2023 Faculty

Kate Fortin began working in theater back in 2013, directing shows for the OnStage Children’s Theater Education Program at the Morton Roxy Theater. In 2015, Kate graduated from The Evergreen State College with a degree in Visual and Theater Arts. Shortly after graduating, she joined the staff at Pacific Northwest Theater as the Scenic Designer, and continues to design the sets to this day. During the winter of 2019, Kate worked as the Stage Manager for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum. She’s volunteered locally as a Stage Manager for productions at The Evergreen Playhouse and Olympia Little Theatre. In addition to being part of the CTE team, Kate also works as a facilitator for the challenge course at the Cispus Learning Center and runs a face painting party business. In her spare time, Kate is active in the local Sacred Harp community and enjoys working with the Peninsular Railway and Lumbermen’s Museum to promote their seasonal events.

Louise has been involved with CTE since 2006, as a parent and Board member. After 2008 she became more involved –  running registration and coordinating volunteers for the shows. She has worked in the office during the CTE season for several years and manages the administration of CTE during the off-season.

Paul has enjoyed being part of CTE since 1997, and in 2010 he became the Spotlight Workshop Director. A graduate of The Evergreen State College, he holds a degree in Theatre and Education. Paul is on loan from New York, but local credits include shows at Harlequin Productions, Capital Playhouse, Theater Artists Olympia, Olympia Family Theater, Olympia Little Theater, and the Northwest Playwrights Alliance. He would like to thank all his family and friends for their love and support.

Melissa Maañao is excited to be part of the CTE family! She has music directed at Village Theatre's KIDStage, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Olympia Family Theatre, and various schools in the greater Seattle area (K-12). She has performed at Village Theatre, Harlequin Productions, Bainbridge Performing Arts, Seattle Musical Theatre, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Florida Studio Theatre, and as a production singer for multiple cruise lines. Melissa recently completed her Masters in Teaching and teaches choir during the school year. She is excited to sing with you!

Kristin Burch is absolutely jazzed to be joining the CTE Team and spending this summer in Bikini Bottom! An Olympia native, Kristin began performing at age 4, and was even a CTE kid herself back in the day!  She is now a professional singer, dancer, actress, and choreographer, and she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre (Acting/Directing) from Pacific Lutheran University. From early childhood Kristin trained with many prestigious dance academies, studied music and acting, and was a competitive gymnast. She also graduated from modeling school, worked in film and television, and sang in local and national talent competitions. Kristin has appeared on many local stages including several productions at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, SecondStory Repertory, and Seattle Musical Theatre.  Some favorite credits include The National Tour of Disney's The Little Mermaid (Andrina), The International Tour of West Side Story (Anybodies), Rock of Ages, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), A Little Night Music (Petra), and Oliver! (Nancy).  

Sending so much love to Mychal, Sienna, and Ezra!

Sophie Bustetter (she/her) is excited to begin her 12th season at CTE, after 6 years away! She started as a student in Arts Festival, at the age of 7, and then participated in Showcase and the Intern program. Sophie just completed her Master in Teaching, with an endorsement in Elementary Education. Outside of teaching you can find her performing in local productions, traveling, or spending time with friends and family. She is excited to learn and have some fun together this summer.

Dale Sharp is a PNW native and Tumwater High School Graduate where he found his love for theatre. Having completed his degree at Western Washington University, he found many opportunities to work in the field and eventually build a children's program in Olympia. Broadway Bound West was a love child of Dale Sharp and Becca Hopson in which scene study and performances got the group of thirty students to travel and perform in NYC. He is happy to return to CTE this summer since his 2008 adventure with Once Upon a Mattress. Following this summer, he is taking over as the Stage Craft Teacher at Yelm High School and head coach for the Drama Club there.

Dave Started his acting Journey in High School and hasn’t stopped. He has been seen in many shows in college and community theaters. For 19 years Dave ran and directed an art and theater summer camp for the YMCA. He has also directed plays and musicals for the Evergreen Playhouse and Olympia Little Theater.

Robert has spent years working in many different positions in the wonderful world of theatre. He has spent time on the stage, off the stage, under the stage, well above the stage, and way off in the distance where the stage wasn't even in sight doing silly bureaucratic and fundraising things. Robert is incredibly excited to be fulfilling the role of Assistant Technical Director this summer, and is looking forward to many more years with this fantastic organization!