Skip Ploss, Director
Skip Ploss has been involved in community theater for more than 35 years, working throughout Lower Fairfield County as a director, actor, designer, and mentor. His love of theater began in childhood—starting with shows staged in his garage—and grew into a lifelong passion for storytelling and collaboration. Skip began his theater career in 1990 with The Newtown Players and joined The Wilton Playshop in 1991. Over the years, he has worn many hats, from backstage crew to theater president, and has directed a wide range of productions. Guys and Dolls marks his 55th show as a director and holds special meaning as the first musical he directed nearly 30 years ago. He also spent 18 seasons directing musicals for Wilton Children’s Theater, focusing on building confidence and teamwork in young performers. In addition to theater, Skip is a lifelong artist and the author and illustrator of seven children’s books inspired by his work with young students and his belief in the power of creativity. His books are available at Plossville.com, Amazon, and Wild Child in Wilton Center. Offstage, Skip recently retired after 20 years as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Wilton’s Miller-Driscoll School, where he co-created The Miller-Driscoll Morning Show, a K–2 television studio program. Skip is thrilled to be directing Guys and Dolls once again and thanks the creative team, volunteers, and his family—especially his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sarah.
Barbara Speare, Music Director
Barbara is thrilled to return to WCT and delighted to work with Skip & Debra. She is most grateful for the fabulous cast, interns, crew, parents, and especially, the wonderful producers, Melissa, Casie, & Laura. Many thanks to the WCT board for this opportunity. Originally hailing from the west, Barbara earned her BFA at Stephens College, MM from the University of Southern California, and has performed extensively from coast to coast. Upon moving to Wilton, Barbara directed the annual musical at Our Lady of Fatima Regional School for 15 years, and has been the music director for over 25 productions locally including The Wilton Playshop and Wiremill Academy. She is grateful to her husband, Jon, for his support.
Debra MacDonald, Choreographer
Debra MacDonald is an accomplished musical theater choreographer whose past work on shows like West Side Story, The Addams Family, and Oklahoma have been seen on stages in CT, MA, and NY. As an educator, Debra’s teaching philosophy blends professional performance technique with inclusive, foundational training. She currently teaches music and movement at the Greens Farms Nursery School and holds two degrees in early childhood education. Debra previously served as Lower School Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator for the Ballet School of Stamford and taught ballet for 15 years at the CT Dance School. Committed to making dance accessible, Debra co-founded Dance 4 All Abilities, a program for students with varying needs, building on her professional training at institutions like American Ballet Academy and adaptive training at Boston Ballet. Debra is thrilled to be joining the team at Wilton Children’s Theater. Break a leg to Guys & Dolls Jr. cast and crew!
Jim Durkin, In Phase Audio, Sound Designer / Implementation
Jim Durkin is the proud owner of In Phase Audio. The 2025-2026th season marks the 37th season for In Phase Audio with WCT. In Phase Audio (IPA) provides on-location sound systems for diverse applications, including all types of music, theater, public speaking, festivals, and sporting events. Although the firm covers a wide geographic area, IPA spends much of its time in Wilton operating sound systems at Middlebrook and Wilton High School graduations and other school events, and WCT Summerstage. Jim, Cotter, Lou, John and the entire crew at IPA look forward to another great performance with WCT.
Craig Gehr, LX Lighting, LLC, Lighting Designer / Implementation
Craig has been a lighting designer for almost four decades, lighting everything from Nutcrackers to political events - he's done it all! He has been working with WCT for over 25 years and is looking forward to another successful performance with the group.
