instructor of Jazz and Musical Theatre. He is excited to finish out his first year as Head Coach of the MPHS Varsity Dance Team. Thank you to Wendy for our first collaboration together, and the entire production crew for setting such high standards!
Wendy Hoyle - Producer
Ms. Hoyle teaches 8th grade language arts at Mt. Pleasant Middle School and leads the drama and improv club. Ms. Hoyle is no stranger to the stage as a performer and director. She started acting at a young age and was on stage for four years as a student at MPHS with Mr. Klak directing. Ms Hoyle continues to perform and direct productions for The Gratiot County Players in Alma. Shrek The Musical is providing her first experience as a producer. Ms. Hoyle appreciates all of those who helped with this production including the actors, those on tech, music, Samantha Royce - graphic design guru, and the many parents. Enjoy the show!
A few more Thank Yous!
Thank you to Total Lee Sports for doing a wonderful job with our Shrek show shirts.
Thanks to WCFX and WCZY for hosting our students on their shows and promoting our production.
Thanks to the Rotary Club for hosting our students as well!
