2025 Staff

Kate Fortin is a theatre professional with a passion for all aspects of the performing arts. In 2015, she graduated from The Evergreen State College with studies in Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, and Music. She served as the Artistic and Educational Director for the Morton OnStage Children's Theatre Education Program from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2024, she worked as the Scenic Designer for Pacific Northwest Theater, designing backdrops for over 40 productions. Kate has stage managed at Olympia Little Theatre, The Evergreen Playhouse, and spent two seasons professionally acting and stage managing THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum. Kate has performed with the Olympia Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers (OlyCLAW) and is currently in the rehearsal process for her role as Sonya in an upcoming Fall 2024 production of Uncle Vanya. In 2023, Kate became the new Program Director for Creative Theatre Experience. Last summer being her first with CTE, she's been working hard ever since to learn and grow as she builds deeper connections with the program and all those involved. Kate is thrilled to be returning to CTE for the 2024 season, and can't wait to see what the summer has in store. When Kate isn't busy gearing up for CTE, she facilitates team building activities on the Challenge Course at the Cispus Learning Center and operates a small business as a traveling face painter and glitter artist. Outside of her work life, Kate is a fiber artist, Old Time fiddler, and Sacred Harp singer.

Boaz (they/he/she) is a full time graduate student and former teacher who loves creating fun and safe environments for kids to learn and explore. They are so excited to be returning to CTE this year and are looking forward to an amazing summer with all the new and returning CTE students!

This is Melissa Maañao's 4th summer with CTE! Music directing credits include Capital High School, 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 teaches middle school choir in the Olympia School District. She is excited to sing with ArtsFest this summer!

Dale Robert Sharp (He/Him) was born and raised in Washington state and fell in love with the magic of theatre from the day he stood in front of his grandmother’s television watching The Nutcracker and mirroring the arm movements of the dancers. Then it wasn’t till his sophomore year of high school that he left the Tennis season to help backstage for the school’s upcoming production. Still to this date, his high school Theatre teacher, Kristina Cummins talks about how she noticed me that day and never left the theatre since then. As a graduate of Western Washington University’s Theatre program, he threw himself into making art happen and making it with students. One of his prideful moments in the craft was taking 30 middle school and high school students to New York to perform an original work at the MTV headquarters and bring masterclasses with professionals to his students. Dale originally participated in CTE in 2008 and is BEYOND THE SEA to be back for another summer at CTE.

Courtnee Ramos is an inviting collaborator whose natural presence fosters an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and inclusivity. A graduate of Utah Tech University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Theatre, Music, and Psychology, grounding her artistic practice in a deep understanding of human connection and expression. Her recent directing credits include assistant directing The Laramie Project and The Spitfire Grill at Lakewood Playhouse, Godspell Jr. at Lakewood Playhouse, 101 Dalmatians Jr. with Encore Performing Arts, Little One at Utah Tech University and a range of notable collegiate projects! With an innate gift for impactful storytelling, Courtnee weaves a space where actors’ raw creativity flows freely, nurturing performances that not only elevate their craft but awaken a deeper sense of confidence and
presence within! Originally from the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, she is elated to share space with the wonderful artists at CTE this summer!

Ashley is so excited to go under the sea for another summer at CTE! A local director, choreographer, and educator, she loves to build community through the arts. Ashley calls upon her extensive dance background to create dynamic movement onstage and coaches performers of all ages to develop confidence in both educational and community theatre settings. Recent directorial credits include the regional premiere of Rocky the Musical at Tacoma Little Theatre, Young Frankenstein at Broadway Olympia, and the record-breaking run of Heathers the Musical at Lakewood Playhouse. Favorite choreography credits include Rock of Ages, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Evil Dead the Musical, The Producers, Forbidden Broadway, and The Pajama Game.

Ren Miller is glad to return to CTE once again after nearly a decade with the program. This year they will be the Assistant Director to Spotlight and they are excited to work with new and returning students. They look forward to continuing their journey to help students grow, learn, and, most importantly have fun.

Emma is a former CTE student who is thrilled to be joining the team as Showcase’s Musical Director! You may have seen her around the Olympia theater community — either performing or teaching. Most recently, she played Emma in SPSCC’s show Lizzie, Jen in The Book Club Play at Olympia Little Theatre, and she was the musical director for Hadestown at Capital High School. Outside of theater, Emma works as an educator and as an editor. She recently was the lead editor on a soon-to-be PBS documentary, Including Us, centered around the importance of inclusion in theater. She would love to thank her family and friends, and most importantly, her mom, who has been with her every step of the way. As always, this one is for you.

A running start student graduating from both high school and SPSCC this year, Liv will start at The Evergreen State College this fall to pursue a degree in botany. Starting theater their sophomore year of high school as an assistant stage manager, becoming stage manager the following year, and finishing their senior year as drama club president, they also have experience in many aspects of technical theater. In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her house plants, painting, hiking and gardening.

Alysa Purdy is a Seattle based lighting designer/technician as well as a Yelm High school alumni. After being introduced to lighting in the high school's stagecraft class, lighting became a passion. Post high school, Alysa pursued multiple jobs in lighting, starting as a stagehand. Alysa has worked at venues such as Lumen Field, WaMu Theater, the Tacoma Dome, Seattle's Neptune Theater, and many others.  Excited to share her passion, Alysa is joining CTE this summer to bring lighting to the next generation!

Kassie Hoisington is an incoming junior at the University of Washington, double majoring in biochemistry and dance. Prior to going to college Kassie danced with Johansen Olympia Dance Center for 12 years where she studied ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and contemporary. She was also a member of Ballet Northwest for 6 years, and served as a company liaison her senior year. This is Kassie's second summer on staff with CTE and she cannot wait to return and once again share her passion for movement!

BIO COMING SOON

Brittany Wilcox has been involved with theatre and childcare in various places across Washington State and is pleased to be returning to CTE for a little bit of both this year. When not doing theatre, you can find her doing makeup, reading and writing, and playing with her dogs and cats at home.

My name is Marisha Goode, She/They. I am a 26 year old woman. I am passionate about making a fun, safe and pleasant environment for all those around me.