playbill vip

Mark Swezey

Director

Originally from New York City, Mark attended St. John’s University, Ottawa University, and the University of Kansas. After finishing school, Mark studied acting and directing at LaMama ETC in New York City. Soon after returning to Kansas City area, Mark became Theatre Director at Shawnee Mission South, where he created one of the most vibrant and student-led theatre programs in the Midwest. Awards: A Chorus Line and Cabaret (Best of Kansas City Theatre); Best Director for Company (The Barn Players); Best Director for Into the Woods (Greenroom Publications); Fantasticks (Top 10 at International Thespian Conference); Godspell (2012 Kansas State Thespian Conference); The Demmi Award and Founders Award (Theatre in the Park). Throughout his career, Mark has directed more than 350 productions. He views each production as a way to hold up a mirror to what is around us, to make the world a better place.

Kristi Mitchell

Musical Director/Conductor

Kristi Mitchell is a local music director, conductor, and actor. She has performed and directed at several professional and community theatres in the Kansas City area, had the honor of being a featured soloist at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. during its 25th Anniversary season, and has performed as a professional Christmas caroler with the Dickens Carolers.  Kristi received her Masters of Music Education degree from UMKC and has taught music at The Barstow School for the past twenty-four years. She previously served as a music director for the theatre department here from 1995-2005, when she had the privilege of music directing the nationally recognized production of "The Fantasticks" at the National Thespian Conference.  It's great to work with such a great team of instructors and students eager to learn.  Special thanks to Kym at the keyboard.  Enjoy the show!

Ann McCroskey

Ann (Choreographer) is a graduate of SMS and KU, where she founded and coached the Rock Chalk Dancers. Her choreography has been seen at Disney World, the General Foods "KOOL-AID" national dance team, and the World's Fair in Seville, Spain. She has taught for NCA Pom Camps and choreographed for the KC Chiefs cheerleaders. Ann is currently a dance instructor at Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice.